Statement from Islamic Center

This is statement by Imam Dawud W. Abdullah of the Youngstown Islamic Center, 131 W. Woodland Ave., on the death of Imam W.D. Mohammed.

“Before it became politically correct or politically prudent for Muslims to condemn terrorism, Imam Mohammed was condemning and teaching against terrorism.

“Before it became en vogue for Muslims in this country to exercise their political rights, Imam Mohammed was advocating for his followers to register and vote and pursue political office.

“In the 1980s and ’90s, he was the only Muslim leader who pointed out the link between democracy and the teachings of the Quran, and he took criticism from other Muslim leaders and their followers for that stance.

“He encouraged his followers to appreciate the freedoms of this country and to help preserve and defend those freedoms.

“He also led the way in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation, which was a great service to all religious people throughout the world.

“Imam Mohammed was blessed with profound insight and wisdom in the practical applications of the Quran to modern life. He used that insight to call Muslims out of the darkness of ignorant imitation of the past into intelligent application of the Quran and the life example of prophet Muhammed.

“It will probably be many years, maybe even decades, before his contributions to Muslim thought and development are fully appreciated.

“We are saddened by his passing, but we accept God’s wisdom and mercy in calling our Imam home during this sacred month of Ramadan. We pray for blessings and mercy on his soul, and we pray that God will grant us the strength of faith to continue the great work he pointed us toward.”