At times, you will see or read about a person losing their drive after facing a life changing event. On the flip side, you will see or read about a person who experience a life changing event did not stop at the red light. I’m humbled and honored to know a senior who despite losing his eye sight at the age of 13 continues to see the beauty in life!

Mr. Waly Hanif Muhammad is the kind of person that you should meet. I’m inviting you to take this opportunity to spend a few minutes to get to know Mr. Muhammad.

Angela: Who is Waly Hanif Muhammad?

Waly Hanif Muhammed: I was born and raised in Jersey City.  I am a father of four daughters and one son and I completely adore my children. I am a person who lost his eye sight at the age of 13 and continues to see the beauty in the world.

Angela: How old is Waly Hanif Muhammad?

Waly Hanif Muhammad: 67 years young! 

Angela: Do you have a model that you live by?

Waly Hanif Muhammad: I take life as if comes. I treat people how I want to be treated. In addition, I am always aware of my surroundings.

Angela: What are somethings that you do?

Waly Hanif Muhammad: I stay connected with my creator. I work on projects with my children and I’m very proud of their achievements. One achievement that I’m proud of is that I get to work with my daughter Afaf on a grassroots organization called HudInfoNews.

Angela: just in case you want to know more: HudInfoNews is a grassroots, non-profit organization established April 2015. The website (https://hudinfonews.org/) is where the people of Hudson county can find information that will help to uplift the status of our community. We will post information that will help to enlighten and strengthen every citizen, of every age, and every walk of life. Their intention is to keep you informed of current events that affect everyone.

Angela: Now, Mr. Waly Hanif Muhammed, can you share three jewels with us about how to keep doing what they love?

Waly Hanif Muhammed:

• Honor your creator
• Serve and worship your creator as this is our purpose in life
• Know your creator through his works

Bonus: Be sincere and treat every man, girl, boy, woman, creature with respect and its purest form.

Angela: Why is Waly Hanif Muhammad still driven to fulfill his passion?

Waly Hanif Muhammad: I used to be a vocalist and enjoyed every minute of it. Now, I spend time getting to know my creator while working to improve people lives’ in our neighborhood, and find ways to work together on common ground.

Angela’s Sidebar: Mr. Muhammad is a strong community advocate, he is part of the I Love Greenville project, he is active on his block and he works well with all generations to help make a difference in the community. I remember canvasing the community with Mr. Muhammad passing out flyers to residents to get them to attend an event hosted by I Love Greenville. Mr. Muhammad did not miss a beat, he loves his community and still wants the best for our neighborhoods. 

Angela: Waly Hanif Muhammad, what happens when Passion Meets Purpose?

Waly Hanif Muhammad: You gain a stronger connection with your creator, you connect with more people and you keep learning and growing. 

Mr. Muhammad is #aGEM. He inspires me to keep moving forward. It was great to hear Mr. Muhammad laugh during our time together. He told me that he was a bit bashful, which made our time together more real.   I must say, that when you connect with someone that is spiritual, shares wisdom and makes you feel special, you are truly blessed! I want to thank Mr. Muhammad for taking time, just before he was going to pray, to share some of his thoughts with me!

I hope that you enjoyed getting to know Mr. Muhammad as much as I did!

Forever care,

Angela V. McKnight

Assemblywoman of NJ LD31

The Carepreneur