Hamaas Abdul Khaalis facts for kids

Hamaas Abdul Khaalis (born Ernest Timothy McGhee) was an important leader of the Hanafi Movement. This was a group of African-American Muslims based in Washington, D.C.. They followed the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam.

He is known for organizing a major event in Washington, D.C. in 1977. This event was to bring attention to the sad murder of his family in 1973. He spent the rest of his life in prison after being found responsible for his actions during the 1977 event.

Early Life and Music

Hamaas Abdul Khaalis was born Ernest Timothy McGhee in Gary, Indiana. His parents were part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was a good student and graduated from Roosevelt High School.

He loved music and played percussion instruments. Later, he became a Roman Catholic. As a young man, he went to Purdue University. He was also a talented jazz drummer. He played with famous musicians like Bud Powell and Charlie Parker in New York City.

The Hanafi Movement

Khaalis met Tasibur Uddein Rahman and decided to become a Sunni Muslim. He then joined the Nation of Islam (NOI). In 1954, Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the NOI, made Khaalis the National Secretary. He held this important job until 1957.

Khaalis left the Nation of Islam in 1958. He then started his own Islamic group, called the Hanafi Movement. In 1971, he helped basketball star Lew Alcindor become a Muslim. After this, Alcindor changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar gave a large house to Khaalis's group. This house became the main center for the Hanafi Movement in Washington, D.C.

Disagreements and Sad Events

Khaalis had disagreements with the Nation of Islam. He said he taught Malcolm X about Sunni Islam. Malcolm X was another important leader who later left the Nation of Islam.

A Family Tragedy

On January 18, 1973, a very sad event happened. Khaalis's family was murdered inside their home in Washington D.C. This happened because of letters Khaalis had written against the Nation of Islam.

The 1977 Washington D.C. Event

To draw attention to his family's murder, Khaalis planned a major event in Washington, D.C. in 1977. This event involved a building siege. He was later found responsible for his actions during this event. He spent the rest of his life in prison.

Later Life and Passing

Hamaas Abdul Khaalis passed away on November 13, 2003. He was at the Federal Correctional Complex Prison in Butner, North Carolina.

See also

• 1973 New York City hostage incident
• Wallace Fard Muhammad
• Dawud Salahuddin

Published works

• "Look and See The Key to Knowing and Understanding – Self-Identity, Self-Culture and Self-Heritage" A.S.F.M.I., 1972.