World Community of Islam in the West
Definition and Meaning
The World Community of Islam in the West was a reformist Islamic group led by Warith Deen Muhammad that diverged from the racial supremacist and nationalist ideology of the Black Muslims in 1976, transitioning toward mainstream Sunni Islam. The group sought to elevate the awareness and practice of Islam globally and was later renamed the American Muslim Mission in 1978.
Etymology
The term signifies a community of Muslims in Western countries, emphasizing their inclusion in the broader, global Ummah (Muslim community).
Background and Historical Context
Formation and Leadership
- 1976: Warith Deen Muhammad, son of Elijah Muhammad, assumed leadership of the Nation of Islam and initiated significant reforms.
- Reformation: Warith Deen Muhammad steered the group away from Black nationalism and toward orthodox Sunni Islam, breaking from the Nation of Islam’s original doctrines.
- 1978: Renaming to “American Muslim Mission,” reflecting a stronger identification with global Sunni practices.
Objectives
- Mainstream Sunni Islam: Aimed for assimilation into the broader Islamic practice, gradually shedding racial exclusivity.
- Education and Awareness: Increased international awareness of Islam, promoting its peaceful and inclusive tenets.
- Global Integration: Connected American Muslims with the global Islamic community.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Nation of Islam: Initially focused on Black nationalism and self-empowerment.
- World Community of Islam in the West: Broadened scope to inclusive, global Sunni practice, achieving unity beyond race.
Synonyms
- American Muslim Mission
Antonyms
- Nation of Islam (in its original form focusing on racial separatism)
Related Terms
- Warith Deen Muhammad: Leader who initiated the reformation.
- Sunni Islam: Mainstream branch of Islam adopted by the community.
- Elijah Muhammad: Previous leader with a different vision.
- Nation of Islam: The original organization before the split.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “The path taken by Warith Deen Muhammad was a brave journey towards unity in faith, breaking barriers of racial exclusivity and bringing millions closer to mainstream Islam.” — Yusef Salaam
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
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Books
- “American Jihad: Islam after Malcolm X” by Steven Barboza
- “Warith Deen Muhammad: A Journey to New Africa” by Claude Andrew Clegg
- “Muslims in America: Seven Centuries of History, 1312-2000” by Amir Muhammad
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Articles
- “Warith Deen Muhammad and the Evolution of Black American Islam” (Journal of American Muslim History)
- “Islam and the Blackamerican: Understanding the Roots and Future of Muslim Robots” by Sherman Jackson
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Documentaries
- “Prince Among Slaves” (PBS Documentary about Muslims in America)
- “Inside Islam” (National Geographic)
Inspirational Farewell
As we reflect on the transformative journey of the World Community of Islam in the West, may we be inspired by their quest for unity and inclusiveness in faith. Understanding their path offers a window into the resilience and adaptability of Islam as practiced in diverse cultural landscapes.
With every scholarly endeavor comes the wisdom to appreciate our global, spiritual connections more deeply.
— Jamilah Hasan, October 2023
### What significant shift did the World Community of Islam in the West make under Warith Deen Muhammad’s leadership?
- [x] Transition from racial nationalism to mainstream Sunni Islam.
- [ ] Transition from Sunni Islam to Shia Islam.
- [ ] Move from religious practices to secular activities.
- [ ] Abandonment of Islamic traditions altogether.
> **Explanation:** Warith Deen Muhammad led the community away from Black nationalism and towards mainstream Sunni Islam, aligning it with broader Islamic practices.
### When did the World Community of Islam in the West change its name to the American Muslim Mission?
- [x] 1978
- [ ] 1976
- [ ] 1980
- [ ] 1990
> **Explanation:** In 1978, the community was renamed the American Muslim Mission to reflect its new direction under Warith Deen Muhammad.
### Which original organization did the World Community of Islam in the West reform from?
- [x] Nation of Islam
- [ ] Moorish Science Temple
- [ ] The Five Percent Nation
- [ ] Sunni Students Association
> **Explanation:** The World Community of Islam in the West reformed from the Nation of Islam, moving away from its original ideology.
### Who was the leader of the World Community of Islam in the West during its transition?
- [x] Warith Deen Muhammad
- [ ] Elijah Muhammad
- [ ] Malcolm X
- [ ] Louis Farrakhan
> **Explanation:** Warith Deen Muhammad, the son of Elijah Muhammad, led the group through its significant transition.
### What was one of the main objectives of the World Community of Islam in the West?
- [x] To increase awareness and practice of mainstream Sunni Islam.
- [ ] To establish a political party in America.
- [ ] To promote atheism among its followers.
- [ ] To create a separate nation for Black Muslims.
> **Explanation:** The community sought to integrate mainstream Sunni Islam, promoting its awareness and practice on a global scale.
### Who succeeded Elijah Muhammad as the leader of the Nation of Islam and led the reform movement?
- [x] Warith Deen Muhammad
- [ ] Louis Farrakhan
- [ ] Elijah Muhammad Jr.
- [ ] Khalid Abdul Muhammad
> **Explanation:** Warith Deen Muhammad succeeded Elijah Muhammad and initiated the reform toward Sunni Islam.
### Which term best describes the reformed ideology of the World Community of Islam in the West?
- [x] Sunni Islam
- [ ] Shia Islam
- [ ] Christian-Muslim hybrid
- [ ] Secular humanism
> **Explanation:** The reformed group aligned itself with the principles of Sunni Islam, moving away from racial and nationalistic doctrines.
### Why is the transformation of the World Community of Islam in the West considered significant?
- [x] It marked a notable shift towards inclusive, mainstream Islamic practices and unity.
- [ ] It led to the formation of a new secular state.
- [ ] It started a global secular movement.
- [ ] It terminated the practice of any religious rites.
> **Explanation:** The transformation is significant for promoting a more inclusive approach to Islam, integrating with global Muslim practices.
