World Renowned Muslim Leader, Scholar & Humanitarian

Imam Warith Deen Mohammed was born October 30, 1933 and returned to Allah on September 9, 2008. He was the Imam/leader of one of the largest Muslim communities in America. He was one of the foremost and 1st Muslim leaders in the United States to promote racial reconciliation and harmony among African American Muslims and encouraged Muslim interfaith dealings with Christians and Jews. He also promoted a balance sense of American patriotism, and more acceptance and participation in the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship and the political process in order to help make America a better place to live for all people. Imam Mohammed made a special appeal to those who had earlier been shut out of that process and/or had no interest in it. He encouraged Muslims and African American to act as stakeholders in the American society and to act accordingly while being guided by their faith.

Imam W. D. Mohammed was unanimously elected as leader of this community after the passing of his father in 1975, the Honorable Elijah Mohammed, leader and builder of the Nation of Islam.

Immediately upon accepting the leadership he began making changes to bring his community and people more in line with the universal principles of Al-Islam. He dropped all racial and class distinctions existing at that time. He also moved to strengthen and stabilize the schools and businesses in the community to make them more viable.

Imam Mohammed’s astute leadership, profound social commentary on major issues, piercing scriptural insight into the Bible, Torah and Qur'an, and his unique ability to apply scriptural interpretation to social issues, bought him numerous awards and high honors. He is a man of vision who has performed many historical “Firsts”.

In 1992, he delivered the first invocation in the U.S. Senate to be given by a Muslim. In 1993 he gave an Islamic Prayer at President Clinton’s first inaugural interfaith Prayer Service and again in 1997 at President Clinton’s second inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service. This led him to address the Muslim-Jewish Conference on March 6, 2005, with leaders of Islam and Reform Judaism in Glencoe, IL.

In 1999, Imam Mohammed served on the Advisory Panel for Religious Freedom abroad, formed by Secretary of State Madeline Albright. He assisted in promoting religious freedom in the United States and abroad.

In April 2005, Imam Mohammed participated in a program that featured, “A Conversation with Imam W. Deen Mohammed and Cardinal George of the Catholic Archdiocese”. It was a historical event, which was enlightening and illuminating.

On April 11, 2008 he came to Philadelphia to rededicate the Philadelphia Masjid/Clara Muhammad School, after they had suffered hardships and difficulties.

There are many more accolades, achievements and accomplishments made by Imam W. Deen Mohammed that dignify African American Muslims as well as Muslims in North America. His honorary doctorates, mayoral, and gubernatorial proclamations give testament to his recognized voice, and the benefit of his leadership to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He was appointed to the World Supreme Council of Mosques because of the value of his work and leadership in America.

The dignity and world recognition Imam Mohammed has generated was seen as he visited with kings and presidents of vast countries, and with world religious leaders such as Pope John Paul II, the Dali Lama and many more.

Today, his work and impact are still being felt, analyzed and studied. He has bought more dignity, respect and sanity to the Muslim Community and humanity in general.