What Is An ‘Imam?’ Marcellus Khaliifah Williams’ Faith Was His Foundation To The End

Source: Nurma Agung Firmansyah / Getty

Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams was executed on Tuesday, September 25, by the state of Missouri, despite outcry from the public and his continued assertions of innocence. Williams was convicted of the 1998 murder of 42-year-old Felicia Gayle Picus and spent 23 years in prison for the crime. 

Willaims’ case garnered national attention as his execution approached and it was revealed that new DNA evidence and alleged racial bias during the trial could exonerate him. Nationwide protests called on Governor Mike Parsons (R) to grant him clemency; however, his appeal was rejected by both the governor and the Missouri Supreme Court. Despite pleas from his attorneys, protests and demonstrations calling for Williams’ release, and even the family of the victim asking to spare the Black man’s life, Williams was put to death by lethal injection at 6 p.m CT. He was 55 years old. 

“His faith was so much a part of his identity and there was always an acknowledgment of regret he expressed in not finding it earlier,” a team of public defenders who worked on Williams’ case said in a statement released shortly after the execution. “While he would readily admit to the wrongs he had done throughout his life, he never wavered in asserting his innocence of the crime for which he was put to death.”

Marcellus Williams was a devout Muslim for many years, adopting the name “Khaliifah ibn Rayford Daniels” once he took his shahada, or the Islamic declaration of faith, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. During the shahada, a convert or believer will declare, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger” to become part of the faith. During his time in prison, Williams served as an Imam (prayer leader), where he was respected and admired by fellow Muslims.

What is an ‘Imam?’

As an Imam, Williams led prayers and provided guidance to fellow inmates, dedicated time to study the Qur’an, and strived to align his actions with Allah’s teachings. Williams’ own Imam was present at his execution.

As his execution approached, several faith leaders across denominations called for clemency. Williams continued to showcase his belief during his incarceration and through appeal proceedings, often writing poetry about his faith, which was published on the Innocence Project’s website.

In the end, Williams held fast to his faith in Allah. His last words submitted before execution were: “All Praise Be To Allah, In Every Situation!”

Inshallah, Williams’ memory will serve as a blessing to everyone who’s heard his story.

The video above is courtesy of Wissam Omar. 

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