Tag Archives: Drugs












Gareth Bryant

1440, A.H./2019, C.E.


America’s Dad falls from Grace


Bill Cosby…the Man dubbed “America’s-Dad”, has been found to be setting very negative examples for his American-Children: the American-People-those who’ve watched his many shows, such as “The Electric Company”, “I Spy”, “The Cosby Show”, etc. From the late 1960’s to the present, Bill Cosby had been lauded as one of the most ideal role-models for African-Americans, Young-People, on TV. He had successfully managed to star in and also produce some of the most popular shows in Entertainment, portraying African-Americans in the most positive of lights. This had been very useful in the eyes of so many as to breakdown racial-stereotypes against African-Americans, through showing that we also have similar family-values, work-ethics, educational-merits as any other American demographics.

However, it seems as though all of his work has just gone down the drain in light of his admittance of providing sedative drugs to Women he wanted to have sex with & ironically many Women have already accused him of Sexual-Misconduct, Rape, etc. This has truly been a blow to America, more particularly to the African-American Community. This is especially true because at one point in time, there were very few positively portrayed Afro-Americans to aspire to be like, other than the characters on shows which were produced by Bill Cosby. It’s like he both made & broke the progress of the African-American, in both real-life as well as in Entertainment. He has basically destroyed the exact same thing that he helped to build.

And, of course, like so many People, I myself was very skeptical of the Sexual-Abuse allegations against Cosby, and the following questions kept flowing through my mind: why now, that he’s such an elderly Person: why now, while he had once been one of the most respected entertainers in Entertainment-History; why now, when all of the accusers were all grown-ups? Honestly, what really had me mistrust these allegations was the allegations made against him, when Judith Huth had accused Cosby of Sexually-Abusing her at Hugh Hefner’s infamous Playboy-Mansion, while she was a 15 year-old: what the Hell was she doing at the Playboy-Mansion  as a 15 year-old, where were her Parents, why weren’t they sited for Parental-Neglect, why hasn’t Hugh Hefner himself been scrutinized and/or charged with facilitating Sexual-Abuse of Minors at his home?

However, in his own deposition, he had admitted to giving Women the drug Quaalude. This admission has basically sealed his fate, and has made it even easier for his accusers & critics to have ammunition against him. Now that he has admitted to at least one of the allegations against him, the floodgates have been busted open & he has no ability to run away from the responsibility of his actions. Now, where does he go from here? Where do his loved-ones, fans, admirers, go from here? Where do his accusers go from here? Where does America go from here? I really don’t have any answers. But, what I do know is that this has become a national-tragedy.

Gareth Bryant/2015

The Streets don’t really love You!!!



I wanna take ya on a tour to Gangland…Nah, son, this ain’t Graceland…
…People die of everyday violence…killers & hustlers move in silence…

…All y’all little Niggas think ya real hard…
…until you’re found buried in a junkyard…

…You think you got what it takes to stay turned-up…
…but, you’re no match for the Big-Dogs: still a pup…

…These dudes are serious…they not playin’ no games…
…they on they grind: twenty-four hours & seven days…

…Don’t think cause they play cool, they won’t shoot…
…they’ll run in your crib, gripped-up & ready to loot…

…They play for keeps…this ain’t the game for lil’ boys…
…they got guns that shake the block wit a lot of noise…

…38’s, 45’s, Mac-11’s…

…Drivin’ down streets wit the windows down…
…they pickin’-off pretenders & all the clowns…

…The fake ones are always caught off-guard…
…all ya left wit are tragic deaths & deep scars…

…Countless funerals and burials your family’s going to…
…because you rep’d a “Thuglife” you thought was true…

…You thought you were invisible, no one could touch ya…
…until the Angel of Death came to ya and said “I gotcha”…

…But, too late, now: your life ended way too fast…
…the last sound you ever heard was a gun’s blast…

…The Streets didn’t protect you or keep you safe from harm…
…they let ya get stung by the venomous Ghetto-Bees’ swarm…

…What the Streets did for you is get ya caught-up…
…that’s the price you paid to for tryin’ to be tough…

…So, this was our tour through Gangland…like I said, it ain’t Graceland…
…live your life with a different plan…stop being a Thug, start being a Man.

Gareth Bryant/2014




I’ve often wondered to myself, the question that I’ve chosen to title this article. I’ve wondered it, because, it seems to me, and I could be dead-wrong, that Sectarianism, among Muslims, particularly, especially, have been just as destructive, if not more destructive than Diseases and/or Narcotics, which have wreaked havoc on the Human-Race, as a result of careless Substance-Abuse, the promotion of Sexual-Promiscuity, corrupt governmental-policies, the Drug-Game/Drug-Trafficking, the Adult-Film Industry, etc. At any rate, this is what I’ve come up with, and I will explain why I’ve made comparisons between Sectarian-Groups & Diseases/Drugs. Really, the whole point of this article is to educate & encourage Muslims to abstain from the harms of Religious-Sectarianism among Muslims, just as though someone would help to steer People, generally, from things such as Unprotected-Sex and/or Drug-Abuse-These 2-things, respectively: if one isn’t properly educated on these issues, can/will face disastrous results. And, as Muslims, we ought to want what’s best for the People, not what’s worse for them. And, in this case, Religious-Sectarianism is just as destructive for our Souls, as Casual/Unprotected, Non-Marital Sex, and/or Drug-Abuse can/does have on the Human-Body.

I’ve listed several Sectarian-Groups, in comparison to several Diseases/Narcotics:

If Sectarian-Groups were Diseases, they would be the following-


1. Salafism=H.I.V.:
HIV is the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus; its purpose is to destroy all of what’s in its circumference. It aims to engulf, consume all in its path. That’s exactly what Salafism is: the objectives of those whom claim to adhere to one or more forms of Salafism stand on the stance that it is they whom are upon the true way of as-Salaf-us-Salih/the Righteous-Ancestors (as-Sahabah/the Companions [of Muhammad], as well as at-Tabi`in/the Followers [of the Companions])-they have come to the conclusion that all those whom don’t conform to their undestanding are completely astray, and therefore, either through religious or political means, deem to crush & destroy any/all other groups which are not in accordance to their teachings. Now, there are several strands of Salafism: conventional Salafi-Movement, al-Ikhwan-ul-Muslimun/the Muslim-Brotherhood, etc. Many will not believe me; but, they’re all under one: the origins of the Salafis & Ikhwanis were both founded upon similar principles, by similar influences (Rashid Rida & Muhammad Abduh), in Egypt, during the mid 19th-century.(https://garethbryant.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/hujjahagainstsaudiarabia)


2. Sufism=Cancer:
Cancer has many forms, many origins, many outcomes, much like Sufism…Sufism has a very lengthy history among Muslims; however, what is not known is the fact that they are just as volatile as any other group, and here’s why: they take a posture, not all, but, enough of them, that they, alone, possess the keys to spiritual-awareness, nearness, closeness to Allah, and that’s very deadly/dangerous. It’s like they deem themselves, largely, not exclusively, as they only group to have a valid formula for a Muslim to pursue any type of Islamic “Spiritual-Path”. This posture is in and of itself, Cancerous. This sectarian posture has spread, very far & wide, just like any typical Cancer, if/when not dealt with, clarified, corrected, immediately.


3. Shi`ism=Syphilis:
Syphilis is a very stifling disease: it’s one of the cause of Dementia, after all, if/when not treated, just like many of the many pathological beliefs among Shi`is, that they alone truly respect/love Ahl-al-Bayt/the Prophetic-Household, that only certain individuals qualify as being from among Ahl-il-Bayt, that there were people whom usurped the Khilafah/Islamic-Authority, after the death of Muhammad (Peace be upon him), that they (not largely, but, enough of them) even go so far as to condemn certain Companions (May Allah be pleased with them all-together) of not only being Companions, but, as well, being open-sinners, corrupt, and worse yet, not even being Muslims.


4. Ahamdism=Down-Syndrome:
Down-Syndrome, as we all know is a genetic-disorder, which compromises the development of the Human-Intellect (this is in no way meant to make fun of persons with Down-Syndrome by the way…seriously). Likewise, Ahamdism manages to provide the same results: diluted intellect, as a result of lack of knowledge of basic textual-realities. Most (not all) Ahamdis (followers of Ahmadism) have this thwarted belief that there exists Prophethood after Muhammad (Peace be upon him) & these beliefs were taught by a man named Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed that he was endowed by Allah with Prophethood. Now, the comparison between Ahmadism & Down-Syndrome are similar as in both cause a person to be intellectually-compromised. The only difference is that Down-Syndrome is inheritable by birth, while Ahmadism is exclusively a personal-choice to adhere to. Basic knowledge of the text (the Qur’an & Prophetic-Tradition) clearly shows the contradictions of Ahmadism’s claims of Prophethood existing after Muhammad. But, sadly, those whom are adherents of Ahmadism don’t study/learn from classic Islamic texts, because, if the truly did, they wouldn’t even dare to believe the teachings of any False-Prophet.


5. Nation of Islam=Stupidity:
Stupidity is definitely a disease & very few people manifests this level of clinical-stupidity better than the NOI: they claim that Allah is a Human being (Wali Farad AKA Fard Muhammad), the “Black-Man” is “god” & the “White-Man” is the “devil”; yet, ironically, the founder of the NOI, Wali Farad, was not only Non-Black, but, he was actually 1/2-White…And, that’s just some of their erroneously idiotic beliefs, like believing that Elijah Poole (AKA Elijah Muhammad) was a Prophet, even though he received no revelation & the fact that he was a straight-up pimp & con of the African-American Community, along with being a renowned womanizer & adulterer, none of these qualities being that of a Prophet, by the way…so, there you go.(https://garethbryant.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/wallacepoole)


6. Kharijism=Gonorrhea:
As nasty as the disease itself, Kharijism is a very debilitating sectarian-group, which requires that its members disregard the sanctity of fellow Muslims not adhering to their views.  Historically, they’ve been responsible for so much turmoil within the Muslim-World for centuries, and everywhere they go they bring destruction with them.


7. Qur’anism=Herpes:
Qur’anism is a sect that just won’t go away. Once the came on the scene, with their sick belief that the Qur’an is the only text that Muslims need, to function religiously, when there are so many things, Islamically, that are not at all explained within the Qur’an, but, are in fact detailed within the documented Prophetic-Tradition of Muhammad (Peace be upon him).


8. Modernists=Chlamydia:
Chlamydia has the ability to even cause blindness, among other unfortunate damages to the Human body, and so does Modernism. It causes Muslims to be blind to the fact that the enemies of Islam prpagate the negative actions & interpretations of Islam, among the Muslims & in the Public-Sphere (via Media), to such a disgusting extent, that Muslim now feel the need to water-down their own practice of Islam, just to appease the Public, to make themselves seem non-threatening to the same persons who constantly attack our way of Life, our Lifestyle, our Religion. Instead of just standing up for Islam, by being proper Muslims, as good examples for others to follow, they just scrape away bit-by-bit, and piece-by-piece, more and more of their own Islam, thinking that this is a good way to get accept by the enemies of Islam, while blinding themselves to the truth of what Allah clearly states within His own Book, “The Jews & Christians will never be pleased with you, unless you accept their religion.”.(Noble Qur’an: Chpt.2, V.120) The Jews & Christians changed their Books-of-Revelation, in both text & meaning; now, the Muslims change their Book-of-Revelation, in meaning. The Jews & Christians celebrate the births of their dead/presumed-dead Prophets (Peace be upon them); now, the Muslims celebrate the death of Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The Jews & Christians are starting to support “Same-Gender Marriage”; now, the Muslims are supporting “Same-Gender Marriage”, and so on.

If Sectarian-Groups were Narcotics, they would be the following-

Cryatal Meth

1. Salafism=Crystal-Meth:
Currently, the most lethal drug around, Meth has disastrous effects on both the mental & physical health of anyone/everyone who indulges in that particular substance. Likewise, when it comes to Salafism, the “end-all-to-be-all” so-called “Saved-Sect”, this as well has detrimental results, for those who adhere to this group, as well as those allow themselves to succumb to the teachings of this group. Meth imposes the following side-effects:

a. Meth-Mouth: This occurs as the result of the loss of teeth, from pathological, long-term use of Meth. This plays out in Salafism as the loss of family, friends, etc., because as a Salafi, you deem one’s self so religiously elite, that they tend to treat others whom they deem as less than them religiously like utter garbage, which often results in family-ties, friendship-ties completely damaged beyond repair.

b. Obsessive-Behavior: This occurs as a result of Salafis being obsessed with claiming to be upon the Way of the Salaf, while their actions are often the exact opposite of what they claim, or call others to. the tend to be very arrogant, obnoxious, unyielding, judgmental, boorish, etc. They have this superiority-complex, in which they feel entitled to think less of other Muslims, just because of their claims to be members of al-Firqat-in-Najiyah/The Saved-Sect


2. Sufism=Marijuana:
Marijuana gives a person a sense of carefree, happy frolicking-in-the grass feeling, much like Sufism. Sufism, according to many adherents, is based upon what is known as Tasawwuf/Spirituality, which is something already infused within Islam without the need of any external discipline to be added or made-up. Sufism often claims to give its adherents a sense of spiritual enhancement, via Sufi practices, etc. But, the problem is that generally, based upon what many Sufi adherents state themselves, as though they alone possess the ability to truly connect to Allah, I view that as wrong. No one has to be of any particular sect, to acquire a relationship with one’s Creator. And, much like Marijuana (which is actually a plant, that has been known to be used medically), when used incorrectly, can & often does have dangerous results, Sufism, as well, when those who adhere to this attempt to monopolize on Spirituality/Spiritualism.


3. Shi`ism=Heroin:
When it comes to Shi`ism, Heroin is a good comparison. And, I’ll explain why. Heroin, as we know, is an Opioid, that causes immediate addiction. And, with something like Shi`ism, which stresses the point of respecting/loving Ahl-al-Bayt (the family of Muhammad [Peace be upon him]), even though their are scores of persons who many/most Shi`i don’t even consider to be from among Ahl-il-Bayt.(for more information about Ahl-il-Bayt: http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/theperfectsolutiontothewholeahlulbaytissue) However, this “respect/love” becomes very pathological, addictive, fairly quickly & easily, with the advent of having a lot of animosity over historical happenings, like Abu-Bakr, `Umar & `Uthman (May Allah be pleased with them) becoming Khulafa’/Islamic-Rulers before the paternal 1st-Cousin of Muhammad, `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him), which gave rise to so many unsettled disputes between Shi`is & Sunnis, that have never been resolved even in the present-day. Also, in terms of the assassinations of `Ali, as well as his two sons: al-Hasan & more specifically/especially al-Husayn (May be pleased with them both), has caused many Shi`is to indulge in unwarranted beliefs/religious-stances regarding certain Companions: Abu-Bakr, `Umar, Mu`awiyah, etc. (May Allah be pleased with them), as well as indulging in religious-practices that, are by definition, completely against Islamic-Teachings. When conversing with many/most Shi`is, concerning their takes on historical events about the history of Islam after the death of Muhammad & their positions regarding certain Companions, seems on the surface, very convincing, until one realizes that their take on history, certain Companions are very biased, to say the least.


4. Ahmadism=Cocaine:
Cocaine gives a person a sense deep nostalgia. This drug makes things seem so much the opposite of what’s really there. So, Ahmadism is no different: Ahmadism gives people the impression that Prophethood didn’t die with Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Hence, the desire to follow the teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. The pathology that is believing in Prophethood after Muhammad is completely unfounded in Islamic-Teachings. It’s as though the Ahmadis are in fact sadated religiously, caught in a sad trance, believing that the founder of this movement of theirs is rightly guided.


5. Nation of Islam=Crack:
Just like how Crack is a cheap, easy-to-move by-product of Cocaine, the Nation of Islam is exactly that, a cheap by-product of Ahmadism. The Nation of Islam was actually founded ban Ahmadi, by the name of Wali Farad (AKA Fard Muhammad), who the members of the N.O.I. regard as “Allah incarnate” & Elijah Poole (AKA Elijah Muhammad) as the “Messenger of Allah”. So, it’s very easy, by virtue of who their founder was, to tell that their are some similarities between the NOI & Ahmadism, like the belief in Prophecy after Muhammad, etc.


6. Kharijism=Ecstasy: Ecstasy has people all messed-up. Just like this substance has one in a constant fantasy realm, of perverse longing to acquire gratification, so are the effects of being a Khariji. Kharijism, just like Ecstacy, causes their victims the pursuit of a thrill, that places them at the pinnacle of what they set out for. For those who use Ecstacy, they deem to pursue sexual prowess. While those who indulge in Kharijism, they deem to indulge in self-righteousness. Both who are addicted to these substances

Angel Dust

7. Qur’anism=Angel-Dust/PCP:
Angel-Dust is a narcotic, which causes, among so many things: imbalance, of moods/emotions, as well as general anatomical equilibrium. Likewise, with Qur’ansim, they loose their balance, when they claim that the Qur’an is all that’s needed for guidance for Humanity, after Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The bogus claim for this rhetoric, by its adherents, the Qur’aniyyun/Qur’anis is based upon their pathological mistrust for Humans, in dealing with Revelation. Basically, they claim that only the Qur’an has been properly protected & preserved, whereas, Ahadith (singl. Hadith/Recording: Prophetic-Statements [of Muhammad]) have not been preserved in the same care as the Qur’an, and/or that Ahadith were only recorded centuries after the death of Muhammad. Now, some big problems arise:

a. It’s a known historical fact that both the Qur’an as well as Prophetic-Statements were in fact recorded during the lifetime of Muhammad, by many, countless of his Companions (May Allah be pleased with them altogether). So, how could it possibly be that they trust those who recorded the Qur’an, word-for-word, in the current form that has been preserved in, for the past 14-centuries, yet they distrust the recordings of Ahadith, which were in turn recorded by the same exact persons that recorded the Qur’an.(https://garethbryant.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/quranandsunnahjointly)

b. How can they possibly learn how to induct someone into Islam, make Salah/Prayer (5-times per day), commit to Siyam/Fasting (during the month of Ramadhan), give Zakah/Obligatory-Charity, make Hajj/Pilgrimage, any of the most basic tents of Islam, which according to the Shari`ah/Islamic-Law a Muslim?

Think about it!!!


8. Modernists=LSD:
This, among the others, is possibly one of, if not the most destructive of them all. In the 1950’s & 1960’s, C.E., LSD had been used for psychotherapy purposes, for was perceived to possess therapeutic value, in the treatment of alcoholism, pain and cluster headache relief, spiritual purposes, to enhance creativity, etc. However, several government organizations, like the Drug Enforcement Agency, in the United States, through their own research-studies, have come to the conclusion that LSD produces, enhances, none of the above that were sought after during the middle part of the 20th-century, C.E. Now, in comparison to Modernism, it’s the same results. Modernism, among Muslims deems to try to rid Islam of archaic “beliefs” and/or “practices”, which they have allowed themselves to believe to be no longer relevant, useful, important, crucial, to Islam and/or Muslims, in our Modern-World. However, ironically, just like how it has been found out that LSD has no positive results, neither does Modernism. In fact, it actually takes Muslims deeper into the depths of theological/religious darkness than anything that they claim to rid from Islam. Some examples are the following:

a. The acceptance of the ideals of Evolution/Darwinism which, in many ways completely contradict Islamic-Teachings, especially when it comes to the advocacy of Agnosticism/Atheism: the doubt/denial of the existence of a Divine-Creator of the Universe, as well as the fallacy of the origin of the Human-Race being the anatomical-descendants of Primates, etc.

b. The acceptance of degenerate social-practices, such as Homosexuality, Same-Gender Marriage, Abortion, etc.

c. The denial of practices that Islam blatantly allows, such as Youth-Marriage, etc.

And, the list goes on, and, yes…and on…no need for any more examples. All of these pathologies are propagated by Modernists, among Muslims, because they believe that they’re promoting the common-good, but, in fact, they either don’t realize or don’t even care that they’re subsequently being used as proxies, for a global Non-Islamic agenda, paving the way for ad-Dajjal/the Anti-Christ, based upon the freedom to do what one wants secularly, and to be free from any types of moral standards, religiously.

And, I do know that there will be plenty of People who will not take very kindly to what I’ve written. However, that’s Life…deal with it. Now, if I’m wrong, then, by all means correct me, if you can…I’ll be waiting for what I hope to be a lot of feedback.

Gareth Bryant/2014

Tawheed & Purification: Ending Gangsterism among Muslims in the West


Riyaad Abdul-Quayuum pic



Author’s note:

Riyaad Abdul-Quayuum, my Muslim brother, my friend, has been through a lot, as a result of urbanized, environmental circumstances, choices within his life, to get where he is now today: husband, father, business-entrepreneur, yet, most-importantly, an evolved, civilized, Human being, through the noble-teachings of Islam. Here, Riyaad has graciously chosen to share with us, some glimpse of his actual come-up, from the corners of the streets, to the confines of the Mosque…his story is just as inspiring to me, as it is educational.


In his own words:

“I was doing about 45 mph, on a back road, about five miles outside of Barnesville, Ga.  It was pitch-black, even with my car lights on. I didn’t want to miss the gravel road I had only been on once before. I reached under my seat for my chrome .45-revolver, I checked to make sure I had a fully loaded-gun. I liked to use revolvers because the shell casings stayed in the gun.  I thought to myself at that moment, ‘I’m Muslim!!! I shouldn’t be doing this!!!’ But three years removed from my last year at the University and four years after accepting Islam, I was about to drop off another shipment of drugs. This particular shipment contained 6 pounds of what we called ‘Mexican Dirt-Weed’, a very low-grade Marijuana that seemed to be the only thing circulating around Georgia at the time and a half kilo of “Becky” also known as “Amy”, ‘White-Girl’, ‘Barbara Walters’, ‘That Soft’, ‘That Raw’, etc. It all meant the same thing, at the end of the day…Powdered-Cocaine.

I was selling Weed go for $700 per pound and I was paying $475 per pound, for it, wholesale.  Normally, I would’ve been paying $550 per pound; but, my supplier worked out a deal that if I were to start moving/pushing the Coke for him, he’d cut me a good deal for the Weed.  So, I ended up dealing that, also. But, mainly, it was because I could make as much money off half a kilo of Coke, as I could off 20 lbs of Weed. Now, I think it’s important for me to explain the type of ‘dealer’ I was. I had never sold individually to a user. I was a wholesaler, to small-time dealers, a “Middleman”. I never wanted to be the big-man, and I always new the small-man on the totem pole was the most dangerous level: they are, always, the first to die, the first to go to jail, and the last to make serious-money. So, I positioned myself somewhere in the middle where I felt most comfortable.

I was always nervous, before I mad a deal; but calm as a brain surgeon, during the transaction.  I was what Dick Vitale liked to call a ‘p.t.p’er’ (prime-time-player), even though Dick was be referring to College-Basketball players. As I pulled down the almost mile long gravel road, to the shed, where I was suppose to make the drop my heart slowed. That empty butterflies-in-my-stomach feeling, rapidly, went away. I became super-alert. The prime time player character was taking over. I had scanned the darkness, on all sides, to see if I could detect a flash of metallic behind a tree or hidden in the darkness. I had, always, constantly surveyed my rear view mirrors to make sure no car pulled behind me, because, this one car dirt road was only one way in & one way out. I began to think I was a living metaphor.

The darkness surrounding me, being alone, I finally realized that I was being influenced to do something that Allah had made wrong. And I, at the time, I was completely willing to place myself in harms way. I had placed myself in a situation where I only had one way out, Allah. I’ve known, and met, a lot of ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Gangsters’ in my life. The sad thing is that the further I had remove myself from my past, and the more I immerse myself in being a righteous Muslim, I still kept meeting these same types of persons. And, I don’t mean those brothers or sisters who get money by Islamic means either; I, exclusively, mean those Muslim brothers & sisters who, as one brother told me, get it “by hook or crook”; meaning even if they have to sin, they’re gonna get money…they’re willing to do whatever, pun-intended. I’ve talked conversed with Muslims, who have done up to 25-years in prison about living this negative, pathological, destructive, lifestyle, which is inherently, completely antithetical to, classic, Islamic-Teachings. Even after that type of punishment & purification, as a result of dserving all that jail-time, they, sadly, still, will exploit their options of pursuing an illicit, Islamically unacceptable, path in life.

What are we not addressing, as a general Muslim Ummah/Community, a society, a nation, in our communities, which far too often leaves us with such a negativity reigning supreme?!!! Or, is it the sole responsibility/fault of the individual, doing the thing that is morally/ethically, Islamically/legally heinous? Many of the brothers & Sisters, I’ve had contact with many of the “Originators” of street-life, in the urban landscape and “Street-Legends” that have & still influence Pop-Culture, today (we often refer to these people as “O.G’s”/Original-Gangsters). They are the “legends” so eloquently spoken of, referenced, mimicked, in basically any/all Rap lyrics/songs, movies, documentaries, etc. The entire Hip-Hop Culture, unfortunately, has been hijacked & has become a monumental vessel, sailing across the waters of time, in which Gangsterism has not only taken aboard, but has taken over the ship, in a sense, if that makes sense. It is shamefully ironic, that we, as Muslims, in the trenches of this volatile terrain, whom all claim to hold on to the truth, which is Islam, to still fall-short when it comes to really, definitively, bridging a gap between Street-Life & the Deen-Life.

I have all the authority in the World, to speak about thisa subject, being a direct, active product of it: I became addicted to the quick-money…my sole objective was to spend money for the best or for the worst, whenever I wanted to…I became the anti-budget guy…I wasn’t a shopper, I was just an outright spender. I enjoyed great-food and traveling to places most of my peers would’ve never been able to identify on a map, globe, etc. There was even a period of my life, for about a twelve-month stretch, that I had practically lived in the island of Puerto Rico.  I was there, virtually, every weekend, at will-this was my addiction-I craved/desired $100-lunches at the finest restaurants…quick jaunts to the Caribbean were my leisure of choice.  I never drank or smoked, even before becoming a Muslim, and I never really enjoyed clubs or being around crowds.  I was more into intimate moments of “balling” out of control.

Suffice it to say, it took those 4-years, after my induction into Islam, before I got it, before I truly realized that I was harming my own soul, before I truly began to understand what Tawheed was. Even though I was a weekly Juma`ah/Friday Prayer-Service attendee, I had never truly opened up to ‘Deen’ or ‘Deening’. The idea of a total lifestyle and way of life was had been far from my reach and suddenly, in the darkness in the middle of a drug transaction it started to become clear. Once you submit yourself to leadership and learning Allah will open up the doors of learning and understanding to you.  Being a Christian for most of my life I was taught that all you needed was the word, the Bible.  And nothing else mattered.  That you could open your Bible read and be inspired to do the right thing. The concept of Ummah/Muslim-Community was foreign, and the importance of community-life had not been instilled in me. But, I soon began to realize I had come out of a religion that was ailing, a religion that was secular, except on that one day, Sunday. On that one day, we worshipped Allah, we gave Allah His due. But, in Islam, just one day, for a few hours, is just not enough; as a matter of fact, Islamically, it is impossible to have secular actions & thought and religious actions & thoughts. Islam requires that every action, every thought, be a form of worship, praise, honor and respect to Allah. I realized the learning curve of Islam is simply to have every Human function a form of worship…It took me a while, but, I got it.

I remember, when I first became Muslim, all the foreign, Born-Muslims couldn’t wait to tell me all the things that I had to start doing..now, that I had just became a Muslim. I remember like it was yesterday, even though I didn’t know it when I went to the Mosque…ironically, it was to be the 1st-day of Ramadhan, the annual month of, Mandatory-Fasting. After I took my Shahadah (the [Islamic] Testimony of Faith, that “There is no god [no true object of worship/none worship-worthy], except Allah, and that Muhammad {whom live 14-centuries ago in al-Makkah, Arabia}, whom the Qur’an {the last-book of guidance from Allah} was revealed to, is the Messenger of Allah”) it was almost as if the people giving me my Shahadah couldn’t wait to inform me that I had to fast the next day. I had never fasted a day in my life. But, my attitude is such an “F-You watch me succeed” attitude, that I was determined to be successful and Allah allowed me to complete 28-days of fasting, during my 1st-year, as a Revert-Muslim.

Maybe we have so many Muslim Hustlers and Gangsters in America because we aren’t following the Qur’an & Sunnah/Prophetic-Tradition, when it comes to teaching this Deen. For example, you have the Makkan & Madinan chapters of the Qur’an. The Makkan chapters mainly, almost exclusively, deal with Tawheed, teaching the proper understanding of Allah. And those verses and chapters went on during a time when the Muslims where going through a difficult time establishing themselves.  The Muslims of that time were in a manner of speaking being purified through trials and tribulations. To be able to accept the Madinan chapters which were mainly legislative items. For example alcohol wasn’t made illegal until the Medina ayats were revealed.  So there were Muslims who drank alcohol until it became illegal and some Muslims continued to rid themselves of alcohol addiction even after it was made illegal.  The point is there was a purification and enlightenment period before a legislative period.

Meaning, if the proper understanding and desire for Tawheed is not instilled when a person first becomes Muslim, then a person will not have the proper tools, desire or understanding to follow the rules set forth by Allah. I think this is our greatest failure as an Ummah in the West. We are not given the benefit of a purification period. We take Shahadah and then are bashed over the head with Islamic Legislation.  Instead of being purified first through understanding of Tawheed.  I can recall being taught everything I couldn’t do anymore when I became Muslim and after a year of being Muslim I still did not know how to pray properly.  I even thought because some prayers are silent and some are out loud that we had a choice of whether or not to lead the Salaat out loud or silently.

‘You gotta fast starting tomorrow! We’ll see if you’re still Muslim by the end of the month.’, these are the cold-words that were hurled at me at that Greensboro, North Carolina Mosque when I took my Shahadah. It just so happened to be the first day of Ramadan in 1994. Those words and that sentiment aren’t what are needed to get our Brothers and Sisters off the streets.  What’s needed is a comprehensive and systematic approach for new Shahadahs that takes them first on a path of understanding proper Tawheed. The first Muslim I knew was my brother-in-law. He was one of the most respected gangsters I knew at the time in my area.  But when he became Muslim, Imam Jamil Al-Amin and the Brothers under him truly understood following the ways of Muhammad (Peace be upon). At the time my now Brother-in-Law became Muslim he was dating my sister. Not until 3-months, after becoming Muslim & being taught Tawheed, did the leadership come to him about dating my sister. When they did come to him at the proper time they told him he had three months to marry my sister or leave her alone because it is Non-Islamic to date. He immediately married her, for the pleasure of Allah. But the point is the process of moving one from new Muslim to practicing Muslim is a delicate process that requires wisdom & understanding.

Often times, it is that lack of understanding, that has caused foreign brothers & sisters to behave so harshly toward new Muslims and failing to provide that open understanding of a purification and Tawheed…period. Without proper Tawheed, no law, that Allah has given us, will bare the weight or make the impression on a new Shahadah’s heart the way it is suppose to. We must understand that most Revert-Muslims in the west are 1st-generation Muslims, whom are turning away from everything we know, love, and, have been taught. It is because of this, that extra time, effort, love affection, attention and guidance should be given to properly steer our new Muslims on the right path.  The path is clearly laid out for us in Qur’an and in the Life of Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Instead, most Mosques are ill-equip to gradually bring a Muslim into the Deen. So, we have a lot of Revert-Muslims begin to leave the Deen, do not practice, or become misguided and/or caught-up in fringe-groups, that may or may not even be practicing Islam. So, it becomes easy to sale drugs and street hustle when you are disillusioned or apathetic about your faith. The circle repeats itself and ‘Muslim-Gangsters’ are still thriving amongst us. And, were doing nothing to help save them from themselves.”

Riyaad Abdul-Quayuum/2013


My thoughts on the War on…everything!!!


We’re fighting all the wrong wars, for all the wrong reasons!!!

Instead of a war on drugs, let us wage a war upon hypocrisy.
The U.S. had supported the Contras, to promote Democracy.

They were the political MS-13, yet they were given the free range to help the CIA to smuggle narcotics.
It was done to keep the Sandinistas out of power & has resulted in a subculture of urban gang violence.

Without a doubt, it was the largest influx of Coke to enter the U.S.
That Yayo attacked the streets, just like a b-ball full-court press.

Instead of a war on poverty, we need to wage a war upon greed.
Why did Congress give out all that bailout money to Wall Street.?

All of these billionaires, corporations and banks screwed the American people with no vasaline.
They allowed people, who couldn’t afford homes, to take loans, to pursue the American dream.

And, when they couldn’t keep up with the payments, they were muscled and hustled out of their houses.
But, it was financial tycoons & goons whom were compensated & they bought private jets & mansions.

Instead of a war on terror, there needs to be a war upon all of the lies.
We’re in the valley of the wolves, with sheep-clothing as their disguise.

Now, how the hell are 19 Arabs gonna be able to hijack 4 planes, with only box-cutters?
I swear to you, the American people have sadly proven to be some dumb motherfuckers.

How did Tower-7 fall without anything ever hitting it?
I’m sick of all the 9-11 deception, and all the bullshit.

Are these the wars still worth fighting, you tell me!!!
It’s clear what’s the problems, yet we still can’t see.

Gareth Bryant/2012

My thoughts on the Street-Life!!!


Author’s note:

Lookin’ down the barrel of dat Gun!!!

You had betta be conscious of Allah & have some fear.

Yo, this street-life is not a joke.
This shit will change your scope.


I know, cause I done really been there.
These streets are mean, better beware.







You’re stuck where you are, you’re breathing really heavy.
Your life flashes before ya eyes, and everything’s all blurry.




Gareth Bryant/2012