In 1954 he met Minister Malcolm X who positively affected him as a young student of Islam. Just out of high school that same year, Minister Jabril Muhammad’s life profoundly changed when he began visiting Temple #7 in Harlem, New York and accepted his own on his fourth Sunday visit. The following year, he became a registered member of the Nation of Islam in January 1955 at the age of 18. His dedication was immediate and profound especially coming under the personal tutelage of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad with whom he became a leading defender of, serving as Captain and then Minister. He would later have the distinct honor of living with the Honorable Elijah Muhammad for six years. It was also in 1955 that he met with the Honorable Minister Farrakhan and their life changing friendship as brothers would last a lifetime.

Following the departure of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in 1975, Minister Jabril played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Nation of Islam. He provided essential support and counsel, notably helping Minister Farrakhan to return to the mission by giving him a very consequential book that he had written entitled, “It is Finished.” He helped re-establish mosques and study groups across the country, dedicating himself to spreading the teachings of Islam and defending the integrity of both the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Minister Farrakhan.

Minister Farrakhan said of him, “I call this brother “Jabril,” and I did not miss.  I didn’t make a mistake.  My relationship with him was one of the most loving, friendly encounters of a brother with a brother.  When The Nation first started, and Jabril and I were traveling the country setting up study groups, we would come back to Phoenix where he had a mosque, or temple, already functioning; strong, believing men and women, brothers and sisters.”

He stated at the Janazah services that, “I want to talk about why I gave my brother the very beautiful name “Jabril.”  He didn’t want Ji-bril.  He said, “I will accept it, but you’ve gotta give it an ‘a’ (Ja-bril).” 

“See, sometimes we have knowledge implanted in us, given to us, shared with us by Allah through angelic forces.  I called him “Jabril” because to me he was an Angel.  And he was my particular Angel that God sent after me to bring me back to myself and to God!

“In life, you meet many people who you call your “friends.”  When I met Brother Jabril, he put capital letters on the word FRIEND.  He put capital words on the name BROTHER.  He had an Assignment.”

Minister Jabril Muhammad was a prolific writer, producing numerous books and articles that showcased his deep understanding of the Nation of Islam's teachings as well as a profound understanding of Scriptures. He was also instrumental in fostering relationships with Indigenous communities, demonstrating his commitment to unity and justice. Likely fueled by his own two-year imprisonment for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War, he profoundly impacted the lives of incarcerated individuals, providing extensive support through personal letters and visits, essentially acting as a sole, dedicated prison program.

In addition to serving as a Minister, he was also a loving father and husband, a friend to many, author, scholar, teacher, gifted photographer and musician. His life was marked by unwavering dedication, intellectual rigor, and a profound desire to uplift his people. Despite health challenges, he remained a steadfast servant, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, leadership, and unwavering faith.