Umar Hakim-Dey My Brother, Friend, and Humanitarian

Imam Hanafi Shakur • October 14, 2025

A Personal Reflection of My Brother

Man in a car, wearing a light-colored sweatshirt and beanie. He has a beard and is looking at the camera.

Islam gives you a very clear perspective about death and dying, however this is an extremely difficult one. It reminds me of what Prophet Muhammad said when his last son Ibrahim returned to Allah, “The eyes will shed tears, the heart will grieve, but the tongue will never question its Lord.” Umar was my brother, my friend, and co-worker. He was also a servant of Allah, a humanitarian, a student of knowledge, a committed son, father, husband, and family man.


Umar was the kind of brother that would give you the shirt off his back. He was the kind of brother to make sure women got to their cars after events, cut his neighbors grass, feed stray cats in the neighborhood, and walk the streets of Compton greeting everyone he encountered. Umar and I originally connected because we both were from the great city of Compton, The Hub City. One of the most fascinating things about Umar, no matter where he was, whose company he was in, he remained Compton. He wore his Levi’s, his Puma tennis shoes, and his signature beanie. He was unapologetically Compton. He was a man of the people, if someone encountered Umar, he for sure left a lasting impression on them with his baritone voice, soft heart, and Compton swag.

Man speaking to a crowd on a city street; crowd wears white shirts.

As one of the founders of the ILM Foundation and Humanitarian Day, I am internally grateful to Umar for helping the mission of the Foundation continue after Naim and I moved away from Los Angeles. Umar was a major part of the ILM Foundation for close to 20 years. He began as a volunteer passing out flyers which later evolved in 2012, when he was appointed the Executive Director of the foundation. He continued the vision of the foundation’s founders by working for unity, justice, and community service. He was our Executive Director for ten very productive years before establishing his own social entrepreneurial vision with Inkerij. With Inkerij Umar attempted to address solutions to poverty, inequalities, and environmental issues by collaborating with people and organizations that also pursue meaningful change. Umar was concerned about humanity. 

Man speaking into microphone, other men in white shirts stand behind him, outdoor event.

I’m going to miss our motivational song ‘Ante Up’, I’m going to miss our calls that began with As Salaamu Alaykum kid, and my airport pick-ups when I traveled to Los Angeles. My last trip to LA was the weekend of August 9, Umar picked me up, we went to breakfast which he wouldn’t let me pay for, as always, we visited Papa Shah, got to the Masjid early, he made sure I was able to get a bean pie, sold me some face cleanser and lotion that his wonderful wife makes, then dropped me off at my hotel. During the ride, I shared a story with him about our teacher and Imam, Imam Saadiq Saafir. The story was about Imam Saadiq having a stroke while giving a khutbah and not stopping. Later I asked Imam Saadiq about what he was thinking during the episode and he said, “If I was going to die, this is what I was going to die doing.” Umar became silent for a minute. My brother, our brother died working in the cause of Allah. His life so fittingly exudes the ayah in Quran 17:80, which Umar would quote often, “My Lord! Grant me an honorable entrance and an honorable exit and give me a supporting authority from yourself.”

Two men seated, conversing outdoors at an event with tents and people in the background.

I am so thankful to Allah that as I got out of his car that evening, I got a chance to tell Umar that I loved him and was able to hear his reply. On behalf of Imam Saadiq Saafir above with his Inkerij jacket, Naim Shah Jr., myself, and ILM Foundation staff,  we pray that Allah forgives his sins and grants him a spacious abode in Jannah.


As Salaamu Alaykum Kid!!!!
 

< Older Post

 Newer Post >
Orange

At ILM Foundation, we believe in nourishing bodies and minds. Together, we can create an interconnected community where everyone thrives!

Humanitarian Day Returns to Fresno Serving with Purpose and Brotherhood

By ILM Foundation • April 14, 2026
Humanitarian Day Returns to Fresno Serving with Purpose and Brotherhood In the spirit of compassion, unity, and service, ILM Foundation proudly marked the return of Humanitarian Day to Fresno during the blessed month of Ramadan 2026. This year’s effort was a powerful reminder that service not only uplifts communities, but also reconnects hearts and histories. What began decades ago as a brotherhood on the football field at California State University, Fresno has evolved into a partnership rooted in service. Former teammates and roommates, Earl Yusuf Oliver and Naim Shah Jr., were reunited once again beyond sports in sincere service to humanity.

Our Sister Sabah invited to National Muslim Mental Health Conference

By ILM Foundation • April 11, 2026
Honoring a Legacy of Service ILM Chaplain Advisor Invited to National Muslim Mental Health Conference At ILM Foundation, we are proud to celebrate a moment of profound recognition for one of our own. Our Chaplain Advisor, Sabah Tahir-Muhammad , has been officially invited to serve as a panelist at the prestigious Muslim Mental Health Conference , hosted by the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan State University . This year marks the 18th annual gathering of global experts, clinicians, chaplains, and community leaders committed to advancing mental health within Muslim communities. With participants from over 30 countries, the conference stands as one of the most influential platforms shaping the future of Muslim mental health care. A Historic Voice in Chaplaincy This invitationis a significant acknowledgment of the critical role spiritual care providers play in holistic mental health systems. Sabah’s selection reflects not only her nearly three decades of service as a Muslim female prison chaplain in California, but also her pioneering role in interfaith leadership, counseling, and community healing. Her journey began under the mentorship of California’s first African American female Muslim chaplain, whose legacy she later carried forward with distinction. Today, Sabah continues to uplift individuals and institutions through her work with ILM Foundationin mentoring chaplains, supporting faith-based initiatives, and advocating for dignity and transformation in underserved populations. From Silos to Systems The 2026 conference theme, “Silos to Systems: Weaving Together the Strands of Muslim Mental Health,” calls for collaboration across disciplines uniting faith, psychology, and community leadership. Sabah’s lived experience uniquely embodies this vision. Her voice on the Legacy Panel will contribute to bridging longstanding gaps between spiritual care and clinical practice. Representing ILM on a Global Stage As Sabah takes the stage in Detroit this April, she does so as a representative of ILM Foundation and the broader community we serve. Her participation underscores ILM’s commitment to supporting chaplaincy as a vital pillar of community well-being—not only in California, but across the nation and beyond. We recognize this invitation as more than an individual achievement—it is a collective milestone. It affirms the importance of investing in chaplain development, honoring lived experience, and ensuring that Muslim voices are present in shaping the future of mental health systems. A Moment of Gratitude and Vision We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sabah Tahir-Muhammad for this well-deserved honor. May her presence inspire meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and pave the way for future generations of chaplains. At ILM Foundation, we remain committed to supporting leaders like Sabah—those who carry wisdom, resilience, and faith into spaces where healing is most needed. May this be the beginning of even greater impact, InshaAllah.

“What Does Service Mean to You?” A Reflection with 6 ILM Foundation Staff Members, Community Partners, & Volunteers

By By Nusaybah Al-Mansur, Contributing Writer • April 10, 2026
At Humanitarian Day 2026 located in Glady’s Park, SkidRow, we spoke with the ILM Foundation team and staff, community partners, and volunteers alike to ask one common question - “what does service mean to you?” Amongst the individuals that we interviewed were: - ILM Foundation Director of Programs Hanif Madyun - ILM Foundation Board Member & Committee Chair & Resident Imam of Masjid Al-Shareef Imam Abdul Hafiz - ILM Foundation Economic Empowerment Consultant & Outreach Coordinator Ibn Donald - Islamic Center of Hawthorne Dawah Committee & Community Outreach Chairperson Abdullah Ali - Hearts of Mercy Karim Boukai - Head of Security Dadisi Abdul Qudus In this article, we will explore how each of these individuals have internalized service in their own lives, and the personal experiences that have increased their understanding of service when doing so.
Show More