Amir Gemi YaQub, also known as Lil Gemi, is a born and raised Philly native and Muslim entrepreneur whose life is a testament to resilience, faith, and determination. Lil Gemi was named after his grandfather, Jimmy, who, along with his godmother, helped raise him while his parents were in and out of the streets. In a surprising and profound moment, his grandfather told Amir that he wanted to become a Muslim, and after learning more about Islam under Amir’s guidance, he took his shahada just months before passing away from cancer—a moment that deeply shaped Amir’s faith and purpose. Losing his mother at 18 tested him further, but his belief that no soul is taken without God’s permission kept him focused and strong. Today, Amir has become a boss of all trades, building successful ventures in real estate, technology, commercial fishing, and fashion. His journey from nothing to something embodies the principle he lives by: “Life is not about how you start, but how you finish.”
by GLOREALA September 01, 2025
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