"O You who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: That is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. Al-Maeda 5:08

MECCA is led by an Executive Committee operating under a Shura (consultative) model. Leadership within the organization is rooted in accountability, service, integrity, and collective decision-making. The Executive Committee is supported by a Board of Trustees, which provides continuity, guidance, and institutional support to ensure MECCA remains aligned with its mission and values. Through consultation and shared responsibility, MECCA’s leadership works to serve its members, strengthen families, and contribute positively to the broader community.

Executive Committee

Executive Committee Members

  • Council Chair -Javid Ahmad Popal
  • Administrative Chair – Mecca Ramadhan
  • Education Chair – Imam AbdurRahman Kareem
  • Financial Chair – Imam Jalane Abdul Kareem
  • Security Chair – Kenneth C. Harrison

Chaplains

  • Imam Abdullah Abdulbasir
  • Imam Kendale (Khaleefah) Walton

Board of Trustees

  • Sauda B. Abdul-Malik
  • Ayana Mumin
  • Stacey (Salimah) Bell
  • Ruthy (Nafisa) Santana
  • Umar S. Abdullah

Message from Council Chair

As salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Welcome to Muslims Employed in City Corrections Association, Inc. (MECCA).

MECCA is a non-profit fraternal organization established to support Muslim uniformed and non-uniformed employees of the New York City Department of Correction through faith-centered advocacy, education, mentorship, and service. Rooted in Islamic principles and guided by Shura (consultative decision-making), our organization strives to uphold professionalism, integrity, and unity while addressing the spiritual, social, educational, and professional needs of our members.

Since its establishment, MECCA has worked to promote religious accommodation in the workplace, foster respectful engagement with colleagues of all backgrounds, and serve as a resource for both personal growth and collective empowerment. Through educational programs, leadership development, charitable initiatives, and community-focused outreach, we aim to strengthen our members while positively impacting the broader community.

We are deeply grateful to Allah (a.w.j.) for the pioneers who laid the foundation of this organization and for the continued dedication of the men and women who sustain its mission today. Their sacrifices, courage, and commitment remain a source of inspiration as we carry this trust forward.

As we look to the future, MECCA remains committed to serving with sincerity, excellence, and purpose — uplifting our members, mentoring the next generation, and preserving a legacy grounded in faith, service, and accountability.

May Allah (a.w.j.) place barakah in our efforts, accept our intentions, and allow MECCA to remain a source of benefit for generations to come. Ameen.

Jazakumullah Khairan,
Council Chair, MECCA