The Story of Endurance and Hope After Almost 54 years of Imprisonment

Program Description

THE BIOGRAPHY OF A MARRIAGE By Yusuf and Zubaydah Madyun

It was on the seventh of June, 1962, that Yusuf and Zubaydah Madyun stood before witnesses – Allah being the best of witnesses – and verbalized their allegiance to each other "for better or worse." These marital vows created a bond, the strength of which would be tested shortly thereafter.

It was during the fifth year of their marriage–May 23, 1967 precisely–that tragedy struck like an iceberg hitting the Titanic. 'The turbulent era of the sixties was in full swing, and cries for "Black Power" were being shouted from the mouths of young and old Black folks, their voices heretofore having been muted by fear. Young people, in particular, both Black and white, looked for answers, being troubled by what they saw and heard. Unfortunately, what they heard was mostly rhetoric, words spoken without knowledge. Many, like Yusuf, became victims of ignorance and impatience, a toxic combination, the effects of which landed Yusuf in prison for 54 years! It was there and then that the strength of Yusuf's and Zubaydah's marital bond would be "tried and tested." 

The particulars of how it was done and why are best reserved for a different forum, time and place. Here, suffice it to be said that the state of Illinois had a plan, and Allah had a plan, and, as most here know, Allah is the best of planners. It, therefore, comes as no surprise to learn that Yusuf's and Zubaydah's marital bond held true! When he stepped away from prison into Zubaydah's embrace on February 26, 2021, he said to her, "You made it!"

Yes, she had. Yes, they had. Because, at no time during Yusuf's 54 years of incarceration did their bond of matrimony even bend, let alone break. However, amidst the many accolades received for their personal triumph, they want it known that the bigger victory is for Al-Islam. For, without the religion of Al-Islam, nothing of good that they have achieved could have been possible. All praise, therefore, is due to Allah.

"Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil, then that will be a determining factor in all affairs" (3:186) of the Holy Qur'an.