African American ...And They Prayed Too

African American Journey to Islam

For decades, Ahmadi scholars have lamented over the

seemingly intentional absence of Ahmadiyya in historical

religious discourse and the role Ahmadiyya has played in

laying the Islamic foundation of the United States. Likewise,

and equally as regrettable, has been the omission of African-

American contributions in creating the beautiful tapestry of

the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The rich contributions of

the African-American who successfully facilitated inroads in

uncharted communities are the focus of this ground-breaking

exhibit.

. . . . and they prayed too.

In 1889 a spiritual revolution advances. The message of began that would change the peace and equality in landscape of religion in America Ahmadiyya was very attractive and the world. The Ahmadiyya to African-Americans in a post- Movement, founded by Hazrat slavery, reconstruction Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of America. Qadian, India, was a reformist movement in Islam. A return to African-Americans would find the original tenets of the faith, religious freedom and spiritual Ahmadiyya presented an Islam harmony in Ahmad’s Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad determined to bring humanity (Promised Messiah and Mahdi) Messianic Islamic message. together in unity. Through the suffrage of Black life, Ahmadiyya would offer a message of In the last decade of the 19th century, most Divine relief and salvation to those who of the world was under the threat of were considered the least of society. colonialism by the western world and African-Americans would be lifted in this Christian missionaries. Many oppressed movement and the foundation for Islam peoples found little relief under such in America planted for generations to come.

1946 Farewell to Sufi M.R. Bengalee Chicago, Illinois

1947 National Convention (Jalsa Salana), Dayton, Ohio.

“...only one process for an

African American to become This photo was taken on the site of what was to become the 1st mosque Muslim during the 1940s and (Dayton Mosque) built in America by 1950s; the Ahmadiyya American converts. Dayton Mosque Movement.” - Muslim Minoritiies in the West

The Great Migrations from 1910 to 1960 brought farewell to Sufi Bengalee while ushering in hundreds of thousands of blacks from the a new era for the Movement. African- South to Chicago, where they became an urban Americans continued to play critical roles in population. They created churches, community this still new and most influential religious organizations, important businesses, and great community. This era also marked the music and literature. African Americans of all beginning of African-Americans starting classes built community on the South Side of Muslim families. Young Muslim children Chicago for decades before the Civil Rights raised learning Arabic and Islamic principles Movement. The Ahmadiyya Movement began to of equality and inclusion while still having to welcome new missionaries who aided Sufi navigate through a segregated society. The Bengalee spreading the message of Ahmadiyya dedication of the ‘first’ converts from the in America. Established communities had 1920s and 1930s was evident in the spread to New York, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, establishment of families and continued Detroit, and St. Louis with pockets of Ahmadis growth in America. As America was engaged established in Florida, Louisiana and other in war in the 1940s, the Moslem Sunrise Midwest and southern states. However, Chicago continued to promote the peaceful nature of remained the Headquarters and heart of the Islam and continued to encourage readers Ahmadiyya Community. With 25 years in to follow the dictates of Islam and overcome Chicago, the Ahmadiyya Community said hatred, prejudice and inequity. African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Munir Hamid My first introduction was around 1954 or 1955. My sister was in the singing group called the Capris. She met Lynn Hope, and he was a Sunni Muslim and a saxophone player who was very well known and had several albums out. He would wear a turban and say “as salaam alaikum.” He had some moral qualities the other musicians didn’t have. I became interested and started to read as much literature as I could. I was fifteen years old. I met a friend. Instead of hustling money, he gave me a book to read, Our Promised Messiah. He was having a meeting in his house in West Philadelphia on Hobart Avenue. The Ahmadi missionaries, Nur Haq-Anwar and Muhammad Sadiq were teaching a bunch of brothers in Philadelphia. The rituals made an impression on me so that when I went home I decided to become Muslim. But I hesitated. In Washington, D.C., I was stationed on Andrews Air Force Base. Khalil Ahmad Nasir, the Ahmadi missionary, invited me to come out for Friday Jummah, 1955—I was Washington, D.C. (1950s) sixteen. I converted then.

Chicago Mosque (1950s)

Chicago Mosque 1952 - Mubarika Malik, Mahmooda Malik, Hameeda Chambers, Aliyya Ali, Suleiman Saeed, Nur Islam, Hanif Ahmad, Abdul Malik, Mubarak Ahmad, Rashid Ahmad, Koonzi, Khalil Nasir

St. Louis (1950s)

Percy Smith was known to host popular jazz musicians at his home in California. There they would practice and discuss spiritual revolutions and religion. In 1953, Percy joined the Ahmadiyya Movement, saying, ‘it was the thing to do’. Ahmad Saeed (Percy) returned to East St. Louis to become an integral member of the St. Louis Ahmadi community. During the 1970s and 1980s, absent of a missionary, Saeed took the lead on educating the young and old in Arabic and Islamic studies. During summers, he would feed the neighborhood kids around the Mosque and involve the Ahmadi youth in various activities. Every Friday and Sunday he would consistently hand out a hearty smile and candy to the young. His commitment to the youth, Islamic education and service to the community has developed a legacy of Ahmadis in St. Louis.

During the 1950s African-Americans were still ride together in public spaces, and when church under the duress of an American, federally divisions were based on race, Ahmadis of all supported racial caste system known as Jim races and nationalities could be found in a single Crow. Jim Crow allotted a stance of separate mosque, praying side-by-side, shaking hands and but equal, however equality was rarely enforced embracing another despite the rules and laws between ‘Blacks’ and ‘Whites’. During these of the general public. Ahmad Saeed relates the times, the Ahmadiyya Movement maintained story of when he first came into the movement its multi-racial Islamic principle, as directed in 1953. “Traveling to different cities would be by the Prophet of Islam in 632 A.D. in his last challenging and dangerous. We would take the sermon, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, back roads in hopes not to be stopped by an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor authorities because there would be a couple of a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; so-called blacks, an Indian missionary and also a white has no superiority over a black maybe a white all riding together in a car with nor a black has any superiority over white no distinction of who sat where.” During these except by piety and good action.” African- times of segregation, Ahmadiyya continued to Americans were not allowed to greet or shake publicly proselytize equality amongst all hands with ‘Whites’, unable to use the same Americans and set the example within its own restroom or water fountains, unable to sit or walls a true administering of ‘unalienable rights.’

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Usman Khalid In 1947, Usman Khalid accepted Ahmadiyya under the auspices of Ibrahim Khalil. During those days there were not any official missionaries visiting St. Louis. Ibn Yamin and Ibrahim Khalil worked diligently to spread the message of Islam in the area. Usman became an active and dedicated member. His wife, Aminah Khalid, became so impressed with his complete moral change and dedication that she also accepted. Usman and Aminah Khalid would serve and support the St. Louis Ahmadiyya community for decades to come. They worked as Presidents and counselors to countless members, neighbors and friends. Their legacy lives on with three generations of Muslims continuing to serve.

St. Louis community members welcome new missionary (1953)

St. Louis Community, 1950s

Abdullah Ali, Usman Khalid, Jawad Ali, Mubarak Ahmad

Munir Ahmad, Ahmad Hadi, Jawad Ali, Ibrahim Khalil, Mubarak Ahmad

St. Louis Ahmadi children (1950s)

Abdullah Ali Abdullah Ali was one of the eldest living members of Ahmadiyya. It is said he died at the age of 99. The actual date of his joining Ahmadiyya is unknown. But his dedication and commitment is unparalleled. In the 1950s, Abdullah and his wife, Almas, would provide residence for the first official missionary and family assigned to St. Louis. The Ali’s would hold Friday service (Juma) at their home and provide support for community members. Abdullah was well known for his call to prayer (Azan). Every New Year’s, when neighbors would shoot their firearms, Abdullah Abdullah Ali, Ali Razaa, Ibn Yamin, Abdul Ghaffur, would go to the top of his roof and call his most melodious Abdullah Aziz, Ibrahim Khalil, Habibullah Aziz Azan.

In 1922, St. Louis became one of the first to note that many of these predominantly established Ahmadi communities in America. African American Muslim organizations at this The extraordinary missionary efforts of Sheik time were break-offs or splinter groups from Ahmad Din exposing hundreds to Islam in the the Ahmadiyya Community. This phenomena St. Louis area. By the mid-1930s, changes in of splintering was not unique to St. Louis but local leadership and challenges by black had taken place at the major Ahmadiyya nationalist groups, affected growth in the centers around the country. These years were community and caused some indifference turbulent for African Americans in general and amongst a few members. However, a smaller some Ahmadis differed on how religion should group of Ahmadis continued to preach and address the social justice issues of the era. serve creating another wave of new converts The Ahmadiyya model focused more on self- to join. Of these second wave of conversions, transformation and inclusiveness for all races. were Ibrahim Khalil and Ibn Yamin. They re- This model remained attractive and established the Ahmadiyya community of St. successful for many in search of both physical Louis and continued to reach out to African and spiritual liberation. Throughout the 1930s Americans. Some of their early converts came and 1940s the Ahmadiyya Movement from other Muslim groups. Abdullah Ali and continued to be the prominent Muslim Usman Khalid are said to have come from organization, particularly, for African Muslim organizations as such. It is important Americans. African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Ahmad Shafeeq, Ahmad Nurullah, Ali Razaa and Khalil Mahmood

Muhammad Sadiq Abdullah Muhammad, Abu Kalam, “I became a fairly good Abdus Subhan and Abdullah Ali jazz musician and it started to pay well. So, I decided to make it my career and pursued it further. In those days, there were not to many opportunities for the people of African descent….As a musician, I used to hear people talk about Islam, but everything I heard about this religion, sounded so foolish that I did not care much about it. Then, one day in 1947, a friend gave me a book, “The Life of Muhammad,” written by Sufi M. R. Bengali. I was in tears after reading that book....I prayed to Allah for forgiveness of my past sins and took a solemn pledge to live a life of piety.”

Cleveland, Ohio 1956 Prince Hall Auditorium

Hanif Ahmad, Abdullah Muhammad, Mubarak Ahmad, Abdul Malik

Abdul Malik While serving in the U.S. military in North Africa Abdul Malik met an Ahmadi Muslim. After returning home he found the U.S. Ahmadiyya headquarters in Chicago, IL. For two years he would drive from Milwaukee, through ‘Jim Crow’ counties to the Chicago Mosque. There he received lessons and orientation into Islam from the then Head Missionary, Khalil Ahmad Nasir. After accepting Ahmadiyya in 1946 he was given permission to start an Ahmadiyya mission in Milwaukee. Bashiruddin Usama, Muhammad Ameen, Mubarak Ahmad, Ali Razaa

a “The Dayton community was another of Sunni Muslims in Lincoln Heights, Ohio important indication of the consolidation of during these years. African Americans in the Ahmadiyya Thus, a dynamic group of African American movement. This community was almost one Ahmadi leaders developed in the 1950s, hundred percent black in the 1950s, and including Mursil Shafeek, president of the African Americans planned, funded, and built Dayton community, who was fluent in Arabic, the Ahmadi mosque [Dayton Mosque] there though limited in formal education; in 1955. This was probably the first mosque Muhammad Sadiq, a jazz trombone player built in America exclusively by African in the 1940s who became president of the American converts. Also in Ohio, Wali Akram, New York City and New Jersey communities; a black Ahmadi led another African American Bashir Afzal, a New York City leader in the Muslim community that flourished in 1950s; and Rashid Ahmad, who went to Cleveland in the 1950s. This Mosque of more Pakistan to prepare for missionary work in than two hundred Ahmadis maintained the late 1940s and became an important extensive records of its members and was Ahmadi figure in St. Louis, Chicago, noted for its “inter-ethnic marriages.” The Milwaukee, and New York in the 1950s.” – Ahmadiyya movement also shaped the Islam and the African American Experience, religious ideas of an African American group Richard Brent Turner African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Aliyah Rabia (Dakota Staton) Hajj Rashid (Lynn Hope)

Abdullah Ibn Buhaina (Art Blakey)

Ahmad Jamal (Frederick Russell Jones)

Suleiman Saud (McCoy Tyner)

Sihab Shihab (Edmond Gregory)

Liaqat Ali Salaam (Kenny Clarke)

“My embrace of Islam came about in 1946 while I was working with the Wally Hayes Band in a club on the west side of Chicago. One night a trumpet player named Talib Dawud sat-in with us. He told me that he was an itinerant musician and that he was practicing Islam as a member of the Ahmadiyya Movement…To complement my reading, from time to time I visited the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Chicago…After I left Chicago with Yusef Lateef Gillespie, the headquarters for the religion was in New York, (Bill Evans) and I continued to attend the meetings…At this time the meetings were at Abdullah Ibn Buhaina’s house; he was formerly Art Blakey…For nearly one year I studied the religion and finally decided to embrace it…” - Gentle Giant, the Autobiography of Yusef Lateef

Amina McCloud observes, “Ahmadiyya band’s young tenor saxophonist, Bill Evans, converts to Islam drew heavily from jazz followed him, taking the name Yusef Lateef, musicians and created a distinctly Islamic as did Lynn Hope, who became Hajj Rashid culture that was highly visible in African after making pilgrimage to Mecca in 1958. American urban centers between 1917 and The drummer, Kenny Clarke, changed his 1960…these musicians were major name to Liaquat Ali Salaam and Oliver propagators of Islam in the world of jazz even Mesheux became Mustafa Dalil.” – Black though the subject of music was often a source Pilgrimage to Islam, Robert Danin of debate with the subcontinent Ahmadis. “Islam was a force which directly opposed the Some even developed a distinct jargon—a deterioration of the mind and body through unique blend of bebop and Arabic.” - African either spiritual or physical deterrents. Among American Islam musicians the religion began to grow when “…Gillespie’s big band was a training ground Art Blakey, Talib Daoud, Yusef Lateef, Ahmad for many of the great names in modern Jamal, Sahib shihab and other musicians jazz…Curiously, it also proved to be fertile soil raised money to bring Moslem teachers of the for Islamic dawa. In Philadelphia, Rainey met Ahmadiyya movement from Pakistan to the Sheik Nasir Ahmad. He soon converted to United States...” - Coltrane: A Biography, C. Islam, taking the name Talib Dawud. The O. Simpkins

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Dayton Ahmadi Community (1960s)

National Meeting, Dayton, Ohio (1965)

Sultan Latif (1965)

National Meeting, Dayton, Ohio (1965)

Pittsburgh Ahmadi Community (1960s)

Philadelphia Ahmadi Community (1960s) St. Louis Ahmadi Community (1960s)

The 1960s for African-Americans marked a with challenges. The media had taken notice number of turning points. With the efforts to the separatist philosophy of the Nation of and sacrifices of the previous decades, Islam and in a time of high racial tensions, African-Americans, after countless, sit-ins, promoted the Black (only) Muslim group over, boycotts, marches and other significations for the also well-known, Ahmadiyya movement. equality, gained a major victory in the In Islam in the African American Experience liberation struggle with the passing of the Civil by Richard Brent Turner, the late Muzaffar Rights Act of 1964. This period also marked Ahmad Zafr, says, “The American press or the assassination of two prolific voices in the media found it more controversial to highlight struggle; Dr. Martin Luther King and El-Hajj Elijah Muhammad rather than the Ahmadis Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X). As both of these who were conducting a multiracial movement champions of equality moved towards a more that America was not ready to deal with.” broad, inclusive idealogy of peace among the Ahmadiyya offered a solution to the race races in America and the World, the problem at a time when places of worship Ahmadiyya movement, who had always remained segregated. It would continue to professed an inclusive model was also met attract those in search of peace and equality.

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Meeting of Presidents Midwest Region Presidents planning the 1972 national convention-- Munir Ahmad (St. Louis, MO), Hasan Hakeem (Zion, IL), Rashid Ahmad (Milwaukee, WI), Abdul Karim (Chicago, IL), Missionary Shakur Illahe (1970s)

Mirza Tahir Ahmad, prior to his election as Fourth Khilafa (International Spiritual leader), addressing members in Chicago, Illinois. He would later become Khalifa in 1984.

Mubarika Malik Sister Mubarika Malik was GOP 5th District Congressional Representative candidate. She met with President Gerald Ford to discuss national concerns and presented him with a Holy Quran. She was the first African- American woman to present the Holy Quran to a sitting president. (1974)

National Leadership Members (1970s)

Jalaluddin Abdul Lateef

“I first heard about Islam from a follower of Elijah Muhammad of the Nation of Islam. His name was Columbus Wayland. He introduced me to some very abstract interpolations of Islam. I didn’t hear much more about Islam until much later in my life, when I had moved to New York. There I was reacquainted with some of my old friends from New Jersey. One of them, Akbar Tshaka...he started preaching to me the teachings of Islam. At that time I was not particularly attracted to religion and did things that young men are usually interested in. It was during this period that many young men like myself enrolled into the military. After leaving the military I went to Boston where I got married...one day Akbar came across a book by the name of the Teachings of Islam. He read the book and was greatly impressed by its contents and the author. On the back of the book, there was a list of centers of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in the United States. One of these centers was that of Brooklyn, New York.. I still continued to read whatever I could get my hands on. After National Meeting, Lake Forest, Illinois (1972) some time, with Akbar’s steady persuasion I was convinced that I should go to the Brooklyn mission house myself. I believe it was Akbar who suggested that I should take the bai‘at.”

The Ahmadiyya Movement continued to found their backs against the wall, found hope attract African-Americans from various and salvation. They all accepted the segments of the community. College students reformative teachings of this Messianic and professionals, black nationalists and civil Movement and the unifying power of Islam. rights activists, preachers and politicians, This period also marked the arrival of artist and musicians, religious and significant numbers of immigrants following nonreligious, found a life-changing, God- the repeal of the Oriental Exclusion Act, which induced, redemptive power in Ahmadiyya. federally limited the number of immigrants Just as in previous years, members joined the allowed in America. The faces of Islam in fold because they heard the light of truth in America would began to change and the the message, some came from Ahmadiyya Movement would welcome its disenfranchised communities and found new brethren from the eastern countries to sisterhood and brotherhood and others who the American movement.

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) United States of America [email protected] www.MuslimsForPeace.org The Third Generation: 1960s - 1970s

“A Nation cannot be reformed without the reformation of its youth” – Mirza Bashirud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Khilafatul Masih II.

Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya – Men’s branch of Ahmadiyya dedicated to service.

At a time when African-American men were moving mentoring to the younger men as they develop into out of the social movements of the 1960s and trying maturity and become new leaders of a nation. The to find a meaningful place in mainstream America, Khuddam, Arabic for servants, would conduct the Ahmadiyya Movement offered a specific branch regular meetings, camps, outreach efforts, recruit for young men between the ages of 15 to 40. This new members and provide support for the internal branch, created by Mirza Bashirud-Din Mahmud, community. The importance of this branch is the second successor and son of the founder of the reflected in the words, “A Nation cannot be reformed Movement, was established in America in 1969, lead without the reformation of its youth”. – Mirza by Munir Hamid. Its goals; provide leadership and Bashirud-Din Mahmud Ahmad.

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

“The internationalist identities of its African-American members are extraordinary; they are probably the most widely traveled among Black

American Muslims.” - Islam in the African American Experience

American Muslim Women in Rabwah, Pakistan American Muslim contingent with Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad (Third Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam) Qadian, India

African-American Women and Men would sacrifice to make sojourns to the Holy lands.

American Muslim contingent with Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (Fourth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam)

The tradition of travel continued with the third the Ahmadiyya Founder’s land of origin. generation. They would make special efforts Many of them common people with humble in visiting other Ahmadi communities and financial means, would sacrifice to make attending national events, These groups of these holy sojourns. Their efforts would African-Americans, women and men, would provide leadership and inspiration for a embark on a number of journeys to Hajj and growing nation of Muslims in America.

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

As the community moved into the 1980s, become more common, non-muslims could its roots were firmly planted in cities across be seen with head coverings and the America, the immigrant community had diversity of Islam was more recognized. It grown significantly and African-American was a time for appreciation for those elders, Ahmadis from the 1950s and 1960s had women and men, who dared to choose their established Muslim families well-grounded God and accept equality of all humanity. in their respective communities and Islam. The sacrifice and commitment of these A fourth generation of African-American members of the Ahmadiyya Movement Muslims were being raised in a time when provided the foundation for Islam in names like Jamal and Kareema had America.

Sponsored by: Special thanks to all those that contributed stories and photos Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA, Tabligh Department to produce this historical exhibit. In remembering the African American Ahmadi History Committee pioneers highlighted in this exhibit and the countless names of pioneers not mentioned, we pray our most earnest prayers of gratitude for their service, steadfastness and dedication Photography and Photo contribution: in blazing the path that American Muslims continue to travel Abdus Sami Khaliq today. May Allah bless their efforts and raise them to paradise Al-Haj Dhul Yaqub in the hereafter. Ameen.

Exhibit Compilation and Design: The Nasiruddin Group [email protected]

AHMADIYYA 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 MUSLIM COMMUNITY Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) [email protected] United States of America www.MuslimsForPeace.org “Ahmadiyya was unquestionably one of the most significant movements in the history of Islam in the United States in the twentieth century.” - Islam in the African-American Experience, Richard Brent Turner

“Since obedience to the Five Pillars of Islam is the cornerstone of Ahmadiyya rites, their followers were the first African Americans to learn and pracitce salat (Muslim prayer).” - Black Pilgrimage to Islam, Robert Danin

“The first and continues to be the most effective model of a multi-racial community experience for black people in the religion (Islam).” - Islam in the African-American Experience, Richard Brent Turner

“Their prolific production of texts and newsletters were valuable assets for the promotion of Islam. The Ahmadi provided a majority of the literature available to all African American Muslim communities.” - African American Islam, Aminah Beverly McCloud

“Through their proselytizing, Ahmadi missionaries in the United States have had a great impact on the formation of African-American Muslim identity.” - Encyclopedia of Muslim- American History, Vol. 1 Edward E. Curtis IV

“Ahmadi missionaries played a significant role in the early decades of the century in attacking what they saw as the blatant racism of American society.” - Islam in America, Jane I. Smith

The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam has been recognized by historians as the most influential Islamic organization and contributor to American Islam. It has been described to have influenced the most dynamic African-American movements while maintaining its focus on spiritual development and its presentation of a multicultural, peaceful and egalitarian Islam.

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

AHMADIYYA 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 MUSLIM COMMUNITY Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) [email protected] United States of America www.MuslimsForPeace.org Ahmadiyya Comes to America

On January 24, 1920, as daybreak settled over London’s streets, an elderly, light-brown complexioned man with spectacles boarded the S.S. Haverford bound for America. His dark green and gold turban and his amiable but mysterious manner attracted the attention of several Chinese passengers, to whom he introduced himself as “Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, missionary for the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam”. This was the beginning journey of Ahmadiyya coming to America. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was a companion of the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. He spent time in London teaching and spreading Islam. Everywhere he landed, he gained new members to join the movement.

Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq

Sadiq addressed his ministry through lecturing and writing. During his first year of missionary work in America, he delivered 50 public lectures in New York, Chicago, Detroit, Dowagiac, Sioux City, and Sioux Falls. He wrote dozens of articles to various American periodicals and newspapers. He created and published the Moslem Sunrise, the first American Muslim periodical. During the first 15 months, Sadiq received 4000 inquiries by mail and distributed 15000 leaflets on Islam. One thousand pieces of literature were sent to libraries across the country and information mailed to many celebrities such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and then President Warren Harding. He worked in America for less than 3 years, yet, his missionary efforts were unparalleled and started the spiritual revolution, Ahmadiyya in America.

In 1922, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq moved the Ahmadiyya American headquarters from Highland Park, Michigan to Wabash Avenue on the south side of Chicago. A converted house served as a mosque and The Moslem Sunrise mission house from which the Moslem Sunrise was published. An In July 1921, Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq published Islamic dome was constructed by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Brother Muhammad Yaqub Community’s first english (Andrew Jacob) to distinguish the publication. building as a Mosque. The Chicago headquarters became the ‘Mecca’ of Islam in America.

In 1917, the Ahmadiyya Movement provided the first Holy Quran w/ english translation in Chicago Mosque America. Chicago, Illinois

Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq’s arrival Author, Richard Turner describes in his book, marked the renaissance of Islam in Islam in the African-American Experience, America. Muslim immigrant communities “Ahmadiyya was unquestionably one of the existed in America but Ahmadiyya brought most significant movements in the history of the earliest Muslim missionaries to Islam in the United States in the twentieth America with the purpose of spreading century, providing as it did the first multi- Islam and providing the first Islamic racial model for American Islam. The literature and Holy Qurans translated to Ahmadis disseminated Islamic literature and English. Sadiq arived in 1921 becoming converted black and white Americans. They the first missionary in Islam to actively attacked the distortions of Islam in the proselytize Islam in America. media, established mosques and reading rooms, and translated the Quran into English”.

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

AHMADIYYA 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 MUSLIM COMMUNITY Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) [email protected] United States of America www.MuslimsForPeace.org The Beginning: 1920s

“Come change your name, get back your religion.” Sheik Ahmad Din (Preaching from soapbox)

Madam Rahatullah (Mrs. Garber)

Sadiq’s most active female convert and proselytizer in New York was Madame Rahatullah (Mrs. Garber), according to Sadiq, “has been busy in New York and has already secured on American convert and one Muslim to the Ahmadia order. Madame will start lecturing in New York assisted by Mrs. Emerson (Allahdin).” – Moslem Sunrise, Vol2, 1921

Brother Hakim , (Dr. T. H. Humphreys)

Brother Omar (Mr. William M. Patton)

“An energetic Moslem trying his best to bring others to the fold of Islam.” – Moslem Sunrise, 1922

Sheik Ahmad Din (P. Nathaniel Johnson)

In 1922, Sheik Ahmad Din led a group of St. Louis Post Dispatch devout Muslims that

Published 1922 included African- “In the language of a writer of popular songs, Americans, Turks and a small number of Ahmad Din is the kind of Sheik who does his Whites. An article about Ahmad Din in the St. Louis sheiking once a week. Not before a movie camera, Post Dispatch reports that he had acquired 100 but before a devout group of Negroes, Turks and a converts during the first 6 months of his mission in sprinkling of Whites, who gather at Sheik Ahmad St. Louis. Din’s Moslem Mission at 2658 Olive Street on Sunday nights to hear him preach the doctrine of ‘Al ham do lilah rabbil al amen’ or ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.’”

Many African-Americans were members of seen praying side by side. Dr. Mufti the earliest known Islam-based organization Muhammad Sadiq said, “There are people founded by Noble Drew Ali, the Moorish fairer than North Europeans living friendly Science Temple of North America. Other and amiably with those of the darkest skin organizations included Marcus Garvey’s, in India, Arabia and other Asiatic and African United Negro Improvement Association countries….In Islam no church has ever had (UNIA). The attraction of Islam by African- seats reserved for anybody and if a Negro Americans was supported by the racial enter first and takes the front seat even the tension of the era. Islam presented a religion Sultan if he happens to come after him never without racial inequalities. Mosques were thinks of removing him from the seat.” – The places that Blacks and Whites would be Moslem Sunrise, 1921

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

AHMADIYYA 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 MUSLIM COMMUNITY Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) [email protected] United States of America www.MuslimsForPeace.org The Beginning: 1920s

“The Ahmadis were particularly successful among African Americans, and Ahmadi Four American Moslem Ladies women in full Islamic Right to left: Mrs. Thomas (Sister dress were among the Khairat), Mrs. Watts (Sister Zeineb), most visible in the Mrs. Robinson (Sister Ahmadia), Mrs. Clark (Sister Ayesha) fledging American Muslim community.” – Muslim Women in America: the challenge of Islamic identity today

Sister Aliyya Ali In 1921, was visiting relatives in Chicago from Kenner, LA. She received a flyer on Islam that was distributed by Mufti Muhammad Sadiq. She went to the Mosque and is considered among the earliest African-Americans.

Sister Ayesha (Mrs. Augusta Atkinson) A zealous Ahmadi Moslem lady (of Hermosa Beach, California), who embraced Islam about a year and a half ago. My Allah bless her here and hereafter. (Sadiq, Moslem Sunrise, 1922, vol1.)

Sister Noor (Mrs. Ophelia Aphant) An enthusiastic Moslem Lady from St. Louis, Missouri (Moslem Sunrise, 1921 vol 2)

Before the early 1930s, women worked established. It began with women members synchronously with the men in developing, coming together in what they called “Sewing teaching and preaching Islam. Among the Circles”. In 1933, Dr. Yusef Khan appointed first to accept and promote Ahmadiyya in Sister Aliyyah Muhammad as the women’s America, they worked at the helm of this new “Sewing Circle” first president. Many sisters spiritual movement. These sisters were the were professional cooks and seamstresses. epitome of liberation in a western society Their talents inspired beautiful handicrafts and where women’s rights socially, politically and sumptuous meals for fundraising. Meetings economically were still being defined. The were held in sisters’ homes where they pioneering spirit of these women were reviewed lessons on Islam, developed instrumental in the formation of Muslim fundraising schemes and socialized. When the communities across the country. name, “Lajna Imaillah,” was introduced in the “In Pittsburgh, the women’s auxiliary, Lajna United States in 1936, Sister Aliyyah Imaillah (Maid servants of God) was Muhammad became Lajna’s first elected local president in America.” – Nycemah Yaqub

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

AHMADIYYA 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 MUSLIM COMMUNITY Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) [email protected] United States of America www.MuslimsForPeace.org The Beginning: 1920s CrescentCrescent OrOr thethe Cross?Cross? A Negro may Aspire to Any Position Under Islam Without Discrimination.

Moslem Sunrise, article excerpt, - Sadiq True Salvation of the Negroes The real solution to the Negro Question My Dear American Negro—Assalaam-o-Alaikum. “I saw black people walking past two Peace be with you and the mercy of Allah. The and three white churches before he dare Christian profiteers brought you out of your native stop to say his prayers. And I saw white lands of Africa and in Chrisitanizing you made people walking and riding past dozens you forget the religion and language of your of black churches before they would forefathers—which were Islam and Arabic. You stop to say their prayers….The question have experienced Christianity for so many years of color must be erased from the church and it has proved to be no good. It is a failure. service…” Moslem Sunrise, article excerpt, - Sadiq Christianity cannot bring real brotherhood to the nations. So, now leave it alone. And join Islam, the real faith of Universal Brotherhood. We have opened a School of Islam and Arabic Language. Join Islam in the Ahmadia movement founded by Ahmad of India, the Prophet of the day and be blessed. Moslem Sunrise,

“Muhammadanism“Muhammadanism isis thethe CureCure toto thethe RaceRace Problem”Problem”

Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq

“Just as the UNIA was the Universal Negro Improvement Association with universality in the political sphere, the Ahmadis connected the faithful to a worldwide, multiracial, but ‘non-white’ religion.” - Islam and the African American Experience, Richard Turner

“Thus, its global perspective was as expansive as Garvey’s and almost as radical in its strategies for the liberation of people of color.” - Islam and the African American Experience, Richard Turner

According to Gomez (Black Crescent, 2002), Moslem Priest in Chicago Wins 700 to His Faith “...but, in fact, the group now known as the “Muhammadanism is the solution of America’s race problem”, Nation of Islam was influenced profoundly by the say[s] Dr. Sadiq, now in Paris on his way back to Bombay after converting seven hundred Chicagoans to the Moslem faith. Mixed Ahmadiyya...” congregations of white and colored converts mingle without - The End of Empires: African Americans and India, Gerald Horne prejudice at the mosque, 4448 S. Wabash avenue, but the Moslem missionary foresees a hot scrap between his people and the Ku Klux Klan. Moslem Sunrise

Sadiq continued to support African- colonialism and racism and its Americans in their religious and spiritual misappropriation of the tenets of Christianity. development and on occasion addressing Ahmadiyya was viewed as a liberating the racial issues plaguing America in this movement for oppressed peoples, sending new century of freedom. Often urging to missionaries to African nations and America. African-Americans that Christianity was not It’s proselytization of a spiritual revolution a religion of equality, he made a profound became the model for change in Black statement in his Moslem Sunrise article, America. ‘Crescent or Cross? A Negro May Aspire to As Richard Brent Turner writes about Sadiq, Any Position Under Islam Without “His impact on American religion during this Discrimination’. period, however, cannot be adequately Ahmadiyya was the catalyst for the measured by numbers…the Ahmadiyya development of other orthodox Muslim community published the first Muslim (Sunni) and proto-Black movements. Latent newspaper and the first Quran in English in in the message of Ahmadiyya was a America – and most of the Islamic literature theological response to imperialism, that would be available to African-Americans until the 1960s.” African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Mr. Frank Brown, Mo. (Ibrahim) Mr. Owen Richardson, Ill. (Osma) Mr. D. F. Cooper (Abdul Ghani) Mr. S. Casey, Mo. (Akbar) Members: Mr. Harvey Fauggens, Ill. (Akram) Mr. Robert D. Jones, Mo. (Salaud-din) Mr. Wm. Harrell, Ill. (Khaleelullah) Miss Linda Sealy (Amatullah) Mr. Andrew Dugger, Ill. (Rahimullah) Mr. Clark King, Ill. (Saeed) Mr. Algie Martin, Mo. (Siddick) Mrs. Annie Brooks, Ill. (Amina) Mr. J. S. Louis (Amanullah) Mr. Mathew Rochell, Ill. (Azeemullah) Mr. Arthur Rocker, Ill. (Khaer) Mr. R. L. Graham, Mo. (Hamid) Mr. F. A. Hughs, Ill. (Fareed) Miss Ann Thomas, Mo. (Afeefa) Mr. John Williams, Ill (Rahmatullah) Mrs. Mary Joseph, Ill. (Saeeda) Miss May Francis Graham, Mo. (Aeysha) Mrs. Cleo Kelly, Ill. (Kaleema) Mr. Henry Franklin, Mo. (Auf) Mr. Eugene Charles, Ill. (Sameeullah) 1921 - 1923 Mr. Henry Douglar, Ill. (Amjad) Mr. Chas. Wells, Mo. (Hameed) Mr. Wm. Kelly, Ill. (Muhammad Wali) Mr. Melvin Parker, Mo. (Amil) Mr. Charles Watts, Ill. (Kareemullah) Miss Lena R. Gardener, Ill (Jannat) Mr. Robert Arthur Robinson (Jalil Ahmad) Mr. Clem Walker, Ill. (Habeebulla) Mr. Canno Brown, Ill. (Abdul Khabeer) Mr. Allie riz Mohammad, Detroit Moslem Sunrise, 1921-1923 Mr. Jeff Wallen, Ill. (Ahmad) Mrs. Roseta Buford, Ill (Fatima) Mr. L. Bell, Ill. (Mariam) Mr. Edgar Terrell, Mo. (Abdul Qadeer) Mr. Ozair yahyai, Dowagiac, Michigan Mrs. Colonial Dugger, Ill (Nasirah) Mr. John Overton (Habeeb Ahmad) Mr. Abram Simmins, Ill. (Ibrahim) Mr. Alexander Hicks, Mo. (Yoonas) Mr. Thomas Haynes (Abdul Kadeem) Mr. Thoma H. Cop (Aboo Bekr) Detention House Converts: Mr. James Buchanan, Ill. (Haidar) Miss Bettie Clark, Ill. (Kareema) Mr. George Anderson, Ill. (Rukan Din) Mr. Eddie Buford (Din Deen) Miss Florence Witozap, Grand Rapids Mr. Louis C. Tilford, of British Guiana (Mamoon) Mr. Sauel W. Rhyne, Ill (Ally) Mr. George Clark, Ill. (Omar) Mr. Edward Gant, Ill. (Fateh Din) Mr. G. Gray (Islam Deen) (Amina Khateeb) Mr. Andrew Mek Gilme, of Jamaica (Saleem) Mr. Raymond Haliday, Ill. (Omar) Miss Luber Loring, Ill. (Saleema) Mr. Morris Serinens, Mich. (Ajeeb) Miss Elsie Green (Saleema) Miss Inis Smith (Abdo) Grand Rapids (Aneesa) Mr. Lloyd Henry, of Orange River (Hameed) Mr. P. Nathaniel Johnson, Mo. (Sheik Ahmd Din) Miss Dorothy Thomas, Ill. (Moneera) Mr. Charles D. Morgan, Mich. (Abdul Qadir) Mrs. Ruth Proctor (Hameeda) Mr. J. w. Rubin, Ill. (Abdur Rahman) Mr. Wilmer J. Green (Abdul Mannan) Mr. Joseph Kane, of Poland (Yoosaf) Miss Ellen H. Dent, Ill. (Aleea) Mr. Richard Scott, Mich. (Qamr Din) Miss Elma Pope (Kubra) Mr. Elmore Taylor, Ill. (Abdul Jaleel) Mrs. Lexia J. Green (Kareema) Mr. Guedla Kohen, of Russia (Yaqoob) Miss M. Flowers, Ill. (Muneera) Mr. Ralph Heath, Mich. (Najeeb) Miss Helen Pope (Sughra) Mr. John Brooks, Ill. (Abdur Raheem) Mrs. A. J. A. Strangham, Penn (Saleha) Mr. Aetses diz Gare Mesderstia, Azores (Hossain) Mr. Alfred Blanton, Ill. (Alee) Mr. Robert Gross, Mich. (Shamas Din) Mr. Pope (Kabeer) Mr. Harry Brown, Ill (Akbar) Professor J. H. Watkins, Tenn. (Abdul Jaleel) Mr. S. C. Tessalo, of Azores (Ahsan) Mr. Willie Reals, Ill. (Haleem) Mrs. Silas White, Ill. (Amatal Kareem) Mr. James Conwell (Abdullah) Mr. Joheph Carbin Davis, Ill. (Abdullah) Bessie Shephard (Brown) Grand Rapids (Saeeda) Mr. Ethen Bodden, of Honduras (Saeed) Mr. James Smith, Ill. (Habeeb) Mrs. Minnie Tucker, Ill. (Teeha) Mrs. Emina Felicia Conwell (Amatullah) Mrs. Adder Walter, Ill. (Fatima) Louise Claussen (Kaled) Grand Rapids (Mariam) Mr. Albert Krammer, of Belgium (Mahmood) Mr. Issador Gillen, Ill. (Saeed) Mrs. Emma Johnon, Ill. (Amatur Raheem) Rev. J. H. Gibson (Imad-ud-Deen) Mr. Joseph Clarence White, Ill (Ahmad) Mr. W. F. Phillip, Chicago (Abdul Aziz) Mr. Mathew Feizhitman, of Germany (Kareem) Mr. Frederick Churchill, Ill. (Fareed) Mr. L. T. Hardaway, Ill (Hilawl) Mr. James H. Daniels (Abdul Qadir) Mrs. May Zahra, Mich. (Selma) Mr. E. M. Phillip Do. (Abdul Ghaffar) Mr. Alex Beinrband, of Poland (Haleem) Mr. Tom Weller, Ill. (Abdur Rahman) Mrs. James Murphy, Ind. (Noory) Miss Annabella Ross (Amina) Mrs. Mary Chambers, Ill. (Mariam) Mr. W. G. Edwards, Do. (Abdul Hameed) Mr. K. Rossan, of Spain (Saeed) Mr. Wm. Cooper, Ill. (Abdul Jabbar) Mr. Samuel Craunley, Ind. (Ishmaeel) Mrs. Virginia L. Clarke (Rasheeda) Mr. Alours Booth, Ill (Muhammed) Mr. J. W. Sarreals, Grand Rapids Mr. Florenco Clagas, of Lisbon (Fazal) Miss Georgiana Churchill, Ill. (Batool) Mr. Van Johnson, Ind. (Abdul Majeed) Mr. John Sanders (Abdur Rahman) Miss Alberta Walter, Ill. (Hamdi) (Muhammad Yusuf) Mr. Paul Virgne, of Bones Aeyres (Karm) Mr. Augine Churchhill, Ill. (Kareem) Mr. William A. Turner, Ind. (Abdul Waly) Mr. Robert Lee Whitsett (Abdul Kareem) Mr. Cas Williams, Mo. (Daood) Mrs. L. Sarreals, Do. (Sikeena) Mr. Leopardi Orlands, of Italy (Ahmad) Mr. Haney Flowers, Ill (Abdus Samad) Miss Amy Reed, Ind. (Ameena) Mr. Charles Pelusa (Akhtar) Mr. Alfred Lemons, Mo. (Adam) Mrs. Elsie Saide, Do. (Aisee) Mr. Guaror Victor, of France (Hemeed) Mr. Wm. Steele, Ill. (Azeez) Mr. Charles Robinson, Ind. (Abdul Kareem) Mr. Otto Fall (Akram) Mrs. P. Nathaniel Johnson, Mo. (Fatima) Mr. William N. Main (Nasir) Mr. Mario Cowarher (Momin) Mr. Harry Ross, Ill. (Abdul Quddoos Miss Olive Kelly, Ill. (Amatur Rahman) Mrs. Mattie Brown (Haleema) Mr. Alexander Walker, Mo. (Shafee) Mrs. Mill Main (Nusrat) Mr. Selle (Ameen) Mrs. Nome Green, Ill. (Amatur Rahman) Mr. W. T. Thornton, Ind. (Zakee) Miss Boulus Maroon (Noora) Mr. S. F. Ruffin, Mo. (Laeeq) Miss Anna C. Pettit (Berket) Mrs. Van Johnson, Ill. (Amatul Jabbar) Mr. J. W. Simms, Mich. (Shakir) Mr. Denzil Carr (Abdullah Omar) Mrs. Ida Redding, Mo. (Hafsa) Mr. Harry Fresh, Tampa (Ameen) S.S. Haverford Mr. Will Jails, Ill. (Fateh) Mr. Sam Thomas, Mich. (Hamid) Mr. F. J. Blackwood (Tilawet) Mrs. James H. Emmanuel, Mo. (Hafeez) Mrs. Mamie Virdyke, Do. (Sady) Mr. Popovitch, of Bosnia (Noor) Miss Warnetdar Smith, Ind. (Zakiyya) Mr. James Grant, Mich. (Hameed) Mr. Will Sims, Mo. (Jameel Ahmad) Mrs. Claira Shears (Kubra) Mr. John O’Neil (Yahya) Mrs. Mattie H. Payne, Ill. (Amat-ul-Malik) Mr. William Green, Mich. (Mahmud) 1923 Mrs. Argenia Carter, Mo. (Salika) Mr. F. R. Mondel, Central America Mr. Wa Hsiang, Chinese Miss Roxie Curtis, Ind. (Amatur Rasheed) Mr. William Murray, Mich. (Ahsan) Rosina Lynch, N. Dakota Mr. O. B. Swain, Mo. (Aziz Ahmad) Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar, Tele, Honduras Mr. Chang Wen Chut, Chinese Miss Roberta Robson, Ind. (Amatal Baki) Rev. G. A. Hurley, Mich. (Hisan-ud-Deen) Mrs. Tillie Miller, Pa. (Amina) Mr. Joe Campbell, Mo. (Muhammed) Mr. Jamal Bey, Chicago Mr. Mu Wen Shu, Chinese Mrs. Eddie Robson, Ind. (Amatul Waris) Mr. Frank Calloway, Mich. (Akram) Dr. Ernest Erastus A. Sampson Mrs. Sarah L. Stickney, Mich. (Safeeah) Mr. Brossfield, Chicago (Nasar-ud-Din) Mr. Wang Han Chen, Chinese Mr. Squire Ben Bobson, Ind. (Abdul Hadi) Miss Jerry Diggs, Mich. (Sadia) (Mubashir Ahmad) Mrs. H. Carr, Mich. (Naeema) Mrs. Dirin, Ill. State (Naseera) Mr. Ahmad bin Ali, of Syria Miss Zellee Robson, Ind. (Noora) Mr. Benjamin Ferguson, Mich. (Saeed) Miss Nellie Steiner, Pa. (Fatima) Mr. William McSwain, Ill. (Usman) Mr. W. Hill, (Najm-ud-Din) Miss Claret Robson, Ind. (Muneera) Mr. Edward Hagerbook, Mich. (Asad) Mrs. Mae Farrer, Tex. (Mobarika) Miss Hatie Huford, Ill. (Sikkena) Mr. J. H. Thomas, (Mohibullah) American Converts, 1921 Miss Eulee Robson, Ind. (Naeema) Mr. Daril Johnson, Mich. (Khair) Miss Gertrude Sheridan, NJ (Nusrat) Mrs. Florence Watts, Ill. (Zeineb) Mrs. Eliza Dunn, (Amina) Mr. Robert Bednell, of Greenwich (Abdullah) Miss Viola Curis, Ind. (Habeeba) Mr. James Marshall, Mich. (Muzaffar) Miss Mollie Olbeliz, MN (Mariam) Mr. Isom Harrold, Ill (Rasheed) Mrs. H. C. Crosley, New York (Basharat) Miss Elizabeth Barton, a learned lady (Zeineb) Miss Lillie May Curtis, Ind. (Haleema) Mr. Andrew Mack, Mich. (Mukham) S. E. T., Pa. (Salaam) Mr. Hohn Wesley Avant, Mo. (Hasan) Mr. J. McDonald (Habeeb) Mr. Louis W. Lawyer, of Connecticut Miss Lucille Curits, Ind. (Kareema) Mr. Frank House, Mich. (Hakim) Mrs. Albania De Temple, Pa. (Saadia) Mr. Alex James, Mo. (Hossian) Mr. George Farmer (Rafeeq) Mr. Ralph Totten (Basheer) Mr. Horace Curits, Ind. (Sabir) Mr. Chas. Comer, Mich. (Hakeem) Mrs. Anna Ruprecht, Pa. (Kareema) Mr. Douglas Gaines, Mo (Ahsan) Mrs. Lillie Burkett (Barkat) Mr. Harold Johnson, of New York State Miss May Lee Curtis, Ind. (Azeeza) Mr. Louis J. Jackson, Mich. (Ameerullah) Mr. Earl Steiner, Pa. (Abdul Malik) Mr. Lewis Graham, Mo. (Ihsan) Mr. Zack Merrimelker (Sawbit) Mr. John Ammo, of Illinois (Ahmad) Mr. James Lee Curtis, Ind. (Habeeb) Mr. George H. Bennett, Mich. (Reisullah) Mrs. Edith Virgina Hofmann, Pa. (Sadiqah) Mr. W. M. Fields, Mo. (Hakeem) Mr. George Malowe, Chicago (Amjad) Mr. S. A. K. Oroung, of New York (Abdullah) Mrs. Leona Ella Miller, Ill. (Amatul Azeem) Mr. Richard Grericher, Mich. (Amanullah) Mrs. Wilhehemina Ulzhoefer (Saleema) Mr. J. H. Humphries, Mo. (Hakim) Mr. John Wilson (Majid) Mr. W. A. Pence, of Canada Mr. Simon Green, Ind. (Muhammad) Mr. Peter Francis, Mich. (Hokam) Mrs. Nellie Peterson, Pa. (Saleema) Mr. Chas. Williams, Mo (Kamil) Mr. Edward Rupert Myert (Majeed) Mr. Lewis Holt, of Chicago (Fateh Din). Mrs. Lawrence Grattan, Ind. (Ahmad) Mr. George Robertson, Mich. (Amrallah) Mrs. H. H. Schneider, Pa. (Hakeema) Mr. Demon Draper, Ill. (Habeeb) Mr. Elipah Standard (Ishaq) Mr. Andrew Jacob, Chicago (Muhammad Yaqoob) Mr. Hamp. Reeves, Ind. (Abdul Hamid) Mr. Abe Lincoln, Mich. (Ameenallah) Mrs. Abos Kelli, Mich. Mrs. Bessie Porter, Ill. (Barkat) Mr. I. S. Wilberger, St. Louis (Ismaeel) Miss Green, of Pennsylvania (Freeda) Mr. Walter Taylor, Ind. (Abdul Kareem) Mr. Jim Roines, Ill. (Abdullah) Mr. Owen Jackson, Ia. (Mustapha) Mr. Jess McNab, Ill. (Mobarik) Mr. Isaac Robertson (Aaqil) Mr. P. J. Tallman, of Missouri Mr. W. M. Morgan, Ind. (Abdul Azeez) Mr. Melvin McHaughey, Ill. (fazl Azeem) Mr. Frazier Cook, Mo. (Aly) Mrs. F. Robinson, Ill. (Ahmadia) Mr. Samuel Riley (Bashee) Mr. Isisdore Lenine, of Ohio (Omar) Mr. G. Dennis Draper, Ind. (Muhammad Din) Mr. David McGaughey, Ill. (Fazl Raheem) Mr. John T. Hughes, Mo. (Azeem) Mr. Geroge W. Shaw, Ill. (Haleem) Mr. Samuel Marks (Rasheed) Mr. Ellis Russell, of Chicago (Ghulam Rasul) Mr. Melvin Lee Draper, Ind. (Fazl Din) Mr. Montrose McGaughey, Ill. (Fazl Mr. Dak Mulan, Mich. (Abdur Rahman) Mrs. Amanda Teasely, Ill. (Azeemah) Mr. Joseph Williams (Mamoon) Mr. Joseph Livington Mott, of Lousiana State Mr. Thomas Reed, Ind. (Fazl Kareem) Kareem) Mr. L. H. Crews, Mich. (Muhammad Arif) Mr. James O. Teasley, Ill. (Azeemah) Mr. William D. Harris (Mobashir) (Shaikh Abdullah Din Muhammad) Mrs. Es. Hayes, Ind. (Fazzelat) Mrs. Thelma M. McGaughey, Ill. Mr. Leon La Salle, Mich. (Abdur Rahman) Mr. Robert Graham, Mo. (Badr Deen) Mr. Asa Hicks (Saeed) Mrs. Calorina Bush (Hameeda) Mrs. I. Hayes, Ind. (Hamadi) (Amatus Sameea) Mr. Joseph Harvey, Mich. (Yoosaf) Mr. James Swase, Mo. (Mahmud Din) Mrs. Virginia Powell (Habeeba) Mrs. Virginia Olivas (Haleema) Mrs. Lillie Tolbert, Ind. (Shafeea) Rev. Alex Blair, Ill. (Abdur Rahim) Mr. Joseph Wright, Mich. (Bilawl) Mr. Will Sims, Mo. (Sadiq Din) Mrs. Joice Edwards (Ameena) Mrs. Mike Abraham, of Indiana (Hajrah) Miss Eula Mae Hayes, Ind. (Zeineb) Mrs. Clara Berry, Ill. (Kamila) Mr. Tom Parker, Ill. (Ahmad) Mr. D. McChamahan, Mo. (Siddiq Din) Mrs. Eliza Diap (Amina) Mrs. Loudicia Joseph, of Michigan (Zareefa) Mr. Joseph, Ind. (Yoosuf) Mr. C. Webb, Ill. (Muhammad) Mr. William M. Patton, Mo. (Omar) Mrs. James H. Emmanuel, Mo. (Kareem Din) Mrs. Jessie Bowman, Detroit (Jannat) Miss Loucille Fraser, of Michigan (Feeroza) Mr. G. Perkins, Ind. (Majeed) Mr. Andreww Williamson, Ill. (Abdulla) Mrs. Mary Wright, Mich. (Nazeefa) Mr. Carl Aldridge, Mo. (Raheem Din) Mr. Arthur Johus (Noor-ud-Din) Mr. Kasey Maroo (Momin) Mrs. Agnes Murphy, Ind. (Majeedah) Mr. Mazor Robinson, Mo. (Affan) Miss Mary Wright, Mich. (Mariam) Mr. Roy Brown, Mo. (Basheer Din) Mrs. Effie Smith (Afeefa) Mr. Seeley (Ameen) Miss Georgia perkins, Ind. (Muhammady) Mr. Eddie Henry, Mich. (Ismaeel) Mr. Ollie Moore, Mo. (Shawkir) Mr. Henry Daniels, Mo. (Muhammad Din) Mr. Joseph Johnson (Habeeb-ur-Rahman) Mr. Lee Hutchinson (Muhammad Ali) Miss Elzzie Robinson, Ind. (Hameedah) Mr. Chas. R. Savan, Mich. (Khalid) Mr. John Williams, Ill. (Yehya) Mr. Chas. Wolf, Mo. (Karam Din) Miss Sadie Thompson, Detroit (Saadee) Mr. Moses Johnson (Moosa) Miss Susie Marker, Ind. (Kareemah) Mr. Jefferson Herks, Mich. (Shafeeq) Mr. Sam David Tapp, Ill. (Ismail) Mr. Frank Washington, Mo. (Fazl Din) Mr. John Anderson (Mobarik) Mr. Mir Ahmad F. L. Andersen (1st Ahmadi US) M. Etjeer Mulleanor, Ind. (Akbar) Mrs. Della Carter, Mich. (Amina) Mr. J. W. Hurst, Ill. (Ossman) Mrs. Fannie Young, Mo. (Sughra) Mr. J. H. Thomas (Mohib-Bullah) Mr. Islam Zenel Chato, of Pennsylvania Mr. Clarence Richard, Ind. (Momin) Mr. Clarenc Faigett, Mich. (Rafeeq) Mr. Sam J. Mayer, Mich. (Yaqoob) Mr. Ophelia Avant, Mo. (Noor) Mr. W. Hill (Nejmud-Din) Mr. Ilajud Din Nuri Sodick, of Russia Mrs. Bettie Masitn, Ind. (Kamila) Mrs. Ophelia Sutton, Mich. (Afeefa) Mr. Thomas Ferguson, Mich. (Raheem) Miss Eddy New Smith, Mo. (Kubra) Mr. Leondies McDonald (Yoosuf) Mr. Kemal El Quadri, of Indiana Mr. J. E. Thompson, Ind. (Kabeer) Mr. Leonard Walcotte, Mich. (Abdullah) Mr. Ollie M. Hunt, (Ghulam Muhammad) Mrs. Marth Ors, Mo. (Faizy) Mrs. Sandy Williams, Ill. (Sa’ady) Mr. S. M. Eusoof ben H. G. Akbar, Honduras Mrs. Carrie Cariles, Ind. (Fatima) Mr. George Greenwood (Ahmad) Mr. James Hunt, Mich. (Ghulam Ahmad) Mr. James Orumby, Ill (Ahmad) Mr. Cuba Fields, Ill. (Ahsan) Madam Siddica-tun-Nisa Rahatulla (Ella Garber) Mrs. Ethel Sims, Ind. (Ayesha) Mr. Hemming Price (Muhammad) Mr. Joseph Harvey, Mich. (Farooq) Mr. Adam Jackson, Ill (Adam) Mr. Henry Qallaway, Ill. (Shakir) Mr. Yaseen Osman, of Milwaukee Mrs. Anna Battle, Ind. (Nasirah) Mr. B. B. Meggs, (Sadick Ahmad) Mr. J. Jones, Mich. (Yoonas) Miss Nicie Jackson, Ill. (Naeema) Mr. Robert Ellis, Ill. (Farooq) Mr. Abraham Holasi, in Pennsylvania Mrs. Charlie Reed, Ind. (Alemah) Mr. Robert Walker, Mich. Mr. C. W. Kelly, Ill. (Muhammad) Mrs. Mary Smith, Ill (Mariam) Mr. M. J. Mack, Mo. (Yoosuf) Mr. Othman Karroub Mr. Dean Sims, Ind. (Kamil) (Sadick Muhammad) Mr. Wade Curtis, Mich. (Aslam) Mr. Tom Taylor, Ill. (Abdulhaq) Mr. Loyde O’Neal, Mo. (Yaqoob) Mr. Subhee Hareeri Mr. Andrew robinson, Ind. (Muslim) Mr. Henry James, Ia. (Ahmad) Mr. Sullivan Ellis, Mich. (Arjumand) Mr. William Proctor, Ill. (Abdur Rahman) Mr. S. S. Mason, Mo. (Homaum) Mr. A. L. A. Mustafa Mrs. Lelas Dixon, Ind. (Rafeeqah) Leon Brown (Ameien) Lover McDaniels, Mich. (Braheem) Mrs. Pricell Brooks, Ill. (Raheema) Mr. W. H. Jackson, Mo. (Amir) Mr. Hussain Haage, of Michigan Mrs. Essna Green, Ind. (Naseerah) Layfette Brown (Saeed) Mr. Peter Francis, Mich. (Amanullah) Mrs. V. C. Clark, Ill. (Ayesha) Mr. Edward Thomas, Mo. (Ateeq) Mr. Muhammad Moshaikh, of Detroit Miss Elsie Green, Ind. (Alemah) Chester Brown (Ajeeb) Mr. Ed Gaut, Mich. (Ikramullah) Mr. Willis Yocum, Ill. (Muhammad Yar) Mr. Edward Seymour, Mo. (Yawseen) Mr. Azeerud Din, of Assam Mr. Samuel Aerel, Ind. (Akmal) Islalf Brown (Azeez) Mr. John James, Mich. (Anas) Mrs. Parabee Thomas, Ill. (Khairat) Mr. A. Hamilton, Mo. (Yehya) Mr. Ali Sher Khan (Indian) Mr. Melion Hafer, Ind. (Amjad) Annie, NY (Mrs. Ahmad Ollie) Mr. John Beckett, Mich. (Arshad) Mrs. B. G. Sullivan, Ill. (Burkut) Mr. Joseph Churchill, Ill. (Abdul Hamid) Mr. Abdul Azeez (Indian) Mr. H. H. Brooks, Ill. (Abdul-Kabeer) Miss Mary McManus, NY (Mrs. Ameena Mr. William Brown, Mich. (Sawqib) Mr. Henry Kimbram, Ill. (Hamid) Mr. Simon Buford, Ill. (Abdul Sattar) Mr. Ghulam Ahmad, of Punjab Mr. James Hammack, Ill. (Jameel) Hassan) Mr. J. H. Hardie, Mich. (Amjad) Mr. Jennie Cole, Ill. (Muhammad) Mr. Willie Buford, Ill. (Abdul Jabbar) Mr. L. Roman, of Bengal Mr. Stephen Todd, Ill. (Saleh) Miss Emma Torak, NY (Saleha) Mr. Butler Mosley, Mich. (Asad) Mr. Elijah Smith, Ill. (Mahmud) Mr. Charles Buford, Ill. (Abdul Gaffar) Mr. Reched Sweydam, of Sioux Falls Mrs. Randell W. Dent, Ill. (Rafat) Miss Dorothy Taher, NY (Siddika) Mr. Lewis Jones, Mich. (Azhar) Mrs. Anna Brown, Ill. (Hameedah) Mr. James Hawkins, Ill. (Abdul Majeed) Mr. Shaikh Ahmad El Hagge, of Sioux Falls Mrs. Claude Hogan, Ill. (Muhammady) Miss Ada L. Pope, Mo. (Bismillah) Mr. Walter Taylor, Mich. (Samama) Mr. Allen Brown, Ill. (Ahmad) Mr. J. W. Dams, Ill. (Sawbit) Mr. Ali Muhammad, of Sioux Falls Miss Nelson Hodum, Ill. (Sabera) Mr. Sam Roddy, Mo. (Barkatullah) H. Randall, Mich. (Sabit) Mr. Robert Marshall, Ill (Hameed) Mr. Anderson Doolittle, Ill. (Hakeem) Mr. Ahmad Es-safa, of Sioux Falls Mrs. Cora Fogan, Ill. (Kamela) Mr. Eurlee Robeson, Ind. (Ismaeel) Mr. Willie Earle, Mich. (Tiunur) Mr. Milton Diamond, Mo. (Ahmad) Mr. Wilson Branch, Ill. (Kareem) Mr. Zaidana Hossain, of Sioux Falls Mrs. Emma Love, Ill. (Ameena) Mr. Saviour Robeson, Ind. (Muhammad) Mrs. Loddie Hardie, Mich. (Umana) Mr. Thomas F. Glenn, of Chicago (Abdul Kareem) Mr. Dewey Lucas, Ill. (Sabir) Mr. William Love, Ill. (Abdul Waly) Mrs. Roberta Robeson, Ind. (Hajarah) Mr. Samuel Lewis, Mich. (Kamal) Mr. Kasim Muhammad, of Sioux Falls Miss Irene Luero, of Reading, Ohio (Envery) Mr. Harry Cole, Ill. (Sadeek) Mr. Hussain Hassan, of Sioux Falls Mrs. Eula Smiley, Ill. (Kareema) Mr. Eddie Lee Robeson, Ind. (Ishaq) Mr. John W. Thomas, Mo. (Habeebulla) Mr. John Keel, of Chicago (Yahya) Mr. Sam Wiston, Ill. (Habeeb) Rev. B. Jackson, Ohio (Junaid) Mr. Abdur Rahman, of Indiana Mrs. Ella Harrison, Ill. (Majeeda) Miss Blanch Smith, Ind. (Kareema) Mrs. Louise Keel, of Chicago (Lateefa) Mr. Harrison Bradley, Ill. (Asim) Mr. Davis, Ohio (Dabeer) Mr. Ali, of Kurdistan Mrs. Emma Sago, Ill. (Ameena) Mr. Henry James Mooning, La. Mrs. Viola Bell, of Chicago (Hameeda) Mr. George F. Crawley, Ill. (Abdus-Sameea) Mr. Milton Looke, Ohio (Lail) Mr. H. Alberto, in Florida (Mubarik) Mr. Isaac Harris, Ill. (Ishaq) (Ahmadullah) Mr. Walter Jacob (Abdur Raheem) Mrs. Lilliam Bradley, Ill. (Isamt) Mr. John Adkin Hill, Ohio (Hameed) Mrs. B. Alberto, in Florida (Berket) Mrs. Ida Harris, Ill. (Ayesha) Mrs. Juanita Kush, Ind. (Rukayya) Mr. Daniel Cassimore, of Chicago (Muhammad) Mr. L. Coleman, Ill. (Abdul Ahad) Mr. Edward Rodgers, Ohio (Rehmat) Mr. T. Don (Abdur Rashid) Mr. Willie Ward, Ill. (Muhammd Waly) Mr. James Brown, Ill. (Dost Ahmad) Mr. A. Rashid, of New York Mr. J. Walter Pleasant, Ill. (Abdul Qayyum) Mr. C. B. Parker, Ohio (Payinda) Miss Victoria Soider (Mrs. Ameen Khader) Mrs. Beatrice Chaldie, Ill. (Sikkeena) Mrs. Viola L. Thomas, Mo. (Najma) Mr. Ameen Khadra, of Detroit Mr. Henry H. Brooks, Ill. (Abdullah) Mr. B. N. Poket, Ohio (Pnaah) Mr. C. C. Cohan, of Butte Montana (Amanullah) Mrs. Clara Ward, Ill. (Mahmooda) Mrs. Lizzie Cook, Mo. (Qamar) Mr. Hassan Yaqub El-Haj, of Bremen Mr. Arthur Gayles, Ill. (Khalid) Mr. Elijah Aikens, Ohio (Aleem) Mr. B. White, of Chicago (Kabirud Din) Mrs. Nance Gober, Ill. (Mohsindy) Mr. J. E. Brazelton, Mo. (Saeed) Mr. Abbas Muhammad El-Haj, of Bremen Mr. Adam Williams, Ill. (Audam) Mr. William Brewer, Ohio (Behram) Mr. Joes David, of Chicago (Ahmad Din) Mr. James Highmon, Ill. (Jamal) Miss Mattie Patterson, Mo. (Saeedah) Mr. Hossain Omar, of North Dakota Mr. Clarice Earls, Ill. (Abdul Kareem) Mr. Marrel Payne, Ohio (Murad) Mr. Henry Bell, of Chicago (Siddeek) Mr. T. Jeffrey Ill. (Muhammad Aly) Mr. Edward Wilson, Ill. (Abdul Waly) Mr. Ali Omar, of North Dakota Mr. Adolphus Campbell, Ill (Abdur Rahman) Mr. Bosken, Ohio (Bakhsee) Mr. J. H. Durden, of Chicago (Omar) Mr. Otis W. White, Ill. (Kaleemullah) Mr. Edward H. Brown, Ill. (Muhammad) Mr. Abdul Muthleb, of Chicago Mr. Ed Ellis, Ill. (Idress) Mr. Cato Clark, Ohio (Karamat) Mr. Anthony Burkhardt, of New York (Muslim) Mrs. Cora Baker, Ill, (Alema) Mr. John F. Zaccone, Ill. (Ahmad) Mr. Richart Oklen, Ill. (Abdul Khaliq) Mr. W. M. H, Ohio (Hammaad) Mr. R. R. Torres, Laredo, Texas (Abdur-Rahman) Mrs. Rose Lee Sheffield, Ill (Razia) Mr. David Andwovitz, Ill (Dawwod) 1922 Mr. Adolphus Bowen, Ill. (Abdullah) Mr. Green Thomas, Ohio (Tameem) Mr. Henry Hill, of Chicago (Mustaqd) Mr. Joe Bonner, Ill. (Yoosuf) Miss Helen Tomas, Ill. (Noorah) Mr. Houston Green, of Chicago (Hasan) Mr. William Patterson, Ill. (Wally Ahmad) Mr. Marshall Cook, Ohio (Qaim) Mr. Edward Bryan Lesher, of New York (Islam) Mrs. Mary Young, Ill. (Mariam) Mr. Joe Kerney, Ill. (Yoosuf) Lauren Green Do (Hussain) Miss Alice Patterson, Ill. (Khalesa) Mr. Sules Michel, Ohio (Mukhlis) Dr. Charles D. Allen, of Tampa (Hakeem) Mr. Isaac Young, Ill (Ishaq) Mr. Henry Hayman, Ill. (Abdul Kabeer) Mrs. Addie Evans, Florida (Umama) Miss Emma Flower, Ill. (Ameena) Mr. Walter B. Laires, Ohio (Lateef) Mrs. Francis Russell, of Chicago (Fatima) Mrs. Alline M. Young, Ill. (Aleea) Mr. Henry King, Ill. (Sulfan) Mrs. Cora Lafern Olsen, Tampa (Hafsa) Mrs. Willie Carswell, Ill. (Sawjeda) Mr. J. Hall, Ohio (Haamid) Mrs. Anna Jacob, of Chicago (Amina) Mrs. Mary M. Gaughey, Ill. (Mariam) Mr. Willieam Kush, Ill. (Abdul Waly) Mrs. Jose M. Martnez, New York (Abdul Qadir) Mr. Laurel Carswell, Ill. (Abdul Waly) Mr. J. Johnson, Ohio (Yehya) Mr. Robert C. Jackson, Mo. (Aboo Bekr) Mr. Harry Smith, Ill. (Fateha) Mr. Nelee Curtis, Ind. (Yaqoob) Mr. M. Head, Florida (Abdul Rabb) Miss Evalina Johnson, Ill. (Hadya) Mr. J. leo Marsl, Ohio (Mateen) Miss Helen M. Kent, Mo. (Khadeeja) Mr. John Sherman Ferman, Ill. (Yahya) Mrs. Viola Curits, Ind. (Fatimah) Mr. James Dunn (Abdul Alim) Miss Famie Johnson, Ill. (Alema) Mr. Peter Jones, Ill. (Ian Muhammad) Mrs. Fred Carter, Mo. (Omar) Mr. Elil Barour, Ill. (Ally) Mrs. Lillie Mea Curits, Ind. (Ayesha) Mr. George Powell (Abdul Basitt) Miss Louella Johnson, Ill (Aleema) Mr. James H. Brown, Ill. (Hajee) Mr. M. Brooks, Mo. (Osman) Mr. Wilmore, Ill. (Saeed) Mrs. Lucile Curtis, Ind. (Khadeejah) Mr. George Churchill (Abdul Samee) Mr. Charles Harrell, Ill. (Fanzy) Mr. Robert Conty, Ill. (Rehmatullah) Mr. Edward Sheffield, Mo. (Allie) Mr. Elisha Cain, Ill. (Ilyas) Mr. Horace Curtis, Ind. (Monawer) Mr. Jesee Mecheral, Ill (Abdul Razzaq) Mrs. Hattie Armstead, Ill. (Shafeeqa) Mr. Thomas, Ill. (Abdullah) Mr. Wiley Alexander, Mo. (Hassan) Mr. S. G. Grant, Ill. Fateh Mr. James Lee Curtis, Ind. (Muneer) Mr. Govan D. August, Chicago (Abdul Hakim) Miss Ethel Churchill, Ill. (Nafeesa) Mr. Emley Stanton, Ill. (Aamil) Mr. Lewis Mitchell, Mo. (Hussain) Mr. Will Hawkins, Ill. (Saleh) Mr. Willie Curtis, Ind. (Noor) Minnie Krueger, Canada (Fatima Ayesh) Mr. James Nosby, Ill. (Abdul Jaleel) Mrs. Jewel el-Ammeh, Ill. (Amatullah) Mr. James Black, Mo. (Zobeir) Mrs. Aliel Smith, Ill. (Khalesa) Mrs. Mea Lea Curtis, Ind. (Muneerah) Mr. Arthur Brooks (Akbar) Mr. George Officer, Ill. (Abdul Azeez) Miss Lena Dotson, Ill (Ameenah) Mr. Robert Wisdom, Mo. (Khalid) Mr. George Saunders, Mich. (Waris) Mr. Henry Robeson, Ind. (Ahmad) William L. Scott, Chicago (Abdullah) Mr. Ben Terry, Ill. (Saim) Miss Golda Boraby, W. Va. (Zahabee) Mr. James Haliberton, Mo. (Abdullah) Mr. Elliot Osbey, Ill. (Fazl Din) Mr. Rovie Robeson, Ind. (Ibrahim) T. W. Gantt, Ill (Abdur Rahman) Mr. John B. Winkey, Ill (Abdur Rasheed) Miss Lula Hymore, W. Va. (Looloo) Mr. John Smith, Mo. (Moosa) Rev. Albert J. Booker, Mich. (Waris Deen) Miss Clareta Robeson, Ind. (Muhammady) John Q. Williams, Chicago (Othman) Mr. David Flint, Ill. (Daood) Mr. Geo. Reeves, Mo. (Abbas) Mrs. Lillie Hall, Ill. (Busharat) Miss Sallie McCoy, W. Va. (Laeqah) Mr. William Coleman, Ohio (Ghulam Ahmad) Mr. Randolph Bonnell (Ali) Miss Margaret Clark, Ill. (Raheema) Mr. Ray Thomas, Mo. (Yameen) Mr. Thomas Johnsaon, Mo. (Moeen-ud-Din) Mr. Charlie Jones, Mo. (Jaalib) Mr. Sylvester Stanton, Ill. (Saleem) Mr. Railey Groham, Chicago (Othman) Mr. James M. Johnson, Ill. (Ameen) Miss Elazabeth Thomas, Mo. (Kareema) Mr. Elijah George Rice, Mo. (Nasir Din) Miss Lula Duty, W. Va. (Laifa) Mr. Huston Chamblee, Ill. (Mukhlis) Mr. David Stigiby (Farooq) Mr. Wm. Johns, Ill. (Fateh) Mr. Edgar A. Craig (Abdul Ghaffoor) Mr. Dudley J. Schaff, Mo. (Habbebullah) Mr. Henry H. Hill, Ohio (Hameed) Mr. J. D. Gibson, MD, W. Va. (Muhammad) Mrs. Emar Salmen (Aesha) Miss Victoria Smith, Ill. (Zakiyya) Mr. Leo Logan (Sher Muhammad) Mr. Livingston Sims, Mo. (Ishaq) Mr. Wm. Williams, Ohio (Waly) Mrs. Annie Ackison Shaheen, W. Va. (Sajida) M. M. Dawood, Brooklyn, NY Mrs. Ella Smith, Ill. (Amatus Salaam) Mr. W. M. Freeman (Freid) Mr. John Span, Mo. (Ismaeel) Mr. William J. Malley, Ohio (Mufeed) Miss America Cowford, W. Va. (Aalia) J. M. Machulom, Brookly, NY Mr. Bernie Smith, Ill. (Abdul-Malik) Mr. Melvin Hofmann, Pa. (Shareef) Mrs. Nora Evans, Ill. (Habeeba) Mr. Daniel Malley, Ohio (Danial) Mr. Joseph Wm. Reymoud, Mo. (Wali Muhammad) Hon. Ugalingam Psing, Phillipines Mr. S. P. Porter, Ill. (Zaky) Mr. Joe Williams, Ill. (Yusuf) Mrs. Virgil Jenkins (Jameela) Mr. S. G. Greene (Ghulab) Mrs. Smiley, Ky. (Ayesha) Mr. Guialudin Piang, Phillipines Miss Louis Gant, Ill. (Haleema) Rev. R. D. Sutton, Mich. (Ishaaq) Mr. Edward Berry, Ill (Bilaal) Miss Cordeline Reynolds, Ind. (Abedah) Mr. Henri R. Francois, Ill. (Abdul Haq) Suleiman Maksot, Pa. Miss Dorothy Thomas, Ill. (Habeeba) Mr. R. D. Meggs, Honduras (Sadiq Ahmad) Mr. William Johnson, Ill. (Mobashir) Mr. Welton Eaton, Ind. (Sajid) Master Francis, Ill. (Abdullah) Ally Rejep, Pa. Miss Sophia Zasky, Pa. (Kareema) Mr. Frank Edwards, Ill. (Fazl) Mr. Charles Zachaway, Ill. (Omar) Mr. William Brown, Ind (Hakeem) Mrs. Amelia Francois, Ill. (Ayesha) Miss Laura B. Howard, Ind. (Aaminah) Mr. Willieam Gassoway, Mo. (Khaleel) Mr. David J. Logan, Ill. (Daood) Mr. Washington Branch, Ill. (Noor Mr. Steve Berkley, Ind. (Naeem) Margurette M. Francois, Ill. (Omama) Miss May Lee Curtis, Ind. (Azeezah) Mr. Aston Hall, Ill. (Haleem) Mr. Robert Riley Gaston, Ill. (Abdullah) Ahmad) Miss Lara Reynolds, Ind. (Saleema) Miss Delfina Segoviano, Pa. (Saleema Saleeman) Miss Ado Streffer (Amatulghani) Mrs. Hattie Lanier, Ind. (Subheeya) Miss Mary Tucker, Ill. (Mariam) Mrs. Meggie Bell, Ill (Siddiqa) Mr. A. B. Chambers, Ind. (Hameed) Hassan bin Hajee Dahell of Java Miss Bettie Saunders, Ind. (Amatur Rehman) Miss Roberta Watkins, Ind. (Ajeeba) Mr. Robert Campbell, Ill. (Ibraheem) Mr. Henry Peory, Ill. (Noor) Mr. Robert Lealikwood, Ind. (Aqeel) Mr. W. M. Mansoor Miss Lilian Hall, Ind. (Amatur Rehman) Mr. C. E. Tarrus, Ill. (Abdul Hakeem) Mrs. Nellie E. Bernard, Mo. (Nimat) Mrs. Mary L. Bell, Ill. (Mariam) Mr. Eli Manaur, Ind. (Faheem) Mr. Howard Carthets (Hammad) Miss Cauders Williams, Ind. (Amatul Muqsit) Miss Mary Belle, Ill. (Muneera) Mr. Paul Jordan, Mo. (Peer) Mr. Joe Davis, Ill. (Dana) Mr. Jiles Reynolds, Ind. (Salik) Mr. Anderson Jackson (Ahmad Jaleel) Miss Virginia Jackson, Ind. (Amatul Mughni) Rev. Napolean Ghedus, W. Va. (Ahmad Sulaiman) Mr. J. L. Logan, Ill. (Abdur Rahman) Mr. Guss Reed, Ill (Raza) Mrs. Clara M. Wall Johnson, Ill. (Majeedah) Mr. C. Johnson (Jan Mohammad) Mrs. Anna James, Ind. (Amatul Muhyee) Miss Jessi Perkins, Mo. (Saeeda) Miss Tessona Terrier, Ill. (Saleema) Miss Sophia Zasky, Pa. (Kareema) Mrs. Clara Meeks, Ind. (Sajedah) Mr. John Santiago (Shamsud Din) Miss May Hasan, Buffalo (Ameenah) Miss Mary Allick, Ia. (Mariam) Mr. William S. Hopkins, Ill. (Soleiman) Mr. Wm. Gassoway, Mo. (Khaleel) Mr. Clifton Brazelton, Mo. (Zakir) Mr. Olive Pibsoyj (Peer Muhammad) Mrs. Rossema Forhat, Ross (Wardy) Mr. A. E. S. Mondezie, Trinidad (Mohamed Ibrahim) Mr. W. R. Lauder, Mo. (Rehman) Miss Jessia Perkins, Mo. (Saeed) Mr. Will Rivers, Mo. (Shakir) Mr. Virgil Washington (Abdul Wodood) Mrs. Sara Daniels, Ill. (Bushra) Mr. J. C. Davis, Ill. (Abdullah) Mr. Atlas Terrier, Ill. (Lateef) Miss Mary Allick, Ia. (Mariam) Mr. Will William (Abdul Wodood) Mr. Rothelz Mason (Monawwar) Mr. Cleveland Gober, Ill. (Azhar) Mr. Henry Perry, Ill. (Noor) Mr. William Robinson, Ill. (Mohibbur Rehman)Mr. Will Wahington, Ill. (Ahmad) Mr. Rufus Kyles (Abdus Subhan) Mr. James Mason (Moneer) Mr. Merril Van Battenberg (Bad-rud-Din) Mr. G. W. Friar, Ill. (Akhee) Mr. Augustus Dacus, Ill. (Mobarik) Mrs. Mary A. Washington, Ill. (Ahmadia) Mr. Peter John Pemberton (Abdul Kareem) Rev. J. D. W. Ross (Abdullah Saifur Rehman) Mr. Duncan Hamilton (Hameedullah) Mr. Charles Harrell, Ill. (Sulaiman) Mr. James Justus, Ill. (Yacoob) Mr. Charlie Wong Hing, Mo. (Hasan) Mrs. Addie Young (Shubab) Mr. John Samson (Jamal Muhammad) Mr. Willie Rooks (Ruknud Din) Mr. Isom Harrell, Ill. (Majeed) Mr. Homer McQure, Ill. (Abdul Manuan) Mr. Hyde, Minn. (Alee Haider) Mrs. Emma Wilson (Amanat) Mr. Sam Buckner (Sameeullah) Mr. Will Berger, Ill. (Ismaeel) Mr. Cowasjee Karachi, Ill. (Karam Ilahee) Mr. Samuel D. Lanier, Ill. (Abdul Momin) Mr. Lee McGruder (Lutfullah) Mr. James Fridge (Freid) Mr. Klan Walkert, Ill. (Khaleel) Master Samuel D. Lanier, Ill. (Abdullah) Mr. Walter Walker (Muhammad Saleem) Ahmad S. Ramahito, NY Master B. Wilson (Hawwa) Mr. Janer Hill (Hilawl) Mr. Saeed Hassen Mr. Troy Logan (Solieman) “I do hope, in the grace of Allah, that in clearing the way for the future Missionaries of Islam I have done some pioneer work and sown the seed of Truth throughout the land which will grow up in time and show in big, tall, strong trees to feed and shelter thousands and send out healthy vibrations to millions.” - Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq

Between 1920 and 1923, America was and themselves. Ahmadiyya had planted introduced to Islam and her youngest its roots in the American soil and the souls Americans took hold in astounding numbers. of the people. As this was a time in history As you read the list of names from the Moslem of the Industrial Revolution and the Great Sunrise of those years, names that were only a Black Migration, this was also the time of generation removed from slavery, African- a Spiritual Revolution and a Great Americans, who for the first time in their Migration to Islam in America. American history, able to define their faith, God African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Ahmadiyya Missionary Will Lecture in St. Louis

The missionary of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in the Untied States, Sufi Mutur Rahman Bengalee of In 1930, Sufi M. Rahman Bengalee Qadian, India, is in St. Louis to lecture on the principles was sent to America as the of his faith which he claims is the Mohammedan religion. missionary-in-charge and editor of He is a graduate of Punjab University in India and has the Moslem Sunrise. Bengalee been in the United States for two years establishing moved the national headquarters missions. from Wabash to 56 E. Congress, “Islam menas peace,” Bengalee declared in explaining Suite 1307. his religion. “The master prophet Muhammad is the founder of Islam. A Moslem honors and believes in all the divine teachers of the universe, including Krishna, Buddha, Moses and Jesus. We are mono-theistic.” Bengalee will announce the time and place of his lectures late. (The East St. Louis Jounral, Sept. 26, 1930)

Ibrahim Khalil When he heard about the Ahmadiyya Movement and the claims of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, he went to Chicago to meet with Sufi M. Rahman Bengalee. Br. Khalil owned the Pyramid Barbershop that featured arabic writing of Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Raheem, (In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious, Most Merciful)and Laillaha-illala Muhammadan Rasulillah (There is no God but Allah) in the front window. It also hosted a sign “Jesus Did Not Die on the Cross”.

Br. Khalil, according to Sultan Latif’s, ‘When Nations Gather’, is the first Native American to convert to Ahmadiyya.

“Approximately 1,000 Moslems are said to live in Chicago. Twenty thousands are scattered throughout the country.” - The Chicago Herald Examiner

Ibn Yamin (Benjamin Leddbetter) One of the earliest members of the St. Louis Ahmadiyya community join date is unknown. He was a member of the Islamic Brotherhood Society in America before coming to Ahmadiyya. He was an eyewitness, on the American continent, to the solar and lunar eclipses prophesized in the ahadith (sayings) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad concerning the advent of the Mahdi.

“When the eclipses were shown in the American skies (1895 in the western hemisphere), a small child who saw it kept the memory all his life, he said, he felt it to be very special. Many years later, he happened to read the claim of the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who said God the eclipse as a sign in his favor. Astonished, he took it as a sign of truth and dedicated his life.” - Bilal Rana

During the next two decades, the Ahmadiyya indigenous “sheiks” who, in his opinion, Movement would continue to grow and were doing their utmost to promote influence the African-American community. Ahmadiyya doctrine. Their efforts has African-Americans continued to struggle spread throughout a network of through the Great Depression, discrimination, approximately sixteen missions in cities Jim Crow laws and racial inequities. Through stretching from the Mississippi to the the challenging years of the 1930s, Ahmadiyya Atlantic. Besides Sheik Ahmad Din, Sheik communities remained committed to uplifting Ashiq Ahmad and their protégé Wali Akram, and spreading the message of Islam. Dr. Mufti one must include Sheik Nasir Ahmad and Muhammad Sadiq instituted a system of Sheik Saeed Akmal of Pittsburgh, Sheik training local, indigenous members to be Ahmad Omar of Braddock, Pennsylvania, preachers and leaders. These ‘Sheiks’ were Abdullah Malik of Columbus, Ahmad Rasool vital to the spread of Ahmadiyya in burgeoning of Dayton, and Shareef Ali of Cincinnati. The African American communities. Robert Danin largest contingents were in Cleveland and takes note, “Before returning to India in Pittsburgh, each with approximately three 1922[3], Sadiq had ordained at least a dozen hundred converts.” – Black Pilgrimage to Islam

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

Rashid Ahmad recalls his search for God early in life. Although his family was Christian, he insists this was a culture they followed without thought. Rashid found himself constantly searching and asking questions about God, but seldom did he find satisfaction.

After a series of frustrating experiences in search of God, Rashid followed the only thing he truly valued – money. Engulfed in an environment of hustlers, drugs, and crime, Rashid came across an unusual sight on the streets of Chicago. A man was crying out that Jesus did not die on the cross. Rashid was intrigued enough to ask where he could get more information. The man told Rashid to go to The Muslim Sunrise on 220 South State Street or the mosque located at 4448 South Wabash.

In 1946, Rudolph Thomas (Rashid) decided to visit the mosque located on Wabash Avenue in Chicago where he met an Ahmadi missionary named Ghulam Yasin. Thomas was determined to get to the bottom of of what he thought was a money making scam, so he kept coming back at all the times for prayers. Thomas eventually was convinced of the truth of Ahmadiyyat and accepted it in the course of the year. He frequented The Muslim Sunrise office on a daily basis to respond to letters and mail out issues to interested Americans.

He had written to the Second Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad who told him to come and visit Pakistan. In 1949, Rashid traveled to Rabwah Pakistan, becoming the first African American to study at the Ahmadiyya Missionary School (Jamia). In 1954, he returned to the states to become an important figure in Ahmadiyya in America.

“The internationalist identities of its African-American members are extraordinary; they are probably the most

widely traveled among Black American Muslims.” - Islam in the African American Experience

Khalil Mahmud took his family to various countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Niger, Morocco, India, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Ethiopia, Republic of Benin, Togo, UK, France and The Netherlands in an effort to educate his children about Islam and expose them culturally. He made the pilgrimage to Mecca in 1972 with his wife and three ofhis children. Dr. Khalil Mahmood completed studies in various countries including Al-Azhar University in Egypt, additional studies in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Germany.

By 1945, the Ahmadiyya missionaries had hypnotized by the singers and artists of jazz, blues, established a beachhead among African Americans and bebop…Unfortunately for Jarvis, he and his in Boston. Bashir Ahmad, a Philadelphia native and buddy Malcolm Little [later to become Malcolm X] devout Muslim, was a vocal advocate of Islam for were both arrested and consequently convicted for the Ahmadiyya movement in Boston. Adorned in burglary before the meeting with Mahmud ever Pakistani robe and headpiece, Ahmad’s highly visible came to pass. proselytizing paid high dividends when jazz pianist Traveling around the world as an Ahmadiyya Stephen Peters embraced Islam later that year missionary and educator, Mahmud spent time changing his name to Khalil Mahmud…Mahmud’s living in London as well as West Africa. In London close friend, musician Blazely Perry, introduced him Mahmud and theologian Howard Thurman met by to a young aspiring trumpet student named Malcolm chance. The meeting impressed young Thurman Jarvis. In addition to expressing interest in learning so greatly that he recorded it in his autobiography more about Islam, Jarvis arranged to bring his friend, (Thurman, 1979)…Khalil Mahmud’s career Malcolm Little, to meet Mahmud. Although not a culminated as librarian and professor of religion in musician, Little represented the growing number of the Department of Religion and Langston Hughes African American urban men, disenchanted with Memorial Library’s Special Collections, Lincoln Christianity and religion as they knew it, yet almost University. - African American Islam, McCloud

African American Journey to Islam

. . . . and they prayed too.

AHMADIYYA 15000 Good Hope Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20905 MUSLIM COMMUNITY Tel: 800.949.4752 (800-Why-Islam) [email protected] United States of America www.MuslimsForPeace.org