By: One of the Brothers

1N73 Dawah Initiative

When I first picked up a Qur’an, I wasn’t searching for Islam. I wasn’t looking for a new way of life. I just wanted something to read. But Allah, in His wisdom, guides whom He wills. As I read and reflected, the words began to pierce my heart. Slowly, what began as simple curiosity turned into belief, and belief into conviction.

Over the years, I studied more and learned to separate truth from falsehood. By Allah’s mercy, I began stripping away bid’ah (innovation) and misunderstandings from my beliefs. My aim became clear—to live by the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf al-Salih; nothing more, nothing less.

But just because I became Muslim and found the straight path doesn’t mean I was always perfect. I’ve had my ups and my downs since then. There were times I stumbled, times I fell short, and times when I fell flat on my face. Yet, it is through those struggles that we truly grow—when we see who we really are, how much we can endure, and how much we need Allah at every moment.

The idea for what is now the 1N73 Dawah Initiative started years ago while I was incarcerated. It was just a thought—a dream to help guide and support other Muslims in the same situation. Inside those prison walls, I began teaching, learning, and sharing knowledge. But I wasn’t alone in this journey. Allah blessed me with the company of some instrumental brothers—one in particular—who opened my eyes to the pure Islam. I thank Allah first, and then I thank this brother for the wisdom and sincerity he shared.

The name 1N73 carries deep meaning. It comes from several authentic hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who said that his Ummah would divide into 73 sects, and all but one would be in the Fire. When asked who that one group was, he replied:

 "That which I and my Companions are upon."

The “1” in our name represents that saved sect. The “73” reminds us of the divisions and the need to remain steadfast. It’s a play on “1 out of 73,” but it’s also a statement of our methodology—firmly rooted in the way of the Salaf.

Today, by Allah’s permission, what began as an idea in a prison cell is now becoming a reality. The 1N73 Dawah Initiative is working to provide authentic Islamic education, spiritual mentorship, and reentry support for incarcerated Muslims—helping them return to society as strong believers and productive members of the community.

From that single Qur’an in my hands years ago to the organization you see today, this journey has been one of faith, struggle, growth.  And, insha’Allah, it’s only the beginning.

• Establish comprehensive Islamic libraries

• Provide Qur’ans and authentic Islamic books

• Distribute prayer materials (prayer rugs, kufis, hijabs)

• Regular prison visits

• Sound Deeni instruction (Qur’an & Sunnah based)

• Emotional and spiritual counseling

• Post-release mentorship

• Connecting returning citizens with local masajid

• Reducing recidivism through faith-based support

• Ramadan programs/Taraweeh Prayers

• Providing Iftar

• Eid services & khutbah arrangements

• Halal meal advocacy within facilities

• Organize seminars, workshops, and open houses to introduce Islam in a respectful, informed manner to non-Muslims.

• Distribute pamphlets, books, and translations of the Quran to correct misconceptions and promote an accurate understanding of Islamic teachings.

• Empower local Muslims to understand and practice their faith correctly, while strengthening unity upon the truth. 

• ✔ Host open houses for non-Muslims

• ✔ Strengthen Muslims upon authentic knowledge

• This is how misconceptions are corrected.

• This is how communities are strengthened.