known Islamic leader in the US who led thousands of African-American Muslims to mainstream Islam, passed away on Sept. 9, in Illinois. He was 74. Born and raised in Hamtramck, Mohammed, also known as Imam W.D. Mohammed, was the son of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of Nation of Islam, a racial political group that ascribed itself to Islam. After his father's death, Mohammed led many followers of the group from a black nationalist organization into embracing mainstream Islam and rejecting ethnic divisions. He probably had more followers than any other Muslim leader in the US. The Muslim Council of Britain offered its condolences to American Muslims and the family of Imam W.D. Mohammed. A towering figure amongst American Muslims, Imam W. D. Mohammed was a pre-eminent bridge-builder, forging interfaith relations throughout the United States. “After his father's death in 1975, Imam Mohammed led his community to mainstream Islam and away from Black Nationalism, thus following the path of another American hero, Malcolm X. W. D. Mohammed was the first Muslim to give an invocation in the United States Senate. In 1993, he gave an Islamic prayer during the first Inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service of President Bill Clinton, and again in 1997 at the second Interfaith Prayer Service,” the press release said. Offering condolences on behalf of the Muslim Council of Britain, Secretary General Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, said: “Imam Mohammed was an inspirational personality not only to the people of the United States but also to all those people the world over. His ability to face modern challenges with humility and grace will be an enduring example for us all.” “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” (Qur'an, 2:156) __
