The Beginning of Something

Introducing myself, the platform, and my vision.

Bismillah Al-Raḥmān Al-Raḥīm; Ṣallā Allahu `alā Sayyadinā Muḥammad wa `alā Ālihi wa Ṣaḥbihi wa Sallam — In the Name of God, Most Merciful and Compassionate; God’s Blessings and Peace be upon our Master, Muḥammad, and on his Family and Companions.

As with all things, there is a starting point, and with each starting point, there is a relevant intention behind why something was brought into being. This does not justify every intention or effort, just as it does not mean that the person, group, or institution that takes such action should be supported. What we can take from each new venture is an opportunity to engage with people and ideas that can add to the critical work we are currently involved in or seek to initiate.

So what am I doing? This Substack, Praxis Islamicus, is my answer to a need: the need to have a place where people not only speak their mind but bring ideas to life. This initiative I am launching is designed to be a robust hub of intellectual feasting, InShā’Allah. I envision it becoming a source of intellectually rigorous, reliable, religiously rooted, and academically sound ideas. I aim to offer solutions to the challenges we face in the realm of leadership, ethics, and human development. Here, we'll engage with critical issues, seeking clarity and fostering growth.

So, who am I, and why should you listen to me and engage with my content? My name is Abdul Muhaymin Priester III, and I am a cosmopolitan individual who has been blessed to experience the lifetime of multiple people in my 53 years. My most profound experience has brought me from street culture and gangsterism to Islam and becoming a student of the Sacred Knowledge of Islam. I have also been blessed to achieve a level of high “secular” academic success, al-Ḥamdulillah (all praises belong to God).

I was blessed to come into contact with the Tayba Foundation in 2013 as a student and transitioned to become a Sr. Instructor teaching Maliki fiqh to the intermediate level, `aqīda, taṣawwūf, ḥadīth, and other intro and intermediate texts in the various Islamic Sciences. The doors and opportunities I have accessed through my relationship with Tayba are beyond expression, and I thank my Lord ﷻ for facilitating this connection.

In addition to my traditional studies, I have been deeply immersed in the academic study of religion, theology, ethics, and human beings. I completed my MA in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Religious Leadership at The Islamic Seminary of America (TISA) in 2024, becoming the first recipient of the Tayba Scholar award. I am currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at the Catholic Theological Union, where I am studying Practical Theology with a concentration in leadership and ethics.

I also serve as the Assistant Chaplain for Muslim Life at Grinnell College, providing guidance, care, counsel, and religious leadership to the Muslim students, faculty, staff, and institution.

I have founded, been a part of, or supported numerous initiatives, organizations, and individuals, and have gone on to serve as a mayoral appointee on task forces that monitor police services, reentry policies, and advocacy efforts. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight and understanding, enabling me to contribute to many of the issues we face, from the street corner to the world stage.

This has led me to seek a place where I can find my niche in the arena of ideas and action. I have chosen Substack because this platform is more conducive to my temperament and will enable me to share my thoughts and build on my next phase of growth and vision for service (khidma) and human development, InShā’Allah.

There are a lot of moving parts to this platform, and I will provide more clarity on everything I introduce through this hub over time. I look forward to connecting with the people and organizations that benefit from this platform, sharing ideas, and bringing them to life.