Masjid Muhammad, The Nation's Mosque
Standing in the heart of the Nation's Capital as a living testament to faith, resilience, and leadership since 1937.
The Early Days
Hon. Elijah Muhammad
Hon. Clara MuhammadHon. Elijah Muhammad — Established in 1937 by the Hon. Elijah Muhammad, The Nation's Mosque was originally known as Muhammad's Mosque #4.
Hon. Clara Muhammad — Honorable Clara Muhammad, the First Lady of the Nation of Islam, was the wife of Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the mother of Imam W.D. Mohammed. She was an extraordinary woman, a devoted mother, an educator, and a respected leader. Her enduring legacy is honored through the many schools and educational institutions that bear her name.
Architect David R. Byrd (standing)Washington Defender, April 16, 1960
The current modernist building was designed by architect David R. Byrd and completed in 1960.
To build the masjid, members volunteered their construction skills, borrowed from the equity in their homes, cooked dinners, and sold newspapers.
The sacrifice of these pioneers to build masjids and schools to establish a vibrant community is unprecedented in the history of American Muslims.
El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz "Malcolm X" served as a minister for the community, donated and helped raise significant dollars to build the current masjid.
Muhammad Ali visited and regarded the community as his place of worship in D.C.
Establishing a Landmark & Islamic Roots
In 1959, Masjid Muhammad became the first masjid to be built in the Nation's Capital from the ground up by local residents.
When the Hon. Elijah Muhammad died in 1975, his son, Warith Deen Mohammed was confirmed to lead with overwhelming support. Under his leadership, the masjid transitioned from a nationalist presentation of Islam into the mainstream practice of universal Islam, following the Qur'an and the life example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
About Our Campaign
Masjid Muhammad The Nation's Mosque has embarked on the final leg of our building expansion capital campaign.
We've raised $4M and our goal is to raise an additional $3.5M
to cover increased construction costs and $1.5M toward operations.
The campaign will upgrade and expand this historic landmark to serve and preserve Islamic roots and our presence in the Nation's Capital.
The new Masjid will accommodate our role as a center of worship and excellence for Muslims in the nation's capital by enhancing our ability to serve our local community and host delegations from around the world.
Hear From Our Community
Our Planned Expansion
This Phase 1 Expansion adds more than 10,000 sq. ft. of space for continued growth in the prayer area, senior activities, classrooms, and community services.
The Nation's Mosque will become the first Green Masjid in Washington, DC.
The new masjid will leverage energy efficient features and water conservation methods to reduce our environmental impact.
Enhanced Programs
Serving more children, families and seniors through programs such as:
Youth and Teen Leadership School
قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ
"Are those who have knowledge equal to those who do not have knowledge?" — Qur'an 39:9
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "A father gives his child nothing better than a good education."
The new space will expand our school to serve more students and provide a holistic and nurturing Islamic environment for our children.
Architectural Renderings
Masjid Exterior View
Masjid Exterior View
Masjid Expansion Rear View
Masjid Expansion Side View
Prayer Hall (Musalla) View
Basement Level Social Hall View