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Closer look into Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s northwest Harris County home

Investigators probe Shamsud-Din Jabbar's complex beliefs after tragic New Orleans events. His diverse book collection reveals interests in Islamic and Christian texts, plus Islamic finance. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

In the aftermath of the tragic events in New Orleans’ French Quarter on New Year’s Day, investigators have turned their attention to Shamsud-Din Jabbar’s personal life.

FBI Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office spent nearly 24 hours searching his house on Crescent Peak Drive on Wednesday.

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READ MORE: FBI says there is ‘no threat to residents’ in NW Harris County area where New Orleans attacker lived

KPRC 2 has obtained video from inside Jabbar’s northwest Harris County home that shows his book collection.

While it does not draw any conclusions, the books discovered cover a range of philosophical and religious interests.

READ MORE: Who is Shamsud Din Jabbar? Houston man linked to New Orleans New Year’s Attack

Here’s a closer look at Jabbar’s books:

The Holy Quran: Sahih International Translation

Among the books in Jabbar’s home was the Sahih International translation of the Holy Quran. The Quran is the central text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the direct word of God.


The Holy Bible: Christianity’s Sacred Text

Alongside the Quran was the Holy Bible, the foundational text of Christianity. The Bible’s teachings focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.


A Book on ‘Christianity:’ Exploring the Faith

In addition to the Bible, Jabbar had a book specifically about Christianity. The title isn’t visible so it’s difficult to know what the book covers.


Islamic Finance: The Art of RF: Ria-Fres Islamic Banking and Finance

This is how Amazon describes the book:

Updated and expanded insights into Islamic banking and finance

From Yahia Abdul-Rahman-the father of Riba-Free (RF) banking comes the expanded edition of the definitive resource that offers an understanding for applying Islamic banking and financial practices. No matter what your faith or religious beliefs, the book shows how to take a modern American approach to incorporating Islamic financial principles into banking and investment techniques.

The Art of RF (Riba-Free) Islamic Banking and Finance describes the emergence of a culture of Islamic banking and finance today, which is based on the real Judeo-Christian-Islamic spirit and has proven very effective when compared to 20th century models that use financial engineering and structural techniques to circumvent the Shari’aa Law. The author also reveals information about how fiat money is created, the role of the Federal Reserve, and the US banking system. Abdul-Rahman includes a wealth of real-life examples and offers an analysis of how this new brand of banking and financing yields superior results.

  • Offers the fundamentals on Riba-Free (RF) banking
  • Shows how to apply RF to everything from joint ventures and portfolio management to home mortgages and personal finance
  • Reveals what it takes to incorporate Shariah Law into US financial systems
  • Includes information on why RF banking is a socially responsible way to invest

Thoroughly revised and updated, this resource offers a handbook for applying Shari’aa law to American banking and finance.


The Sealed Nectar: Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum or The Sealed Nectar, a detailed biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was found in Jabbar’s home. This book is widely respected in the Muslim world for its thorough account of the life of the Prophet, offering lessons on leadership, character, and spirituality.


The Ideal Muslim: Defining Islamic Character

Another book in Jabbar’s collection was The Ideal Muslim by Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi. This book outlines the qualities of the “ideal Muslim,” focusing on traits like humility, kindness, and spiritual devotion, as defined by the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It provides a model for how a Muslim should strive to behave in all aspects of life, from personal conduct to relationships with others.


A Book on Child Development

In addition to his religious texts, Jabbar’s library also contained a book on teaching children. The specific title was not visible. We do know Jabbar had two ex-wives and the New York Times reports he had three children.

Continuing coverage:


About the Author
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

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