Become A Part Of Living History...
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Building A Legacy
for Future Generations
The Nation’s Mosque has embarked on a $5M building expansion capital campaign.
The campaign will upgrade and expand this historic landmark to serve and preserve Islamic roots and our presence in the Nation’s Capital.
The new Masjid will accommodate our role as a center of worship and excellence for Muslims in the nation’s capital by enhancing our ability to serve our local community and host delegations from around the world.
OUR HISTORY
- Dating back to the mid-1930s under the leadership of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque was originally known as Muhammad’s Mosque #4.
- In 1959, Property was purchased, and the masjid became the first to be built in the Nation’s Capital from the ground up by our pioneers (“American citizens” and descendants of enslaved Africans).
- These pioneers volunteered their construction skills, borrowed equity from their homes, baked desserts, cooked dinners, & sold newspapers to build the masjid on what is now designated as “Islamic Way” in DC.
- The sacrifice of these pioneers was unprecedented in the history of Muslim
Prominent Members Produced by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad
El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz “Malcolm X”
Served as a “spiritual leader” for the DC community, donated and helped raise significant dollars to build the current masjid.
Muhammad “The Champ” Ali
Regularly visited and regarded the community as his place of worship in the Nation’s Capital.
Imam W.D. Mohammed’s Leadership
A Legacy of Excellence (1975-2008)
- Under Imam Mohammed’s leadership, the masjid transitioned into the mainstream practice of Al-Islam, following the Qur’an and life example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Led the largest mass movement towards universal Al-Islam in American history.
- First Muslim to offer the invocation in the U.S. Senate.
- Selected as President, World Council of Religions for Peace and Parliament of World Religions.
- Represented the Muslim world, welcomed by the Pope to speak at the Vatican in Rome to 100,000+ attendees.
- Member of the Muslim World League and the Supreme Council of Imams/Scholars.
What Others Say about Imam Mohammed
C. Eric Lincoln, Author: “…History may yet prove him to be one of the most astute religious leaders of this age, regardless of communion.”
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed: “The genius of Imam WDM was that he single-handedly moved the African American community toward identifying with pluralist American identity while moving away from Black Nationalist Islam…”
Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman, Washington Hebrew Congregation: “…one of the most enlightened religious leaders in our world today. …He is a pioneer in developing good relations between Muslims & Jews in USA…deeply impressed”
Bruce Lawrence, Author, The Qu’ran: A Biography: “Deeply grounded in a Qur’anic world-view, …he values a world at peace where the true jihad is for justice, not armed conflict motivated by hatred or displayed as terror.
Taylor Branch, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author: “I considered him the nation’s most underappreciated religious figure in the 20th century…”
Muhammad “The Champ” Ali: “I have known him since 1966. …He has helped Americans to understand what the true religion of Islam is about …”
Serving Humanity Today…
- Leader and member of numerous local, national, and international interfaith organizations.
- Nation’s first Muslim American Veterans Association with over 19 Posts across the U.S.
- Premier Interfaith Daily Halal Nutrition, Health, Fitness, Financial and Computer Literacy Site for the Elderly.
- “SHARE” Grocery Distribution Site (14 years).
- Hosts numerous visiting groups monthly (Department of State, churches, schools, universities, embassies, etc)
- Actively advocates for job training/creation, affordable housing, social justice and shelter for the homeless.
Promoting the Best of Humanity
- Represents the Muslim community in the Nation’s Capital by promoting the beauty of Al-Islam through civic engagement, social justice, and constructive dialogue to bridge faith communities.
- Partnered with DHS to launch a national multi-media campaign to challenge and provide alternative messages to extremist recruitment tactics. The campaign received national attention and was lauded for its impact.
