American Muslim Mission
Overview
The American Muslim Mission (AMM), initially called the World Community of Islam in the West, is a significant Islamic organization in the United States. Renamed in 1978, the AMM came under the leadership of Warith Deen Muhammad and gradually adopted mainstream Sunni Islam practices. As of today, the organization operates as the Muslim American Society.
Etymology
American Muslim Mission
- Arabic: مهمة المسلمين الأمريكية
- Turkish: Amerikan Müslüman Misyonu
Historical Context
Founded amidst the influential civil rights movements and sociopolitical changes in America, the AMM played a critical role in bridging the gap between African American Muslims and the broader Muslim world. Warith Deen Muhammad, son of Elijah Muhammad—a pivotal leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI)—ushered the organization towards mainstream Sunni teachings. This marks a profound transformation from the doctrines initially propagated by the NOI.
The AMM and its transition symbolize a spiritual and cultural reawakening among African American Muslims, emphasizing universally recognized Islamic principles.
Leadership
Warith Deen Muhammad (also referred to as Wallace D. Muhammad) was instrumental in the transformation of the American Muslim Mission. His efforts in aligning the movement’s beliefs and practices with mainstream Sunni Islam forged unity and offered a new religious identity within the broader Muslim Ummah (community).
Milestones
- 1930s-1970s: Operates as Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad.
- 1978: Renamed the American Muslim Mission, aligning more closely with Sunni Islam under Warith Deen Muhammad.
- 1990s-Present: Known as the Muslim American Society, continues to foster Islamic values and community service.
Relation to Other Movements
Nation of Islam (NOI)
Both movements share historical roots, with AMM emerging due to significant doctrinal and leadership shifts within the NOI. Initially more focused on Afrocentric teachings and racial separatism, the shift under Warith Deen Muhammad signaled an embrace of inclusiveness and broader Islamic theological unity.
World Community of Islam in the West
The precursor to AMM, this organization marked the transitional period under Warith Deen Muhammad’s leadership, which gradually opened the doors to align with more universally accepted Islamic principles and left some of the racial and ideological emphases behind.
Further Reading
- “The Rise of the Nation of Islam” by Lie T. Bressler
- “American Muslim Women: Negotiating Race, Class, and Gender within the Ummah” by Jamillah Karim
- “Islam and the African-American Experience” by Richard Brent Turner
- “Muslim American Youth: Understanding Hyphenated Identities through Multiple Methods” by Selcuk R. Sirin and Michelle Fine
Takeaways
- Identity Transformation: The transition from the World Community of Islam in the West to the American Muslim Mission showcases transformative identity within Islamic movements.
- Leadership Impact: Warith Deen Muhammad’s guidance in aligning with Sunni principles reflects pragmatic and adaptive leadership.
- Cultural Reconciliation: The AMM played a crucial role in integrating African American Muslim identity within the global Islamic community.
Conclusion
The American Muslim Mission exemplifies the dynamic and evolving nature of religious identity, demonstrating how historical, cultural, and social contexts shape religious movements. Its transition from NOI influence towards inclusiveness within the global Muslim Ummah stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Islamic teachings within diverse cultural landscapes.
