INTRODUCING... Bahijah Abdus Salaam Sister Bahijah Abdus-Salaam was born in Washington, D.C., the second of eight children born to the late Leroy Naylor and Sister Nina Islam. She attended DC public schools, Margaret Mary Washington and the University of the District of Columbia, in addition to earning educational certificates at other institutions She has one son, two daughters and six grandchildren. Sister Bahijah accepted Islam 37 years ago and is an active member of the Mosque Cares under the leadership of Imam W.D. Muhammad, son of the late Honorable Elijah Muhammad, founder of the Nation of Islam. She currently attends Washington, DC’s Masjid Muhammad. She was employed by the D.C. Department of Corrections and the D.C. Board of Parole until 1995 when she retired due to health reasons. In 2000, she accepted the position of Case manager/Volunteer Field Coordinator with the Islamic American Zakat Foundation. The organization provides social services to the community. During the last 37 years, Sister Bahijah has been actively involved with both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities where she is known nationally. She was awarded The Muslim Activist of the Year award in 1997. Over the years she has served in many leadership positions. When people think of Sister Bahijah, they think of prison service, Dawah and Interfaith. She served as Director for Masjid Muhammad’s Islamic Prison Service Team for more than 27 years. The more than 27 years she served as Islamic Volunteer and Chaplin within the DC Department of Corrections was one that had a lasting affect. She stated that it gave her an up close and personal view of the suffering that is visited upon humans by other humans. Though she no longer serves in that capacity, her assistance is often requested by many correctional officials and staff. Sister Bahijah is the Interfaith/Dawah representative for Masjid Muhammad and has been involved in dawah, interfaith/interreligious dialogue since1978. Her commitment to dawah and interfaith is a lifelong commitment. Most dear to her is her 27-year involvement with The Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington where she is a Member of the Assembly Board and a member of various IFC Committees which include: The Planning Committee for the Annual Dr Martin Luther King Interfaith Prayer Service; Interfaith High School Youth Program, Congregational Partnership and the Commission on Social and Economic Justice. She is also a co-coordinator for IFC’s International Visitor Program. Sister Bahijah is also a member of The Women of Faith, The Prayer Vigil for The Earth, The Committee for Better Quality of End of Life Care and International League of Muslim Women She also serves as a Board Member of the Islamic Freedom Foundation and The Islamic American Zakat Foundation. Her latest commitment has been to become part of the reception committee for the Geriatrics Day Care Center event which is held each year. She has found much joy in being a part of this wonderful committee and working with the seniors whom she calls “jewels.” She was awarded the Centers Presidential Award in 2003 for her service.
Sister Bahijah was selected to be the National Islamic Coordinator for the Million Mom March in 2000 and then again in 2004. She is often called upon by various Muslim and non-Muslim organizations to assist in various projects. She is in demand as an advisor and organizer for various activities and events in both communities. In spite of a busy schedule, Sister Bahijah is also the co-founder and at one time served as co-editor of Al-Dunya. an Islamic Magazine. In addition to her other civic duties, Sister Bahijah found time to volunteer as Recording Secretary for the Third district Citizens Advisory Council; Board Member of the Parent and Child Center; Chairperson for the Crime and Drug Committee for the 14th and U Streets Coalition; Criminal Investigator for the Prisoners Rights Program Public Defender Services; Parole Officer Crisis Unit DC Parole Supervision and Unit Clerk for the Veterans Hospital. | 
