The As-Sabiqun movement is an Islamic movement/organization under the leadership of founder Imam Abdul Alim Musa. It is based in Washington, D.C., and has branches in Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and Philadelphia.

 

The organization was created by Imam Musa in the early 1990s, at the Masjid Al-Islam mosque in Philadelphia, PA. The name As-Sabiqun is approximately translated from Arabic as “the vanguard”. The inspiration for the name comes from the ayah (verse) in the Holy Qur’an (9:100):

 

“The vanguard (as-Sabiqun) of Islam—the first of those who forsook their homes, and of those who gave them aid, and also those who follow them in all good deeds—well-pleased is Allah with them, as are they with Him: For them hath He prepared Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: that is the supreme Felicity.”

 

Ideologically, the group is influenced by the writings and life work of El-Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X), Maulana Mawdudi, Shaikh ‘Uthman dan Fodio, Hasan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Kalim Siddiqui, Imam Khomeini, and others. The organization's leadership has delivered numerous speeches in the United States and abroad, contributing their analyses and efforts to solve contemporary problems in the Muslim world and in urban America. The paramount goal of the movement is the establishment of Islam as a complete way of life in America. This ultimate goal is predicated on the belief—shared by many Muslims worldwide—that Islam is fully capable of producing a working and just social, political, economic order. The group does not advocate participation in the American political process as an ideal method for advancing Islamic issues in the U.S.; instead, it believes in a strong and active outreach to the people of the U.S. Nevertheless, Imam Musa has indicated a dedication to avoid what he calls an “absolutist” outlook on the advancement of Muslims. The As-Sabiqun philosophy stresses unity between the various Islamic organizations in the attainment of common goals. Cooperation on domestic social issues with like-minded non-Muslim groups is also encouraged, as long as Islamic ethics and morality are not compromised. Additionally, although As-Sabiqun is a Sunni movement, they have publicly voiced support for Shi’a movements and organizations such as the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and Hizbullah. Imam Musa has repeatedly stressed that the tendency by some Muslims to focus on the differences between Sunni and Shi’a Islam at this juncture in history is counterproductive to the goals of the Islamic movement as a whole.

The group encourages social-political advancement concurrent with a program of spiritual and moral development according to the Qur’an and Sunnah (example) of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Leadership stresses a do-for-self methodology to achieve independence and self-determination. The inspiration for this concept is based on the Qur’anic ayah: “Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls).” (13:11)

 

The group has a six-point plan of action which is implemented at each location where a branch of the movement is established:

• Establishing a masjid (mosque) as a place to worship Allah (swt) in congregation and as a center of spiritual and moral training.
• Calling the general society to Islam (da’wah).
• Establishing a full-time school that raises children with a strong Islamic identity so they can, as future Islamic leaders (insha’Allah), effectively meet and deal with the challenges of growing up in the West.
• Establishing businesses which could make the movement financially stable and independent.
• Establishing geographical integrity by encouraging Muslims of the community to live in close proximity to the masjid.
• Establishing social welfare institutions to respond to the need for spiritual and material assistance within the community as well as the general society.

Daily Islamic studies classes are offered at the various As-Sabiqun masajid (mosques) across the country on a variety of topics, including basic Islamic beliefs and practices, Qur’anic tafseer (commentary on the meanings of the Qur’an and their practical significance), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence and law), the Islamic movement, and analysis of contemporary political events. New members of the group are encouraged to attend these classes as well as to individually familiarize themselves with the works of Islamic thinkers such as Maulana Mawdudi, Hasan al-Banna, Sayyid Qutb, Kalim Siddiqui, Shaikh ‘Uthman dan Fodio, and others. Special emphasis is placed on personal development and growth based on the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw),and incorporating tightly knit family units within the overall community structure.

In addition to daily classes, each masjid also provides youth mentorship, marriage counseling, a prison outreach program, and employment assistance for ex-convicts. The As-Sabiqun branch in Los Angeles was instrumental in creating a free health clinic in cooperation with other Islamic groups. The headquarters branch in D.C. has developed scout programs for young members of the community.

 

Mission Statement & Goals
Resolution