**Ishmael AbduSalaam, 78**
*December 16, 1945 – July 17, 2024*
Ishmael AbduSalaam, loving father and grandfather, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, entered into eternal rest on July 17, 2024, at the age of 78.
Born Gabriel Warner Jr. to Gabriel Warner Sr. and Nola B. Warner on December 16, 1945, he graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1963.
In the early 1960s, he met Sheikh Heshaam Jaaber, the renowned mentor to Malcolm X and an influential Islamic teacher in New Jersey. Under Sheikh Jaaber’s guidance, Ishmael completed his Islamic studies and formally embraced Islam in 1963—a commitment that shaped the rest of his life. In 1981, he fulfilled one of the pillars of his faith by completing Hajj, a journey he spoke of with deep gratitude throughout the years. Sheikh Jaaber remained his spiritual advisor until his passing in 2007.
Ishmael went on to earn a degree in Psychology from Central State University. He later dedicated many years to public service with the State of New Jersey Probation Division, where he worked until his retirement in the early 2000s.
A quiet intellectual with an unshakeable calm, Ishmael was a voracious reader and lifelong student of Islamic history and doctrine. His home was filled with books, jazz and soul records, and spoken-word albums—treasures he collected and revisited often. Those who knew him remember his cool demeanor, steady faith, and his signature reassurance: “Keep believing in Allah and everything will be fine.”
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his three children: Khadijah AbduSalaam, Ismael AbduSalaam, and Precious Bryant; and his grandson, Zaire Barthelus.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Aminah AbduSalaam, and siblings Nola Cauley, Martha DuVal, and Talu AbduSalaam.
“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
— Qur’an 2:156
May Allah grant Ishmael AbduSalaam mercy, light in his grave, and the highest station in Jannah.
*December 16, 1945 – July 17, 2024*
Ishmael AbduSalaam, loving father and grandfather, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, entered into eternal rest on July 17, 2024, at the age of 78.
Born Gabriel Warner Jr. to Gabriel Warner Sr. and Nola B. Warner on December 16, 1945, he graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1963.
In the early 1960s, he met Sheikh Heshaam Jaaber, the renowned mentor to Malcolm X and an influential Islamic teacher in New Jersey. Under Sheikh Jaaber’s guidance, Ishmael completed his Islamic studies and formally embraced Islam in 1963—a commitment that shaped the rest of his life. In 1981, he fulfilled one of the pillars of his faith by completing Hajj, a journey he spoke of with deep gratitude throughout the years. Sheikh Jaaber remained his spiritual advisor until his passing in 2007.
Ishmael went on to earn a degree in Psychology from Central State University. He later dedicated many years to public service with the State of New Jersey Probation Division, where he worked until his retirement in the early 2000s.
A quiet intellectual with an unshakeable calm, Ishmael was a voracious reader and lifelong student of Islamic history and doctrine. His home was filled with books, jazz and soul records, and spoken-word albums—treasures he collected and revisited often. Those who knew him remember his cool demeanor, steady faith, and his signature reassurance: “Keep believing in Allah and everything will be fine.”
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his three children: Khadijah AbduSalaam, Ismael AbduSalaam, and Precious Bryant; and his grandson, Zaire Barthelus.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Aminah AbduSalaam, and siblings Nola Cauley, Martha DuVal, and Talu AbduSalaam.
“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
— Qur’an 2:156
May Allah grant Ishmael AbduSalaam mercy, light in his grave, and the highest station in Jannah.
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