The Imam of Bedford-StuyvesantWhen I started doing internet searches on the imam, well, let's just say that there's a lot of player haters out there. But I found some nice links. Here's a small excerpt all about the good imam. The whole article is from Saudi Aramco World.
"There’s no trace, these days, of the more than a dozen crack houses whose denizens threatened residents, business owners and worshippers alike on these streets in the 1980’s. In those days pedestrians rushed rather than strolled, and shopkeepers either left or took cover behind bulletproof glass.
One man, Siraj Wahhaj, has led this transformation. He is Masjid at-Taqwa’s founder and imam, or spiritual leader. Praised as one of the most dynamic and charismatic Muslim leaders in the United States, Wahhaj travels widely, lecturing and preaching at Islamic centers, conventions, fundraisers and universities. In 1991, he became the first Muslim to lead a prayer before the us Congress."
And here's a small bio of one of our great American Muslim figures.
Imam Siraj Wahhaj, currently the Imam of Masjid Al-Taqwa in Brookyn, New York, accepted Islam in 1969. He received Imam training at Ummul Qura University of Makkah in 1978 and has gone on to become a national and international speaker on Islam. Imam Wahhaj has been Vice President of ISNA U.S. since 1997 and has served on Majlis Ash-Shura since 1987. He is a past member of ISNA's Planning Committee and has served as a member of the Board of Advisors for NAIT from 1989-1993. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the American Muslim Council.
Imam Wahhaj has appeared on several national television talk shows and interviews especially about his anti-drug campaigns. He received high praises from the media and NYPD for initiating anti-drug patrol in Brooklyn, New York in 1988.
Sakeena interviews the "Shaykh of Dawah in the West."
Some online lectures from Siraj Wahhaj
I chose him for the obvious reasons. He's a devout Muslim, a social justice advocate and esteemed member of the American Muslim community. He's a reflection of the 3rd Resurrection as more African-American Muslims move toward Islamic orthodoxy. May Allah ta'ala reward his efforts.
11 comments:
The one thing which comes to mind is that in terms of his personal view I've heard people say he has Salafi tendancies (meaning not interested in following a particular traditional madhab). But in practice, in his talks and dawa work he mixes with everyone and has a really good disposition towards differences of opinion.
Salaamz people,
Yeah, that the one. Most of the websites I saw stated that he was a militant Wahhabi or something like that. And some Muslims don't like him because he speaks his mind and he was slammed in many a MWU.com article.
Assalamu Alaikum,
He's truly remarkable (When I was in Brooklyn years back I just to see Masjid Taqwa :)) It's also amazing the way he makes himself available, as long as his schedule is clear and his airfare paid, he's there. MSA's truly benefit from this. May Allah reward his efforts.
Salaam All,
I guess all of you should purchase a copy of Evening of Gratitude hosted by Zaytuna and friends to honor Imam Siraj Wahaj as a remarkable leader of the Muslims here in North American and abroad. The CD includes lumanaries such as Imam Zaid, Sh.Hamza, Imam Suhaib, and many others. Imam Siraj is truly a gem in our community.
That cd is amazing.May allah bless imam siraj$& shaykh hamza yusaf.
As'Salaam Alaikum,
Ramadan Mubarak
Now purchase CD's,tapes and DVD's directly from our beloved Imam Siraj Wahhaj. Visit his On Line Store at: www.imamswahhaj.com
Ma'Salaama
Deliver A Messiah, "Mistaken Identity" by Agron Belica brings forth an elaborative examination of who was put on the cross. Many theories suggest that the son of Mary (aka Jesus Christ) was not the person placed on the cross, but someone other than Jesus Christ himself. The author takes you through an examination paving ways of new insight of who might have been put on the cross.
To contribute to the present work, the author investigated and researched to seek the truth about the assumptive facts leading up to what people of Christendom believe to be the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Bible and the Koran are the main resources used as references formally presented in use of persuasive arguments and theories of why the author strongly does not believe that the son of Mary was killed nor crucified.
The author has made every effort to be as unbiased and objective in presenting the facts and interpreting the events in this present work. The author is not trying to stir up controversy, but only wishes to lead people towards what might be considered the truth about the events believed about the crucifixion. The author strongly believes that the prevailing powers during that era have camouflaged the truth. The cover-up of the crucifixion with a false pretext was to lead the masses of people in the past and at present to believe, that the son of Mary was really crucified, by the leading elite that was influenced by the Jewish religious hierarchy at that time.
This book is in itself a preface to a larger work soon to come—an introduction to the topic. Who was put on the cross at Calvary those many years ago? Join author Agron Belica in his attempt to Deliver a Messiah.
WHAT THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW. YOU GOTTA CHECK THIS OUT. WOW!
DELIVER A MESSIAH MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Subtitle: LIBERATION DAY
By: Author Agron Belica
As an avid reader of the Holy Bible, how many countless times have you
drawn your own interpretations, and conclusions? How many versions
of the Bible have you read, comparing ancient manuscripts to modern
day Scripture? As an open minded reader in faith, and Christianity, has
your bias lead you directly to extensive research on the words, and
works of Christ? Is is possible that Jesus did not die on the cross?
Is the accepted view of the life of Christ incomplete? Are we thirsty
for the mysterious, thus craving for more information on what we
doubt, or believe is missing? Are we comfortable, and completely
satisfied in what we've learned in a lifetime about the son of Mary,
and the crucifixion? These are only a few questions that the curious
reader is left to ponder, after reading the cleverly written book,
"DELIVER A MESSIAH MISTAKEN IDENTITY." As an educated scholar
on Christian history, Agron Belica fills the pages with contradictions
and controversy on the life of Mary,Jesus, and the crucifixion. The
author presents persuasive arguments on theory which surrounds
the events, and circumstances which took place during that era,
obtained from years of elaborate examination. The reader is left with
yet another crucial question, has prevailing powers camouflaged
the truth? The author's comparisons are undeniable plausible, while
he sites religious documents to support his arguments, leaving the
reader amazingly surprised. I would recommend this book to all reader's
who wish to explore facts, and seek additional knowledge obtained
through research about faith, and Christianity. In comparison to the
book "Holy Blood, Holy Grail" Agron Belica enlightens his open minded
readers to other possibilities as they absorb each bit of information
with a grain of salt. The author does not shoot the facts into the reader's
face. Instead, he gently challenges the senses while using theory as the
key to open the door to other possibilities as we draw our own opinions,
and conclusions. "DELIVER A MESSIAH MISTAKEN IDENTITY" is
precise, and interesting. Regardless of which road the reader takes
on the teachings of the life of Christ, Agron Belica provides us with the
ultimate message that remains the same, eternal Blessings in the light
of Christ. Combined with that message and the author's presentation
of research, if just one reader is left with any doubts, then the author's
mission has been accomplished. This novel is an impressive, passionate
read, and is as Powerfully Moving as "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST"
with Mel Gibson!
Geraldine Ahearn, A.I.O.M.
author of 6 books, CCRN
Author Geri Ahearn, INC.
Lifetime Member ABI Women's Review Board
The Imam Siraj Wahaj ,is no ordinary Imam . If only all muslims could be like him ,and know what he knows. He is truly a brave , miraculous and beautiful leader . I owe the Imam my life . We must all listen and follow Imam Siraj Wahaj teachings. He is a brilliant man . And one who knows whats really going on in the world. I love the Imam , if only there were more like him! May Allah reward his efforts bless him,and keep him safe. Ameen
Some people probably are suspicious of Imam Siraj because there are conservative ideologues who claim he is linked to or is himself an unindicted 9/11 coconspirator. But I am very confident this accusation is a lie. First off, they would need a paltry amount of evidence to put a strong Imam in prison and they haven't convicted him so they don't even have that tiny amount. Second "link" is a weasel word that can mean as little as "once were within 100 yards of one another." Third, law 101 tells you conspiracies tend to leave very little evidence behind so even a conspiracy conviction isn't a strong indicator of real crime.
As Salaam Wa'laikum just wanted to comment on the Nation of Islam coming closer to the Sunnah and our brother Imam Siraj Wahhaj leading the Juumaah prayer on Saviours day just wondering will the Imam be in close connections with the Nation of Islam and helping this transition to further grow from the Salat, Juumaah prayer and also to article no.12 on the back of the Final Call, I know myself that everything happens in stages and we should make Dua for the brothers & sisters in the Nation of Islam for coming closer to the Sunnah, just wanted Imam Siraj Wahhaj to expound on this occassion so we can have a clear understanding how to help our brothers & sisters in the Nation of Islam.
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