Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad

About

Home / About

Our Mission

Masjid Wali Muhammad shall serve and propagate the teachings of Al-Islam as espoused in the Holy Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah (life example and traditions) of Prophet Mohammed Ibn Abdullah (Prayers and Peace be upon Him); To also provide a vehicle for the study of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH); To propagate Islamic interest in a way which compliments the good works long established in American society; And to establish a community that supports a healthy and full Islamic life for its members and contributes to the overall success of the United States of America.

The History

In 1930, a man named Fard Muhammad (A.K.A. Master Fard Muhammad) came to Detroit, MI, from Pakistan. He came with a mission to improve the state of African Americans. His mission was to teach African Americans a thorough knowledge of God and of themselves, to promote self-independence, and to inspire a “superior culture and higher civilization". W.D. Farad established the first independent Muslim School in 1930, where he began teaching Black students reading and basic academic skills. The new school had its first permanent site at 3408 Hastings Street over the Castle Theater in Detroit.

In the early 1930’s W.D. Farad met Elijah Poole in Detroit and trained him in his mission to help black people. In recognition of his growth and dedication, W.D. Farad gave Elijah Pool a Muslim Holy Name, Elijah Karriem, which later became Elijah Muhammad, and appointed him Supreme Minister of the Nation of Islam.

In 1934, W.D. Farad left the United States, leaving the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in charge of the new movement under the name of the “Nation of Islam”. Under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam grew rapidly, establishing businesses, private schools (University of Islam), and more temples across the country. Detroit was established as Temple #1. Temple #1 moved to several locations from Haisting St., Medbury St., Fredrick St., and John C. Lodge to its present home on 11529 Linwood St.

Temple No. # 1 at 11529 Linwood St

As part of this historic transition, Imam Mohammed renamed the Nation of Islam's temples as masajid (the Arabic word for mosques), reflecting their renewed commitment to the universal principles of Islam. Temple No. 1 in Detroit became Masjid Wali Muhammad, honoring Wali Muhammad, the brother of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and an early minister in the Nation of Islam.

The history of Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad is deeply connected to Detroit's rich cultural and religious heritage. Located at 11529 Linwood Avenue, the building originally served as a community center for the Detroit branches of the Workmen's Circle, a Jewish labor fraternity. In 1959, the Nation of Islam purchased the property, establishing it as the new home of Temple No. 1, the movement's flagship mosque.

For more than six decades, this location has served as a center of worship, education, leadership, and community service. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad was officially designated a Detroit Historic Site on November 6, 2013.

Today, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed's vision lives on through Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad's commitment to authentic Islamic worship, lifelong learning, community service, and building bridges across faiths and cultures. His enduring legacy continues to guide generations in the pursuit of faith, knowledge, and excellence.

Visit Us

Come Pray, Learn, and Connect
11529 Linwood St, Detroit, MI 48206
Jummah Prayer
Watch LIVE on Facebook
Contact info
+13138682131
Email
[email protected]