Musjid Muhammad, Washington, D.C.
Musjid Muhammad, Washington, D.C.
- Although Masjid Muhammad began as “Nation of Islam Temple 4” in 1960, established with Malcolm X’s assistance, it’s considered the first ‘Musjid’ built in the U.S. Capital by descendants of enslaved African Americans.
- The history of Masjid Muhammad reflects a significant transition in the religious landscape of African American Muslims. Initially established under the Nation of Islam, it bore the influence of Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. However, after the death of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, his son Warith Deen Mohammed led the community towards orthodox Sunni Islam.
- In 1975, under the leadership of Warith Deen Mohammed, the Musjid underwent significant changes. A Sunni Imam was appointed, and the name was changed to Washington Masjid. Not only was the physical space transformed, with pews removed and the direction of prayer redirected towards Mecca, but also the ideological orientation shifted towards mainstream Sunni Islam. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of Masjid Muhammad, aligning it with the broader Islamic community.
- By the 1980s, the Musjid came to be known as Masjid Muhammad, solidifying its identity within the African American Muslim community. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and religious evolution within the capital city’s Muslim community.
