Umar Hakim-Dey, a prominent Muslim community leader and activist in Southern California who dedicated his life to social justice and interfaith work, has died at 55, community leaders announced Friday, ABC 7 reported.
Born and raised in Compton, Hakim-Dey was known for his transformation from a youth involved with gangs to a mentor and faith leader.
He converted to Islam at 28 and went on to head the ILM Foundation, chair the multi-faith group LA Voice, and found Inkerij, a social enterprise advising grassroots organisations.
The Muslim community remembered him as the driving force behind Humanitarian Day, one of the nation’s largest Muslim-led charity efforts during Ramadan that provides food and supplies to the unhoused.
“He was one of the first people to really inspire us and motivate us to serve the community, and give us a guidance on how to serve,” said Arbazz Nizami, co-founder of the Sahaba Initiative.
Hakim-Dey’s outreach extended beyond Muslim circles. He frequently worked with Christian and Jewish leaders, appearing at interfaith events and responding to moments of crisis.
“Christian, Jewish, homeless, a person who has membership in the gang, he was able to talk to all of these audiences and engage them,” said Imam Jihad Saafir of Islah LA.
Bridge Builder
Colleagues recalled his presence at a vigil for victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh in 2018, where he intervened to calmly defuse a confrontation.
“He had the capacity to listen deeply and to stand firmly on his principles,” said Andrea Hodos, associate director of New Ground, a Muslim-Jewish partnership.
Margari Hill, co-founder of the Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative, described Hakim-Dey as a “bridge builder” who connected Muslims of different backgrounds in campaigns for affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights.
“He encouraged me to pass the baton to the next generation,” she said.
For many, his mentorship was also personal. Nizami said Hakim-Dey guided him for more than a decade and accompanied him on the Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca earlier this year.
Community organiser Sarah Jawaid remembered receiving a text from Hakim-Dey during that trip: “Say Ameen, a prayer was made for you at the Prophet’s mosque on your behalf.”
Hakim-Dey often reminded younger leaders with a phrase that has now become a part of his legacy: “Don’t leave your post.”
“It’s gonna be hard to replace him,” Saafir said. “I don’t see people with that same type of work ethic and willingness to come out of their comfort zones.”
