FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: Ayesha k. Mustafaa, Muslim Journal (708) 647-9600
ext. 13 or Sultan Muhammad,
family member at (773) 540-6001 or
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(Chicago, IL 9/09/08)-
The leader of the largest constituent of Muslims in
America Imam
W. Deen Mohammed, son of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad leader of
the
Nation of Islam, passed away today, he was 74..
In 1975, he succeeded his
father, leader of the Nation of Islam opening the
movement to all
races. He was a public servant who stood up against
racial
oppression and worked continuously for peace, unity and
reconciliation. He
maintained his father's legacy of economic and
political empowerment for the
Muslim community.
His passing today was
confirmed in a statement released by the late leader's
family,
'Imam W. Deen Mohammed a follower of Prophet Muhammad - on him be
peace - and Muslim leader passed away today at his home in Markham,
IL.
He
trusted and he believed in the One G-d the Creator of all
systems of Knowledge. We ask that you pray for our father and
leader.' - The Family of Imam W. Deen Mohammed
A Muslim prayer service
(Janazah) for Imam W. Deen Mohammed is planned for this Thursday
(Sept. 11, 2008) at 1:45 p.m. at the Islamic Foundation of Villa
Park, IL, at
300 W. Highridge
Rd. . (zip 60181), followed by internment
to Mt. Glennwood Cemetary, 18301 E. Glenwood and
Thornton
Rd. , in
Glenwood , IL
60425 .
This Friday at 1 p.m. the
Muslim community will hold a unity Jumuah, Friday
Muslim
congregational prayer service, on the community’s property
across
from 2979 W.
167th St. , in
Markham ,
IL .
The Community Memorial
Service is planned for this Saturday (Sept. 13) also on the
community’s property across from 2979 W. 167th St., in Markham, IL
at 1 p.m.
--
Sultan Muhammad
MPD
Studios
1448 East 52nd Street,
Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagot ribune.com/ news/chi- 090908-mohammed- islam-obit,
0,1809841. story
W.D. Mohammed, African-American Muslim leader, dies at 74; son of
Elijah Muhammad
By Ronald Grossman and Margaret
Ramirez |Tribune
reporters
3:55 PM CDT, September 9, 2008
W.
Deen Mohammed, one of the most prominent African-American Muslim leaders in
the nation and the son of the late Nation of Islam leader Elijah
Muhammad, died Monday, sources told the Tribune.
"Brother Imam," as
he was affectionately known, was 74. There was no immediate confirmation of
this
death by his family. The Cook County Medical Examiner confirmed that a Wallace
Mohammed was pronounced dead at his home in the 16100 block of Cambridge Drive
in Markham,
a spokesman said.
Muslim community leaders said Mohammed was scheduled to
speak Tuesday in Chicago and many grew concerned when he did not show. His last
speaking engagement was at Navy
Pier on Saturday at an event sponsored by the Inner-City Muslim Action
Network.
Mohammed inherited from his father the Nation of Islam, a
religious movement crafted out of black nationalism and bits and pieces of
Muslim practice. He immediately tried to move its followers toward mainstream
Islam, eventually leading to a split between those who agreed with Mohammed's
approach and those who stayed with a revived Nation of Islam under Louis
Farrakhan.
Making It Plain
http://aminnathari.wordpress.com/
Imam Warith Deen Mohammed passed away leaving behind a legacy of peace and
reconciliation.
Inna lillahi inna ilaihi rajioon
Imam W. D. Mohammed was a historic figure who played a crucial role in the
development of Muslim life in America He was a community leader who received a
divided community with separate loyalties when his father the Honorable Elijah
Muhammad
died. In those early days he lost everything to those who refused to
join his call. However, his unwavering commitment to Islam and his
relentless pursuit of truth won him the love and affection of those who
gave up everything to follow him. He spent rest of his life not
building an empire but educating Muslims in the ways of the Quran and the
Sunnah of the prophet (pbuh).I have fond memories of him when we both met
President Jimmy Carter in 1979 as grassroots Muslim leaders. May Allah Bless
his soul and give him a place in Jannah.
M.Basheer Ahmed M.D.
Chairman MCC for human Services.
CAIR
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 6:10 PM
#yiv52666528 #yiv779230642 P {
MARGIN-TOP:0px;MARGIN-BOTTOM:0px;}
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.
SEE: Muslim Leader Warith Deen Mohammed Dies (Detroit Free Press)
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/NEWS08/80909074
Imam
Mohammed 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
are from 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.
- END –
CONTACT:
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or
202-744-7726, E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; CAIR Communications Coordinator
Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
