The Late Imam Warith Deen Muhammad
He called himself Muslim American Spokesman for Human Salvation and encouraged the common people and leaders of all religious traditions to return to the purity of their faith. Others called him “America’s Imam”; leader of the Muslim American Experience. He defined it, gave direction to it and devoted his life to it. Imam W. Deen Mohammed worked for the establishment of Muslim life in America and for freedom, justice and equality for Muslims, African Americans and all people. He both taught and demonstrated that Al-Islam is not only compatible with democracy but in fact gave birth to these same principles. His followers have proven that there is no contradiction between living a Muslim life and that of an American
From 1975 to 2008 Imam W. Deen Mohammed traveled America and the world promoting interfaith cooperation for the common good of all, that humanity might achieve human excellence.
Born Wallace Delaney Mohammed (1933-2008) he was the seventh child of Elijah and Clara Muhammad builders of the Nation of Islam (1932-1975). Upon the passing of his father in 1975, he was voted leader of the Nation of Islam and immediately began to bring mem- bers of that community to the proper worship of G-d. He praised his father, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, for the good he did for forty years in raising the consciousness of the Black man and woman in America; equipping them with love for themselves and courage to do for themselves. He said “That which is consistent with the Qur’an we will keep, and that which is not, we will let go.” At the same time he addressed the psychological and social damage the Caucasian image of G-d imposed on African Americans as well as Caucasians for millennia. Within a span of ten years he had transformed the former followers of his father from the worship of G-d as a man to the universal religion of Al-Islam contained in the Qur’an and the life of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (prayers and peace be upon him). This made him singularly responsible for what many observers consider a “modern day miracle” – the largest conversion to Al-Islam in the world in the twentieth-century. In 1977, he was responsible for leading the largest delegation of Muslim Americans in history to Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Mecca.
Imam W. Deen Mohammed introduced the Qur’an as the verifiable authority that human identity comes from G-d and human beings were created in excellence. This was the basis for his initiation of CRAID, (The Committee to Remove All Racial Images of Divine) in 1978. CRAID energized significant dialogue among Christians and Muslims around the topic of the effects of racial images in worship. This dialogue resulted in the attenuation of inferiority among Afri-
can Americans and the removal of the Caucasian image of G-d from numerous church premises.
Recognized as one of the most significant religious leaders of the twentieth-century, Imam W. Deen Mohammed served as leader of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1995. In March of the same year he was the keynote speaker at the Muslim-Jewish Convocation in Glencoe, IL and visited Israel and Jordan in 1999. His relationship with the Focolare Movement of the Catholic Church and Lady Chiara Lu- brich is unprecedented. He is the only African American and Muslim to have spoken from the pulpit of the Vatican – addressing over one hundred thousand – at the invitation of Pope John Paul II, in 1999. His tributes include Signatory to the Williamsburg Charter Foundation “First Liberty” Reaffirmation Ceremony for the Freedom of Religion, June 25, 1988; the Cup of Compassion Award from Hartford Seminary; Honorary Doctorate Degrees and numerous other prestigious awards. His portrait, commissioned by Morehouse College, hangs in the MLK, Jr. International Chapel with President Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama. He was awarded the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Award and inducted into the MLK, Jr. International Board of Preachers.
His emphasis on the Revival of Religion included the Muslim world which in 1975 was dormant, mired in global polemical issues and not living up to the historical excellence of the traditions of Prophet Mohammed (ppbuh). As such, Imam Mohammed refused to align the new community of Muslims in America with any foreign government but said, “We only support the good they do”. He rejected the lan- guage of Orientalists, such as the term orthodox Islam, and avoided sectarian labels of Sunni and Shia preferring to define his followers as seeking to demonstrate the uswaah (character) of the Holy Prophet Mohammed, (ppbuh). As a special guest of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) in Tehran 1997, he worked to erase distinctions between those called Sunni and Shia and reminded them that those descriptions did not exist during the life of Mohammed, the Prophet (ppbuh).
The distinction of being the first Muslim to offer the Invocation in the United States Senate in 1992 was punctuated by the accolades offered by the three Senators that sponsored him and the 500 guest reception which followed.
Imam Mohammed was particularly sensitive to the relationship between Muslim African Americans and the larger African American community stating, “African American Muslims are not to separate from African American Christians. We cannot separate ourselves from the Christian leaders who got us as far as we have gotten before we [re]connected with The Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammed (prayers and peace be upon him).” “They are our brothers and sisters in humanity, in our life as people descended from African parents and as people oppressed in these United States.”
From the beginning of his leadership, Imam W. Deen Mohammed championed the cause of women, as did his father. He dismantled the male and female classes the FOI and the MGT-GCC without bloodshed or conflict. Muslim Girls Training became Muslim Women’s Development Class which encouraged women to pursue their G-d-given talents in the home and the society. CERWIS (Committee to Enhance the Role of Women in Society) was established to address the larger social issues that hindered the elevation of women in society. He supported the equality of male and female with the Qur’an and brought women into leadership positions while continually stressing the importance of moral behavior and family life. To Imam Mohammed education was the number one priority of the Muslim community. He renamed the University of Islam schools, Clara Muhammad Elementa- ry and Secondary Schools in honor of the dedication and sacrifices of his mother. The schools have been lauded by government and civic leaders as a contribution to educational excellence.
In July, 1977, he held up the American flag told his supporters to vote and established New World Patriotism Day; parades were held throughout Chicago and other major cities. He advised his support- ers to claim their share of life in America.
On August 23, 1984, for the first time in American history, Imam W. Deen Mohammed took a delegation of 10,000 Muslims to the Na- tion’s capital for the first ever Muslim Political Convention. Centered around the Washington Monument on the National Mall he addressed the theme “Building Political Responsibility. He later spoke to an audience addressing “The Earth – Our Home” promoting responsibility to the earth and the environment.
In the early 1980’s Imam W. Deen Mohammed introduced the con- cept of New Africa and said “There are two things I will never give up, Al-Islam and my African American identity”. He envisioned mod- el communities that reflect the best of African, Muslim and African American identities and continued to stress economic development, do-for-self ownership and collective economics to provide economic stability. Imam Mohammed believed that with The Qur’an, skin color – Black – was no longer an organizing principle for African Americans, that the Nation of Islam’s focus on Blackness had sufficiently served its purpose. He said that Muslim African Americans were a new people born out of Revelation (The Qur’an) and he introduced the community to the Muslim African Ancestor, Bilal ibn Rabah, who provides dignity and direction.
Bilal who was a slave to the Arabs, was liberated by Al-Islam and became the first Treasurer and Muezzin to the first Muslim community. Bilal called Believers to prayer five times a day. Imam W. Deen Mohammed coined the term Bilalian in his honor to replace Black which did not have the depth of dignity required for a new people. Bilalian was used only for a short period because some in the Muslim world and in America suggested he was developing a “cult”; to avoid that
designation, he stopped using the term. Imam W. Deen Mohammed said, just as Bilal stood on top of the Ka’ba and called the faithful to prayer, “It is the prophetic destiny [of Muslim African Americans] to call all of humanity back from the seeds of destruction to the straight path of the true worship of G-d”.
[ONLINE ONLY]
From the Desk of Alvin Shareef, Resident Imam, New Medinah Islamic Community
On behalf of the New Medinah Community, we welcome you to the 38th Annual Islamic Retreat.
We are especially grateful for Your SacriÞces and Your Presence and may Allah (SWT) Most High reward you greatly.
We pray to Allah (SWT) Most High that your presence at this year's Retreat brings about excellent Growth and Development in our efforts to establish Islamic Community Life.
Thank you again, and know that we cannot stop now.
Alvin J. Shareef, Resident Imam New Medinah, MS
38TH ANNUAL NEW MEDINAH ISLAMIC RETREAT
Theme: “RECONNECT, REUNITE & REFOCUS… in An Environment that Makes it Easy to Remember THE CREATOR”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - May 24-26, 2024
FRIDAY-MAY 24TH
GRAND BAZAAR – OPEN DAILY PAVILION #1
12:00p 5:00 REGISTRATION
12:45 1:00 MASJID WELCOME & INTRO:
Imam Alvin Shareef, Resident Imam, New Medinah
1:00 2:00 MASJID SALATUL JUMU’AH: Khatib, Imam Yahya Abdullah, Jacksonville, FL
2:15 2:30 DACC DINNER
2:15 3:00 DACC
MUSLIM JOURNAL – “Update & Status of Muslim Journal” Sis. Ayesha Mustafaa, Muslim Journal Editor & Sis. Daaiyah Muhammad, Atlanta, GA
Facilitator: Sabir Abdul-Haqq, New Medinah
3:30 5:30 PAVILION #2 Basketball / Volleyball /Games / Sports / Children’s VillageSEE YOUTH SCHEDULE
WORKSHOP – “Reconstructing the African American Family After Its Destruction”
3:30 4:15 DACC
4:30 5:15 DACC
Bro. Mark Shahid, Host of “IWDM” Radio
Facilitator: Ishmael Abdul-Haqq, New Medinah
WORKSHOP – “The Intimacy of the Prophets”
Imam MaHajj Abdul-Baaqee, Memphis, TN
Facilitator: Imam Alvin Shareef, New Medinah
5:15 5:45 MASJID Salatul-Asr
6:30 8:30 DACC An Evening of Cultural Expressions & Virtual Bonfire Featuring – Imam Wilmore Sadiki, Clearwater, FL
8:30 8:45 MASJID Salatul-Maghrib
9:15 9:30 MASJID Salatul Isha
DACC Dr. Rashad Ali Community Center
MASJID – Activities in Musallah
CLASSROOM – Classrooms in Masjid
SATURDAY-MAY 25TH
GRAND BAZAAR – OPEN DAILY PAVILION #1
5:00a 9:00
Salatul Fajr, Qur’anic Reading, Camping: Facilitators – Aqeel Salaam, Demetria Salaam, Aisha El-Amin, New Medinah
8:00 5:00 REGISTRATION
8:00 8:45 DACC
8:30 11:00 OFFSITE
9:00 Until PAVILLION #2
9:00 10:45 CLASSROOM
9:00 9:45 DACC
10:00 10:45 DACC
11:00 11:45 DACC
12:15 12:45 DACC
WORKSHOP – “Our Health is Our Garden, So Let’s Protect It” Dr. Felicia King, Naturopath & Chiropractor, Jackson, MS
Facilitator: Sabir Abdul-Haqq, New Medinah
FISHING TRIP-Ages 14 & under must be accompanied by an adult
Basketball / Volleyball /Games / Sports / Children’s VillageSEE YOUTH SCHEDULE
YOUTH
WORKSHOPS –“Reading the Colorful Signs of Allah’s Creation” All Ages Dr. Lynne Muhammad, Chicago, IL
Facilitator: Hafeeza Mahmoud, New Medinah
WORKSHOP: “Institution Building” Imam Hanif & Baiyina H. Khalil, Kamp Khalil, Houston, TX
Facilitator: Ishmael Abdul-Haqq, New Medinah
WORKSHOP “Interpretating Natural Phenomenon thru the Ages…Is It All Gloom & Doom?”
Ustadha, Aneesah Dawan, Little Rock Arkansas
Facilitator: Saabirah Mohammed Bashir, New Medinah
WORKSHOP – “New Medinah: From Concept to Institution” Dr. Rashad Ali, New Medinah
Facilitator: Imam Mikal Uqdah, New Medinah
LUNCH & VISIT THE GRAND BAZAAR
1:00 1:20 MASJID Salatul-Dhur
1:30 5:00 ONSITEOFF-SITE -
2:30 3:15 DACC
3:30 5:00 CLASSROOM
HORSEBACK RIDING / GAMES / BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT / CHILDREN’S VILLAGE / SWIMMING (SEE YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR DETAILS)
WORKSHOP -“Re-igniting the Spirit in Marriage Whether You’re Single or Married!” Imam Furqan & Daaiyah Muhammad, Atlanta, GA
Facilitator: Imam Alvin Shareef, New Medinah
SINGLES’ SOCIAL “Reconnect, Reunite & Refocus”
Facilitators: Imam Furqan & Daaiyah Muhammad, Atlanta, GA
Imam MaHajj & April Abdul-Baaqee, Memphis, TN
4:00 5:00 NEW MEDINAH GAMES CONTINUE (ADULTS & YOUTH)
5:15 5:30 MASJID Salatul-Asr
COMMUNITY BANQUET – (Come as You Are!- CasualDress)
“The Remembrance of the Creator Frees the Mind & Cures the Heart”
6:30 7:45 DACC
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Imam Rashad Abdul-Rahmaan, Atlanta, GA
Fashions Show by “IKLAS”
Facilitators: Demetria Salaam, New Medinah / Bro. Ya-Sin Shabazz, Biloxi, MS
8:00 8:30 MASJID Salatul Maghrib
8:30 Until PAVILION #2
BONFIRE (Fun Under the Stars)
Featuring Cultural Expressions by Imam Wilmore Sadiki
Facilitator: Bro. James Mahmoud
9:15 9:30 MASJID Salatul-Isha
DACC Dr. Rashad Ali Community Center
MASJID – Activities in Musallah
CLASSROOM – Classrooms in Masjid
38TH ANNUAL NEW MEDINAH ISLAMIC RETREAT
Theme: “RECONNECT, REUNITE & REFOCUS… in An Environment that Makes it Easy to Remember THE CREATOR”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - May 24-26, 2024
SUNDAY-MAY 26TH
GRAND BAZAAR – OPEN DAILY PAVILION #1
5:00a 6:15
8:00 9:30 DACC
9:00 12:00 PAVILION #2
10:00 12:00 MASJID
Salatul Fajr, Qur’anic Reading, Camping: Facilitators – Aqeel Salaam, Demetria Salaam, Aisha El-Amin, New Medinah
SUNDAY BREAKFAST PROGRAM & NEW MEDINAH LANDOWNERS’ MEETING
New Medinah Landowners’ Update – Open to Everyone
Facilitator: Dr. Rashad Ali
CHILDREN’S VILLAGE OPEN FOR YOUTH
SISTERS’ SESSION – “Path to The Qur’an, Woman! Leave this World Behind!”
Featuring: Ustadha Aneesah Dawan, Sis. April Abdul-Baaqee
Facilitator: Sis. Nadiyah Shareef, New Medinah
BROTHERS’ SESSION – “Brother-To-Brother…Let’s talk!!!”
10:00 12:00 DACC
12:30 1:30 MASJID
Featuring: (Imams) MaHajj Abdul Baaqee, Rashad Abdul-Rahman, Muhammad Furqan, Wilmore Sadiki & Bro. Mark Shahid
Facilitators: Imams Alvin Shareef, Mikal Uqdah, Azizuddin Bashir, New Medinah
TALEEM- “How to Regenerate the Community for Greater Progress (Spiritually, Economically, etc.)”
Imam Yahya Abdullah, Jacksonville, FL
Facilitator: Imam Alvin Shareef, New Medinah
1:30 2:00 MASJID Salatul Dhur
2:00 4:00 DEPART DACC TOURS -PLEASE -MEET AT DACC-2:00PM
DACC Dr. Rashad Ali Community Center
MASJID – Activities in Musallah
CLASSROOM – Classrooms in Masjid
38TH ANNUAL NEW MEDINAH ISLAMIC RETREAT
Theme: “RECONNECT, REUNITE & REFOCUS… in An Environment that Makes it Easy to Remember THE CREATOR” YOUTH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - May 24-26, 2024
FRIDAY-MAY 24TH -PAVILION #2
12:00p 5:00 REGISTRATION
12:45 1:00 MASJID WELCOME & INTRO: Imam Alvin Shareef, Resident Imam, New Medinah
1:00 2:00 MASJID SALATUL JUMU’AH: Khatib, Imam Yahya Abdullah, Jacksonville, FL
2:15 3:00 DACC DINNER
3:30 5:00 PAVILION #2
Water Slide, Water Events: Water Balloon Launcher, Water Transport Skirmish, Water Balloon Combat, Double Lane Slip & Slide, Water Bubbles, etc.
5:15 5:45 MASJID Salatul-Asr
6:30 8:30 DACC “An Evening of Cultural Expressions & Virtual Bonfire” Featuring – Imam Wilmore Sadiki, Clearwater, FL
8:30 8:45 MASJID Salatul Maghrib
9:15 9:30 MASJID Salatul Isha
SATURDAY-MAY 25TH
– PAVILION #2
8:30a 11:00 OFFSITE Fishing Trip – Ages 14 & under must be accompanied by an adult 9:00 9:45 CLASSROOM PART 1-YOUTH WORKSHOPS-“Reading the Colorful Signs of Allah” Ages 13-17 years old
9:00 10:00 PAVILION #2
Dr. Lynne Muhammad, Chicago, IL Facilitator: Hafeeza Mahmoud, New Medinah
TOSS COMPETITION GAMES: Bean Bag Toss, Cup Toss, Disc Toss, Ring Toss – Ages 5-12 years old
9:45 10:30 CLASSROOM PART 2-YOUTH WORKSHOPS-“Reading the Colorful Signs of Allah” Ages 5-12 years old
9:00 10:00 PAVILION #2
TOSS COMPETITION GAMES: Bean Bag Toss, Cup Toss, Disc Toss, Ring Toss – 13-17 years old
10:00 2:00 PAVILION #2 HORSEBACK RIDING
10:30 12:30 PAVILION #2
12:15 12:45 DACC
1:00 1:20 DACC
1:30 2:30 ALI POOL
1:30 2:30 PAVILION #2
1:30 2:30 ALI POOL
3:00 4:00 PAVILION #2
Races: Leg Race, Sack Race, Egg Race, Horseshoes, Basketball Free Throw Challenge – ALL AGES
LUNCH & VISIT THE GRAND BAZAAR
Salatul-Dhur
SWIMMING (BOYS ONLY)
KICKBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON (GIRLS ONLY)
SWIMMING (GIRLS ONLY)
KICKBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON (BOYS ONLY)
4:00 5:30 MASJID New Medinah Games – (Adults & Youth)
5:15 5:30 MASJID Salatul Asr
COMMUNITY BANQUET – (Come as You Are!- Casual Dress)
“The Remembrance of the Creator Frees the Mind & Cures the Heart”
6:30 7:45 DACC
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Imam Rashad Abdul-Rahmaan, Atlanta, GA Fashions Show by “IKLAS”
Facilitators: Demetria Farve-Salaam, New Medinah / Bro. Ya-Sin Shabazz, Biloxi, MS
8:00 8:30 MASJID Salatul Maghrib
8:30 Until PAVILION #2
BONFIRE (Fun Under the Stars)
Featuring Cultural Expressions by Imam Wilmore Sadiki
Facilitator: Bro. James Mahmoud
9:15 9:30 MASJID Salatul Isha
SUNDAY-MAY 26TH – PAVILION #2
8:00 8:45 DACC
9:00 12:00 CLASSROOM
SUNDAY BREAKFAST PROGRAM
MOVIE & FUN TIME (Hands On Smart Sand Sculpt/Shape)
Alvin Jamal Shareef is the Resident Imam of Masjid Al-Halim of New Medinah. The New Medinah community was first established in 1987, and Alvin Shareef has been its Imam for the majority of those years.
Imam Alvin was Resident Imam of the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Islamic Center before families moved on to the land in New Medinah. Imam Alvin was Resident Imam when Believers moved into a nearby facility until the first masjid could be completed. With the help of Allah (SWT), the masjid and school opened its doors in 1991. With the assistance of believers from the New Medinah community, from New Orleans; Gulfport, Biloxi, and Jackson Mississippi., the 64-acre community of New Medinah was established.
Imam Alvin has been principal of the Clara Mohammed Elementary and New Medinah High School since 2000. In 1991, the New Medinah Islamic School System began with grades first through sixth adding a grade each year. After completing its thirtieth year, The New Medinah Islamic School System serves grades first through twelfth as the only full-time virtual Islamic school system in the state of Mississippi.
Imam Alvin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1986. Imam Alvin is a certified teacher in the State of Mississippi. He was Data Processing Manager for the Hattiesburg Public Schools (1989 to 1996). Imam Alvin served as adjunct professor for the Pearl River Community College (Hattiesburg and Columbia, Mississippi) from 1998 until 2017, where he taught computer technology courses.
Imam Alvin is married to Nadiyah I. Shareef, has four sons, one daughter (now deceased), five daughters-in-law, 3 sons-in-law, and sixteen grandchildren. Imam Alvin is the son of pioneers Abdul-Hakim (deceased) and Ruth Shareef of the New Medinah community.
Aneesah Dawan, Little Rock, AR
Aneesah was born to Muslim parents but accepted Al-Islam on her own at age 13. She is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and graduate of the Historic Little Rock Central High School. Her post-secondary education was focused in the areas of Philosophy and Religious Study at the University of Arkansas and Criminal Justice at the University of Houston-Downtown. Additional undergraduate work and studies were at Abu Nour University in Damascus, Syria in Arabic and Islamic Studies.
She had earlier Islamic and Arabic education and the science of Tajweed from various Imams, and teachers under the leadership of Imam W.D. Mohammed including Imam Qasim Ahmed. She lectures at Islamic and Interfaith conferences while also representing women in Al-Islam, so as to provide clear sound Qur’anic understanding and the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Imam Hanif & Baiyina Khalil, Houston, TX
As a former student of the Clara Muhammad School of Miami, FL and the eldest child of parents who transitioned to Al-Islam through the Nation of Islam, Baiyina has always had a strong sense of who she is and what she is capable of. On March 18, 2000, at the age of 19, she married Hanif M. Khalil.
Hanif M. Khalil is the 8th of 12 children born to parents who also transitioned from the Nation of Al-Islam under the leadership of Imam Warith Deen Mohammaed. Hanif knew as early as 12 years old that marriage was his goal. He transferred from Kansas State University to Florida State University after marriage at the tender age of 19. Before graduation, he became a father in April 2002.
Both Hanif and Baiyina graduated from Florida State University in December of 2002 with a BS in Sport Management and a BS degree in English Education, respectively.
After graduating and moving to Orlando, FL, they began working towards their family goals. They are dedicated to the development of our future leaders, preservation of our ummah, and continuation of the legacy of our ancestors. Through youth interaction, they are working to fulfill their purpose. In 2003, they co-founded Kamp Khalil, Inc., a non-profit organization for youth ages 12 to 17 that provides an Islamic, educational, and fun environment to promote life skills and leadership.
Baiyina is a certified teacher. She currently teaches 10th grade English with the Alief ISD and is the owner of Khalil Investments, LLC. Outside of work, she loves exercising, making people laugh and feel at ease, eating well, and spending quality time with her husband and business partner, Imam Hanif M. Khalil, son, Kamal, and daughter, Aasiyah. Hanif M. Khalil is an associate Imam at both Masjid Warithuddeen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Quran. Hanif has spent most of his career in the intersection of the Sport, Technology, and Entrepreneurship space. He currently is the President and Chief Visionary Officer of Crescent Sports Media, a digital media company that provides coverage and gives a platform to Muslims in sport and their impact on society.
Crescent Sport Media also promotes the excellence of all athletes on
/ off the playing surfaces, in business, and in the community. He also provides career management and consulting services to professional athletes striving to achieve success on and off the playing surfaces.
Hanif has also traveled to over 6 African countries as part of an innovation excursion connecting entrepreneurs and innovators from around the globe. In his spare time, Hanif loves reading, playing basketball, discussing relevant social issues and spending time with family and friends.
Imam Hanif and Baiyina Khalil currently reside in Houston, TX with their two children, Kamal and Aasiyah.
Rashad N. Ali, MD, JD, FACOG, New Medinah, MS
Rashad received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi in 1985. He then completed his internal medicine internship at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and Emergency Medicine residency training at Eglin Air Force Base, Regional Hospital, Florida. Dr. Ali completed a second residency in OB/GYN at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi in 1992. Dr. Ali served as Chief of OB/GYN Services for the 5th Medical Group, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, until his return to Mississippi in 1994. He received a law degree from Concord Law School in 2005 and a Business Management Leadership Degree from UCLA Anderson School of Business in 2008.
Dr. Ali joined Family Health Center in August 2006 as Chief Executive Officer. Since his arrival, Family Health Center has continuously expanded and is currently serving patients at 5 locations accommodating more than 72,000 visits per year. Dr. Ali has over 25 years experience as an OB/GYN Physician and is a highly regarded surgeon. He has pioneered diagnostic treatments and applications for women with high-risk pregnancies and reproductive complications. Dr. Ali is the founder of the Family Health Center endowment, The Foundation for Improving Healthcare Disparities.
Prior to joining Family Health Center, Dr. Ali served as Medical Director of OB/GYN Associates of Laurel, Mississippi. He is a nationally recognized expert in the operation and management of public healthcare facilities. Dr. Ali recently served as the first African American Chief of the Medical Staff at South Central Regional Medical Center and past President of the Mississippi Primary Healthcare Association, comprising over 21 Community Health Centers throughout Mississippi.
Also, Dr. Ali has been an advisor to The New Medinah Islamic School Board for the past 15 years and has been integral part in the development of The New Medinah Islamic Community from its inception in 1987 to the present. Dr. Ali frequently travels internationally seeking
opportunities to improve healthcare, develop business relationships, and promote community development as well as addressing various humanitarian issues.
Imam FurQan & Daaiyah Muhammad, Atlanta, GA
FurQan Abdel Muhammad was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. and is the Imam of Masjid Al-Mu’minun. He heard the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad as 16-year-old teenager. When Imam W. Deen Mohammed came into leadership in 1975, FurQan made the transition to Al-Islam proper.
Imam FurQan is “The Peoples Imam”. He travels all over Georgia, servicing prisons and jails, he visits the sick, he does marriage counseling (before and after the ceremony) as well as counseling to whomever calls on him. He speak in churches and on the radio. His phone rings day and night. He makes sure the Masjid is open for the 5 daily Salats. He is the Convenor the Metro Atlanta Majlis Ashura.
Daaiyah Habeeullah Muhammad was born in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved to Atlanta in December 1971. After working for Avon Products in Customer Service for 29 years she retired in 2009 in which she became a full time “Grandma”. Presently she does fundraising for AAII (African American Islamic Institute). She recently became a Muslim Journal Vendor.
FurQan and Daaiyah made Hajj in 1989. They have been married for 50 years. Allah has blessed them with 1 daughter who has returned to Allah, 2 sons and 10 grandchildren. Alhamdulilahirabilalimin.
Mark Shakoor Shahid, St. Louis, MO
Mr. Mark Shakoor Shahid, a nationally recognized Muslim pioneer, has been in the Islamic community for fifty-seven years. Currently an active leader and member of Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center of St Louis, Missouri, for over 8 ½ years has been a member of the Majlis Ash Shura Board at Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center. Mr. Shahid was born and raised in St. Louis and is still a resident. For more than 15 years Mr. Shahid has been addressing critical issues as an advocate for healthy courtships, marriages, and family relationships. Mr. Shahid is blessed to father seven children and the grandfather of eighteen.
For more than thirty-eight years Mr. Shahid worked as an entrepreneur
and contractor in the field of painting and decorating as “Designer” specializing in textures for ceiling and wall finishes. He worked for Walt Disney Production exclusively at Disney Land for two years in Anaheim, California as a Decorating Specialist. Mr. Shahid retired as vice president of local 2341 of the Painters District Council #2 in St Louis, Missouri.
For almost ten years Mr. Shahid has devoted his time in supporting American Muslim 360 (AM360) radio and has held many positions. Mr. Shahid served on the Board of Directors for the Community Wide Shuraa Conference (CWSC) for two years and was Public Affairs and Relations Director for both CWSC and AM360 radio. Mr. Shahid also served as Special Senior Consultant to the Program Manager for AM360 radio.
Mr. Shahid formerly is talk show host, facilitator, and producer of Courtship and Marriage Learning Lab on AM360 radio. He also hosts, facilitates and produces the sister Leaning Lab, Parenting and Family Reconstruction. Mr. Shahid was formerly the host and producer of the CWSC Roundtable for approximately 5 ½ years. On the CWSC Roundtable he interviewed many distinguished and esteemed guests inside and outside of the Muslim community; in topics that were pertinent to us as a community.
Mr. Shahid has made presentations, created learning labs, developed workshops, instructed and facilitated various lectures on healthy male/ female and family relationships. Courtship and marriage being of the many subjects which has helped many couples work through difficult issues.
His focus is to help establish healthy relationships for couples understanding the art and skill of listening and communicating better.
His teaching style has been sought after for male/female and family relationship workshops and lectures. He has been invited to make presentations and has appeared on Words Make People , Muslim Women in Action, Muslim Men in Action, Solution for Critical Issues, and many others. On “The Female Solution” Mark was co-host for over 3 years and was invited by the Black Hebrew Israelites to do lectures on courtship and marriage solutions. In 2017 Mark Shahid received recognition for “Media Excellence” given by Muslim Journal “Time to be Grateful” in Washington DC. In 2019, Brother Mark received the Twin Service of Peace Excellence in Broadcasting Award in C.W.S.C. and A.M. 360 Blog Talk Radio. Mr. Shahid is a student of Imam W.D. Mohammed (RA) loves the religion of Al-Islam and is always looking for opportunities to help others. He currently has transitioned Courtship and Marriage Learning Lab and Family and Reconstruction Learning Lab to IWDM Blog Talk Radio.
Ayesha has been editor of the Muslim Journal weekly newspaper since January 1989. She earned her udergraduate degree with a double major in Psychology and Political Science from Bucknell University. She earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Columbia College of Chicago, IL.
She joined the community of Muslims affiliated with Imam W. Deen Mohammed in late 1974, through the Atlanta, GA., Muslim Community. She later moved to Chicago in mid 1975 and worked throughout the Muslim Community Offices prior to becoming Muslim Journal editor.
Her initial job in Chicago was to assist with creating the “Imam Kits”, the training Imam W.D. Mohammed used in the Nation of Islam Ministers and Captains for the role of Imams, a time which she calls her “greatest learning experience.”
She now teaches Journalism at Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS. A street in New Medinah, MS has been named in her honor at New Medinah’s 25th Annual Retreat of 2011.
Dr. Felicia King, Jackson, MS
Dr. Felicia King is a licensed chiropractor in the state of Mississippi. She is a native of Indianola, MS. Her curiosity to alternative ways of healing led her to move to Atlanta, GA to pursue her calling as a chiropractor.
She completed her studies at Life University where she was introduced to a whole new genre of thinking about healthcare. However, being conscious to her own life lessons did not begin until the year 2002 shortly after finishing chiropractic school.
Through her own personal experiences, she has discovered a passion for helping herself and others change the patterns of thinking that interfere with the quality of life we all strive for. Using the awareness and tools from bumping into her own life lessons, she helps others to alter their consciousness and create a life they choose. Dr. King embraces the reality that we are truly powerful beings!
Dr. King is president and founder of Highway2Health Chiropractic Center, Inc. (2002-current); member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. graduate chapter, Rho Lambda Omega (2015-2022); Member of the Ausar Auset Society (2010-2016); Community Emergency Response Team member (2006-2008); Chair of the holistic health committee of Spirit of Oneness, Inc. (2005-2007); served as an American Red Cross volunteer (2000-2002); Assistant Secretary and chairman of the Health Commit-
tee of the NAACP Sunflower County Branch #5333 (2010-2012); project lead for “Healthy U...A Gourmet Academy for Delta Youth” of Khafre, Inc. (2011); Acting Secretary for ROBD (2014-2015); Governor appointed member of the Mississippi State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (2023-current); President and founder of Indianola Freedom House Charities, Inc. (2023-present). She has experience in the healing arts of energy work and one-on-one Nutritional supplementation consulting.
Dr. King graduated from Gentry High School, Indianola, MS, 1993; obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Med Chemistry with a minor in Biology from Alcorn State University, 1997; received a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University, 2002.
Mahajj Abdul-Baaqee is a dedicated Memphis Police officer who has made significant contributions to fostering understanding and respect for Muslim traditions within the police force. His commitment to community engagement and cultural awareness has been instrumental in building bridges between law enforcement and the Memphis Muslim community.
As a liaison, Mahajj plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration. He actively works to ensure that officers are well-informed about Muslim practices during investigations, promoting an environment of mutual respect and cultural sensitivity.
Mahajj’s dedication extends beyond his official duties. He actively participates in community events, workshops, and outreach programs, aiming to create a harmonious relationship between law enforcement and the diverse communities they serve.
April Abdul-BaaQee, a talented photographer based in Memphis, Tennessee, has an eye for capturing the extraordinary in everyday life. Her work goes beyond mere snapshots; it delves into the essence of hidden moments and reveals unique perspectives.
Through her lens, April explores the beauty of candid scenes, behindthe-scenes glimpses, and the subtle details that often go unnoticed. Her photography resonates with authenticity and emotion, inviting viewers to see the world through a different lens.
April shares her captivating photographs through her platform, “Photos by April Abdul-BaaQee,” on Facebook. Her images evoke curiosity, spark conversations, and celebrate the richness of life.
Both Mahajj and April exemplify the power of community involvement. While Mahajj focuses on cultural understanding within law enforce-
MaHajj & April Abdul-Baaqee, Memphis, TN 17
ment, April’s lens captures the essence of meaningful moments, leaving a lasting impact on those who view her work. Together, they contribute to a more connected and compassionate community.
Imam Rashad Abdul-Rahmaan, Atlanta, GA
Imam Rashad grew up in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Brenda Abdullah, came into the Nation of Islam in 1975 or 1976, and his father Mansur Abdullah and his stepfather were already in the Nation of Islam.
He was raised in the community of Imam W.D. Mohammed. Growing up, he listened to the lectures of Imam Mohammed being played in the house or the car and attended various places to hear him speak. They went to Ta’alim on Sundays and Jummah. Mornings began with Qur’an readings as a family.
Imam Rashad considers his upbringing a basic Muslim American experience, with an awareness of being part of something specific that set them apart from other African Americans and other Muslims. As he got older, that identity became more pronounced.
Rashad Abdul-Rahmaan is a student of the late Muslim American leader, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, and founder and director of The Institute of Qur’an Study and Leadership. He has also studied Usul ud-Deen, Qur’anic Sciences, Hadith Sciences, Qira’at, Comparative Religious Studies, and Philosophy.
He has recently published “The Message of Al-Islam”, “The Foundations of Al-Islam”, and “On Prophets and Prophetic Types” He also has a YouTube channel @rashadabdulrahmaan dedicated to the propagation of the religion.
Dr. Lynne Muhammad, Chicago, IL
Dr. Lynne Muhammad has worked in the field of education for over 35 years. She began at the Clara Muhammad School in Chicago, Illinois teaching elementary and high school math and science classes. She is also a board member of the New Medinah Islamic School System.
In 1988, she co-founded Muhammad’s Developmental School, located in her home. She taught classes, developed the curriculum and conducted professional development classes until the school closed due to personal concerns.
After earning Type 9 and 10 teaching certificates, she began working for the Chicago Public Schools, currently teaching honors biology at Whitney Young Magnet High School. In addition, she is the owner of MAD Discoveries, a home based – enrichment program allowing inner city (potentially at- risk) students an opportunity to engage in inquiry-based science activities.
In addition to her work at Muhammad’s Developmental School, Dr. Lynne Muhammad has been actively involved in educational research and advocacy. Her passion lies in creating innovative teaching methods that cater to diverse learning styles particularly in the arenas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM).
Over the years, she has authored several articles on effective pedagogy and presented her findings at national and international conferences.
Dr. Muhammad’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. She has served on various educational boards and committees, working to improve educational policies and access for underserved communities. Her tireless efforts have earned her recognition as a trailblazer in the field of education.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Muhammad enjoys helping children learn, sudoku, quilting & crocheting. Her dedication to lifelong learning continues to inspire both students and colleagues alike.
A believer is like a brick for another believer, one supporting the other. (Muslim)
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is a pivotal gathering for elected officials, municipal officials, industry leaders and advocates to meet, learn, exchange ideas and take real opportunities back to the communities they serve.
There are three key areas of focus: Education • Finance • Workforce Development
EDUCATION
• Introductory Sessions: Designed for attendees who are new to renewable energy, explaining the basics of different technologies like solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy.
• Interactive Workshops: Hands-on experiences where participants can see how solar panels are installed, how wind turbines operate, or how energy storage systems work.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples showcasing successful renewable energy projects and their impacts on communities and businesses.
• Technology Demonstrations: Learn about emerging technologies and advancements in the field to educate attendees about the future potential of renewable energy.
• Expert Panels: Organize discussions with industry experts to address common questions and misconceptions about renewable energy.
• Understanding Green Banks: What are green banks? How can they help finance local renewable energy projects? Our expert panel will dive into the details.
• Navigating Tax Breaks and Incentives: What tax breaks and government incentives are available for incentivize renewable energy adoption?
• Selling Tax Credits: Guidance on how entities like nonprofits, which may not have taxable income, can benefit from renewable energy tax credits by selling them.
• Funding Panels: Panels featuring representatives from financial institutions, green banks, and government programs to break down funding opportunities and application processes.
• Case Studies and Success Stories: showcase examples of successfully financed projects and the impact they have had, providing practical insights and inspiration.
• Career Panels: Our workforce development panel will feature professionals from various levels of the renewable energy sector, from technicians to executives, to discuss career paths, industry demands, and skills required.
• Job Fair: Want to actually apply for jobs in the energy sector? At our job fair, attendees can directly interact with potential employers, submit resumes, and learn about job openings.
• Training Sessions: Lear the specific skills required in the renewable energy sector, such as solar panel installation, energy auditing, and system maintenance.
