Thursday, February 02, 2006

Imam Siraj Wahhaj

The Imam of Bedford-Stuyvesant

When 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:

Abdul-Halim V. said...

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.

izzymo said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

That cd is amazing.May allah bless imam siraj$& shaykh hamza yusaf.

Anonymous said...

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

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Anonymous said...

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

Asad said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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.