Condolences to the Family of Imam W. Deen Mohammed


Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
 
Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him is our return.

The Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) extends its deepest sympathy to the Mohammed family at the passing of our dear brother and Imam, W. Deen Mohammed, who was deeply loved and highly respected by his family, supporters, believers, friends, religious people of all faiths and leaders nationally and globally. We pray that Allah will bless him with forgiveness, shower him with mercy and grant him a noble place in Paradise.

Imam Mohammed’s unique and historic contribution to the American Muslim community cannot be quantified. Allah used him as a vehicle to bring about the transformation of thousands of African Americans to pure Islam, following the guidance of Qurʼan and Sunnah.  Imam Mohammed was a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation between people of all faiths; he was a tireless educator who constantly called on Muslims to pursue Islamic knowledge as embodied in the Quran and Sunnah; and he was a great champion of business and community involvement.  Through his many years of service, he contributed to the growth and nurturing of many great imams, teachers, leaders, activists and followers within and outside of his community.

In recognition of Imam Mohammed’s immeasurable contribution to Islam in America, MANA awarded him the Lifetime Service Award during our first conference in 2007.  From its very beginning, MANA leadership has sought the guidance and support of Imam Mohammed, who, as always, was extremely gracious in offering advice and encouragement.

May Allah, Most High, comfort his family and help them draw strength from their faith, trust and acceptance of Allah’s will and great wsdom.  We especially mourn with them because this great loss comes on the heels of the passing of Jaabir Herbert Mohammed, Imam Mohammed’s brother.

“O serene soul.  Return to your Lord, pleased and well pleasing.  Enter among My servants.  Enter My garden”  (Al-Fajr, 89:27-30)

The janazah for Imam Mohammed is planned for this Thursday at 1:45 p.m. at the Islamic Foundation of Villa Park, 300 W Highridge Rd., Villa Park, IL 60181, followed by internment at Mt. Glennwood Cemetery, 18301 E Glenwood and Thornton Rd., Glenwood, IL 60425.

A community memorial service is planned for this Saturday at 2 p.m. on the community’s property across from 2979 W. 167th St., Markham, IL.