In his talk, "The Role of Muslims in the West," Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans highlights the unique position and responsibilities of Muslim communities in non-Muslim societies, particularly in the United States. Drawing from personal anecdotes, historical reflections, and Islamic teachings, he emphasizes the importance of embodying Islam through purpose and mission. Evans calls for Muslims to build a distinct identity rooted in their faith, while also contributing positively to the broader society. His message centers on the need for cultural, spiritual, and communal engagement that reflects the true essence of Islam.

The Power of Choice and Devotion

Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans begins by expressing his admiration for the audience, noting that they could be doing anything, yet they have voluntarily chosen to come to the masjid. This choice is especially significant because, unlike other cultures where conformity is expected, people in places like Chicago can freely do other things without being judged. Their presence reflects a deep desire to strengthen their relationship with Allah and increase their love for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Evans expresses gratitude for this connection, which he views as a blessing from Allah.

Hospitality and Love Within the Community

Evans emphasizes the remarkable hospitality of Al Huda Foundation and contrasts his experience with other communities. He has visited various Muslim communities around the world and sometimes encountered impressive structures that lacked genuine camaraderie. However, in Indianapolis, he experienced real love among the community members, which he describes as rare and precious.

A Unique Muslim Community in the West

Reflecting on his time as a student at Al-Azhar University, Evans shares his fascination with the unique nature of the Black American Muslim community in the United States. He recalls his first visit to London and how he initially expected to see “British Muslims” who resembled the English population. However, he mostly encountered South Asians or Arabs. This led him to appreciate how the Black American Muslim community stands out as an indigenous, non-immigrant Muslim group in the Western world, something not found in other countries like France, Germany, or the UK.

Encountering Islam: A Life-Changing Moment

Evans shares a personal story about his introduction to Islam during a high school detention. A teacher handed him a textbook with a section on the Ottoman Empire, which described the basic tenets of Islam. Reading the statement, “There is nothing worthy of worship except God,” captivated him deeply. This initial exposure led him to explore Islam further, eventually leading to a conversation with a Nigerian classmate whose father introduced Evans to the religion. He recounts how, after hearing about Islam from his classmate’s father, he embraced the faith.

The Role of Muslims as Messengers

Evans stresses the important role Muslims in the West must play as ambassadors of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He emphasizes that Muslims have a responsibility to convey the message of Islam, even if it’s just a single verse. He argues that the legitimacy of Muslims living in non-Muslim lands can be questioned if they fail to have a sense of mission and purpose. Without this, he believes there’s little reason for Muslims to remain in the West, especially when their children face struggles in maintaining their faith.

Balancing Success and Faith

In a poignant story, Evans recalls a conversation with a father who pushed his son to excel academically, only for the son to later abandon his faith. The father’s regrets about prioritizing worldly success over spiritual well-being serve as a warning. Evans emphasizes that without a foundation of Islamic values and a culture of da’wah (inviting others to Islam), Muslims risk losing their children to secular influences. He stresses that da’wah isn’t just about street preaching but establishing Islam in a way that commands respect and inspires pride in the broader community.

Courage to Go Against the Grain

Evans concludes by urging Muslims to cultivate the courage to go against societal norms, much like the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did in his time. He quotes a powerful statement from Muhammad Abduh, which reminds Muslims that embracing the message of Islam was a disruptive force against the social, economic, and religious status quo. Evans challenges Muslims today to embody a similar boldness in their communities, standing out not just culturally but through their commitment to faith, social justice, and service to others.

The Importance of Authenticity and Leadership

Evans touches on the necessity for Muslims to lead through inspiration and authenticity, drawing from the Prophet’s (PBUH) example. He cautions against superficial interpretations of Islamic teachings and emphasizes that true leadership comes from embodying Islamic principles deeply and sincerely. The challenge, according to Evans, is to not imitate the dominant culture but to live in a way that reflects Islamic values in every aspect, from spirituality to social justice.

Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans is ALIM’s (American Learning Institute for Muslims) first Scholar-in-Residence.  He converted to Islam while in high school. Upon conversion, Ustadh Ubaydullah began studying some of the foundational books of Islam under the private tutelage of local scholars. Since then he has studied at Chicagoland’s Institute of Islamic Education (IIE), in Tarim, Yemen, and Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he is the first African-American to graduate from its Shari’a program. Ustadh Ubaydullah also instructs with the Ta’leef Collective and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN).