Daayiee Abdullah, the first Black gay imam in the US, died at 71 and was celebrated for his activism and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights. He founded the Mecca Institute, promoting progressive Islamic theology through education. Abdullah was recognized for his efforts in advocating for racial, gender, and sexual equality. He received the 2025 Creating Change Award from the National LGBTQ Task Force. Friends and colleagues remember him as a gentle soul, whose teachings inspired many. Abdullah emphasized inclusivity and interfaith dialogue during his advocacy for understanding across different religious communities.
"Five years from now, I want to see 100 new imams who've been trained in an inclusive Muslim ideology. All our classes will be open to Muslims and non-Muslims."
"He was so kind and I'm in disbelief. Thank you so much for your presence, imam Daayiee."
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