Abdul Hakim Shareef was born on July 19, 1930 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to the union of Ida and Sam Johnson. He was the second child of this union. He grew to young manhood in Hattiesburg and left in his early twenties for Detroit, Michigan with his wife Ruth and their children. Detroit is where he accepted Islam and begin his life long quest to share his spiritual journey.

Abdul was a retired mail carrier having transferred back to Hattiesburg after many years working in Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed playing sports with his kids and bid whist with his friends.

Abdul was one of the major driving forces and founders of New Medinah, a model Islamic community. He dedication and hard work are a testament to his quest to share his spiritual journey.

Abdul departed his life on February 20, 2019 at the hospital in Columbia, MS.

Abdul was preceded in death by his son Howard (Janice)Johnson. Abdul leaves to cherish his many memories with his wife of seventy (70) years, Ruth Joan Shareef, his sister Jean (James) Arnold of Hattiesburg, children Anthony (Lydia) N. Johnson, of Sedona, AZ; Alvin (Nadiyah) Shareef of New Medinah, MS; Donna (Rashad) Ali of New Medinah, MS, and a host of grandchildren. Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.