This book was a quick read that went through a lot of the history of Black Islam in the US and liberation theology. I particularly appreciated Abdur-Rahman's introspective and vulnerable approach that shared his learning journey. I disagree with some of his theological arguments based on my own scholarship and research, but appreciate how he's come to the place he is at time of writing and his openness with his mistakes and missteps through his life. I also found this book had a few timely reminders for how I endeavor to conduct my own life that come at just the time I need to think carefully about how to move forward with integrity to my own ethical framework.

It was an interesting read. The author had an interesting life and many unique experiences. ( )

I received this book as part of an Early Reviewer Program.
The beauty of reading is how it allows you to walk in someone else’s shoes. This ability to shadow another brings a new point of view. It brings us closer to cultural competence and encourages us to develop new empathy toward others.
Taymullah Abdur-Rahman has a lived experience completely opposite mine. I truly appreciated the educational experience he has provided me.
I learned about how Hip Hop brought Islamic reference to inner city kids.
Iman Abdur-Rahman taught me many Arabic/Islamic terms and gave me ideas to discuss with my Muslim friends, particularly those who are Black or Brown Americans.
I was given new food for thought about how religion is practiced in the prison setting, although I knew a little about this, pertaining to how Wicca is practiced behind bars. I disagree with his view on polytheism, but I understand Iman Abdur-Rahman’s point and feel the difference would bring about an interesting conversation if we ever met.
I work in Academia, this reminded me of the ‘new faculty’ perspective, which I can use to mentor others.
I created a ‘dictionary’ of sorts for myself long ago and add to it after each book. It currently has about 900 entries (vocabulary words, foreign language phrases, technical terms, interesting people, one page has pictures, etc.) I added a new page to my glossary just for American Imam, a rare occurrence. The new page will hold favorite quotes. Imam Abdur-Rahman has the distinction of holding the first 2 lines on the new page. One is, "You can't be both. Either you're a democracy or you're a right-wing regime that holds elections."
For someone not Black or Brown, not Muslim, who grew up differently, I feel honored to have read this book. I thank Imam Abdur-Rahman for sharing his life journey with me and recommend his book to others. ( )

American Man From Pop Stardom to Prison Abolition Is the story of a journey taken by the Taymullah Amour-Rahman (born Tyrone Sutton). I started the book believing that the story would tell me all about Taymullah's musical stardom and his association with the Muslim religion. I know very little about either subject. I certainly did not know the impact the Muslim religion had on many intercity kids. The story is about a young Muslim man who grew up in the Roxbury ghetto and somehow managed to stay alive while he watch bad things happen to many of his friend. Many ended up dead or going to prison. Taymullah somehow managed to escape through his talent as a R/B performer. His stardom took him from the intercity ghetto to a top ten hit and stardom that led him all the way to an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. His fifteen minutes of fame in stardom ended quickly. I expected more details about the progression of his stardom, however, the book focused on what he did after the stardom came to a halt and he had to find a new life for himself.

The Muslim religion provided him with the guidance and belief that he could make something out of his life. He wanted to be helpful to those who did not receive the opportunities he received. The book addresses Taymullah's spiritual growth as he learned new things and met new people. He seems to have found a true calling for himself as he began working as a Muslim chaplain in prison. He did not seem to be passionate about his musical career. He like many other musical stars did not plan for the future. The growth and development he shared in the book demonstrates his growth as a spiritual leader. He worked to help many of those in and out of prison find some peace and direction. Taymullah was clear that as he grew he made mistakes which helped him adjust and temper his presentation. He grew into knowledge.

It is interesting to note that Taymuyllah had many first in his life and used them for self development to help others. He grew into a wise spiritual leader, a father, a husband and a remarkable person who is willing to change the world in his way.. He learned to respect other religions and to work with them to achieve change. I learned about the Muslim religion and became familiar with some of the Muslim religious terms.

It is an easy to read interesting story of one persons journey through life trying to find his callings.

I wanted to read this book because I wanted to learn. As an older white woman born to European parents in a town in the Midwest that had no Black people, I feel it’s important to attempt to understand the life of a man such as Taymullah Abdur-Rahman. His analysis of the continued suffering of black families due to the lack of good male father figures - generation after generation - was enlightening. I had never thought about the long-term consequences of men being removed from their families during slavery in relation to its effect on the way Black family culture is today. Islam was his life raft, faulty in the form it was given to him, but allowing for growth of spirit and intellect. I am married to a man who grew up Muslim in the Middle East, so it was astounding to me to hear him say that the Islam of the Middle Eastern cultures doesn’t serve Black Americans as it should. Again, an interesting observation and so true. I’m glad he has found a way to course correct his practice so that it benefits Black Americans, especially those stuck in the self-defeating loop of the materialistic culture of today, those who continue to lack a proper father figure, and those in prison. I wish him well and much success. The world will be a better place for his efforts. As for the writing itself, it was well written. I would have liked less detail about his life in the music business and more about his personal life after becoming a Muslim. Thank you Mr. Abdur-Rahman.