The American Muslim community lost a historical figure this week with the passing of Imam W.D. Muhammad of Chicago. The son of Elijah Muhammad, Imam W.D. took over leadership of the Nation of Islam upon the death of his father in 1975. Along with Malcolm X, he had embarked on a spiritual journey which led him away from the black nationalist teachings of his father. Imam W.D. subsequently influenced most African-American Muslims away from the controversial teachings of the Nation of Islam, to embrace mainstream Islam.Living in the Chicago area, Imam W.D. became a well-known leader of the Muslim American Society, with affiliated mosques, schools, and grassroots social centers. In 1992, Imam W.D. Muhammad became the first Muslim to recite a prayer at the invocation of the U.S. Senate. He met with Pope John Paul II in 1996, and participated in two interfaith breakfasts hosted by President Bill Clinton (in 1993 and 1997).
Another high-ranking member of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, rejected his reforms and has continued to lead followers in the Nation's original black separatist teachings since the late 1970s. In recent years, Imam W.D. Muhammad participated in several reconciliation or "unity" meetings with Minister Farrakhan. Pictured above, Imam W.D. Muhammad prays at the conclusion of a reunion conference, with Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan standing behind him (at left). (Photo by Tim Boyle / Getty Images - Chicago, 27 February 2000.)
Upon the death of a person, Muslims remember that our life on earth is limited and that one day we will all pass on. "To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return." Funeral prayers will be held on Thursday in Villa Park, Illinois. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday in Markham, Illinois.
More about W.D. Muhammad and the Nation of Islam:
- History of Islam in America (About.com Guide to Islam)
- Muslims vs. Nation of Islam (About.com Guide to Atheism)
- Biography of Malcolm X (About.com Guide to African-American History)
- Muslim America's Rebellious Son (obituary from the Chicago Times)
- Farewell, America's Imam (CNN)
- The Anointed Son - the story of Imam W.D.'s break with his father (Beliefnet)
FYI… they are not considered muslim
If you are referring to the Nation of Islam, you’re right that they are not considered Muslims. However as the article points out, W.D. Muhammad left the Nation of Islam decades ago, and was a community leader of orthodox Sunni Muslims in the Chicago area.
May the soul of the WD Muhammad rest in real peace. I hope the family will continue his good piece of work for Allahs sake.
Kool
http://few-cents.blogspot.com/
Rahmat and clemency of Allah, for Imam Muhammad, Elijah, and Malcolm X, and all Muslims. My condoleances to his family.
Than Allah introduces them to paradise. And forgives us, and than Quran makes the spring of our soul and heart. Amen
yep i was referring to Nation of Islam
Nation of Islam are Muslims. Those women and men had escaped toward Allah, we can not say them out, and go to hell.
We can converge or diverge with theirs point of views, but they are Muslims. With amicably dialogue and compassion, and a good knowledge of Charia(Quran ,Sunnah), we can converge, and avoiding misunderstanding. If there is divergence in idea, maybe the mutual respect is demanding and forgiveness the one to other. The difference in idea is natural, and acceptable, but the exclusion and violence is not acceptable.
Islam is a universal religion for humanity, it is not for a race against other, but every one will be judged by his intention and action (work), in the other day. Thank you ,and excuse me please.
Maybe said To be Muslim you have to have the correct belief that is there is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the last revealed prophet of Allah. As well as having the correct belief in Allah attributes. Allah do not resemble creation in any way, Allah is not a body, Allah does not dwell in a place, Allah do not move, Allah exist now as He has always existed. Allah does not resemble creation in any way. This is the belief of a Muslim, Allah is not a person, and the last prophet was Muhammad.