2010 MOSQUE CARES MUSLIM CONVENTION DRAWS NEARLY 5,000

Historic Community Still Moving Forward After 35 Years

The history of Muslim conventions is a fascinating story that tells the birth of Islam in America. During the days of the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, these conventions consistently represented the largest gathering of English speaking Muslims in the world, with countless thousands of African Americans in attendance.

When Imam W. Deen Mohammed assumed leadership of the community in 1975, he continued with that tradition, while infusing the community with mainstream Islamic beliefs. Over the next 3 decades, these conventions would reach new heights. Their succes would acheive international acclaim, giving them a new global presence on the world stage.

Now a third generation of Mohammed’s is continuing that tradition.But times have changed. American Muslims are on the defensive and being forced to explain their religion to the country they call home. Are they up to the challenge? To get that answer we sent our production team to cover the community’s largest annual event. The 2010 Mosque Cares Islamic Convention.

On September 2 thru 6, The Mosques Cares and Ministry of W. Deen Mohammed hosted their 2010 Annual Muslim Convention and Ramadan Session. Held in beautiful Somerset, New Jersey this years convention was attended by nearly 5000 people from around the country and featured a variety of workshop sessions on a multitude of topics. The theme of this years convention was “Sacred Life Connections: Lets work together for a better world.”

The convention officially kicked off Thursday, with a press conference featuring convention organizers and Mosques Cares president Warith Deen Mohammed II, who is the son of Mosque Cares founder, Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

“The key for any group in society is to be one. The Muslim ummah is one community and it’s nothing to be afraid of,” stated Mohammed. “We shouldn’t be afraid to say I’m loyal to this group or I want to work with this group so we can do more for humanity.

Mr. Mohammed talked about the groups connection to Imam W. Deen Mohammed and their organization's goals. He answered several questions from the press, including one about his ability to speak and understand Arabic.

“This might be shocking but I heard him (Imam Mohammed) say one time, you all should stop speaking Arabic, you’re not Arabs. You don’t speak Arabic,” Mohammed replied. “G-d blessed Imam Mohammed to convey the spirit and message of the Quran in a bright and excellent way... He was my father and teacher.”

This years convention was hosted at the Double Tree hotel and Garden State Exhibit Center.  As always the first major event was Jumah prayer services. Jumah was led by Imam Abdul Kareem Muhammad from Masjid Al Haqq in Newark, NJ, who gave an inspiring khutbah in true convention tradition.

Imam Adbul Kareem Muhammad

After the khutbah, the adhan or call to prayer was given. Never is there a sight and sound more beautiful than a large congregation of Muslims in prayer.

Jumah Prayer

During the 90’s, convention workshop sessions became a staple of this annual event. As American Muslims began to achieve a deeper understanding of their religion, the most knowledgeable members of the community began hosting workshops to share that information and help new members of the community with the challenge of living an Islamic life in America.

They began teaching on a variety subjects including religion, politics, business, marriage, relationships, education and much more. During the 2010 convention, that tradition was strong as ever with a variety of exceptional workshops presented by some of the community’s most prominent members.

During the convention, members of the press requested numerous interviews with Mosque Cares president, Warith Deen Mohammed II. This was his 2nd year presenting the convention and many people were very interested in his views on the important issues facing Muslims in America and abroad.

“I personally think that were gonna realize a life as Muslims that couldn’t have been imagined 10 or 15 years ago” said Mohammed in an interview with Muslim News Magazine. “There’s a fast paced cultural pattern that happens in America. American cultures are socially evolved and people have a spirit for unity, in action and deed. Once the average American begins to see Muslims the way they’ve seen African Americans, you can’t stop them. I think we are living in the day of religion.  All the things promised and prophesized in scripture are being fulfilled. Muslims are just one of the last groups in this great culture to enter as full partners.”

As Saturday evening arrived, it was time for the annual convention banquet. With the month of Ramadan in the forefront, this years banquet was truly special. The banquet featured several prominent speakers from community who addressed the large crowd in attendance.

2010 Mosque Cares Muslim Convention Banquet

Awards were also given to members of the community for their diligent efforts, including a special award presented to Mosque Cares president Warith Deen Mohammed II.

Warith Deen Mohammed II

During the banquet, a special tribute was also given to Imam W. Deen Mohammed. In past years, Imam Mohammed’s banquet presence has always served as the highlight of the evening and this years banquet was no exception. An inspiring video tribute called “Man of the Century,” was presented to honor his years of service and leadership.

The evening was concluded with the keynote address, delivered by Imam Yusuf Ramadan, who is the director of Education for Clara Mohammed School in Queens, New York. He is a long time member of the community and follower of Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

“If you are believers in G-d, The Quran and Prophet Muhammad, and have accepted it consciously and you are serious, you are a great contender, a great foe, a great match for the best they have in the world,” stated Imam Ramadan, quoting Imam W. Deen Mohammed. “Muslims are not to think our situation is bad. In terms of heaven and hell it’s bad, because we are not in heaven and we are close to hell. But in terms of how we can fair in a competition with other men, women and communities your situation is better than theirs.”

On Sunday, two amazing workshop sessions began the days activities at the Garden State Exhibit Center. Imam Abdul Karim Hasan, executive director of Bilal Learning Center in Los Angeles hosted an inspiring workshop on Imam Mohammed’s historic Hajj journey in 1977.

Imam Abdul Karim Hasan

After the workshop members of that historic 1977 hajj and others who had made the sacred pilgrimage gathered for a photo to highlight this monumental moment.

U.S. Muslim public servants were also honored during a special program that paid tribute to members of the community who had served and were currently serving in divisions of the United States Military. 

Police officers and fireman from around the nation were also honored for their services.  The Muslim American Veterans Association, better known as MAVA, hosted the ceremony.

Finally it was time for the Sunday main address. For years, Sunday has always been the conventions biggest day. It was here that Imam W. Deen Mohammed would deliver his “State of the Muslim public address.” Spirit was very high at the Exhibit Center and the exceptional line-up of speakers did not disappoint the thousands in attendance.

2010 Mosque Cares Muslim Convention Main Address

Dr. Abdul Majid Karim Hasan delivered the keynote address. Dr. Hasan is pioneering Muslim American from Muhammad Islamic Center in New Haven, Connecticut. He is the resident Imam and long time student of Imam W. W. Deen Mohammed.

Imam Abdul Majid Karim Hasan

“Imam Mohammed said to us that the primary purpose of the Bible and the Quran is to preserve the way of life that G-d created for human beings,” said Dr. Hasan. “Religion is a living force that should be alive in people, but is capable of coming into darkness if misunderstood.”

After the keynote address, Mosque Cares President, Warith Deen Mohammed II spoke to the community about the success of this year’s convention and his father.

“This convention has reached beyond all expectations and without a doubt this is Allah’s work and Allah’s hand is on this community, and guiding it, blessing us and driving us on to the destiny,” stated Mr. Mohammed. “I’m blessed to be a witness among you to see the evolution of this community. We all know how hard Imam Mohammed worked and trusted Allah, and it was his faith that guided him to teach the community in the way it was needed most.”

Following his comments, the Muslim American Veterans Association honored Warith Deen Mohammed II and his wife Robin Mohammed, who has been an instrumental part of Mosque Cares and The Ministry of W. Deen Mohammed.

Warith Deen Mohammed II is honored by M.A.V.A

Robin Mohammed is honored by M.A.V.A.

The tremendous success of the 2010 Mosques Cares Muslim Convention represents a continued presence and renewed commitment for the community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed. There were many who thought this historic group of Muslim Americans would simply fade away, leaving behind distant memories of a time that reshaped America’s religious landscape. But to those who were present in Somerset, New Jersey they have seen nothing is further from the truth. The message and leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed is timeless and continues to inspire future generations. Sky is the limit for this community. Yes, they are up to the challenge and the future seems bright as ever.