Warith Deen Mohammed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Warith Deen Mohammed
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| Leader of the Nation of Islam | |
| In office February 26, 1975 – 1976 |
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| Preceded by | Elijah Muhammad |
| Leader of the American Society of Muslims | |
| In office 1976 – August 31, 2003 |
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| Director of The Mosque Cares | |
| In office 2003 – September 9, 2008 |
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| Succeeded by | Wallace D. Mohammed II |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Wallace D. Mohammed
October 30, 1933 Hamtramck, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | September 9, 2008 (aged 74) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Glenwood Cemetery, Thornton, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouses | Shirley Mohammed Khadijah Siddeeq Binah Muhammad |
| Children | 8 |
| Parents | Elijah Muhammad Clara Muhammad |
| Relatives | Jabir Herbert Muhammad (brother) Akbar Muhammad (brother) |
| Alma mater | Muhammad University of Islam |
| Occupation | Imam, Religious Reformer, Muslim Scholar, Businessman |
Warith Deen Mohammed (born Wallace D. Muhammad; October 30, 1933 – September 9, 2008) was an important African-American Muslim leader. He was also known as W. Deen Mohammed or Imam W. Deen Muhammad. He was a theologian, philosopher, and Muslim revivalist.
From 1975 to 2008, he worked to change the original Nation of Islam (NOI). In 1976, he changed it into a mainstream Islamic movement. This new group was known by several names, including the Bilalians and the American Muslim Mission. It later became the American Society of Muslims. Warith Deen Mohammed was the son of Elijah Muhammad, who led the Nation of Islam before him.
After his father passed away in 1975, Warith Deen Mohammed became the leader of the Nation of Islam. He made big changes. He taught that Wallace Fard Muhammad was not divine. He also welcomed white people as fellow worshipers. He worked to connect his group with other Muslim communities. He also taught the Five Pillars of Islam to his followers.
Some groups did not agree with these changes. They formed new organizations. One of these was led by Louis Farrakhan. In 1978, Farrakhan brought back the name Nation of Islam for his group.
Contents
Biography: A Life of Change and Leadership
Early Life and Learning
Warith Deen Mohammed was born Wallace D. Muhammad in Hamtramck, Michigan, in 1933. In 1992, he officially changed his name to Warithuddin Muhammad. This name means 'Inheritor of the Religion of Muhammad'. His parents, Clara and Elijah Muhammad, were very active in the Nation of Islam (NOI). The NOI taught a form of Black nationalism and its own version of Islam. Elijah Muhammad led the Nation of Islam from 1934 until 1975.
Warith Deen Mohammed was named after Wallace Fard Muhammad, who founded the Nation of Islam. He grew up in Chicago with his six brothers and sisters. He went to school at the Muhammad University of Islam. This school is now known as the Clara Muhammad Schools. As a young person, he studied Arabic with Jamal Shakir Diab.
In late 1958, Mohammed became a minister under his father. He served in Philadelphia in the late 1950s and early 1960s. While in Philadelphia, he studied the teachings of the Ahmadiyya movement.
In 1961, Mohammed was sent to a federal prison. He spent most of his time there studying the Quran, which is the main Islamic holy book, and the Bible. During this time, he became sure that the Nation of Islam needed to change.
After being released from prison in 1963, he continued his studies. He was also close to Malcolm X. Mohammed's views began to differ from his father's. He no longer believed his father was a prophet. Because of these differences, he was asked to leave the NOI five times. However, by 1974, he was back in the NOI for good.
Leading a New Path: Religious Reforms
Transforming the Nation of Islam
When his father passed away on February 25, 1975, Mohammed was chosen as the new leader. He was introduced to the NOI members on February 26, 1975. One of his first changes was to drop the title "Supreme Minister." He began using titles like Mujaddid, Chief Imam, or simply Imam in 1976. That same year, he introduced a new flag for the NOI community.
These were just a few of the many changes Mohammed made. He removed the NOI dress code. He also ended the military part of the NOI. He explained the concept of the devil in a new way. Through his Muhammad Speaks newspaper and public talks, he taught about Islam's Five Pillars. He said that Fard was not divine and his father was not a prophet. All 400-plus temples were changed into traditional Islamic mosques. He also changed the community's name several times. Finally, he settled on the American Society of Muslims. This name showed the new way of thinking. Mohammed openly spoke about his plans to evolve the movement.
Mohammed's changes went deep into the ideas of the movement his father had led. He rejected the old teachings and Black-separatist ideas. Based on his studies of history and theology, he welcomed white people as fellow worshipers. However, he also encouraged African Americans to change their last names. Many of these names were given by slave masters to their ancestors. He built stronger connections with mainstream Muslim communities, including Latinos. He also spread out the power. In 1978, he resigned as Chief Imam. He then appointed a six-member council to lead the community.
Mohammed felt his role in reform was very important. In an interview, he described his role as a Mujeddid. This means someone who watches over a new Islam or community. In 1979, he used the title Mujeddid in his weekly articles for the Bilalian News.
Warith Deen Mohammed gained wide support from the international Muslim community. But not everyone accepted his changes to the Nation of Islam. Some groups disagreed, especially those who followed Louis Farrakhan. This group brought back the name 'Nation of Islam' in 1977. In 1995, Mohammed shared his concerns about Farrakhan's goals and the racial division in his ministry.
The two leaders publicly embraced in 2000, showing a reconciliation. However, in 2007, Mohammed again expressed his frustration with the separatist views of the current Nation of Islam. He believed the NOI would slowly move towards unity with the mainstream American Muslim community.
Building Bridges with Muslims Worldwide
Mohammed wanted to make stronger connections between his movement and the larger American Muslim community. He also wanted to connect with Muslims around the world. His goal was to bring American Muslims closer to Sunni Islam. In 1976, he visited Guyana to meet with Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and President Arthur Chung. During this trip, he formed ties with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community there.
In 1985, he met with Dr. Muhammad Ahmad Al-Sharif in Geneva, Switzerland. They discussed working together with the World Islamic Call Society. He also hosted Grand Mufti Abdullah Mukhtar, a leader of many Muslims, in 1994.
In 1999, he was chosen to be on the shura board of the Islamic Society of North America. That same year, during Ramadan, he promised to work with Shaikh Ahmed Kuftaro for the advancement of Islam. He was also a special guest speaker at Harvard University in 2000.
Working Together with Other Faiths
Mohammed wanted to include all races. He also worked for cooperation among different faiths. In 1976, he held a large interfaith event in Los Angeles. He spoke with Jim Jones about "A New Heaven and a New Earth." In 1977, he took part in a Muslim-Christian discussion in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1978, he gave a speech to over 1,000 Jews and Muslims in Washington, D.C.
This focus on interfaith cooperation continued throughout his life. In 1993, he spoke at a conference for Christians, Jews, and Muslims in Detroit. He believed that people from other faiths could also have a "Muslim spirit."
In 1995, he gave a speech at a Muslim-Jewish meeting. From 1996 to 1997, he met with Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Francis Arinze in Rome. In 1997, he received the Luminosa Award for Unity. He also spoke to the Baltimore Jewish Council about justice and fairness.
In 1998, he attended a conference on religion and peace in Auschwitz, Poland. In June 1998, he spoke at a Muslim Friends of the Focolare conference in Rome. In 1999, he spoke to 100,000 people in the Vatican. Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama were also there.
In 2001, Mohammed took part in an "Evening of Religious Solidarity." He was joined by Minister Louis Farrakhan and Pastor Robert H. Schuller.
Making a Difference: Political and Social Actions
Mohammed was active in politics both in the U.S. and around the world. Early on, he met with leaders like Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1975. He also met with Sharjah ruler Sheik Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi in 1976. In 1977, he met with United States President Jimmy Carter. Mohammed attended many events focused on advancing Islam, racial unity, and world peace.
He was the only American invited to the 10th Annual Islamic Conference of Ministers in 1979 in Fes, Morocco. In 1988, he represented Muslim Americans at a campaign for planetary survival in Oxford. Later that year, he joined 100 leaders in Williamsburg, Virginia.
In 1995, he took part in the Forbes Forum on Management. In 1996, he joined a national discussion on race and reconciliation. In 1997, he attended the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Teheran, Iran. In 1998, he participated in a discussion about poverty with former U.S. Senator Paul Simon.
In November 1999, he attended two World Peace Conferences. One was in Tiberias, Israel, and the other was in Amman, Jordan.
Mohammed was a well-known speaker on political topics. In 1992, he gave the first prayer by a Muslim in the United States Senate. That same year, he was the first Muslim to speak on the floor of the Georgia State Legislature. In 1993 and 1997, he gave an Islamic prayer during President Bill Clinton's Interfaith Prayer Services. In 1996, he was invited to Egypt by President Hosni Mubarak to speak about Islam and dialogue between civilizations.
He served on several councils and committees. In 1986, he was chosen for the World Supreme Council of Masajid (mosques). He was one of only three U.S. representatives. In 1995, he became a President of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP). In 1997, he was appointed to President Bill Clinton's Religious Advisory Council.
Mohammed also shared his views on political issues. In 1976, he started New World Patriotism Day celebrations on Independence Day. In 1984, he did not support Reverend Jesse Jackson's run for president. In 1985, he organized a "Walk for Justice" in Chicago. This protest against a court case drew 500,000 people.
In 1989, he spoke about the difficulties faced by the Palestinians. In 1990, he supported Neil Hartigan for Governor of Illinois. He also supported the peace efforts of Bishop Samuel Ruiz.
In 1990, he spoke against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. He said, "We consider President George Bush to be an honorable man. We commend his actions in ordering the surgical strikes on Iraqi military installations. These efforts to avoid excessive loss of human life are appreciated.”
On behalf of the Muslim American Community, he gave $85,000 to Nelson Mandela. This money helped Mandela's efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. This happened during a meeting in Oakland, California in 1990. After the September 11, 2001, he said the terrorist attacks were against Islamic teachings.
Islamic Beliefs and Ideas
Developing Islamic Law
Warith Deen Mohammed wanted unity among Muslims. He also asked American Muslims to create a new school of fiqh. Fiqh is a code of conduct for Islamic rituals, morals, and laws. In 2008, he told Islamica magazine that he felt madhhab (schools of thought in fiqh) were influenced by geography. He suggested they should be developed for each region. He believed that a stronger sense of madhhabs was growing in America.
Understanding Symbols and Colors
Mohammed understood how images and symbols could affect religion. In 1975, he wrote about this topic. In 1976, he published an article called "A Message of Concern" in the Bilalian News. This article has been in every copy of the publication since then. He also spoke about it. For example, in 1977, he taught about "The meaning of colors in Scripture and the Natural Powers of Black and White." He explained how colors in religious texts had led to racist ideas in some societies. In 1977, he formed a committee to remove images that try to show God.
Personal Life and Legacy
Warith Deen Mohammed's first wife was Shirley Mohammed. They had four children together. By 1994, he had been married four times and had eight children. Mohammed married Khadija Siddeeq in 2004.
Besides his public role, Mohammed was involved in real estate, clothing imports, and skin care. During times when he was not part of the Nation of Islam, he worked as a laborer. Imam Mohammed was also a businessman. He encouraged others who followed him to start businesses.
Death and Funeral
Mohammed passed away in Chicago in September 2008. It was likely due to a heart attack. His body was found by his assistant on September 9. Besides cardiovascular disease, Mohammed also had diabetes.
The Final Call newspaper reported that his funeral prayer service was delayed. This was to organize the large crowd that had gathered. The Chicago Tribune wrote that 8,000 Muslims attended his funeral. His funeral was held at the Islamic Foundation Masjid in Villa Park, Illinois. Imam W.D. Mohammed was buried at Mount Glenwood Memory Gardens.
Honors and Recognition
On his 44th birthday, October 30, 1977, Mohammed received the Key to the City of Detroit, Michigan. The Mayor of Detroit, Coleman Young, also declared October 30, 1977, as Wallace D. Muhammad Day in Detroit.
In 1983, then Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton declared March 26 as "Economic Dignity Day." He praised Warith Deen Muhammad's leadership. He said the American Muslim Mission was making economic progress.
In 1984, Mohammed was part of the New World Patriotism Day Parade in Chicago. He shared the reviewing stand with Mayor Harold Washington and other important people. Mayor Washington declared July 4, 1984, as New World Patriotism Day Coalition Parade Day in Chicago.
In 1988, King Hassan II of Morocco invited Mohammed to participate in Ramadan devotions. He said, Through you Imam W. Deen Mohammed all the people in America are represented.
In 1992, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt honored Warith Deen Mohammed. He received "The Gold Medal of Recognition" for his religious work in the United States. In 1997, he received the Focolare Movement "Luminosa Award for Unity." In 1999, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Department of State. In 2002, Ebony Magazine named him one of its "100 Most Influential Black Americans."
In 1994, he received the Cup of Compassion from the Hartford Seminary.
In 2002, Mohammed became a member of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers. His portrait was hung in the International Chapel at Morehouse College.
In 2005, the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) gave an award to W. Deen Mohammed. This was for his great leadership in the American Muslim community.
Ahmed Rehab, the Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, called him "America's Imam" in a tribute on CNN blogs.
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Warith Deen Mohammed
