A Black Muslim group in Washington D.C., known for its involvement in a dramatic siege.
Early Beginnings and Founder’s Background
The Hanafi Movement, a significant Black Muslim group based in Washington, D.C., was founded by Hamaas Abdul Khaalis, born Ernest Timothy McGhee in Gary, Indiana, in 1921. Khaalis’ journey to becoming a Muslim leader was marked by diverse experiences and influences. Raised by Seventh-day Adventist parents, he explored various paths, including a stint as a jazz drummer and a conversion to Roman Catholicism. His formal education included time at Purdue University and the Mid-Western Conservatory, and he served in the U.S. Army before being discharged due to mental instability.
Formation of the Hanafi Movement
In 1958, Khaalis founded the Hanafi Movement after splitting from the Nation of Islam (NOI). Prior to this, he had served as the National Secretary of the NOI and headed the University of Islam in Chicago. His new organization, legally named American Social Federation for Mutual Improvement, Inc., established its base in Washington D.C. and quickly became a prominent Black Muslim group in the area.
The formation of the Hanafi Movement was partly a response to Khaalis’ disillusionment with the NOI’s teachings and practices. In 1960, he attempted to persuade Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the NOI, to convert to Sunni Islam, but this effort proved unsuccessful. This ideological divergence set the stage for future conflicts between the two groups.
Conflict with the Nation of Islam
The relationship between the Hanafi Movement and the NOI was marked by tension and open hostility. Khaalis publicly criticized Elijah Muhammad, accusing him of leading his followers astray from true Islamic teachings. This criticism took the form of open letters and public statements, which significantly escalated the feud between the two organizations.
The conflict reached a tragic climax on January 18, 1973, in what became known as the Hanafi Muslim Massacre. While Khaalis was away, members of his family were brutally murdered in their Washington D.C. home. This horrific act was a direct retaliation for Khaalis’ outspoken criticism of the NOI. Seven Philadelphia Black Muslims were charged with the crime, which left two of Khaalis’ family members severely injured and traumatized.
The 1977 Hanafi Siege
The most notorious event associated with the Hanafi Movement occurred on March 9, 1977. Khaalis, driven by a desire for justice for his murdered family members and frustration with the legal system, led an armed takeover of three buildings in Washington, D.C. The siege involved the District Building, the B’nai B’rith headquarters, and the Islamic Center of Washington.
During the 39-hour standoff, Khaalis and his followers took approximately 150 people hostage, including journalists and local officials. Their demands included the extradition of the men convicted for the murder of Khaalis’ family, a refund of his legal fees, and the cancellation of a film about the Prophet Muhammad that they deemed offensive.
The siege drew national and international attention, with negotiators working tirelessly to resolve the situation peacefully. Through the intervention of ambassadors from Egypt, Iran, and Pakistan, Khaalis eventually agreed to end the siege. However, the incident resulted in the deaths of a young reporter and a security guard, with several others injured.
Aftermath and Legal Consequences
Following the siege, Khaalis and his accomplices were arrested and brought to trial. The legal proceedings resulted in Khaalis being found guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit kidnapping and second-degree murder. He received a sentence of 21 to 120 years in prison, effectively ending his active leadership of the Hanafi Movement.
Khaalis spent the remainder of his life in various federal prisons, continuing to maintain his innocence and the righteousness of his cause. He died on November 13, 2003, in the Federal Correctional Complex Prison in Butner, North Carolina.
image via NYTimes
