Imam W. Deen Mohammed (ra)

October 30, 1933 – September 9, 2008

Imam W. Deen Mohammed (aka Wallace D. Mohammed) was born Oct. 30, 1933, to The
Honorable Elijah and Sister Clara Muhammad in Hamtramck (Detroit), Mich. 

Imam W. Deen Mohammed, leader of the largestcommunity of Muslims in the United States of America passed on September 9, 2008.  We pray that his work continues to
grow and serve humanity as he would have desired it to, through all of us who
have benefited so greatly from his teachings. Ameen

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 have brought him numerous awards and high honors.  He is a man of vision who has performed many historical ‘firsts’.

Imam Mohammed is the founder of The Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed)

Achievements of Imam Mohammed include:

1988 — Representing Muslims at the World Parliament of Religious Leaders for the Survival of the Earth.

1992 — Imam Mohammed delivered an invocation on the floor of the U.S. Senate (the first given by a Muslim).

1992 — Imam Mohammed delivered the first address by a Muslim on the floor of the Georgia State Legislature (the state of his father’s birth).

1993 - Imam Mohammed participated in the inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service of President Bill Clinton.

1995 — Selected as president of the World Conference on Religion and Peace.

1995 — Attended “Acts of Kindness Week” along with Martin Luther King III and Rosa Parks in Dallas.

1995 — Addressed the Governing Board of the World Conference on Religion and Peace in Copenhagen, Denmark.

1995 — Delivered the keynote address at the Muslim-Jewish Convocation in Glencoe, Ill. ‐ the first serious public dialogue between top leaders of Islam and Reform Judaism.

1996 — Established the Collective Purchase Conference (CPC)

1996 - Imam Mohammed met Pope John Paul, II, at the Vatican, at the invitation of Archbishop William Cardinal Keeler and the Focolare Movement. He met with the Pope again, on October 28,
1999, on the “eve of the New Millennium” in St. Peter’s Basilica with many
other world-religious leaders. 

1997 — attended the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Tehran, Iran.

1997 - the Focolare Movement presented him with the “Luminosa Award”, for promoting Interfaith Dialogue, peace, and understanding in the U.S.

1998 — Addressed the Indiana House of Representatives and delivered the invocation for the Indiana Senate. Invited by Sen. Glenn Howard. Gov. Frank O’Bannon acknowledged Imam Mohammed as an “Honorary Hoosier.”

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.

1999 — Participated in the Conference on Religion and Peace hosted by the Center for Christian and Jewish Understanding.

1999 — Participated in the World Conference on Religion and Peace-Assembly VII in Amman, Jordan. He was elected international president.

2000 — Imam Mohammed was appointed to the Executive Committee of Religious Alliance Against Pornography (RAAP).

2000 - The Focolare Movement and the American Society of Muslims hold an interfaith program in Washington, D.C.

2001 — Sept. 11: Imam Mohammed, in the  strongest terms denounced the terrorist attacks on the United States as un-Islamic and evil.

2002 — Imam Mohammed was inducted as a member of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Imam Mohammed was honored with his portrait in the International Chapel of Morehouse University.

2005 - Imam Mohammed sent a delegation of Imams to a Muslim-Christian in Dialogue First Symposium given by the Catholic based Focolare Movement. The focus was, “Who is G-d for us? “ This program occurred after the recent inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI.

2005 - Imam Mohammed participated in a program that featured, “A Conversation with
Imam W. Deen Mohammed and Cardinal George of the Catholic Archdiocese."

There are many more accolades, achievements and accomplishments made by Imam W. Deen Mohammed that dignify African American Muslims as well as all 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. 

Imam W. Deen Mohammed is the foremost leader of Muslims throughout America and in many other parts of the world.  He is known for his depth in thinking, insight and faith.  His perspectives are clearly Qur'anic based with applications that cut across scriptural, religious, political, cultural and ethnic lines.  He was at the forefront of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.  He is leading the call towards human excellence.

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