Talking With Teachers-Season 6-Episode 4: Imam Qasim Khan

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Talking With Teachers, we sit down with Imam Qasim Khan to explore his remarkable spiritual journey and lifelong commitment to faith, justice, and community leadership.

Imam Qasim reflects on his early religious experiences, including his involvement in major Black social and religious movements such as the Nation of Islam and the Black Panther Party, and how these formative years shaped his worldview and moral compass. He also shares a lesser-known chapter of his life—his time as a gospel singer—and how music, spirituality, and devotion intersected long before his embrace of Islam.

The conversation then turns to one of the most controversial periods of his public life, when Imam Qasim faced media attacks in Houston, Texas, accusing him of attempting to impose “shari‘ah law.” He responds directly to these claims, clarifying that his efforts were rooted not in coercion, but in encouraging Muslims to respect their own religious values, particularly through peaceful protest against Muslims selling alcohol within their communities.

This episode offers rare insight into:

• The evolution of Black religious consciousness in America

• Islam, social justice, and grassroots activism

• Media misrepresentation of Muslim leadership

• Faith-based moral reform versus political fear-mongering

A candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges stereotypes and highlights the complexities of Muslim leadership in America today.