Imam Warith Deen Mohammed 1933- 2008, ISNA & CAIR Statements

ccun.org, September 22, 2008

 

IMAM WARITH DEEN MOHAMMED, PASSED AWAY ON SEPTEMBER 09, 2008

Imam Warith Deen Mohammed 1933- 2008   The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins all Muslim Americans in condoling the demise of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed today.

Imam W.D. Mohammed, leader of The Mosque Cares, son of Clara and Elijah Muhammad, had the singular honor of leading a centripetal movement of his community into mainstream Islam.

Warith's father, Hon. Elijah Muhammad, was the leader of the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975, an organization that preaches a form of Black nationalism. Elijah Muhammad died on February 26, 1975.

After his father's death in 1975, Warith Deen Mohammed was accepted by followers of the Nation of Islam as their leader. With his new understanding, based on his lifelong study of the Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad, he brought about many reforms, which brought the followers of the Nation of Islam closer to mainstream Islam and away from Black nationalism. During this journey, he renamed his organization a number of times; and finally The Mosque Cares.

Imam Mohammed who served on the ISNA Majlis Al-Shura, was a member of the first hajj trip sponsored by the MSA.

W.D. Mohammed gave the first invocation in the U.S. Senate ever by a Muslim. In 1993, he gave an Islamic prayer during the first Inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service of President Bill Clinton, and again in 1997 at the second Interfaith Prayer Service.

Imam Mohammed will be remembered as a bridge builder who worked across religious and ethnic lines to forge unity among people.

CAIR Offers Condolences on Death of Imam W. Deen Mohammed

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/9/2008)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is offering its condolences to the family of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, a national leader of the American Muslim community who died today in Illinois.

Imam Mohammed, 74, was the son of Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the Nation of Islam. After his father’s death in 1975, Imam Mohammed led his community to mainstream Islam. He recently presided over a national Islamic convention in Michigan attended by thousands of American Muslims.

Known for his calm and dignified demeanor, Imam Mohammed was a champion of Islamic education, individual and community self-reliance, civil rights, and improved interfaith relations.

“We belong to God and to Him we return,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Imam Mohammed’s spiritual leadership will be greatly missed by the American Muslim community, but his legacy will live on in all those who benefited from his knowledge and guidance.”

“CAIR’s board and staff nationwide are particularly grateful for Imam Mohammed’s wisdom and support over the years and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Awad.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT:

CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726,

E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787,

E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

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