Murder of the Faruqis

Murder of the Faruqis
Shared grave of the Faruqis
Location	Wyncote, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates	40.0876364°N 75.1443599°W / 40.0876364; -75.1443599
Date	May 27, 1986; 38 years ago (1986-05-27) Around 2:00 AM (EST)
Attack type	Double homicide
Injured	1 (Anmar el-Zein)
Victims	Ismail al-Faruqi Lois Lamya al-Faruqi
Perpetrators	Joseph Louis Young (Yusuf Ali)
Motive	Potential political motivations, personal vendetta, or robbery gone wrong
Verdict	Guilty
Convictions	Joseph Louis Young sentenced to death (died in prison of natural causes before execution)
Charges	Murder

The murder of the Faruqis took place on May 27, 1986, at their home in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, United States. Isma'il Raji al-Faruqi, an important Muslim thinker, and his wife, Lois Lamya' al-Faruqi, an art teacher known for studying music,^[1] were both killed in an attack that brought much notice.^[2][3] Their daughter, Anmar el-Zein, who was eight months with child, lived through stab wounds and was able to call for help. She said the attacker was a strong man with a black cloth tied in a "cowboy-robber" way.^[4]

Ismail al-Faruqi

Lois Lamya al-Faruqi

(Left to right): Dr. Ismail al-Faruqi and Dr. Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, noted scholars known for their contributions to Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue.

Ismail al-Faruqi was a well-known professor of religion at Temple University. He was known for his works in Islamic studies and his efforts to encourage talks between different faiths.^[5] Lois Lamya al-Faruqi was an expert on Islamic art and music. She co-wrote The Cultural Atlas of Islam with her husband and made important contributions to the study of Islamic music.^[5] Their work helped many students and teachers in their field.^[6] James Zogby, who studied under al-Faruqi, said al-Faruqi loved deep conversations, often staying up late into the night discussing important topics.^[7]

Because al-Faruqi was well-known, the Cheltenham Township Police, with help from the FBI, looked into the case.^[8] The event started talks about reasons, from political payback for al-Faruqi's strong words on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to personal anger.^[9]

Crime and investigation

On the night of May 26, 1986, Ismail al-Faruqi went to a meal to break the day’s fast. He went with a group from the Muslim Students Association (MSA). He came back home around 11:00 PM.^[5] Early on May 27, 1986, al-Faruqi and his wife were found with many knife wounds in their home.^[5][9][10]

Al-Faruqi’s body was found in his bedroom. His wife, Lois Lamya, was found at the bottom of the stairs.^[5] Their daughter, Anmar el-Zein, was 27 years old and eight months into having a baby. She was also hurt with a knife but was able to call for help.^[10][9] She needed 200 stitches for cuts on her chest and arms.^[5] A 15-inch knife was found near al-Faruqi's body. Police said this was the knife used.^[10][11][8] The place showed signs of a break-in. There were signs of a fight, too.^[5][12]

The Cheltenham Township Police led the look into the case. The FBI helped because al-Faruqi was well-known.^[10][8] Anmar el-Zein said the attacker was a strong black man. He had a "big belly" and wore a black cloth on his head.^[8] At first, people thought the killings might have been for political reasons. Al-Faruqi was known for strong words on the land fight between Israel and Palestine. He also worked with a group to help Arabs in America.^[5][8] Hafez Malik, a teacher and friend of al-Faruqi, said that al-Faruqi often spoke of danger. “He told me he was sure of it,” Malik said. “His life was always in danger.”^[7]

Legal proceedings

Arrest and charges

In January 1987, Joseph Louis Young was named the main suspect. He was also known as Yusuf Ali. Police found a bloody glove at the crime scene. His fingerprint was on the glove. This led to his arrest.^[11][13] Police also found a stolen 1986 grey Honda Accord LX. There were bloodstains in the car. These stains gave more proof. This proof linked the crime to Young.^[11]

Detectives in Montgomery County got a phone call. The caller did not say their name. They told the detectives about fingerprints. There were fingerprints at the crime scene. The caller said to check them. They suggested matching them with Young’s fingerprints. The fingerprints were checked. They matched Young's fingerprints. This made Young a suspect.^[11]

According to a police source, Young's statement to police indicated that the slaying of al-Faruqi may have been politically or religiously motivated rather than a random act of violence. The source stated that Young believed al-Faruqi was "not doing the right thing for the Muslim religion." Young reportedly knew al-Faruqi through the Islamic community at Temple University and had been planning the murder "for some time."^[9]

Young, who had a criminal history and knew the al-Faruqi family, confessed to the crime during questioning by Philadelphia detectives, providing information that matched the evidence. He repeated his confession in the presence of Montgomery County police officers.^[9][14][11]

Trial

The trial of Joseph Louis Young started in July 1987.^[15] At the trial, the prosecution showed strong proof. They linked Young to the crime. His fingerprints were on a glove found at the scene. The only living witness, Anmar el-Zein, told about the terrible night.^[14] The defense said Young’s confession was forced. They suggested he may have had help. They argued he was very upset. This raised questions about his mind at the time of the crime.^[16]

On July 10, 1987, the jury found Joseph Louis Young guilty. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for killing Isma'il and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi. The jury also found him guilty of attempted murder, burglary, trespassing, and serious assault. After a separate sentencing hearing, the jury decided on death for each murder conviction. They said the serious factors were stronger than any reasons to lessen the sentence.^[16][17]

Appeals and resentencing

Young's first appeal kept his convictions but sent the case back for resentencing because of problems with the original sentencing instructions. In 1990, a resentencing hearing was held.^[11] Again, the jury gave a death sentence for each murder conviction, agreeing there were four serious factors.^[17]

Funeral and burial

On May 30, 1986, nearly 4,000 people, including international dignitaries, gathered at the Masjid Muhammad mosque in West Philadelphia to honor al-Faruqi and his wife, Lois. Speakers remembered al-Faruqi as a significant figure in the community. Imam Shamsud-din Ali led the funeral prayers.^[18]

The mosque was attended by friends, associates, and community members, many in traditional attire. The service included Arabic sayings, prayers, and readings from the Qur'an. Many students and local community members were present.^[18]

Following the prayer service, the Faruqis were buried together at Forest Hills Cemetery in Lower Moreland Township, Pennsylvania.^[18]

Aftermath

Young died in prison in 1996 before he could be executed.^[19] People still debated the reasons for the murders. Some believed it was a political killing due to al-Faruqi’s work, while others thought it was a personal act.^[20][21]

The case received much media attention, and the National Council of Churches' Committee on Christian-Muslim Relations expressed "great sorrow" over the deaths, sending condolences to the Faruqi family and the global Muslim community.^[22]

A year after the murders, the rest of the Faruqi family sold their home and moved away.^[23] In 2011, the house was put up for sale again, and people talked about its violent past.^[24]

Al-Faruqi's work still shapes Islamic studies and talks between faiths. His writings are an important part of talks on Muslim identity and rights in the U.S. His support for Palestinian matters and his part in groups like the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee have had a lasting effect on how Islam is discussed in schools and politics in America and other places.^[25][26][27]

At a meeting at the International Islamic University Malaysia in 2008, it was shared that al-Faruqi's father had prayed for him to become a great teacher and to die as a martyr, which came true.^[28]

References

1. "Faruqi, Ismail Raji al- (1986)". The Oxford Dictionary of Islam. Oxford Reference. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
2. AP (May 28, 1986). "AROUND THE NATION; Islamic Scholar and Wife Slain in Pennsylvania". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 23, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2024. Alt URL Archived 2024-07-10 at the Wayback Machine
3. "Assassination motive behind al-Faruqi killings". New Straits Times. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. August 20, 1986. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
4. "Police suspect local man in scholar's death; not sure of motive". UPI Archives. May 29, 1986. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
5. Fletcher, Charles D. (2015). Muslim-Christian Engagement in the Twentieth Century: The Principles of Interfaith Dialogue and the Work of Isma'il al-Faruqi. I.B. Tauris. p. 213.
6. Yusuf, Imtiyaz (2022). "Ismail Al Faruqi". In Fleet, Kate; Krämer, Gudrun; Matringe, Denis; Nawas, John; Rowson, Everett (eds.). Encyclopaedia of Islam. Vol. 3. Koninklijke Brill NV.
7. Moran, Edward; Locy, Toni; Marriott, Michel; Price, Debbie M; Scism, Leslie; Seymour, Gene (May 28, 1986). "They Led Scholars' Lives". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 3. ProQuest 1829468734. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
8. "FBI Joins Probe Into Murder of Islamic Scholar, Wife". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. May 28, 1986. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
9. Paolantonio, S. A.; Duggan, Paul (1987-01-18). "Statement Is Said to Back Religious-Attack Theory". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. A.8. ProQuest 1831221807.
10. AP (May 28, 1986). "AROUND THE NATION; Islamic Scholar and Wife Slain in Pennsylvania". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 23, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2024. Alt URL Archived 2024-07-10 at the Wayback Machine
11. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Joseph Louis Young, a/k/a Yusuf Ali (Court case). Vol. 524 Pa. 373. 1990.
12. Toth, Anthony B. (November 1986). "Focus on Arabs and Islam". Washington Report on Middle East Affairs.
13. "Fingerprint led to arrest of al-Faruqi murder suspect". UPI Archives. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. January 17, 1987. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
14. O'Bryan, Ruth (July 8, 1987). "Confession Details Stalking, Slaying Of Islamic Scholars". The Morning Call. Archived from the original on July 2, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
15. "Black Muslim Charged in Slaying of Islamic Scholar and His Wife". The New York Times. January 18, 1987.
16. "A jury Friday sentenced Joseph Young to death in..." UPI. July 11, 1987. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
17. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Joseph Louis Young (aka Yusuf Ali) (Court case). Vol. 536 Pa. 57. 1993.
18. Eshleman Jr., Russell E. (May 31, 1986). "4,000 Mourners Pray For The Soul Of Slain Islamic Scholar And Wife". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
19. Bell, Adam (March 11, 1996). "Inside the Capitol (Joseph Louis Young dies of natural causes on death row)". The Patriot News.
20. "Faruqi murders may have been vendetta". UPI Archives. July 30, 1986.
21. "Zionist backlash against Arab intellectuals". New Straits Times. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. August 21, 1986. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
22. Walz, L. Humphrey (August 11, 1986). "Religion and the Middle East". The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs. V (5): 13.
23. Davis, Bridgett (May 24, 1987). "A Year after Stabbings, Fear Lingers on Street". Philadelphia Inquirer. p. H.25. ProQuest 1831236041. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
24. "Creepy! Philly Family Tries to Sell House Where Couple Was Slashed to Death". ABC News. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. October 27, 2011. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
25. Fletcher, Charles D. (2015). Muslim-Christian Engagement in the Twentieth Century: The Principles of Interfaith Dialogue and the Work of Isma'il al-Faruqi. I.B. Tauris. p. 213.
26. Yusuf, Imtiyaz (2014). "Ismail al-Faruqi's Contribution to the Academic Study of Religion". Islamic Studies. 53 (1–2): 99–115.
27. Ghamari-Tabrizi, Behrooz (2004). "Loving America and Longing for Home: Isma'il al-Faruqi and the Emergence of the Muslim Diaspora in North America". International Migration. 42 (2): 62–86. doi:10.1111/j.0020-7985.2004.00281.x.
28. Badri, M. (2014). "Psychological reflections on Ismail al-Faruqi's life and contributions". The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences. 31 (2): 145–152. doi:10.35632/ajis.v31i2.1052.