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Tonight, we feel compelled to address a profound event that happened this week—the unlawful execution of our Muslim brother, Marcellus “Khalifa” Williams.

May Allah have mercy on him and grant him the status of a shaheed (martyr).

His journey, marked by wrongful conviction and the deep faith he embraced, leaves us with powerful lessons on justice, patience, and the true meaning of peace in submission to Allah's will.

A Flawed and Racially Biased Justice System

Marcellus Williams’ case stands as a glaring indictment of not just the criminal justice system but also the deep-rooted racial biases that plague it.

Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to his innocence—with even the family of the murder victim and the jurors from his trial opposing the execution—the system moved forward with his death sentence.

His trial was marred by injustice from the outset.

Only one Black juror was seated, while several other potential Black jurors were unfairly dismissed or not chosen, leading to a predominantly white jury.

One black juror was dismissed simply for bearing a resemblance to him. This act alone underscores the systemic racism that can taint the pursuit of justice.

The mishandling of critical evidence further compounded this injustice.

It was only hours before his scheduled execution in 2017 that the governor issued a stay, prompted by the emergence of new DNA evidence that could exonerate Marcellus.

The prosecutor's office failed to manage the murder weapon properly, and crucially, Marcellus' DNA was not even found on it.

The prosecutors from the original trial later asserted that Marcellus was innocent, highlighting that no evidence tied him to the crime.

According to the Innocence Project, over one million people signed petitions opposing Williams' execution.

Yet, despite these glaring issues and strong condemnation, the governor's orders, compounded by the Supreme Court's failure to intervene—even denying a stay of execution just hours before—culminated in Marcellus’ execution at 6:00 PM yesterday.

This tragic moment is not just about one man.

It is a painful reminder of the many innocent lives taken by a deeply flawed and racially biased system.

As Muslims and as conscientious individuals, we have to raise our voices against such injustices.

Marcellus' case, like so many others, exposes the deep cracks in a system that was designed to deliver justice but often fails the most vulnerable—particularly people of color.

It is a painful reminder that justice, as delivered by human hands, is often imperfect and, at times, deeply unjust.

But for Marcellus, who embraced Islam during his imprisonment and lived his final days in submission to Allah, there was peace beyond this world—a peace the world could never rob him of.

The Iman and Peace of Khalifa

In his final moments, Marcellus recited the words of Surah Al-Baqarah, a chapter of the Qur’an that speaks to the steadfastness of believers in the face of trials.

His final statement, Alhamdulillahi fi kulli hal—" All praise is due to Allah in every situation"—resonated deeply with millions and was shared by hundreds of thousands across social media platforms.

These words, spoken right before his unlawful execution, encapsulate the essence of rida—contentment with Allah's decree.

Despite the hardship, injustice, and blatant racism that defined his life, Khalifa displayed an unshakable faith.

He was lifted by the purity of his heart and the peace he found in Islam.

He left this world with the conviction that Allah is the ultimate Judge.

His last words were not of bitterness or resentment but of peace and surrender.

Reflecting on this brother's story without drawing strength from his example is impossible.

How many of us, faced with far lesser trials, fail to say "Alhamdulillah"?

And here was a man, wrongfully condemned, subjected to racial injustice, yet content with the will of Allah.

The Strength of a Family's Faith

Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of Marcellus' story is the peace and acceptance he and his family, particularly his son, Marcellus Williams Jr., found.

His son expressed a profound sense of tranquility and acceptance in the face of impending loss.

He remarked that while we may not attain all our worldly desires—the wealth, the dream car—we all share the certainty of death and must make peace with that certainty.

He said, "If this is the way that he's going out, we've already made peace with it, and we're ready to face whatever it may be when it comes."

His words reflect a deep understanding and acceptance of Allah's decree, mirroring the serenity his father exhibited.

Marcellus Jr. shared how his father's peace and Islam helped him find his faith.

Over the years, they kept in touch, nurturing their relationship despite their barriers.

His father’s guidance and presence, even behind prison walls, shaped his understanding of life, death, and the hereafter.

A Martyr’s Journey

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) once said, "The most severely tested people are the prophets, then the righteous, then those who follow them in rank."

For Marcellus, his test was severe, but he emerged victorious—not through America’s so-called justice system, but in the people's hearts and, most importantly, in the sight of his Creator.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also taught us that whoever dies wronged or oppressed, while remaining patient and trusting in Allah, dies as a martyr.

It is this hope that we hold for our brother, Khalifa.

He accepted Islam in prison, and by doing so, all his previous sins were wiped clean.

His journey to Islam and life illuminated by faith are testaments to the mysterious ways Allah guides us.

Marcellus Williams, or Khalifa as he was known to his fellow Muslims in prison, became an Imam, a teacher, and a leader, guiding many others toward the light of faith in his final years.

He did not just find peace—he shared it.

The words of his final prayer, "Oh Allah, if life is good for me, then give me life, and if death is good for me, then give me death," echo the wisdom of the Prophet’s supplication.

As we remember him, let us take comfort in knowing that Khalifa is now with his Lord, Inshallah, experiencing the peace and joy that this world could never offer.