Mohammed, Warith Deen

Abstract Also known as Wallace D. Mohammed, W. D. Mohammed, or Imam Mohammed, was a renowned African American Muslim theologian as well as a religious and civic leader. He was the son of Elijah Muhammad, a longtime leader of the Nation of Islam who was regarded in the movement as the “Messenger of Allah” and referred to as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Upon his father’s passing in 1975, W. D. Mohammed assumed leadership of the Nation of Islam (NOI) as Supreme Minister and immediately began a transition away from many of Elijah Muhammad’s core teachings. He spoke of this transition as an evolution toward “Al-Islam,” or “the religion of Islam.” Mohammed thereby made a claim to a more authentic understanding of Islam. In effect, Mohammed shifted the organization toward the teachings of Sunni Islam (the predominant branch of Islam throughout the world). Under his leadership, congregations from around the country that were part of the NOI joined in this transition. From 1975 through the 1980s Mohammed instituted many drastic changes in the movement, not only theologically but also politically and institutionally. He moved away from the separatist and Black Nationalist orientation of his father’s movement and in certain ways aligned the movement with national immigrant-based Muslim organizations. He also changed the name of the organization several times and decentralized its leadership structure, while adopting the title of “Imam” instead of “Supreme Minister.” Despite changes he introduced, Imam Mohammed identified his teachings as a continuation of the legacy of the Nation of Islam, and he continued to address the particular concerns and realities of African Americans. Congregations following Imam Mohammed maintained a sense of collective belonging to a shared heritage and national community. A unique tradition thus developed with its own historical memory as well as an identifiable style of religious discourse and set of norms, all drawing heavily on the teachings and guidance of Imam W. D., particularly his interpretations of the Qur’an. These congregations have thus preserved an overarching community and tradition associated with Imam W. D. Mohammed, locating themselves historically in the unique African American experience of the NOI, while also aligning themselves with the global ummah (community of faith). Even after W. D. Mohammed’s passing, these congregations have continued to maintain a sense of shared identity and heritage.