Intro
You can listen to my video explanation herein. Alexander Russell Webb was never an Ahmadi, however, he was financed by Ahmadi’s and was eventually accused of embezzlement and fraud (see Dannin too, pages 43-44 and American newspapers). He seems to have been a rational type of Muslim like Sir Syed and even admired him (See “A Muslim in Victorian America” by Abd-Allah)(see “The three Lectures of Alexander Webb”). It should also be noted that Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and other Ahmadi editors lied about white converts to Ahmadiyya from Europe and America.

In 1887, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was selling this “Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya” in the New York Tribune of March-1887 (See “Religious Jottings,” New York Tribune, March 27, 1887, page 11, via Bowen). Per Bowen, it was Alexander Webb who got this published! Furthermore, in this advertisement, MGA is saying that he is under the protection of the British Government!!! MGA is grateful to the colonist, in fact, MGA called them a temporal Khalifa! Moreover, MGA gives a ridiculous challenge of asking people to pay 200 rupees before they come to Qadian and promising them a sign (See Bowen, A History of Conversion to Islam in the United States, Volume 1, White American Muslims before 1975).

In 1887 (Oct) and after his correspondence with MGA, the President of the United States (Grover Cleveland) appointed Alexander B. Webb of Missouri to the US consul at Manila (Philippines)(See the Bethany Democrat of Thu, Oct 06, 1887 ·Page 6).

In roughly 1888-1889, Webb allegedly converted to Ahmadiyya (Webb called it Islam). Bowen quoted a letter from June 21, 1892, in a letter to Eugene Field, Webb states: “I have been a Moslem for over three years”; see Eugene Field Correspondence, Box 1 Folder 3, University of Chicago Library. For other estimates of the date of his conversion, see Abd-Allah, A Muslim, 66. Coincidentally, MGA began accepting bait in March-1889, the list of the first 40 converts is totally missing from the records. Was Webb listed therein? Interestingly, in 2023, Maulvi Azhar Haneef said that it’s unclear whether Alexander Webb was an Ahmadi or not, there is no evidence that proves that Webb was an Ahmadi (See 1:18:00 time stamp and this tik tok). It should be noted that Jane Smith argued (See Jane Smith, “Islam in America“) that Alexander Russel Webb’s letters to MGA were the: “key to his conversion to Islam”, however, Smith didn’t have access to the wealth of data that we have in 2022.

In 1891, he wrote letters to the Allahabad review wherein he praised Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

In 1892, Haji Abdullah Arab (see “Mujadid-e-Azim”, by Dr. Basharat Ahmad) enters the story, and even went to the Philippines to visit him (see “The three Lectures of Alexander Webb”). In March of 1892, Haji Abdullah Arab visited Webb in Manila (See The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 21). Per Maulvi Hassan Ali, Haji Abdullah Arab convinced Alexander Webb to quit his job as the “Consul General” in the Philippines and travel to India and then to the USA and start preaching Islam. He landed in British-India (Calcutta), India on Oct 2nd, 1892 (See Singleton) and met up with Moulvi Hasan Ali Sahib Bhagalpuri. Moulvi Hasan Ali accompanied Mr. Webb during his 3 Lectures in Madras, Hyderabad (Deccan) and Bombay (Thursday evening, 10th November, 1892). A man named Badrudin Abdulla Kur Esq. also had the Bombay lecture published. It’s unclear when and where Moulvi Hasan Ali Sahib Bhagalpuri became an Ahmadi, he is listed in 1896 in the famous list of 313 Ahmadi’s (see Dard)(see Tareekh Ahmadiyyat Vol 1 Page 307). He then travelled North-west to Agra, most likely via train, and made it to Lahore (See Hassan Ali). He was in British-India from Oct 2nd to Dec-15th 1892. Allegedly, in 1892, Webb refused to meet MGA (see page 24, Singleton). He also met up with Haji Abdullah Arab (see “Mujadid-e-Azim”, by Dr. Basharat Ahmad). Ahmadiyya sources allege that Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Hassan Ali, both of whom had advised against meeting MGA, later accepted him and became his companions. Maulvi Hassan Ali later published a book, Taeed-e-Haq (Corroboration of the Truth) in which he narrated the entire account of Webb’s visit to India. The Lahori-Ahmadi’s even claim that Haji Abdullah Arab went to Qadian in 1892 and told him about Webb and how Islam in America was about to be launched (see “Mujadid-e-Azim”, by Dr. Basharat Ahmad). Thus, Webb was around people who knew of MGA and willingly decided to avoid MGA altogether. Webb also worked with a Burmese Muslim named Abdul Kareem Abdul Shakur Jamal (See Singleton). Interestingly, in this era, he called Indians as niggers, (See “A Muslim in Victorian America” by Abd-Allah, pages 135-136). Robert Dannin argued that Webb never made any public mention of MGA, nor did any part of Ahmadiyya eschatology appear in Webb’s writings (See “Black Pilgrimage” by Dannin). Abd-Allah reported that Webb gave some strange comments to the New York Herald (he doesn’t give dates) about Jesus (as), he even mentioned something about Jesus in India.

In 1892, Webb’s journals record the following travels: Vol. 1: Manila, Aug. 29-Sept. 6 (pp. 1-10); ocean travel, Sept. 6-13 (9-23); Singapore, Sept. 14-21 (24-64); ocean travel, Sept. 21-28 (64-80) with a visit at Penang, Sept. 23-25 (66-74); Rangoon, Burma, Sept. 28-Oct. 9 (80-113); ocean travel, Oct. 9-12 (113-122); Calcutta Oct. 12-19 (122-142); Vol. 2: Calcutta, Oct. 20-23 (pp. 1-11); Patna, Oct. 23-24 (11-15); Benares, Oct. 25-26 (15-19); Bombay, Oct. 28-Nov. 17 (21-54); Poona, Nov. 17-19 (56-62); Hyderabad, Nov. 20-Dec. 8 (65-120); Madras, Dec. 10-12 (127-140); and Agra, Dec. 15 (143-144). Travel inside India was by train, of which Webb gave some interesting descriptions.

In 1892 (Dec-25), the Chicago Tribune of Sun, Dec 25, 1892 ·Page 12 already knew that Webb was planning a mission to the USA and mentioned his connection with Henry Olcott and Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, often known as Madame Blavatsky, was a Russian and American mystic and writer who co-founded the Theosophical Society in 1875. The Chicago Tribune already knows that a Mosque is proposed.

In 1893 (Feb-16), Webb arrived in NY from overseas (See Abd-Allah, Kinde edition).

In 1893 (Feb-25), Webb’s mission was published in The New York Times of Sat, Feb 25, 1893 ·Page 1. In this, Webb admits to still being a member of the Theosophical society, and still a follower of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, often known as Madame Blavatsky, was a Russian and American mystic and writer who co-founded the Theosophical Society in 1875. She gained an international following as the primary founder of Theosophy as a belief system. Webb alleged that Theosophy and esoteric Muhammadanism are almost identical. Webb then says that practical Muhammadanism is different. The newspaper also alleged that Webb was a Jeweler in Chicago and that Webb is supposed to build a mosque in America with 150,000 from the Muslims of Madras, India.

In 1893 (May-28), The New York Times of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 4 reports that the first edition of the “Moslem World” was published on May-12-1893, it is 16 pages. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 10 reported the same and added that Syed Ameer Ali had an essay in it about the misconceptions of the Islamic Heaven and something about a lack sexuality (a sensuous paradise). It also explains how a photo of the Juma Mosque or Cathedral Mosque is given on the cover of the “Moslem World”. Webb also seems to have published some poetry therein. In The Inter Ocean of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 24, alcohol use in Islam was discussed (total abstinence?).

In 1893, he returned to the USA and wrote his famous book, “Islam in America”. Webb was also in contact with the Bahai’s. He also was the sole representative of Islam at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893. He also wrote and published his famous book, “A Guide to Namaz” (1893). Dr. Basharat Ahmad claims that he was in Qadian in 1906 and saw a letter of regret from Webb addressed to MGA about not meeting him in 1892 (this seems to be a total lie)(see “Mujadid-e-Azim”, by Dr. Basharat Ahmad and Gilham). In 1893, Webb’s lectures in Bombay and Calcutta was re-published by The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, as well as 3 letters from Badrudin Abdulla Kur and Webb. Abdullah Quilliam has a brief statement too wherein he tells Muslims to give up the idea of Jihad. It also has an interview of Webb from a newspaper correspondent. In 1893, The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab published “The Propagation of Islam”, A Lecture Delivered in English by Nawab Mohsan-ul-Mulk Bahadur (1893). The future plans of spreading Islam in America are laid out, Alexander Webb, Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Hassan Ali are mentioned. On page 46, they allege that Webb is trustworthy and won’t steal the money.

In 1893 (Aug-1) Lant and Webb seemed to have developed a genuine respect for one another’s work, and both men’s families interacted socially. Early in the relationship, Lant wrote to Webb, ‘If all your friends and inquirers would say a word you would have a great deal more than you could read . . . I hope you will not give way under the pressure and will ever be inspired by the importance and benefits to come from your mission. Your task seems audacious and Herculean, but it is a task I am free to admit has its merits even in enlightened America (See John A. Lant to Mohammed A. R. Webb, 1 August 1893, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., Via Singleton).

In 1893 (Sep-3), the St. Louis Globe-Democrat of Sun, Sep 03, 1893 ·Page 30 called Webb as “Islam’s Champion” and gave his conversion to Islam story. The headlines allege that Webb’s studies in Manila and his reception in India made him convert to Islam. The newspaper also alleges that the origin of Webb as a missionary as a valid idea will also be told and how Webb plans to spread Islam in America via the benefits of polygamy. In the article, Webb is interviewed, Webb alleges to have made more converts in America than any Christian missionary in any foreign country. Webb alleges to have started “study” circles in Colorado, NY and Washington DC. Webb alleges that his converts have converted to Islam on their own, Webb has not seen many of these alleged converts. Webb alleges that as early as 1885, he had secured the job as American consul in Manila. Webb alleges that he studied Islam while in Manila and converted alone. Webb admits to being funded by Indians. Webb alleges to not be the first ex-Christian turned Muslim and mentions Quilliam and his mosque in Liverpool and alleges that they have a membership of 800. Webb says that he met Haji Abullah Arab through Budrudin Abdullah Kur, Webb alleges to have converted to Islam 4 years prior (1889, he would have been in Manila). Budrudin Abdullah Kur is a member of the municipal council in Bombay. Webb says that he had been corresponding with Budrudin Abdullah Kur while in Manila. In March of 1892, Webb says he was visited in Manila by Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Seraj uddin Ahmad. Webb was requested to make a budget of costs for a mission in America. At which point, Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Seraj uddin Ahmad returned to India and collected the monies. They then sent Webb a letter and Webb immediately came to Bombay, India. Thus, a committee was formed with a man named Hajee Nur Jan Mohammed as the President. Webb then alleges to have arrived in Calcutta and was greeted by 5000 Muslim men. Webb alleges that the British government sent spies to watch him. Webb alleges to have went to the Madrassa College in Calcutta and gave a speech. However, the local authorities stopped all of this and Webb found a bungalow from where he spoke and people met him. Webb alleges to have travelled to Hyderabad (Deccan) thereafter and was received well, in fact, Webb alleges that the prince of Hyderabad (Deccan) regularly entertains notable Europeans. Webb says he was in Hyderabad (Deccan) for 3 weeks, however, he never met the prince and commented that the British Government watches him via spies when he eats. Webb says that the prince is totally controlled by the British government. Webb alleges to have lectured in the state pavilion at Hyderabad (Deccan) in the public gardens and got huge ovations. Webb also alleges to have spoke at the Great mosque in Hyderabad (Deccan) and Indians were ready to die for him. Webb alleges that the British Government has totally brainwashed Indians to believe that the Russians will attack at anytime, thus, the British aren’t that bad, even though the taxes are really high. Webb explains how the majority of the population at Hyderabad (Deccan) are Buddhist and Hindu’s and with the British if the Muslims ever revolted. Webb says he doesn’t teach polygamy. Webb argues that in America, women are homeless and living on the streets and thus polygamy would be better. Webb alleges that most Muslims only acknowledge one wife and the others are simply wives. Webb then alleges that his friend and financier, Haji Abdullah Arab was the son of a rich man and gave away all of his money to charity. Haji Abullah Arab was then homeless. However, everything changed recently and he became rich again and has homes in Calcutta, Jeddah and Medina. Webb alleges that Haji Abdullah Arab owns several iron steamers via a Hajj business. Webb says that he expects the arrival of a new helper named Mullah Mirza Khan next week as well as his team, which includes a Hafiz, an English clerk, a Maulvi and a cook. Webb says that this other visitors are Hajee Rahmatullah, Hajee Dawood, Maulvi Hassan Ali. Additionally, Webb alleges that some other people might come, Hajee Mohammed Abdus Salam of Madras (he is a wealthy merchant and his brother is the Turkish council), Jan Mohammed is another potential visitor, and a rich merchant of Calcutta and another person, Hajee Haroon Joffer Yusuf, a wealthy merchant from Poona. Webb alleges that when he arrived in Burma, some Muslims asked him to take the name of Abdullah, however, he arrived in India and ended up taking the name of Muhammad. Webb confirmed that Muhammad (Saw) was the comforter that was described in the Bible by Jesus (as) and would come specifically after the death of Jesus (as).

In 1893 (Oct-8), The New York Times of Sun, Oct 08, 1893 ·Page 21 reported that Mr. Webb had opened his “Moslem Temple” and was planning to open a “School of Morality”. Alexander Russell Webb, who recently returned to the USA from a long tour in Asia and intent on spreading Islam in America. It is reported that Webb has opened his Moslem Temple for his public lectures at 458 West 20th St, attendance was reported as “fair”. Emin Nabakoff, one of Mr. Webb’s associates was wearing a roomy fez, Webb was also wearing the fez. John H. Lant (a new student of Islam) was there too, Leon Landsburg spoke on the morality, honesty and sobriety of Islamic life. Webb emphatically stated that he was not on a mission to get mass converts to Islam. Webb alleged that Islamic life was higher in morals. Webb proposes to open a “School of Morality”, which would be free to the public as well as free literature. Webb announces that there will be meetings every Friday evening as well as informal talks on Sunday afternoon. Webb proposes to create circles of 5 people which can help someone remain morally upright.

In 1893 (Dec-11), via the New York Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1, Islam in Union Square is reported on. Allegedly, Muezzin Nabakoff (aka Emin L. Nabakoff), gave the adhan (call to prayer). The headline tells the world that there seems to be a split in the white Moslems of New York, however, Webb says that he is the only Sheikh with the money and the others don’t count. On Dec-10-1893, at 10am, at 8 Union Square, NY, on the top of a stoop of an unpretentious brick building, was a grey bearded and of full figure was Emin L. Nabakoff, he recited the adhan. Muhammad Webb has called Nabakoff a fakir. A split in the white Moslem community is expected. It is mentioned how Islam in America has been financed by Haji Abdullah Arab (allegedly a merchant prince from Jeddah). The newspaper mentions how this money was used to start the Moslem World newspaper and the offices at 458 W. 20th St, Ny, NY. The newspaper explains how Webb isn’t interested in holding the 5 daily prayers, instead, Webb gives lectures on Friday evenings and on Sunday, meetings of inquiry are held. Western tours are being made by Webb’s team. Within a few weeks, 4 teachers from India will be arriving and will help Webb with translations. Webb is not alarmed by Emin L. Nabakoff and his break-away group of white Moslems. Webb explains how he met Emin L. Nabakoff, Webb alleges that Nabakoff is 45 years old and is Russian and was vouched for by Quilliam. Webb even alleges that Quilliam is running an office for Webb in Liverpool. Webb accuses Nabakoff of being a “nickel-in-the-slot machine” which would yield a love letters and fortunes. Webb alleges to have received letters of warning about Nabakoff too. Webb alleges that he told Nabakoff to “get-lost” and he hadn’t heard from him until his adhan in Union Square. Webb also mentions John A. Lant and how he “conveniently” converted to pseudo-Islam when he heard how much money Webb had been given. Webb alleges that the newspaper reported that Webb had been given 100k and even 1 million (however, the currency is not mentioned, dollars or rupees?). Webb alleges that Lant showed up looking for work and is from Tarrytown, wherein he was running a newspaper. Webb alleges that Lant wanted $25 a week as salary and Webb refused, which caused Lant to leave and now team up with Nabakoff (aka the Union Square Movement). Webb is called “Sheikh ul Islam” in the USA. Webb scoffed at the adhan at 10am and called it blasphemy. Webb explains how 10am is never time for any daily prayer. Webb confessed that the daily prayers are not offered at his business offices. The Turkish consul in NY had heard about this meeting in Union square and sent a representative, who eventually made it to Webb’s office (See also Democrat and Chronicle of Tue, Dec 12, 1893 ·Page 9)(See also Passaic Daily Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1)(See also The Atlanta Journal of Sat, Dec 16, 1893 ·Page 6)(See also the Stamford Advocate of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2)(See also The Times of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 3)(See also the Mount Vernon Argus of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2)(See also The Waterbury Democrat of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 4).

In 1893 (Dec-11), via the Chicago Tribune of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2, Emin L. Nabakoff and John A. Lant are mentioned extensively as separate from Webb. Nabakoff delivered a lecture on “The progress of Islamism in the United States,” much of which the press dubbed as an attack on “Christian beliefs in unmeasured terms”. Webb had commented on Nabakoff‘s attacks on Christianity, stating that they were “most reprehensible,” did not represent the views of good Muslims, and were hurting the cause of Islam.

In 1893 (Dec-18), via The New York Times of Mon, Dec 18, 1893 ·Page 1, it is reported that Mr. Emin Nabakoff gave the adhan again from a 3rd story window at 8 Union Square. This organization is called “The Society for the Study of Islam”. Prayers were allegedly performed, after the prayer, two lectures given were “Pecuniary prayer, or alms giving” and “Cleanliness is
next to godliness.” It was also mentioned how Webb had ridiculed this break-away movement (via Singleton).

In 1893 (Dec-29), via The Morning Journal-Courier of Fri, Dec 29, 1893 ·Page 1, the Mohammedan propaganda seems to making some progress. Emin L. Nabakoff (a Russian) keeps giving the adhan out of windows on Sunday in Union Square. The literary work of Webb is also mentioned. People who hear the Adhan go into a room to hear a lecture. The newspaper alleges that these white Moslem’s have been facing a backlash over Islam and women. The newspaper reports that Muhammad (Saw) had said that the majority of people in Hell will be women and in heaven, there will be black eyed women ready for sex. However, these white Moslems argued that salvation was for men and women. Nabakoff argued that the Quran doesn’t say that women have no soul. Nabakoff argued that polygamy is vanishing in Islamic lands under western supervision, Nabakoff also argued that whether a Muslim marries 1 or 4 wives, they will be held in esteem. The newspaper alleges a story wherein Muhammad (Saw) told an old woman that only young women were allowed in heaven.

In 1893 (Dec-31), via The St. Joseph Herald of Sun, Dec 31, 1893 ·Page 4 (of St. Joseph, Missouri) it is reported about Islam in New York City. However, Mohammed Alexander Webb has nothing to do with it. Instead, a Russian man named Emin L. Nabakoff gives the Adhan every Sunday from the windows of 8 Union Square. From the streets, people hear the adhan and are ushered into a Hall. Nabakoff recently gave a lecture on Women in Islam and how salvation was equal for men and women in Islam. Nabakoff argued that if the Quran said that women have no soul, the Quran would be worthless. The newspaper makes a note how in George Sale’s English translation of the Quran, there is no such inference. Nabakoff argued that polygamy was vanishing in Islamic lands. Nabakoff argued that whether a man had 1 or 4 wives, they would all be respected and held in esteem (See also The News and Observer of Sat, Dec 30, 1893 ·Page 1).

In 1894 (Jan-5), when reports of the split between American Muslims reached abroad, the news discomforted most observers. Webb’s original backers never fully supported either party in the
quarrel, hoping instead for reconciliation. Upon hearing the news of the split, Hajee Abdulla Arab wrote to Lant, “[I] am very glad to see that you have also made a firm resolution of propagating the Islam in America. If you and Mr. Webb would conduct this missionary work together, it would I suppose, bring forth a more happy and satisfactory result than what your single, and individual efforts would do (See Haji Abdulla Arab to John A. Lant, 5 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton). A few weeks later, Haji Abdulla Arab was displeased with insults that Webb leveled at Lant. He wrote: As to Mr. Webb’s strictures against you, you must not be dejected at heart—our brother Webb is a plain hearted gentleman, and having no sufficient funds at his command he sometimes loses the presence of mind—but you, through the favor of God, are not so. You are possessed of means and firmness of character. From such a man much can be expected—I trust therefore you will not go against Mr. Webb in matters of religion. In that respect you & him are one and the same, and must therefore work together. Otherwise the Christian missionaries will make capital of this split (See Hajee Abdulla Arab to John A. Lant, 25 January 1894 and 5 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).

In 1894 (Jan-22), via The New York Times of Mon, Jan 22, 1894 ·Page 5, there is a report on Mr. Nabakoff found an adversary in Paul Behman, a persian and a Christian. Nabakoff isn’t working with Webb anymore.

In 1894 (Feb-15), the Oakland Enquirer of Thu, Feb 15, 1894 ·Page 4 reports that Webb was a speaker at the Great Conference of Religions in 1893 in Chicago (See also The Sioux City Journal of Wed, Jan 31, 1894 ·Page 7).

In 1894 (Mar-16), Hajee Riazudin Ahmed and his colleague Mirza Birjis Kader were influential Indian supporters of Islamic missionary activities in the West. Kader wrote to Lant, “my religionists are forming various opinions regarding the dissension that has taken place between you and Mr. Mahamad Webb. All of the Mohamadans of India feel discontented with the procedure of propagating Islam in America but as for me I pray sincerely daily that God may help you and prosper you in your hard undertaking (See Mirza Birjis Kader to John A. Lant, 16 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton). Explaining the situation in India, Snow wrote, “The Committee here seems tied to Webb & altho’ they distrust him are afraid to now own that they have been deceived or our people here will hold him responsible & they fear political complications. Quilliam writes me clearly that Webb is not to be trusted & gives good reasons . . . I have suggested to Hajee Abdulla Arab . . . that if he and Webb effect a reconciliation it should be on the condition that duties should be separated & you have charge of funds.” He further wrote, “M’d Webb has also written to Hajee Riazudin Ahmed repenting his conversion, saying that he has lost a lucrative post & is now about [to] starve, Lie! This does not show any delicacy of feeling let alone Islamic spirit” (See Hamid Snow to John A. Lant, 16 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO.,via Singleton).

In 1894 (Mar-19), The Boston Globe of Mon, Mar 19, 1894 ·Page 8 reported that Webb was in Boston and spoke to Christian clergy at Channing Hall (a well known center of Unitarianism). The headlines tell the world that Webb is against Polygamy and called it an unmitigated curse. Webb gave a lecture on “The Higher Phases of This Life”. Webb also said that he never supported polygamy and news reports to this effect from Chicago are wrong. Webb argued that Muslims believe in Jesus (as) and Muhammad (saw) and other prophets and other scriptures. Webb argued that Muhammad (saw) only made laws specific to his own time (not for all time?). Webb argued that an advanced Muhammadan only has one wife.

In 1894 (Mar-23), the Putnam County Leader of Fri, Mar 23, 1894 ·Page 2 told the world that Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb will speak in St. Louis next Sunday afternoon (March-25) at the Grand Opera House. Webb was a follower of “Theosophy” and a fast friend of Eugene Field. Webb discussed polygamy at the Great Conference of Religions in 1893 in Chicago (See also the St. Louis Globe-Democrat of Sun, Mar 18, 1894 ·Page 24)(See also the St. Louis Globe-Democrat of Mon, Apr 02, 1894 ·Page 10)(See also the St. Louis Globe-Democrat of Wed, Mar 28, 1894 ·Page 11)(See also The Times-Picayune of Sun, Apr 08, 1894 ·Page 2).

In 1894 (May-24), via The Pittsfield Sun of Thu, May 24, 1894 ·Page 1, it is reported that Webb is in Pittsfield, MA and gave a lecture at Unity Church on Tuesday evening. Webb is allegedly “thoroughly conversant with the tenets and practices of Islam.

In 1894 (May-29), via The New York Times of Tue, May 29, 1894 ·Page 9, Webb seems to have bought a large farm in the town of Esopus (Ulster County), in the Esopus Mountains. Webb is building a summer house for his daughter.

In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Webb had completely ventilated himself by showing what a perfect Mussulman he is, in vilifying every worker in the cause, and at the same time perfectly his own depravity, let him be dismissed by the application of his own words to himself, that he is one of the most unworthy “frauds and sycophants” that ever disgraced a good cause. It will cost less for a committee of Moslems to investigate the career and statements of this unfortunate man, than to be longer deceived by employing him to “bring Islam in disgrace.” This he has already done, and the sooner the Moslems in the East drop him (for he has no following here), the better it will be for the work in America when they come to take it up properly (See “Not a good word for anybody,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4., via Singleton).

In 1894 (Apr-May-June), Although Webb was rarely confrontational towards Christianity in general, he often berated Christians and their behavior in the Moslem World and in lectures. Lant saw Webb’s kowtowing to the press as the utmost hypocrisy and felt Webb must be in cahoots with Davidyan’s group. Reflecting on this time period, Lant wrote, “We refrained from dispute, from contention, from public scandal, and suddenly left them both [Webb and Davidiyan] standing in a glare of light arrayed against the only honest effort yet made to spread the light of Islam in America . . . A society of earnest souls . . . have spies come among them secretly to plant confusion in the minds of inquirers assembled in obedience to the call to prayer; and these the emissaries of the paid propaganda misrepresenting their adopted faith in this unbrotherly manner” (See “To the friends of Islam in the East,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 1., via Singleton).

In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun) Lant said he was on the verge of giving Webb an additional $700 for the cause when he left the American Islamic Propaganda (See “Who will help him to deceive, slander and falsify, now,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4., via Singleton).

In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Lant countered, “I used the desk everyday, and carried the keys. The only private papers in it were my own, and these consisted of Webb IOUs to me” (“Who will help him to deceive, slander and falsify, now,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4. The American Moslem, Vol. 1, No. 4 is available from the Ottoman Archives, Istanbul (Başbakanlık Osmanlı Arşivi, Maruzati. Yildiz Arsivi Sadaret Hususi 309/80), via Singleton).

In 1894 (May-25), in the “Voice of Islam” newspaper, it is reported that Nafeesa M.T. Keep was elected as secretary of the “American Muslim Brotherhood”. The election was held in the reading room of “The Moslem World Co.”, No. 30 East 23d St. NY. Nafeesa M.T. Keep is also on the “Board of Publications”. The Vice President is C. Omar MacCoun, the Librarian is Ahmed Hamouda, the assistant librarian is R. Othman White, the Treasurer is H. Ali Lewis. H. Ali Lewis is also on the “Board of Publications”, as well as C. Omar MacCoun and R. Othman White. On the Advisory Board are 3 people, E. A. Arnold, H. Fatima Peabody and Khaled D. Hutchins (See Aug-1894 edition of the “Voice of Islam”). James S. Laidlaw has an essay and short poem in this edition of the “Voice of Islam” (Aug-1894 edition). H.A. Lewis is also the “Business Manager” of the “Voice of Islam” and “American Moslem Brotherhood”. Interestingly, a mission in Lahore is discussed called the Anjuman-i-Islam wherein young boys are being taught, this is called the Islamic College. The Nawab of Bahawalpur has given money for orphan boys and via the “Anjuman-i-Himayat-e-Islam“. Many books are listed for sale, a book by Haji Abdullah Browne entitled, “The Evidences of Islam” (from London). Barkatullah also has a book for sale, entitled, “Eleven Months’ Mussulman Work at Hyderabad (Deccan), India, as well as a book by G.W. Leitner (of the Woking Mosque), entitled, “Mohammedanism”. Webb’s book, “Islam in America” is the most expensive book, $50 for 75 pages. “Education and Literature of the Women of Turkey” by Senorita Esmeralda Cervantes, for $15. A book by Goolam Muhammed bin Hajee Hafiz Sadek Randeri, entitled, “The Touchstone of Philosophers”. There is also a book by Shaikh Faizullah-bhai (Fellow of the University of Bombay and headmaster of the “Anjuman-i-Islam” schools), entitled, “A Moslem Present”, for $35, this book is an anthology of Arabic poems about the Prophet and the faith of Islam. There is also a book entitled, “Al Bahsul-Jaleel” or “The Delhi Controversy” between Maulvi Sharful Haq Kadri Jalali, translated by S. Abdul Haq sahib and for $15. There is also a book for sale entitled, “The Hero as Prophet” by Thos Carlyle for $15.

In 1894 (July-13), via The Evening World of Fri, Jul 13, 1894 ·Page 2, Mrs. Keep is calling Webb a trickster and a fraud (via Singleton)(See “Shade of the Prophet!,” New York World, July 13 1894, p. 9; “Nafeesa held the fort,” New York World, July 14 1894, p. 11; “Trouble in Islam,” New York Tribune, July 14 1894, p. 12; “Mohammed Webb locked out,” New York Times, July 14 1894, p. 5; “Nefeesa Keep breakfasts,” New York Times, July 16 1894, p. 1; “Mohammed is now ahead,” New York World, July 24 1894, p. 3; “War of the Moslems not over,” New York Times, July 24 1894, p. 8; “Nefeesa M. T. Keep retaliates,” New York Times, July 30 1894, p. 9; “Mrs. Keep laughs best,” New York World, August 2 1894, p. 9).

In 1894 (July-15), via The Philadelphia Inquirer of Sun, Jul 15, 1894 ·Page 4, Webb and his mission are totally exposed. It is reported that Webb promised to rid Americans of alcohol use, women from walking around freely and showing their face and bodies, bathe 5 times per day and other ills, however, Mrs. Keep has brought it all down with her allegations and her refusal to leave Webb’s business offices. The newspaper says that ironically, in Islam, women have no say in business affairs. The newspaper mocks Webb (See also The Evening World of Sat, Jul 14, 1894 ·Page 3)(See also The Evening World of Fri, Jul 13, 1894 ·Page 4)(See also St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Jul 15, 1894 ·Page 4).

In 1894 (July-16), The New York Times of Mon, Jul 16, 1894 ·Page 1 reported that Nefeesa has broken her fasts, however, Webb is still a bad man, a “Tow Gee”. Nefeesa M.T. Keep, who is the editor of the “Moslem World” and “Voice of Islam” magazines. Nefeesa M.T. Keep alleges that Webb owes her money and is living in Webb’s business offices on the 3rd floor of 30 E. 23rd St, ny, NY. On the outside of the door was a sign that if anyone entered they would be arrested. However, a reporter from the New York Times showed up and after knocking, was able to get some information. After looking at the face of the reporter, Mrs. Keep let him in, weary of Webb trying to forcibly remove her. Mrs. Keep says that she is out of money, some of her neighbors did give her some food. Mrs. Keep says that she is scheduled to speak to the Turkish consul about Webb and his nefarious activities. Mrs. Keep alleges that Webb owes her $50 and her friend $100 for rent. Mrs. Keep alleges that from March-1-1894 to Dec-1-1893, Webb received 12,000 from India and Egypt, this was for the spread of Islam in America. However, Webb has already spent all of the money and has bought land for his family in Ulster County for $600, however, he refuses to pay back Mrs. Keep her $50. At this moment, a neighbor offered food. Mrs. Keep is demanding to stay in Webb’s business offices until she gets full ownership of the “Moslem World” and “Voice of Islam” magazines. Mrs. Keep was asked by the reporter if she was still a Muslim, she answered that she believed in Islam more than Christianity, however, she judges a tree by its fruit and Webb was not a rotten example of a Muslim. Mrs. Keep presented a letter of Webb wherein he is begging for money all around the world from Muslims.

In 1894 (July-17), per the New York Herald of Tue, Jul 17, 1894 ·Page 2, Mrs. Keep is inside of Webb’s business office and refuses to leave, this is at 30 East 23rd St. Mrs. Keep (aka Nafeesa Keep) is the editor of the “Voice of Islam” newspaper.

In 1894 (July-18), the Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Jul 18, 1894 ·Page 4 reported from the New York Tribune, Mrs. Keep was calling the Webb a fake Moslem. Webb’s fez was hanging on the wall in his business offices where Mrs. Keep was barricaded in. Mrs. Keep accused Webb of buying a farm with the money that he was given to spread Islam. Mrs. Keep alleges that Webb wanted to make money like William Quilliam in Liverpool did. Mrs. Keep went to the Turkish council later that afternoon and told them about Webb. Allegedly, the Turkish council said that they wouldn’t work with Webb.

In 1894 (July-19), the Altoona Tribune of Thu, Jul 19, 1894 ·Page 1 reports that Muhammed Webb was barred out of his business office vs. Mrs. Nafeesa M.T. Keep. Mrs. Keep used to be a Theosophist. Hajee Abdullah Hajee Arab is described as a wealthy oriental merchant, who lives in Jedda, Arabia and has extensive commercial connections throughout India. Mrs. Keep alleges that Webb has been stealing money.

In 1894 (July-20), via the Times Herald of Fri, Jul 20, 1894 ·Page 1, Mrs. Keep alleged that she has a letter from Ella G. Webb (wife of Mohammed Alexander Webb) wherein it is stated that Webb and his wife are living off of the produce of their newly bought farm in Ulster County, NY.

In 1894 (July-21), via The Plain Dealer of Sat, Jul 21, 1894 ·Page 4, Webb is briefly quoted in terms of behavior in Chicago.

In 1894 (July-24), Webb and a bunch of men forcibly broke the doors at Webb’s headquarters at 30 East 23rd St, NY, at which point Nafeesa Keep was removed from the property, however, she found a room nearby and seems to be staying there. Webb is threatening legal action and accuses Mrs. Keep of stealing documents (See The Evening World of Tue, Jul 24, 1894 ·Page 3)(See also the Chicago Tribune of Mon, Jul 23, 1894 ·Page 7)(See also the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Wed, Jul 25, 1894 ·Page 4).

In 1894 (July-26), the New-York Tribune of Thu, Jul 26, 1894 ·Page 12 alleged that Webb was in Jefferson Market Court with his wife vs. Mrs. Keep. Words were exchanged. Webb alleged to the judge that Mrs. Keep stole books and plates valued at $300. Justice Hogan didn’t make a decision, instead he told the parties to come back in about a week.

In 1894 (July-27), The Frontier and Holt County Independent of Fri, Jul 27, 1894 ·Page 3 reported that Mrs. Nafeesa Mary Tempest Keep went to the Turkish consulate at 132 Broadway and told them about Webb and how he had spent all of this money from India. The Vice Council was there, a man named Ismail Bey. Ismail Bey seems to be ignorant about Webb. Mrs. Keep plans to sue Webb for monies via a civil suit.

In 1894 (Aug-2), via The Evening World of Thu, Aug 02, 1894 ·Page 3, it is reported that Mrs. Nefeesa M.T. Keep is being financially supported by Mrs. Eliza A. Arnold, widow of George T. Arnold (the inventor of the magic ruffle). Mrs. Eliza A. Arnold alleges to have given Webb cash which was used to pay the rent at Webb’s business offices. Mrs. Eliza A. Arnold alleges to have attended many meetings of the Moslem Brotherhood since Jan-1893 and she is convinced that Mrs. Keep is telling the truth about Webb being a fraudster. Mrs. Eliza A. Arnold seems to have paid the rent for the offices wherein Mrs. Keep is and contends that Mrs. Keep is the true representative of Islam in America, not Webb.

In 1894 (Aug-4), Lant’s associate, William Mac Nair expounded on Webb in a letter to Lant, “I have seen the name of the great prophet before his name, but he is not in my opinion worthy to bear it. . . . All honor to you and shame upon your unfaithful slanderers (See William Mac Nair to John A. Lant, 4 August 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO. Mac Nair was once the Secretary of the local chapter of the Knights of Labor, via Singleton).

In 1894 (Aug-11), The Daily Sentinel-Tribune of Sat, Aug 11, 1894 ·Page 6 reported that Mrs. Keep declared that Mohammed Alexander Webb has an insane odor and he must be an insane man.

In 1894 (Aug-18), The Piqua Daily Call of Sat, Aug 18, 1894 ·Page 8 ran a story wherein it inferred that maybe Mohammedanism was a religious solution for the problem of the southern Negro. It is stated that the southern Negro is morally ignorant and a religion which combined Buddhism and Islam could be beneficial. Webb’s mission is also stated (See also the Epitaph-News of Fri, Jan 05, 1894 ·Page 5)(See also the Tri-County Independent of Fri, Apr 20, 1894 ·Page 3).

In 1894 (Aug-24), via the Algona Courier of Fri, Aug 24, 1894 ·Page 2, a woman named Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) has completely exposed Muhammed Webb as a fraudster. Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) has been at war with Muhammed Webb for about 6 weeks. She even wrote a letter to the Sultan of Turkey about Muhammed Webb being a fraudster. Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) called Webb a monster. Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) alleged that Muhammed Webb was using the Theosophical society against her and have hired Judge Hawes a lawyer vs. her. It seems that the Theosophical society was accusing her of theft. Nafeesa (aka Mrs. Keep) alleges that Webb was lying about a lack of funds, she says that she saw a check for $500 from Osman Nauri Effendi (Osman Nuri Pasha?). In the end, Mrs. Keep called Muhammed Webb a fake prophet who was in reality raising money to spend on himself.

In 1894 (Aug-26), via the Democrat and Chronicle (daily newspaper serving the greater Rochester, New York, area) of Sun, Aug 26, 1894 ·Page 3, it is explained how Mohammed Webb “Roped in the Rupees”. The newspaper alleges that Mohammed Webb failed in his mission of bringing Islam to the USA. Webb raised 1000’s of rupees in British India. It seems that a man named Hamid Snow made the first accusation back in May-1894. Hamid Snow is mentioned as a tipster who told the world about the fraud of Webb. This report also refers to the Liverpool Muslim Institute and how Webb criticized it’s financials. Webb, allegedly commented that with 300 pounds, a make-shift mosque could have been erected in Liverpool. The verbal attacks of Mrs. Nafeesa Maria Theresa Melissa Keep are also mentioned as the final nail in the coffin for Webb’s mission. It seems that Mrs. Keep was able to get the press that Webb was using. The newspaper infers that Webb seems to be out of business aka bankrupt. A letter from John C. Sundberg (U.S. Consul in Baghdad) was read out which commented on the mission of Webb. It seems that Webb had argued in 1893 that American would accept polygamy, however, Webb contradicted this and shocked Sundberg and others. The newspaper alleges that thousands of rupees were stolen by Webb and his fake mission. Sundberg alleges that Islam could solve all the problems in the USA, including woman’s suffrage.

In 1894 (Sep-26), it seemed that Lant and Nabakoff were intent to ignore Webb’s movement
altogether and simply speak about their new organization, at least until an indignant Webb came forth with his allegations. Webb drew the first blood in the press. Lant was resentful of Webb’s charges against him, since he apparently gave much more to the cause then he ever received in return. He later blasted Webb as a “propagandist for pay” who received a salary for his duties and who had squandered the mission’s funds from India (See “News notes,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2., via Singleton). This line of argument spoke with respect to Qur’anic injunctions against receiving one’s livelihood completely from religious work. Later, when Sheik Abdullah Quilliam of Liverpool was reluctantly brought in to the imbroglio, he stated: I regret to hear of the unfortunate misunderstandings between those in America who have accepted the faith. Personally I consider this way of slandering the brethren which seems to be used as a weapon by some persons to be most improper and un-Islamic and I am also opposed to persons simply preaching on behalf of the cause simply and solely for the purpose of gain, it then becomes simply and solely a matter of profession in order to make a living which was never intended to be part of the Islamic propagation, in fact, over and over again in the Koran you will find the passage “I take no reward for this my preaching” (See Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 26 September 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO. via Singleton).

In 1894 (Oct-28), via The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sun, Oct 28, 1894 ·Page 28, Webb was scheduled to tour in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Unity Club series at College Hall (opposite the Gibson house). on Nov-7-1894 (See also The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sat, Nov 03, 1894 ·Page 15).

In 1894 (Nov-8), via The Cincinnati Enquirer of Thu, Nov 08, 1894 ·Page 8, Webb was at “College Hall” last night and speaking to members of the “Unity Club” and was forced to stop his lecture because he was ill. Reverand E.A. Coil of Unity Church intervened and read out some of Webb’s writings (See also The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sat, Nov 03, 1894 ·Page 15)(See also the Akron Evening Times of Thu, Nov 08, 1894 ·Page 2)(See also The Salem Daily News of Thu, Nov 08, 1894 ·Page 1)(See also The Evening Review of Thu, Nov 08, 1894 ·Page 3).

In 1894 (Nov-11), via The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sun, Nov 11, 1894 ·Page 10, the headline is “Webb is a Bad Way”. Webb was in Cincinnati and was too sick to give his scheduled lecture. The lecture was scheduled for Nov-10 in Toledo, Ohio. Webb had arrived in Toledo on Nov-8-1894. Webb was allegedly confined to his room at his hotel with a severe cold. This afternoon, Webb allegedly suffered an attack of congestion of the brain and is in critical condition (See also The Zanesville Signal of Mon, Nov 12, 1894 ·Page 1)(See also The Marion Star of Mon, Nov 12, 1894 ·Page 1)(See also The Ohio Democrat of Wed, Nov 14, 1894 ·Page 1)(See also The Plain Dealer of Sun, Nov 11, 1894 ·Page 14)(See also the Unionville Republican of Wed, Nov 14, 1894 ·Page 4)(See also the Minneapolis Daily Times of Sun, Nov 11, 1894 ·Page 3)(See also The Omaha Evening Bee of Sun, Nov 11, 1894 ·Page 2)(See also the Canton Farmers Leader of
Fri, Nov 16, 1894 ·Page 2).

In 1894 (Nov-16), via The Jewish Voice of Fri, Nov 16, 1894 ·Page 6, reports on Mohammed Alexander Russel Webb’s lecture (“Why I am a Mussalman”) at the Unity Club that was abruptly cut short on account of indisposition. Reverend E.A. Coil read out the remainder of the speech as best as he could. It was not a good speech. Theosophical beliefs and Unitarian beliefs are also discussed and represented at this conference.

In 1894 (Nov-29), via The Clyde Enterprise of Thu, Nov 29, 1894 ·Page 2 (of Clyde, Ohio), it seems that Webb gave 5 lectures while in Ohio, one on Hinduism too.

In 1894 (Dec-2), The Indianapolis Journal of Sun, Dec 02, 1894 ·Page 12 infers that Webb got drunk and was unable to give his lectures. The newspaper also infers that Webb’s career as a missionary is over.

In 1894 (Dec-11), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Tue, Dec 11, 1894 ·Page 4, it seems that Mrs. Nafeesa Keep has cut loose from Alexander Russell Webb and have reorganized the “American Moslem Institute”. Mrs. Keep alleges that Alexander Russell went to a bar and lives a life wherein he goes to bars and spends money. Webb is no longer the leader of the white Moslems on New York (see The Inter Ocean of Tue, Dec 11, 1894 ·Page 3)(See also The Courier-Journal of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 5).

In 1894 (Dec-12), via the Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 10 reported that Alexander Russell Mohammed Webb was ex-communicated by “The American Moslem Institute” because Webb instead of giving a lecture went and got drunk. This was posted from the New York Advertiser. The meeting of the “The American Moslem Institute” took place at No. 20 East 23rd St, ny, NY. Nafeesah M.T. Keep was also there as well as John A. Lant and Emin L. Nabakoff. There were also a few police officers on the scene, in case Webb showed up and tried to assault people. They were there to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the first ever Adhan given in the USA in 1893. Princess Sophia Adelaide was there too as well as A.L. Rawson. Resolutions were passed which gave legality to the American Moslem Institute, it was a branch of the Moslem Institute of Liverpool (via Quilliam). By-laws were also established, Nafeesah was given salary of $30 per month. Nafeesah then accused Webb of being a drunkard, much to the confusion of Nabakoff and Lant. Nafeesah read from the “Commercial Gazette of Cincinnati” from Dec-1-1894. Webb was unanimously repudiated (See also the Baptist and Reflector of Thu, Dec 27, 1894 ·Page 1)(See also the Vermont Chronicle of Fri, Dec 07, 1894 ·Page 5).

In 1894 (Dec-17), via the Chicago Times, The Savannah Morning News of Mon, Dec 17, 1894 ·Page 9 told the world that Mohammed Webb was now a Sufi. Webb then gives advice on how to become a Sufi. Webb is currently in Chicago, at 50 Lincoln Ave and working with “The Theosophical Society” there and is scheduled to give speeches at the Athaneum. Webb is dressed like the average Christian, however, he still claims to be a Muslim. Webb explains how he went from a Theosophist to a Sufi. Webb called Sufism the highest form of cultivation in the world. Webb emphatically states that he is not in the USA to convert anyone to Islam. Webb alleged that the Hindu Yogi is similar to the Sufi. Webb says that a Sufi can leave his own body and look at themselves, Webb alleges to have done it. Theosophists also share this belief alleged Webb. Webb alleges that he knows men who can disintegrate matter and then reassemble it, these same men can perform miracles, however, they don’t. Webb alleges that there are 80 white Moslems in the USA in 1894. Webb says that he only told the Muslims of India that he would spread Islam, he never gave details how. Webb says that the work of proselyting was not included in the deal. Webb confesses that his newspapers were suspended by himself. Webb says that the rupee has lost half of its value via exchange. Webb ends by promising more lecture, however, he doesn’t have any other plan (See also the Kansas City Journal of Mon, Dec 24, 1894 ·Page 6).

In 1894 (Dec-27), via the Baptist and Reflector of Thu, Dec 27, 1894 ·Page 1 it is reported that Webb has a drinking problem and had advocated for the use of polygamy at The Great Conference of Religions in 1893. The Cincinnati Gazette accused Webb of being too drunk to complete his lectures. The same thing happened in Toledo, Ohio. Webb is thus discredited (See also the Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 10 and The Indianapolis Journal of Sun, Dec 02, 1894 ·Page 12).

In 1894 (Dec-27), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Thu, Dec 27, 1894 ·Page 4 reports that the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire declines to allow an American consul to accompany the commission which is to inquire into the Armenian atrocities. The only American that the Sultan might like is Mohammed Alexander Webb.

In 1894 (Dec-28), the Linn County Republic of Fri, Dec 28, 1894 ·Page 2 reports on how Webb is losing his entire mission in America.

In 1895 (Jan-March), Webb restructured his organization once again. He had left New York and set up the headquarters of the Moslem World Publishing Company at his home in Ulster Park, New York. In January, he published the first issue of the consolidated Moslem World and Voice of Islam newspaper. He did not use this paper to attack his rivals. Ironically, during the brief squabble between Lant and Nabakoff, Webb mentioned the newly formed groups in his paper, and he remained agreeable toward their prospects. He did, however, refrain from noting the groups’ affiliation with either gentleman. Perhaps he struck a conciliatory tone for the benefit of Islam in America, or maybe his departure from New York City eased tensions enough to mollify the abject bitterness between the men. Regarding the International Moslem Union, he stated, “The fact that organizations, taking Moslem names, are being formed quite numerously in New York, and elsewhere, speaks volumes in favor of our Islamic Propaganda . . . if its real purpose is to promulgate the truths of Islam we are disposed to give it a cordial welcome to the American Moslem Brotherhood” (See “The American Moslem Institute,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, p. 4; “News notes,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, March 1895, p. 3, via Singleton). Webb published his supportive statements, despite a letter from Nabakoff castigating Webb that appeared in the January 1895 issue of the Crescent. Nabakoff defended Quilliam’s reputation against Webb’s accusations of financial improprieties in Liverpool. Nabakoff wrote, “Mr. Webb is the successful author of so many astonishing lies, that it is beyond the capacity of man to hunt them all up. I make it a rule to treat his stories with
contempt, but I can’t afford a slanderer and backbiter to make mischief between friends” (“Nailing down a slander,” Crescent, January 2 1895, p. 2, via Singleton). Webb chose not to respond in kind and spent the remainder of the year publishing his paper, lecturing, and holding occasional meetings of the New York branch of the American Moslem Brotherhood. Increasingly, Webb devoted his limited column space to defending Turkey against charges of ill treatment of the Armenians and other negative characterizations of the Sultan.

In 1895 (Feb-4), The Courier-Journal of Mon, Feb 04, 1895 ·Page 2 reports that Webb is back in business and has published “The Moslem World” and “Voice of Islam” after suspending their printing. In the Jan-1895 edition, Webb alleges that Americans will accept Islam. Webb is living quietly at Ulster Park NY in a farm that he recently bought.

In 1895 (Feb-4), The New York Times of Mon, Feb 04, 1895 ·Page 8, reported on a Fourth-Floor Mosque, which is the worship place of the “International Moslem Union”. It is reported that hats were taken off, there is no Qiblah and shoes are not removed. This is located at 835 Broadway @ 13th St, ny, NY. They are also called “the First Society For the Study of Islam”, the office is also the mosque and library of the group. A Muslim reporter for the NY Times made all of these observations. Emin Nabakoff (Leo Nabakoff is his real name) is in-charge and is named the successor of Webb, Nabakoff is allegedly from South Russia and converted to Islam before he met Webb. They seem to have read from literature that is Hindu-Muslim and talked about the reincarnation of the soul, the NY Times reporter scoffs at this and says that Muhammad (Saw) never said so. A few questions were asked.

In 1895 (Feb-10), via the Kansas City Journal of Sun, Feb 10, 1895 ·Page 4 reported that Webb is patiently waiting his next move.

In 1895 (Apr-25), Webb denigrated Islam and alleged that unitarians and Universalist are really Muslims (See the Evansville Courier and Press of Thu, Apr 25, 1895 ·Page 6). Webb’s encounter vs. Nafeesa Keep is also mentioned as in the past. Webb mentioned the works of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Charagh Ali and Syed Ameer Ali.

In 1895 (May-17), in America, the First Society continued meeting, but by April 1894, attendance was falling. They were forced to end the Sunday meetings due to the disruptions by Davidyan’s group, and according to the proprietor of the lecture hall, they had fallen behind in paying rent (See Theodore F. Price to John A. Lant, 10 April 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, via Singleton). At about this time, Hamid Snow sent a letter to the editor of the New York World trying to expose Webb as a fraud. However, he unintentionally drew negative attention upon himself and the First Society. The letter emboldened the World to investigate the state of both Islamic movements. Although Snow thoroughly castigated Webb, Webb in turn excoriated Snow and his American associates in an interview with the World. Webb said, “I know this man Hamid Snow, and he is not of the least consequence. He is a half-breed Mussulman, and is running a sort of independent church at Agra Fort. He is out for all the money in sight.” He further reminded readers of Lant’s run-ins with Comstock and reprised his version of the story of Lant’s departure from the American Islamic Propaganda. Webb said of Nabakoff, “He used to be an ice-cream peddler at Brighton, England, and knows no more about the religion of Islam than any other street fakir (destitute person).” Furthermore, he related, “When I turned Lant and Nabakoff out of my place they tried to establish a mission in Union Square. They made a failure of that, and now they are trying to injure me in India by writing to persons whose names Lant obtained from my personal papers.” He went on to chide them as “leeches,” “frauds,” and “sycophants.” Webb then focused his rage on Sheik Abdullah Quilliam, calling him “a charletan [sic] of the worst possible character” (“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17 1895, p. 8, via Singleton).

In 1895 (June-22), The Minneapolis Journal of Sat, Jun 22, 1895 ·Page 4 reported that Webb’s mission of Islam in America has totally collapses, however, Webb was trying to get funds and open it again.

In 1895 (Nov-21), via the Chicago Tribune of Thu, Nov 21, 1895 ·Page 1 the Nawab of Basoda was in Chicago, his real is Mahomed Omer Ali Khan, he is accompanied by his servant, Dulsher Ali and W. McKinnon (rep from the British-India office). The Nawab of Basoda alleges that the Nizam of Hyderabad gave a huge sum of money to Webb while Webb was touring India in the winter of 1892. The Nawab of Basoda was eager to hear from Webb (See also The Savannah Morning News of Sat, Nov 30, 1895 ·Page 4).

In 1895 (Dec-1), The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2 dedicated an entire page to the failures of Alexander Russell Mohammad Webb in America entitled, “The Fall of Islam in America, ” New York Times, Dec. 1, 1895, p. 2. In 1895, the Nawab of Basoda was Nawab Omar Ali Khan, who ruled the small Central Indian principality until his death that year. Nevertheless, the Nawab of Basoda alleged that he gave Webb 40-50,000 british pounds. However, Webb says that it was only 2000 British pounds. The newspaper alleges that Webb is living in poverty. It seems that the Nawab of Basoda was in the USA and was wanting to see what was the result of his investment. Nawab of Basoda didn’t see much and never met Webb either. The Nawab of Basoda was accompanied by Mr. William Mackinnon (hard headed, a shrewd-spoken scotch man, secretary to the Nawab and interpreter). Before leaving America, the Nawab of Basoda told the New York Times all of this via Mr. William Mackinnon. The newspaper mentions how Webb travelled thru India and to Hyderabad, India, and how wealthy Indian’s had paid for him to do so. Among one of these was Haji Abdullah Arab, who personally gave 5000 British pounds. It is alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad (Mahboob Ali Khan?) gave a huge sum of money for Islam to spread in America. The Nawab of Basoda confessed that he hadn’t given Webb any money, nevertheless, he wanted to see an update and was shocked to see nothing. The Nawab of Basoda also said that some of the money was given to Webb in India and lots of it was sent to America and all the records of that are missing. A man named J.A. Lant of Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson met with The Nawab of Basoda and Mr. William Mackinnon. Lant alleged that Webb owed him 600 British pounds for services rendered in connected with Webb’s newspaper. Webb’s failures in America are highlighted. Webb hoodwinked Indian Muslims! Webb’s business address in Ulster Park, NY is mentioned in detail. The newspaper mentions how Webb looked nothing like a Muslim who had been to India, he looked like a common farmer in New York in 1895. The reported for the newspaper met Webb and gave these observations. Webb said that he didn’t know that the Nawab of Basoda was in town, Webb questioned why the Nawab didn’t come to Ulster Park to see for himself. Webb denies receiving 40-50,000 British pounds. Webb alleges that 20k US dollars have been spent by himself and his mission in this pursuit. Webb denies that Haji Abdullah Arab gave him 5000 British pounds. Webb alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad never gave him a penny, nor did any other Indian. Webb alleged that he never personally received even a single rupee and that he never received money in-person, whatever was given to him via “offering” was turned over to Haji Abdullah Arab. Webb alleges that he was offered 32k US Dollars in incremental payments of 13k for the first year, 10k for 2nd and 3rd year. This payment included maintenance for Webb and his family. Webb alleges that people thought he came to the USA with 1 million dollars and began to try to leech off of him and failed. Webb alleges that Lant was one of these leeches. Webb alleges that Hamid Snow was another. Webb alleges that Lant and Snow caused Haji Abdullah Arab to break his contract with Webb and thus left Webb in poverty. Webb alleges that a single Moslem in India is supporting him financially right now. Webb admitted to not preaching Islam in Ulster Park.

In 1895 (Dec-5), via the Richmond Times-Dispatch of Thu, Dec 05, 1895 ·Page 4, it is reported that a correspondent with the NY Times was in Washington DC and wished to ask some questions to the Turkish minister, Mavroyeni Bey about Mohammed Webb and his financial fraud, however, Bey refused to speak and his teeth chattered.

In 1895 (Dec-27), via the New-York Tribune of Fri, Dec 27, 1895 ·Page 32 Mohammed Webb seems to have supported the Ottoman Empire vs. Armenia and Webb made arguments in support of the Ottoman Empire’s aggression (See also New-York Tribune of Wed, Dec 25, 1895 ·Page 5).

In 1896 (Feb-5), Webb sided with the Ottoman Empire and cleared them of any wrongdoing in the Sasun massacre of 1894 (See the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Wed, Feb 05, 1896 ·Page 4).

In 1896 (Mar-20), Haji Abdullah Arab wrote a letter to the editor of the NY Times of Mar 20, 1896 ·Page 4, this was from Dawood Kuzi Street, Bombay, India, Feb-22-1896. In this letter Haji Abdullah Arab wrote that the him and the Mohammedans of India is 38,738 rupees, including 15,247, which was given by Haji Abdullah Arab. The article was entitled, “Webb’s supply of Rupees”.

In 1896 (Mar-27), Mohammed Webb was forced to respond to allegations of stealing money. Webb wrote a letter to the NY Times about their issue of March-20-1896 (Friday) wherein a communication from Hajee Abdullah Arab sahib of Bombay, India. Webb alleges that the Nawab Sahib of Basoda, India did not give him 40k-50k, there is an error in the translation alleges Webb. Webb alleges that this was rupees and not British pounds and there is a huge difference between the two. Webb alleges to have only been given 12,000 pounds. Which is roughly 12,000 US dollars. Webb says that he was supposed to get 40k US Dollars and only got like 10k. Webb alleges that most of the money was received in NY. Haji Abdullah Arab allegedly gave 10k rupees (roughly 3k US dollars) from his own purse. Webb gives a list of 14 payments. Signed off by Webb from Ulster Park (See The New York Times of Fri, Mar 27, 1896 ·Page 3).

In 1896 (Nov-28), via the Courier-News of Sat, Nov 28, 1896 ·Page 1, it is reported that Mohammed Webb that on the night of Nov-27, Alexander Russell Webb of Ulster County, NY gave a lecture on “Mohammedanism” at the Salvation Army Hall. Webb is called a fast friend of Eugene Field.

In 1897 (Jun-1), The Buffalo Times of Tue, Jun 01, 1897 ·Page 4 hints at the idea of Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb being the “Mohammedan Minister” to Turkey.

In 1898 (July-10), via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Jul 10, 1898 ·Page 20, Mohammed Alexander R. Webb, gave a report about his life in Manila, Philippines.

In 1900 (Oct-13), the Boston Evening Transcript of Sat, Oct 13, 1900 ·Page 18 remembers the failed mission of Webb.

In 1900 (Oct-Nov) Webb assisted with the American celebration of the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s coronation in 1900. He gave the adhan at the event and led a prayer for the Sultan’s continued health (See “Rejoicings in the new world in honour of the Sultan,” Crescent, October 10 1900, p. 229, Via Singleton). In reporting this news, the Crescent used a further Islamicized form of his name, Mohammed Iskander Webb, the first time he had been mentioned in the paper in five years. After years of bitterness and distrust, Webb’s association with Turkish diplomats re-legitimized Webb in Quilliam’s eyes. Webb was mentioned a month later as having arrived in Constantinople on his way to Mecca for a pilgrimage (See “Editorial notes,” Crescent, November 21 1900, p. 329, Via Singleton). Webb continued giving sporadic lectures on Islam and Turkey, but he never embarked on missionary activities again.

In 1901 (Sep-1), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Sep 01, 1901 ·Page 3 reported on an Islamic mission in the Philippines. The newspaper alleges that there are currently 9 Moslem missionaries in Manila, of which 3 are white, 2 are Philippinos and 2 Malay’s. The head of the mission is Emin Nabakoff. Nabakoff had a brother in the Russian military 15 years ago. Nabakoff was previously a bishop in the Greek Church of Sitka, Alaska. Nabakoff allegedly converted to Islam by himself in Alaska. It is mentioned how Nabakoff was previously working under Webb and how they collapsed. After Webb, Nabakoff got involved with the “International Muslim Union” or “Young Turks Party”. Nabakoff was hired by the “International Muslim Union” in Ludhiana, British India to manage their missions in Malaysia and the Philippines. Mohammed Price and Ali Lant are working closely with Nabakoff (both are native born Americans and veterans of the civil war). It is reported that Hamid Snow will run the mission from Ludhiana and Nejib Selim from Singapore.

In 1901 (Oct-26), via the Warsaw Independent of Sat, Oct 26, 1901 ·Page 4, it is reported that Alexander R. Webb was made an honorary Consul General of the Ottoman Empire and given the new name of Webb Bey.

In 1907, after Mufti Muhammad Sadiq read out a letter from Alexander Webb, MGA spoke ill of Alexander Webb. It seems that Alexander Webb cursed the people of American in his letter, in response to this, MGA said, why does Webb curse the people of America, he should curse
his own heart. He did not pay full attention to our Movement, rather, he went back from India uttering abuse. MGA then mentioned Quillam and said that he was better than Alexander Webb (See Malfuzat-9, online English Edition, pages 137-139, via Al-Hakam, vol. 11, no. 8, p. 9, dated 10 March 1907). MGA seems to dislike Alexander Webb. MGA says that he has sent over 16,000 flyers to be published in America, some in the 1880’s and some in 1902 (via the Dowie prophecy).

In 1908 (Jun-27), allegedly, Mohammed Alexander Webb seems to be working on organizing another “Parliament of Religions” conference (will be held at Unity Church). Webb is scheduled to speak on July-19, it will open on July-5. Webb’s speech is entitled, “The Message of Mohammedanism to the World of Today. Professor M. Barkatullah is also scheduled to speak about the Sufi’s in Islam (See The Montclair Times of Sat, Jun 27, 1908 ·Page 1).

In 1908 (July-12), Webb’s friend and colleague from St. Louis, William A. Kelsoe, described Webb’s skills in the following reminiscences of working with him at the Republic: “The most versatile man we had was perhaps Alex Webb… there wasn’t a better all-round newspaper man on the paper…Webb was a practical printer, and when he couldn’t find work in the writing end of a newspaper he would join the subs in the composing room” (See St. Louis Republic, July 12, 1908, part 15, p. 2, via Singleton).

In 1910, MGA’s famous book, “Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam” is translated into english by Maulvi Muhammad Ali and published as, “The Teachings of Islam”, Mr. Muhammad Alexander Webb is given credit as someone who helped in the translation. This was the second english translation of “Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam. Although Webb acknowledged Ghulam Ahmad as “a man of God” and the one who had guided him to Islam, however, it should be noted that this was before MGA’s claims and a total lie, since Alexander Russell Webb couldn’t read Urdu. Nevertheless, Singleton claims that Webb stayed in touch with Ahmadi’s until his death in 1916.

In 1915, the English ROR of Oct-1915 began quoting a statement by Alexander Webb From New Jersey wherein he praised the ROR. This went on for many years and ended in Dec-1923.

In 1916 (Oct-3), Alexander Webb died on Oct. 1st and is buried at the Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst New Jersey. A few months before this, the ROR of July-1916 alleges that Webb sent them an article from the USA wherein Islam was set to be attacked,. i.e. the crusades. This was also quoted in Fanusie (see page 228)(St. Joseph Gazette of Tue, Oct 03, 1916 ·Page 2). It should be noted that Alexander Webb had been active in the Knights of Pythias, serving that non-denominational society as Chancellor. He had owned the Rutherford News and had a popular following for his Commuters Column. Webb’s memorial service was held at the Unitarian Church, conducted by Reverend Elizabeth Padgham (See The Light of April, 8, 1944)(See The Light (16 April 1944) — www.alahmadiyya.org).

Alexander Russell Webb wasn’t heard from again in the history of Ahmadiyya until 1921 in the ROR (see the ref in the below. In fact, in the Moslem Sunrise of July-1921, Muftree Muhammad Sadiq announced that a man named F.L. Anderson was the first ever Ahmadi from the USA, Muftree Muhammad Sadiq alleged that he converted to Ahmadiyya in 1901 in the Moslem Sunrise of 1921. The photo of F.L. Anderson is posted also. Anthony George Baker is another fake convert, as is F.L. Anderson and Professor Clement Lindley Wragge.

In 1921, Maulvi Muhammad Ali published a 2nd edition (from Lahore, not Qadian) of his English translation of the “The Teachings of Islam” (aka the “Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam”). There doesn’t seem to be many changes, in fact, the old preface is also used. The same note on Alexander Webb is given from the 1910 edition.

In 2023, Maulvi Azhar Haneef said that it’s unclear whether Alexander Webb was an Ahmadi or not, there is no evidence that proves that Webb was an Ahmadi (See 1:18:00 time stamp and this tik tok).

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Free books for download

Bombay Lecture by Webb and various letters

Click to access a-guide-to-namaz-by-webb.pdf

The three Lectures of Alexander Webb
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Family
St. Joseph Gazette of Tue, Oct 03, 1916 ·Page 2
https://www.newspapers.com/image/560308867/?match=1
https://www.thisisrutherford.com/post/this-was-rutherford-s-alyea-webb-family
Orlando Evening Star of Sat, Jan 09, 1954 ·Page 11

–Brother–William B. Webb, he was Chief Clerk of the Railway Mail system.
–His father, is mentioned as a newspaper man, started in Hudson, NY.
–His other brothers are also mentioned, without name.
–daughter, Mary Caroline Webb was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1885.
–daughter, Nala, was born on Feb 11, 1888. Both Mary and Nala became teachers after the Webbs relocated to Rutherford. aka Mrs. Elizabeth Hallam (See Orlando Evening Star of Sat, Jan 09, 1954 ·Page 11).
–wife, Ella Webb.
–son, Russell Lorenzo Webb, born in St. Louis in 1879.
–father, Alexander Nelson Webb
–mother, Laura Cordelia Conger

When Alexander died, the local newspaper in St. Joseph, Missouri, the St. Joseph Gazette alleged that he was sent to Manila, Philippines in 1892.
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1846

When Muhammad Alexander Russell Webb was born on 9 November 1846, in Rayville, Chatham, Columbia, New York, United States, his father, Alexander Nelson Webb, was 30 and his mother, Caroline Elizabeth Lefferts, was 28. He married Laura Cordelia Conger on 4 May 1870, in Illinois, United States. They were the parents of at least 1 son. He lived in Hudson, Columbia, New York, United States in 1865 and Bergen, New Jersey, United States in 1905. He died on 1 October 1916, in Rutherford, Bergen, New Jersey, United States, at the age of 69, and was buried in Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst Township, Bergen, New Jersey, United States.
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1886

In 1886, Webb read an announcement in the Theosophist magazine (located in Madras, India and via Henry Stell Olcott) and came across the challenge of MGA about 10,000 rupees if anyone could refute the Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya. Soon thereafter, he seems to have wrote letters to MGA in Qadian and MGA had them published them in his book, (Shahna’-e-Haq, 1887-1888 era). Shortly thereafter, Webb declared himself a Muslim. The original letter that was written by Webb to MGA is totally missing (See “A Muslim in Victorian America” by Abd-Allah).
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1887
March
“Religious Jottings,” New York Tribune, March 27, 1887, 11. Via Bowen
https://www.newspapers.com/image/86864825/?match=1&terms=Religious%20Jottings
In 1887, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was selling his “Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya” in American newspapers – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

While working for the Missouri Republican, he was appointed (in September, 1887) by President Cleveland to be Consular Representative to the Philippines at the U.S. office at Manila. According to the editor of his book The Three Lectures, he had given up any concept of religion at least fifteen years before that point.

Alexander Webb gets MGA published in the See “Religious Jottings,” New York Tribune, March 27, 1887, 11.

In 1887, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was selling this “Barahin-i-Ahmadiyya” in the New York Tribune of March-1887 (See “Religious Jottings,” New York Tribune, March 27, 1887, page 11, via Bowen). Per Bowen, it was Alexander Webb who got this published! Bowen even shows how Webb converted to Ahmadiyya in 1888, via a letter from June 21, 1892 letter to Eugene Field, Webb states: “I have been a Moslem for over three years”; see Eugene Field Correspondence, Box 1 Folder 3, University of Chicago Library. For other estimates of the date of his conversion, see Abd-Allah, A Muslim, 66. Furthermore, in this advertisement, MGA is saying that he is under the protection of the British Government!!! MGA is grateful to the colonist, in fact, MGA called them a temporal Khalifa! Moreover, MGA gives a ridiculous challenge of asking people to pay 200 rupees before they come to Qadian and promising them a sign.

Scans

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https://www.muslim.org/islam/webb1.htm

Webb wrote two letters to Ghulam Ahmad at Qadian. These letters were published then in Ghulam Ahmad’s book Shahne-e-Haqq page 372 and 439.

Shohna A Huq extract

Webb’s second letter, dated 24th February 1887, and his reply to it. Despite the length of Webb’s letter, we may reproduce it here for our readers’ interest. Webb begins:

“I cannot adequately express to you my gratitude for the letter received from you under date of December 17. I had almost given up all hope of receiving a reply but the contents of the letter and circulars fully repaid me for the delay. After reading your circulars an idea occurred to me which I will present to you for your consideration. “

He then speaks of his desire to visit India, but regrets that it is not possible due to his circumstances. He continues:

“Therefore a visit to India being out of the question it occurred to me that I might, through your aid, assist in spreading the truth here. If, as you say, Islam is the only true religion why could I not act as its apostle or promulgator in America? My opportunities for doing so seem to me very good if I had someone to lead me aright at first. I have been led to believe that not only Muhammad but also Jesus, Gautama Buddha, Zoroaster and many others taught the truth, that we should, however, worship God and not men. If I could know what Muhammad really taught that was superior to the teachings of others, I could then be in a position to defend and promulgate the Muhammadan religion above all others. But the little I do know of his teachings is not sufficient for me to do effective work with. The attention of the American people is being quite generally attracted to the oriental religions but Buddhism seems to be the foremost in their investigations. The public mind, I think, is now more than ever fitted to receive Muhammadanism as well as Buddhism and it may be that through you it is to be introduced in my country. I am convinced that you are very much in earnest. I have no reason to doubt that you are inspired by God to spread the light of truth. Therefore I would be happy to know more of your teachings and to hear further from you. God, who can read all hearts, knows that I am seeking for the truth, that I am ready and eager to embrace it wherever I can find it. If you can lead me into its blessed light you will find me not only a willing pupil but an anxious one. I have been seeking now for three years and have found a great deal.

“If you can help me I hope that you will do so. I shall keep your letter and prize it highly. The circulars, I will have printed in one of the leading American newspapers so that they will have a widespread circulation. I shall be happy to receive from you at any time matter which you may have for general circulation and if you should see fit to use my services to further the aims of truth in the country they will be freely at your disposal, provided of course that I am capable of receiving your ideas and that they convince me of their truth.

“I am already well satisfied that Muhammad taught the truth, that he pointed out the way to salvation and that those who follow his teachings will attain to a condition of eternal bliss. But did not Jesus Christ also teach the way? Now suppose I should follow the way pointed out by Jesus, would not my salvation be as perfectly assured as if I followed Islam? I ask with a desire to know the truth and not to dispute or argue. I am seeking the truth, not to defend my theory.

“I think I understand you to be a follower of the esoteric teachings of Muhammad, and not what is known to the masses of the people as Muhammadanism; that you recognise the truths that underlie all religions and not their exoteric features which have been added by men. I too regret very much that I cannot understand your language, nor you mine; for I feel quite assured that you could tell me many things which I much desire to know. “

In his reply, dated 4th April 1887, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad expresses his delight and satisfaction upon receiving Webb’s letter, and writes that:

” the object which I have in view for which I have dedicated the whole of my life [is] not to confine the spread of the light of truth to the oriental world but, as far as it lies in my power, to further it in Europe and America where the attention of the people has not been sufficiently attracted towards a proper understanding of the teachings of Islam. Therefore I consider it an honour to comply with your request.

“Your friendly words permit me to entertain the happy idea that I may soon receive the good news that the natural moral sense has attracted not only you but many other virtuous people of America towards the call of truth in order to find the true guidance.”
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1887
Bethany Democrat
Thu, Oct 06, 1887 ·Page 6

In 1887 (Oct), the President of the United States (Grover Cleveland) appointed Alexander B. Webb of Missouri to the US consul at Manila (Philippines)(See the Bethany Democrat of
Thu, Oct 06, 1887 ·Page 6).

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1888-1890
Muhammad Alexander Russell Webb (1846–1916)
https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/MCLD-YM3/muhammad-alexander-russell-webb-1846-1916

https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/MCLD-YM3/muhammad-alexander-russell-webb-1846-1916

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1891

While in the Philippines, Webb wrote many letters all around the world to newspapers and etc, we have posted his letter in the Allahabad Review in the below. The Allahabad Review was a monthly, bilingual (English-Urdu) journal edited by M. Hameed-Ullah and published by the Indian Press in Allahabad. It was published from March 1890 to January 1895 (Vol. 1 to Vol 6, No. 1). He praised Sir Syed Ahmad Khan herein.

23 June 1891

Sectarian Excusiveness

Progressive Mohammadism

Allahabad Review Nov 1891

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1892
https://books.google.com/books?id=2ew2yUZJ5aUC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

In March of 1892, Haji Abdullah Arab visited Webb in Manila (See The New York Times of
Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 21).

He was in British-India from Oct 2nd to Dec-15th 1892, he travelled to British India from the Philippines. He landed in Calcutta, and delivered 3 Lectures in Madras, Hyderabad (Deccan) and Bombay. Later that year, he travelled North-west to Agra, most likely via train, and made it to Lahore (See Singleton) and refused to meet MGA (see page 24). A few months later, he travelled to Egypt and Turkey (from British-India) where he could continue studying Islam (See Singleton). While in Istanbul in 1893, he resigned his post with the State Department and returned to America.

11-10-1892—Lecture in Bombay—Lecture on Islam
11-25-1892—Lecture in Hyderabad
12-11-1892—Lecture at Madras

The three Lectures of Alexander Webb

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1893

February 16, 1893, Muhammad Webb returned to America, via London. Had things improved with our nation, since his absence for many years? I regret to say that matters had grown instead worse. We are told that farms were covered with mortgages, business was prostrate. Before Cleveland could begin his second term, the panic of 1893 had swept the nation and prosperity did not return for over four years. Three months after his arrival in New York City, this year of the Panic, May 12, 1893, the first number of the “Moslem World” appeared, a weekly printed by the “Moslem World Publishing Company” of 458 West 20th Street, with Muhammad Webb as editor. The “Moslem World” lasted only 7 months.

In 1893 Muhammad Alexander Webb wrote “Islam in America” in Chapter Two “An outline of the Islamic Faith”, he wrote about Muhammad SAW “He declared that he was the last of a long line of Prophets”. This was after his correspondence with Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

He founded one of the first American mosques in the United States as well as the American Muslim Press. He also was the sole representative of Islam at the Parliament of World Religions in 1893. He also wrote and published his famous book, “A Guide to Namaz” (1893). A Guide to Namaz by Webb. (New York : Moslem World Publishing Co., c1893).

In 1893, he wrote his famous book, “Islam in America”, below are the chapters.

Why I Became a Mussulman
An Outline of Islamic Faith
The Five Pillars of Practice
Islam in Its Philosophic Aspect
Polygamy and the Purdah
Popular Errors Refuted
The Muslim Defensive Wars
The American Islamic Propaganda

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1893
Feb-25
The New York Times of Sat, Feb 25, 1893 ·Page 1
“Muhammad Webb’s Mission,” New York Times, Feb. 25, 1893.

The newspaper also alleged that Webb was a Jeweler in Chicago and that Webb is supposed to build a mosque in America with 150,000 from the Muslims of Madras, India.

Scans

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1893
May-28
The New York Times of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20536697/?match=1&clipping_id=new
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 10
https://www.newspapers.com/image/137710480/?match=1&terms=%22The%20Islamic%20Propaganda%2C%22
The Inter Ocean of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 24
https://www.newspapers.com/image/33836598/?match=1&terms=%22The%20Islamic%20Propaganda%2C%22

The Inter Ocean of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 24

St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, May 28, 1893 ·Page 10

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1893
“The Propagation of Islam”, A Lecture Delivered in English by Nawab Mohsan-ul-Mulk Bahadur

In 1893, The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, Punjab published “The Propagation of Islam”, A Lecture Delivered in English by Nawab Mohsan-ul-Mulk Bahadur (1893). The future plans of spreading Islam in America are laid out, Alexander Webb, Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Hassan Ali are mentioned. On page 46, they allege that Webb is trustworthy and won’t steal the money.

In 1893, Webb’s lectures in Bombay and Calcutta was re-published by The Mohammadan Tract and Book Depot, as well as 3 letters from Badrudin Abdulla Kur and Webb. Abdullah Quilliam has a brief statement too wherein he tells Muslims to give up the idea of Jihad. It also has an interview of Webb from a newspaper correspondent.
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1893
Sep-3
St. Louis Globe-Democrat of Sun, Sep 03, 1893 ·Page 30
https://www.newspapers.com/image/571311606/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1893 (Sep), the St. Louis Globe-Democrat of Sun, Sep 03, 1893 ·Page 30 called Webb as “Islam’s Champion” and gave his conversion to Islam story. The headlines allege that Webb’s studies in Manila and his reception in India made him convert to Islam. The newspaper also alleges that the origin of Webb as a missionary as a valid idea will also be told and how Webb plans to spread Islam in America via the benefits of polygamy. In the article, Webb is interviewed, Webb alleges to have made more converts in America than any Christian missionary in any foreign country. Webb alleges to have started “study” circles in Colorado, NY and Washington DC. Webb alleges that his converts have converted to Islam on their own, Webb has not seen many of these alleged converts. Webb alleges that as early as 1885, he had secured the job as American consul in Manila. Webb alleges that he studied Islam while in Manila and converted alone. Webb admits to being funded by Indians. Webb alleges to not be the first ex-Christian turned Muslim and mentions Quilliam and his mosque in Liverpool and alleges that they have a membership of 800. Webb says that he met Haji Abullah Arab through Budrudin Abdullah Kur, Webb alleges to have converted to Islam 4 years prior (1889, he would have been in Manila). Budrudin Abdullah Kur is a member of the municipal council in Bombay. Webb says that he had been corresponding with Budrudin Abdullah Kur while in Manila. In March of 1892, Webb says he was visited in Manila by Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Seraj uddin Ahmad. Webb was requested to make a budget of costs for a mission in America. At which point, Haji Abdullah Arab and Maulvi Seraj uddin Ahmad returned to India and collected the monies. They then sent Webb a letter and Webb immediately came to Bombay, India. Thus, a committee was formed with a man named Hajee Nur Jan Mohammed as the President. Webb then alleges to have arrived in Calcutta and was greeted by 5000 Muslim men. Webb alleges that the British government sent spies to watch him. Webb alleges to have went to the Madrassa College in Calcutta and gave a speech. However, the local authorities stopped all of this and Webb found a bungalow from where he spoke and people met him. Webb alleges to have travelled to Hyderabad (Deccan) thereafter and was received well, in fact, Webb alleges that the prince of Hyderabad (Deccan) regularly entertains notable Europeans. Webb says he was in Hyderabad (Deccan) for 3 weeks, however, he never met the prince and commented that the British Government watches him via spies when he eats. Webb says that the prince is totally controlled by the British government. Webb alleges to have lectured in the state pavilion at Hyderabad (Deccan) in the public gardens and got huge ovations. Webb also alleges to have spoke at the Great mosque in Hyderabad (Deccan) and Indians were ready to die for him. Webb alleges that the British Government has totally brainwashed Indians to believe that the Russians will attack at anytime, thus, the British aren’t that bad, even though the taxes are really high. Webb explains how the majority of the population at Hyderabad (Deccan) are Buddhist and Hindu’s and with the British if the Muslims ever revolted. Webb says he doesn’t teach polygamy. Webb argues that in American, women are homeless and living on the streets and thus polygamy would be better. Webb alleges that most Muslims only acknowledge one wife and the others are simply wives. Webb then alleges that his friend and financier, Haji Abdullah Arab was the son of a rich man and gave away all of his money to charity. Haji Abullah Arab was then homeless. However, everything changed recently and he became rich again and has homes in Caclutta, Jeddah and Medina. Webb alleges that Haji Abdullah Arab owns several iron steamers via a Hajj business. Webb says that he expects the arrival of a new helper named Mullah Mirza Khan next week as well as his team, which includes a Hafiz, an English clerk, a Maulvi and a cook. Webb says that this other visitors are Hajee Rahmatullah, Hajee Dawood, Maulvi Hassan Ali. Additionally, Webb alleges that some other people might come, Hajee Mohammed Abdus Salam of Madras (he is a wealthy merchant and his brother is the Turkish council), Jan Mohammed is another potential visitor, and a rich merchant of Calcutta and another person, Hajee Haroon Joffer Yusuf, a wealthy merchant from Poona. Webb alleges that when he arrived in Burma, some Muslims asked him to take the name of Abdullah, however, he arrived in India and ended up taking the name of Muhammad. Webb confirmed that Muhammad (Saw) was the comforter that was described in the Bible by Jesus (as) and would come specifically after the death of Jesus (as).

______________________________________________________________________________________________1893
Sep
“Unjust discrimination,” Moslem World, September 1893, p. 12.
Via Singleton

In 1893 (Sep), Webb’s attempt to discredit Lant aroused the ire of the latter’s longtime associates, who saw the Comstock affair as a politically motivated witch-hunt. Webb knew that Lant had more or less been wronged in the case, and he himself despised Comstock’s tactics, calling his efforts “blind bigotry.” Yet he still tried to use the episode to discredit Lant in the press as a former criminal (See “Unjust discrimination,” Moslem World, September 1893, p. 12., Via Singleton).
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1893
Oct-8
The New York Times of Sun, Oct 08, 1893 ·Page 21
Oct 08, 1893, page 21 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20391911/?match=1&terms=Emin%20Nabakoff

In 1893 (Oct-8), The New York Times of Sun, Oct 08, 1893 ·Page 21 reported that Mr. Webb had opened his “Moslem Temple” and was planning to open a “School of Morality”. Alexander Russell Webb, who recently returned to the USA from a long tour in Asia and intent on spreading Islam in America. It is reported that Webb has opened his Moslem Temple for his public lectures at 458 West 20th St, attendance was reported as “fair”. Emin Nabakoff, one of Mr. Webb’s associates was wearing a roomy fez, Webb was also wearing the fez. John H. Lant (a new student of Islam) was there too and Leon Landsburg spoke on the morality, honesty and sobriety of Islamic life. Webb emphatically stated that he was not on a mission to get mass converts to Islam. Webb alleged that Islamic life was higher in morals. Webb proposes to open a “School of Morality”, which would be free to the public as well as free literature. Webb announces that there will be meetings every Friday evening as well as informal talks on Sunday afternoon. Webb proposes to create circles of 5 people which can help someone remain morally upright.

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1893
Nov
Mohammed A. R. Webb to Messrs Strong & Trowbridge, 21 October 1893, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO.
via Singleton

In 1893 (Nov), as late as November, Webb was preparing to send Lant to India as a representative of the Moslem World Publishing Company, stating, “I have full confidence in Mr. Lant and believe him to be reliable and trustworthy in every respect.” Nonetheless, by early December, Lant and Nabakoff had broken away and established their own rival organization (See Mohammed A. R. Webb to Messrs Strong & Trowbridge, 21 October 1893, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________1893
Dec-11
New York Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1
Dec 11, 1893, page 1 – New York Herald at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/466214036/?match=1&terms=Emin%20Nabakoff
See also the Stamford Advocate of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2
See also Democrat and Chronicle of Tue, Dec 12, 1893 ·Page 9
See also Passaic Daily Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1
See also The Atlanta Journal of Sat, Dec 16, 1893 ·Page 6
https://www.newspapers.com/image/670013962/?match=1&terms=Emin%20Nabakoff

On Dec-10-1893, at 10am, at 8 Union Square, NY, on the top of a stoop of an unpretentious brick building, was a grey bearded and of full figure was Emin L. Nabakoff, he recited the adhan. Muhammad Webb has called Nabakoff a fakir. A split in the white Moslem community is expected. It is mentioned how Islam in America has been financed by Haji Abdullah Arab (allegedly a merchant prince from Jeddah). The newspaper mentions how this money was used to start the Moslem World newspaper and the offices at 458 W. 20th St, Ny, NY. The newspaper explains how Webb isn’t interested in holding the 5 daily prayers, instead, Webb gives lectures on Friday evenings and on Sunday, meetings of inquiry are held. Western tours are being made by Webb’s team. Within a few weeks, 4 teachers from India will be arriving and will help Webb with translations. Webb is not alarmed by Emin L. Nabakoff and his break-away group of white Moslems. Webb explains how he met Emin L. Nabakoff, Webb alleges that Nabakoff is 45 years old and is Russian and was vouched for by Quilliam. Webb even alleges that Quilliam is running an office for Webb in Liverpool. Webb accuses Nabakoff of being a “nickel-in-the-slot machine” which would yield a love letters and fortunes. Webb alleges to have received letters of warning about Nabakoff too. Webb alleges that he told Nabakoff to “get-lost” and he hadn’t heard from him until his adhan in Union Square. Webb also mentions John A. Lant and how he “conveniently” converted to pseudo-Islam when he heard how much money Webb had been given. Webb alleges that the newspaper reported that Webb had been given 100k and even 1 million (however, the currency is not mentioned, dollars or rupees?). Webb alleges that Lant showed up looking for work and is from Tarrytown, wherein he was running a newspaper. Webb alleges that Lant wanted $25 a week as salary and Webb refused, which caused Lant to leave and now team up with Nabakoff (aka the Union Square Movement). Webb is called “Sheikh ul Islam” in the USA. Webb scoffed at the adhan at 10am and called it blasphemy. Webb explains how 10am is never time for any daily prayer. Webb confessed that the daily prayers are not offered at his business offices. The Turkish consul in NY had heard about this meeting in Union square and sent a representative, who eventually made it to Webb’s office (See also Democrat and Chronicle of Tue, Dec 12, 1893 ·Page 9)(See also Passaic Daily Herald of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 1)(See also The Atlanta Journal of Sat, Dec 16, 1893 ·Page 6)(See also the Stamford Advocate of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2)(See also The Times of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 3)(See also the Mount Vernon Argus of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2)(See also The Waterbury Democrat of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 4).

“New York’s first muezzin call,” New York Times, December 11 1893, p. 1.

______________________________________________________________________________________________1893
Dec-11
Chicago Tribune of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2
Dec 11, 1893, page 2 – Chicago Tribune at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/349504328/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1893 (Dec-11), via the Chicago Tribune of Mon, Dec 11, 1893 ·Page 2, Emin L. Nabakoff and John A. Lant are mentioned extensively as separate from Webb. Nabakoff delivered a lecture on “The progress of Islamism in the United States,” much of which the press dubbed as an attack on “Christian beliefs in unmeasured terms”. Webb had commented on Nabakoff ’s attacks on Christianity, stating that they were “most reprehensible,” did not represent the views of good Muslims, and were hurting the cause of Islam.

______________________________________________________________________________________________1893
Dec-18
“The muezzin’s call not silenced,” New York Times, December 18 1893, p. 1.
Dec 18, 1893, page 1 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/25904752/?match=1&clipping_id=new
via Singleton

In 1893 (Dec-18), via The New York Times of Mon, Dec 18, 1893 ·Page 1, it is reported that Mr. Emin Nabokoff gave the adhan again from a 3rd story window at 8 Union Square. This organization is called “The Society for the Study of Islam”. Prayers were allegedly performed, after the prayer, two lectures given were “Pecuniary prayer, or alms giving” and “Cleanliness is
next to godliness.” It was also mentioned how Webb had ridiculed this break-away movement (via Singleton).

______________________________________________________________________________________________1893
Dec-29
The Morning Journal-Courier of Fri, Dec 29, 1893 ·Page 1
Dec 29, 1893, page 1 – The Morning Journal-Courier at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/466017035/?match=1&clipping_id=new

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1893
Dec-31
The St. Joseph Herald of Sun, Dec 31, 1893 ·Page 4
Dec 31, 1893, page 4 – The St. Joseph Herald at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/230056697/?match=1&clipping_id=new
The News and Observer of Sat, Dec 30, 1893 ·Page 1
the Tri-County Independent of Fri, Apr 20, 1894 ·Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/image/639589423/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Jan-5
Epitaph-News of Fri, Jan 05, 1894 ·Page 5
Jan 05, 1894, page 5 – Epitaph-News at Newspapers.com™ – Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/690052569/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (Jan-5), the Epitaph-News of Fri, Jan 05, 1894 ·Page 5 ran a story wherein it inferred that maybe Mohammedanism was a religious solution for the problem of the southern Negro. It is stated that the southern Negro is morally ignorant and a religion which combined Buddhism and Islam could be beneficial. Webb’s mission is also stated (See also The Piqua Daily Call of Sat, Aug 18, 1894 ·Page 8).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Jan-5
See Hajee Abdulla Arab to John A. Lant, 25 January 1894 and 5 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton

In 1894 (Jan-15), finally, even domestic sentiment favored unity. A. L. Rawson, an associate of both Lant and Webb, wrote, “Harmony ought to prevail in the ranks when so much depends on friends to push the good cause in its infancy” (See A. R. Rawson to John A. Lant, 15 January 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Jan-22
“Mohammed a bone of contention,” New York Times, January 22 1894, p. 5.
Jan 22, 1894, page 5 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20609463/?match=1&clipping_id=new
via Singleton

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Feb-15
Oakland Enquirer of Thu, Feb 15, 1894 ·Page 4
Feb 15, 1894, page 4 – Oakland Enquirer at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/998198020/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (Feb-15), the Oakland Enquirer of Thu, Feb 15, 1894 ·Page 4 reports that Webb was a speaker at the Great Conference of Religions in 1893 in Chicago.

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
Mar-16
Mirza Birjis Kader to John A. Lant, 16 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
March-20
Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 20 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton)

In 1894 (Mar-20), Riazudin Ahmed confided in Snow, “in this dispute between Mr. Lant and Mr. Webb we should not side with either unless we can get a thorough knowledge of the whole affair” (See Riazuddin Ahmed to Hamid Snow, 20 March 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Mar-23
Putnam County Leader of Fri, Mar 23, 1894 ·Page 2
Mar 23, 1894, page 2 – Putnam County Leader at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/862650655/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1894 (Mar-23), the Putnam County Leader of Fri, Mar 23, 1894 ·Page 2 told the world that Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb will speak in St. Louis next Sunday afternoon (Apr-2) at the Grand Opera House. Webb was a follower of “Theosophy” and a fast friend of Eugene Field. Webb discussed polygamy at the Great Conference of Religions in 1893 in Chicago.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
May-17
“Far India Wants to Know,” New York World, May 17 1894, p. 8., via Singleton

In 1894 (May-17), Webb claimed that the row developed when Lant was caught “prying” into Webb’s desk and reading his personal documents (See “Far India Wants to Know,” New York World, May 17 1894, p. 8., via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
May-29
The New York Times of Tue, May 29, 1894 ·Page 9
May 29, 1894, page 9 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20572626/?match=1&clipping_id=new

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
May-24
The Pittsfield Sun of Thu, May 24, 1894 ·Page 1
May 24, 1894, page 1 – The Pittsfield Sun at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/531221126/?match=1&clipping_id=new

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Apr-May-Jun
“Not a good word for anybody,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4.

In 1894 (Apr-May-Jun), Webb insinuated that Lant only became interested in Islam after errant newspaper articles reported that Webb had up to one million dollars at his disposal to spread the faith. Defending himself against these charges, Lant published one of the aforementioned IOUs purportedly written by Webb on November 11 1893, which stated, “I hereby certify that Mr. John A. Lant of Tarrytown, N.Y., has assisted in the editorial and business work of this office since July, 1893, without compensation, and has besides, helped the work with his personal funds to the amount of $472.74 as per my note to him, and an additional amount of $30.75 to this date” (See “Some personal matters that may prove interesting,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 1., via Singleton).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Apr-May-Jun
“Who will help him to deceive, slander and falsify, now,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 4. The American Moslem, Vol. 1, No. 4 is available from the Ottoman Archives, Istanbul (Başbakanlık Osmanlı Arşivi, Maruzati. Yildiz Arsivi Sadaret Hususi 309/80). via Singleton

In 1894 (May-25), in the “Voice of Islam” newspaper, it is reported that Nafeesa M.T. Keep was elected as secretary of the “American Muslim Brotherhood”. The election was held in the reading room of “The Moslem World Co.”, No. 30 East 23d St. NY. Nafeesa M.T. Keep is also on the “Board of Publications”. The Vice President is C. Omar MacCoun, the Librarian is Ahmed Hamouda, the assistant librarian is R. Othman White, the Treasurer is H. Ali Lewis. H. Ali Lewis is also on the “Board of Publications”, as well as C. Omar MacCoun and R. Othman White. On the Advisory Board are 3 people, E. A. Arnold, H. Fatima Peabody and Khaled D. Hutchins (See Aug-1894 edition of the “Voice of Islam”). James S. Laidlaw has an essay and short poem in this edition of the “Voice of Islam” (Aug-1894 edition). H.A. Lewis is also the “Business Manager” of the “Voice of Islam” and “American Moslem Brotherhood”. Interestingly, a mission in Lahore is discussed called the Anjuman-i-Islam wherein young boys are being taught, this is called the Islamic College. The Nawab of Bahawalpur has given money for orphan boys and via the “Anjuman-i-Himayat-e-Islam“. Many books are listed for sale, a book by Haji Abdullah Browne entitled, “The Evidences of Islam” (from London). Barkatullah also has a book for sale, entitled, “Eleven Months’ Mussulman Work at Hyderabad (Deccan), India, as well as a book by G.W. Leitner (of the Woking Mosque), entitled, “Mohammedanism”. Webb‘s book, “Islam in America” is the most expensive book, $50 for 75 pages. “Education and Literature of the Women of Turkey” by Senorita Esmeralda Cervantes, for $15. A book by Goolam Muhammed bin Hajee Hafiz Sadek Randeri, entitled, “The Touchstone of Philosophers”. There is also a book by Shaikh Faizullah-bhai (Fellow of the University of Bombay and headmaster of the “Anjuman-i-Islam” schools), entitled, “A Moslem Present”, for $35, this book is an anthology of Arabic poems about the Prophet and the faith of Islam. There is also a book entitled, “Al Bahsul-Jaleel” or “The Delhi Controversy” between Maulvi Sharful Haq Kadri Jalali, translated by S. Abdul Haq sahib and for $15. There is also a book for sale entitled, “The Hero as Prophet” by Thos Carlyle for $15.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
July-15
The Philadelphia Inquirer of Sun, Jul 15, 1894 ·Page 4
Jul 15, 1894, page 4 – The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/168159096/?match=1&clipping_id=new
The Evening World of Sat, Jul 14, 1894 ·Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/image/78881045/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

The Philadelphia Inquirer of Sun, Jul 15, 1894 ·Page 4

The Evening World of Sat, Jul 14, 1894 ·Page 3

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
July-16
The New York Times of Mon, Jul 16, 1894 ·Page 1
Jul 16, 1894, page 1 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20488928/?match=1&clipping_id=new

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
July-17
the New York Herald of Tue, Jul 17, 1894 ·Page 2
https://www.newspapers.com/image/78664732/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1894 (July-17), per the New York Herald of Tue, Jul 17, 1894 ·Page 2, Mrs. Keep is inside of Webb’s business office and refuses to leave, this is at 30 East 23rd St. Mrs. Keep is the editor of the “Voice of Islam” newspaper.

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
July-18
Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Jul 18, 1894 ·Page 4
Jul 18, 1894, page 4 – Buffalo Courier Express at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/345127157/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (July-18), the Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Jul 18, 1894 ·Page 4 reported from the New York Tribune, Mrs. Keep was calling the Webb a fake Moslem. Webb’s fez was hanging on the wall in his business offices where Mrs. Keep was barricaded. Mrs. Keep accused Webb of buying a farm with the money that he was given to spread Islam. Mrs. Keep alleges that Webb wanted to make money like William Quilliam in Liverpool did. Mrs. Keep went to the Turkish council later that afternoon and told them about Webb. Allegedly, the Turkish council said that they wouldn’t work with Webb.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
July-20
Times Herald of Fri, Jul 20, 1894 ·Page 1
Jul 20, 1894, page 1 – Times Herald at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/84713071/?match=1&clipping_id=new

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
July-21
The Plain Dealer of Sat, Jul 21, 1894 ·Page 4
Jul 21, 1894, page 4 – The Plain Dealer at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1074589618/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1894 (July-21), via The Plain Dealer of Sat, Jul 21, 1894 ·Page 4, Webb is briefly quoted in terms of behavior in Chicago.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
July-24
The Evening World of Tue, Jul 24, 1894 ·Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/image/78882520/?match=1&terms=Nafeesa%20

In 1894 (July), Webb and a bunch of men forcibly broke the doors at Webb’s headquarters at 30 East 23rd St, NY, at which point Nafeesa Keep was removed from the property, however, she found a room nearby and seems to be staying there. Webb is threatening legal action and accuses Mrs. Keep of stealing documents (See The Evening World of Tue, Jul 24, 1894 ·Page 3).

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
July-26
New-York Tribune of Thu, Jul 26, 1894 ·Page 12
Jul 26, 1894, page 12 – New-York Tribune at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/85521024/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (July-26), the New-York Tribune of Thu, Jul 26, 1894 ·Page 12 alleged that Webb was in Jefferson Market Court with his wife vs. Mrs. Keep. Words were exchanged. Webb alleged to the judge that Mrs. Keep stole books and plates valued at $300. Justice Hogan didn’t make a decision, instead he told the parties to come back in about a week.

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
July-27
The Frontier and Holt County Independent of Fri, Jul 27, 1894 ·Page 3
Jul 27, 1894, page 3 – The Frontier and Holt County Independent at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/742007644/?match=1&clipping_id=new

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Aug-2
The Evening World of Thu, Aug 02, 1894 ·Page 3
Aug 02, 1894, page 3 – The Evening World at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/78884309/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Aug-11
The Daily Sentinel-Tribune of Sat, Aug 11, 1894 ·Page 6
Aug 11, 1894, page 6 – The Daily Sentinel-Tribune at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/882570972/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1894 (Aug-11), The Daily Sentinel-Tribune of Sat, Aug 11, 1894 ·Page 6 reported that Mrs. Keep declared that Mohammed Alexander Webb has an insane odor and he must be an insane man.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Aug-18
The Piqua Daily Call of Sat, Aug 18, 1894 ·Page 8
Aug 18, 1894, page 8 – The Piqua Daily Call at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/935533034/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Aug-24
1894, Nafeesa (M.T. Keep) vs. Muhammad Webb and the Theosophical Society – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
https://ahmadiyyafactcheckblog.com/2026/01/14/1894-nafeesa-m-t-keep-vs-muhammad-webb/

In 1894, via the Algona Courier of Fri, Aug 24, 1894 ·Page 2, a woman named Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) has completely exposed Muhammed Webb as a fraudster. Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) has been at war with Muhammed Webb for about 6 weeks. She even wrote a letter to the Sultan of Turkey about Muhammed Webb being a fraudster. Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) called Webb a monster. Nafeesa (aka M.T. Keep) alleged that Muhammed Webb was using the Theosophical society against her and have hired Judge Hawes a lawyer vs. her. It seems that the Theosophical society was accusing her of theft. Nafeesa (aka Mrs. Keep) alleges that Webb was lying about a lack of funds, she says that she saw a check for $500 from Osman Nauri Effendi (Osman Nuri Pasha?). In the end, Mrs. Keep called Muhammed Webb a fake prophet who was in reality raising money to spend on himself.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Aug-26
Democrat and Chronicle of Sun, Aug 26, 1894 ·Page 3
Aug 26, 1894, page 3 – Democrat and Chronicle at Newspapers.com™

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
Sep-26
Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 26 September 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO.
via Singleton

In 1894 (Oct-28), via The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sun, Oct 28, 1894 ·Page 28, Webb was scheduled to tour in Cincinatti, Ohio at the Unity Club series at College Hall (opposite the Gibson house). on Nov-7-1894 (See also The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sat, Nov 03, 1894 ·Page 15).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Nov
John A. Lant to Khalil Ibrahim, November 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).

In 1894 (Nov) within a few months after Webb removed the offices of the Moslem World Publishing Company to Ulster Park, Lant began renting office space with Keep at the former Moslem World headquarters on East 23rd Street (John A. Lant to Khalil Ibrahim, November 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Nov-8
The Cincinnati Enquirer of Thu, Nov 08, 1894 ·Page 8
https://www.newspapers.com/image/31370350/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb
the Akron Evening Times of Thu, Nov 08, 1894 ·Page 2
https://www.newspapers.com/image/228091211/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Nov-11
The Cincinnati Enquirer of Sun, Nov 11, 1894 ·Page 10
Nov 11, 1894, page 10 – The Cincinnati Enquirer at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/31370392/?match=1&clipping_id=new
The Zanesville Signal of Mon, Nov 12, 1894 ·Page 1
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1045097988/?match=1&clipping_id=new

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Nov-16
The Jewish Voice of Fri, Nov 16, 1894 ·Page 6
Nov 16, 1894, page 6 – The Jewish Voice at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/569084382/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Nov-29
The Clyde Enterprise of Thu, Nov 29, 1894 ·Page 2
Nov 29, 1894, page 2 – The Clyde Enterprise at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/753814705/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (Nov-29), via The Clyde Enterprise of Thu, Nov 29, 1894 ·Page 2 (of Clyde, Ohio), it seems that Webb gave 5 lectures while in Ohio, one on Hinduism too.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Dec-2
The Indianapolis Journal of Sun, Dec 02, 1894 ·Page 12
Dec 02, 1894, page 12 – The Indianapolis Journal at Newspapers.com™ – Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/322169266/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Dec-3
See J. H. Livingston to John A. Lant, 3 December 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton

In 1894 (Dec-3), J.H. Livingston, former manger of the advertising department of the Moslem World, supported Lant’s claim. Livingstone wrote, “I knew that Mr. Lant advanced money cheerfully to Mr. Webb in his reported necessities and thanks at least were due him for that and for his valuable services for nearly five months, instead of unjust and untrue representations . . . During the past year Mr. Lant has proven the better Mohammedan of the two” (See J. H. Livingston to John A. Lant, 3 December 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO., via Singleton).
______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
Dec-11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Tue, Dec 11, 1894 ·Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/image/137678967/?match=1&clipping_id=new
The Times-Union of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1275022290/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (Dec-11), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Tue, Dec 11, 1894 ·Page 4, it seems that Mrs. Nafeesa Keep has cut loose from Alexander Russell Webb and have reorganized the “American Moslem Institute”. Mrs. Keep alleges that Alexander Russell went to a bar and lives a life wherein he goes to bars and spends money. Webb is no longer the leader of the white Moslems on New York (see The Inter Ocean of Tue, Dec 11, 1894 ·Page 3)(see also The Times-Union of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 4).

______________________________________________________________________________________________1894
Dec-12
Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 10
Dec 12, 1894, page 10 – Buffalo Courier Express at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/344200284/?match=1&clipping_id=new
The Times-Union of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1275022290/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894, via the Buffalo Courier Express of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 10 reported that Alexander Russell Mohammed Webb was ex-communicated by “The American Moslem Institute” because Webb instead of giving a lecture went and got drunk. This was posted from the New York Advertiser. The meeting of the “The American Moslem Institute” took place at No. 20 East 23rd St, ny, NY. Nafeesah M.T. Keep was also there as well as John A. Lant and Emin L. Nabakoff. There were also a few police officers on the scene, in case Webb showed up and tried to assault people. They were there to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the first ever Adhan given in the USA in 1893. Princess Sophia Adelaide was there too as well as A.L. Rawson. Resolutions were passed which gave legality to the American Moslem Institute, it was a branch of the Moslem Institute of Liverpool (via Quilliam). By-laws were also established, Nafeesah was given salary of $30 per month. Nafeesah then accused Webb of being a drunkard, much to the confusion of Nabakoff and Lant. Nafeesah read from the “Commercial Gazette of Cincinnati” from Dec-1-1894. Webb was unanimously repudiated(see also The Times-Union of Wed, Dec 12, 1894 ·Page 4).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Dec-17
The Savannah Morning News of Mon, Dec 17, 1894 ·Page 9
Dec 17, 1894, page 9 – The Savannah Morning News at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/852596828/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb
See also the Kansas City Journal of Mon, Dec 24, 1894 ·Page 6
https://www.newspapers.com/image/1023477791/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Dec-27
Baptist and Reflector of Thu, Dec 27, 1894 ·Page 1
Dec 27, 1894, page 1 – Baptist and Reflector at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/586910268/?match=1&clipping_id=new

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Dec-27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Thu, Dec 27, 1894 ·Page 4
Dec 27, 1894, page 4 – St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/137674028/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1894
Dec-28
Linn County Republic of Fri, Dec 28, 1894 ·Page 2
Dec 28, 1894, page 2 – Linn County Republic at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/421656249/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1894 (Dec-28), the Linn County Republic of Fri, Dec 28, 1894 ·Page 2 reports on how Webb is losing his entire mission in America.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Jan-2
“Nailing down a slander,” Crescent, January 2 1895, p. 2.
“The American Moslem Institute,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, p. 4; “News notes,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, March 1895, p. 3.
via Singleton).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 1895
Feb-4
The New York Times of Mon, Feb 04, 1895 ·Page 8
Feb 04, 1895, page 8 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20523488/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1895 (Feb-4), The New York Times of Mon, Feb 04, 1895 ·Page 8, reported on a Fourth-Floor Mosque, which is the worship place of the “International Moslem Union”. It is reported that hats were taken off, there is no Qiblah and shoes are not removed. This is located at 835 Broadway @ 13th St, ny, NY. They are also called “the First Society For the Study of Islam”, the office is also the mosque and library of the group. A Muslim reporter for the NY Times made all of these observations. Emin Nabakoff (Leo Nabkoff is his real name) is in-charge and is named the successor of Webb, Nabakoff is allegedly from South Russia and converted to Islam before he met Webb. They seem to have read from literature that is Hindu-Muslim and talked about the reincarnation of the soul, the NY Times reporter scoffs at this and says that Muhammad (Saw) never said so. A few questions were asked.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Feb-10
Kansas City Journal of Sun, Feb 10, 1895 ·Page 4
Feb 10, 1895, page 4 – Kansas City Journal at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/76458344/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1895 (Feb-10), via the Kansas City Journal of Sun, Feb 10, 1895 ·Page 4 reported that Webb is patiently waiting his next move.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
the John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 21 February 1895
via Singleton

In 1895 (Feb-21)(via the John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 21 February 1895), Mrs. Keep apparently wanted little to do with Nabakoff and Lant after their differences arose. Quilliam said of her, “She has been so be-fooled by Webb, that she became I feel convinced, suspicious of everyone in American
Islamic circles . . . In New York she would only be the ‘woman who spoiled Webb,’ here she is a representative of American Islam” (the John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, MO, Abdullah W. H. Quilliam to John A. Lant, 21 February 1895, via Singleton).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Apr-25
“Al Koran in America”
“Mohammed Webb writes About his Plans”
New York may have a Mosque
Evansville Courier and Press of Thu, Apr 25, 1895 ·Page 6
https://www.newspapers.com/image/767938289/?match=1&clipping_id=new

In 1895, Webb denigrated Islam and alleged that unitarians and Universalist are really Muslims (See the Evansville Courier and Press of Thu, Apr 25, 1895 ·Page 6). Webb’s encounter vs. Nafeesa Keep is also mentioned as in the past. Webb mentioned the works of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Charagh Ali and Syed Ameer Ali.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Webb, Alexander Russell (1895). A Few Facts about Turkey under the Reign of Abdul Hamid II. New York: Press of J.J. Little & Co.
Via “Islam in America: An Annotated Edition Kindle Edition” by Muhammad Webb and Muhammed Al-Ahari

In 1895, Webb wrote “A Few Facts about Turkey under the Reign of Abdul Hamid II”.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
May-17
“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17, 1895, p. 8.

In 1895 (May), in America, the First Society continued meeting, but by April 1894, attendance was falling. They were forced to end the Sunday meetings due to the disruptions by Davidyan’s group, and according to the proprietor of the lecture hall, they had fallen behind in paying rent (See Theodore F. Price to John A. Lant, 10 April 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St Louis, via Singleton). At about this time, Hamid Snow sent a letter to the editor of
the New York World trying to expose Webb as a fraud. However, he unintentionally drew negative attention upon himself and the First Society. The letter emboldened the World to investigate the state of both Islamic movements. Although Snow thoroughly castigated Webb, Webb in turn excoriated Snow and his American associates in an interview with the World. Webb said, “I know this man Hamid Snow, and he is not of the least consequence. He is a half-breed Mussulman, and is running a sort of independent church at Agra Fort. He is out for all the money in sight.” He further reminded readers of Lant’s run-ins with Comstock and reprised his version of the story of Lant’s departure from the American Islamic Propaganda. Webb said of Nabakoff, “He used to be an ice-cream peddler at Brighton, England, and knows no more about the religion of Islam than any other street fakir (destitute person).” Furthermore, he related, “When I turned Lant and Nabakoff out of my place they tried to establish a mission in Union Square. They made a failure of that, and now they are trying to injure me in India by writing to persons whose names Lant obtained from my personal papers.” He went on to chide them as “leeches,” “frauds,” and “sycophants.” Webb then focused his rage on Sheik Abdullah Quilliam, calling him “a charletan [sic] of the worst possible character” (“Far India wants to know,” New York World, May 17 1895, p. 8).
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1895
June-22
The Minneapolis Journal of Sat, Jun 22, 1895 ·Page 4
Jun 22, 1895, page 4 – The Minneapolis Journal at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/809989281/?match=1&clipping_id=193974624

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1895
Nov-21
Chicago Tribune of Thu, Nov 21, 1895 ·Page 1
Nov 21, 1895, page 1 – Chicago Tribune at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/349390745/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb
The Savannah Morning News of Sat, Nov 30, 1895 ·Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/image/852596413/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1895 (Nov-21), via the Chicago Tribune of Thu, Nov 21, 1895 ·Page 1 the Nawab of Basoda was in Chicago, his real is Mahomed Omer Ali Khan, he is accompanied by his servant, Dulsher Ali and W. McKinnon (rep from the British-India office). The Nawab of Basoda alleges that the Nizam of Hyderabad gave a huge sum of money to Webb while Webb was touring India in the winter of 1892. The Nawab of Basoda was eager to hear from Webb (See also The Savannah Morning News of Sat, Nov 30, 1895 ·Page 4).

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1895
Dec-1
The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20448165/?match=1&terms=The%20Fall%20of%20Islam
Who is Haji Abdullah Arab? – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

Who is Haji Abdullah Arab?

In 1895 (Dec), The New York Times of Sun, Dec 01, 1895 ·Page 2 dedicated an entire page to the failures of Alexander Russell Mohammad Webb in America entitled, “The Fall of Islam in America, ” New York Times, Dec. 1, 1895, p. 2. In 1895, the Nawab of Basoda was Nawab Omar Ali Khan, who ruled the small Central Indian principality until his death that year. Nevertheless, the Nawab of Basoda alleged that he gave Webb 40-50,000 british pounds. However, Webb says that it was only 2000 British pounds. The newspaper alleges that Webb is living in poverty. It seems that the Nawab of Basoda was in the USA and was wanting to see what was the result of his investment. Nawab of Basoda didn’t see much and never met Webb either. The Nawab of Basoda was accompanied by Mr. William Mackinnon (hard headed, a shrewd-spoken scotch man, secretary to the Nawab and interpreter). Before leaving America, the Nawab of Basoda told the New York Times all of this via Mr. William Mackinnon. The newspaper mentions how Webb travelled thru India and to Hyderabad, India, and how wealthy Indian’s had paid for him to do so. Among one of these was Haji Abdullah Arab, who personally gave 5000 British pounds. It is alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad (Mahboob Ali Khan?) gave a huge sum of money for Islam to spread in America. The Nawab of Basoda confessed that he hadn’t given Webb any money, nevertheless, he wanted to see an update and was shocked to see nothing. The Nawab of Basoda also said that some of the money was given to Webb in India and lots of it was sent to America and all the records of that are missing. A man named J.A. Lant of Tarrytown-on-the-Hudson met with The Nawab of Basoda and Mr. William Mackinnon. Lant alleged that Webb owed him 600 British pounds for services rendered in connected with Webb’s newspaper. Webb’s failures in America are highlighted. Webb hoodwinked Indian Muslims! Webb’s business address in Ulster Park, NY is mentioned in detail. The newspaper mentions how Webb looked nothing like a Muslim who had been to India, he looked like a common farmer in New York in 1895. The reported for the newspaper met Webb and gave these observations. Webb said that he didn’t know that the Nawab of Basoda was in town, Webb questioned why the Nawab didn’t come to Ulster Park to see for himself. Webb denies receiving 40-50,000 British pounds. Webb alleges that 20k US dollars have been spent by himself and his mission in this pursuit. Webb denies that Haji Abdullah Arab gave him 5000 British pounds. Webb alleged that the Nizam of Hyderabad never gave him a penny, nor did any other Indian. Webb alleged that he never personally received even a single rupee and that he never received money in-person, whatever was given to him via “offering” was turned over to Haji Abdullah Arab. Webb alleges that he was offered 32k US Dollars in incremental payments of 13k for the first year, 10k for 2nd and 3rd year. This payment included maintenance for Webb and his family. Webb alleges that people thought he came to the USA with 1 million dollars and began to try to leech off of him and failed. Webb alleges that Lant was one of these leeches. Webb alleges that Hamid Snow was another. Webb alleges that Lant and Snow caused Haji Abdullah Arab to break his contract with Webb and thus left Webb in poverty. Webb alleges that a single Moslem in India is supporting him financially right now. Webb admitted to not preaching Islam in Ulster Park.

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1895
Dec-5
Richmond Times-Dispatch of Thu, Dec 05, 1895 ·Page 4
Dec 05, 1895, page 4 – Richmond Times-Dispatch at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/80834052/?match=1&clipping_id=193974981

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1895
Dec-27
New-York Tribune of Fri, Dec 27, 1895 ·Page 32
Dec 27, 1895, page 32 – New-York Tribune at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/78962592/?match=1&clipping_id=193972753
the New-York Tribune of Wed, Dec 25, 1895 ·Page 5
https://www.newspapers.com/image/151917591/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

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1896
Feb-5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Wed, Feb 05, 1896 ·Page 4
https://www.newspapers.com/image/137680192/?match=1&terms=Turk

In 1896 (Feb), Webb sided with the Ottoman Empire and cleared them of any wrongdoing in the Sasun massacre of 1894 (See the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Wed, Feb 05, 1896 ·Page 4).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1896
Feb
Via Singleton

In 1896 (Feb), Webb, published what would become the final edition of the “Moslem World and Voice of Islam”, this was published by Webb from the barn of his Ulster Park farm, exactly
three years after Webb commenced his Islamic mission to America. Webb spent two more years in Ulster Park before moving his family to Rutherford, New Jersey. He gave up his mission (Via Singleton).
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1896
Mar-20
The New York Times of Fri, Mar 20, 1896 ·Page 4
Mar 20, 1896, page 4 – The New York Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20387493/?clipping_id=new

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1896
Mar-27
The New York Times of Fri, Mar 27, 1896 ·Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/image/20391552/?match=1&terms=Hajee%20Abdullah

In 1896 (Mar), Mohammed Webb was forced to respond to allegations of stealing money. Webb wrote a letter to the NY Times about their issue of March-20-1896 (Friday) wherein a communication from Hajee Abdullah Arab sahib of Bombay, India is given. Webb alleges that the Nawab Sahib of Basoda, India did not give him 40k-50k, there is an error in the translation alleges Webb. Webb alleges that this was rupees and not British pounds and there is a huge difference between the two. Webb alleges to have only been given 12,000 pounds. Which is roughly 12,000 US dollars. Webb says that he was supposed to get 40k US Dollars and only got like 10k. Webb alleges that most of the money was received in NY. Haji Abdullah Arab allegedly gave 10k rupees (roughly 3k US dollars) from his own purse. Webb gives a list of 14 payments. Signed off by Webb from Ulster Park (See The New York Times of Fri, Mar 27, 1896 ·Page 3).

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1896
Nov-28
The Courier-News of Sat, Nov 28, 1896 ·Page 1
Nov 28, 1896, page 1 – The Courier-News at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/218867667/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1896
Webb, Alexander Russell (1896). The Armenian Troubles and Where the Responsibility Lies, New York: Press of J.J. Little & Co.
Via “Islam in America: An Annotated Edition Kindle Edition” by Muhammad Webb and Muhammed Al-Ahari

In 1896, Webb wrote “The Armenian Troubles and Where the Responsibility Lies”.
______________________________________________________________________________________________1897
Jun-1
The Buffalo Times of Tue, Jun 01, 1897 ·Page 4
Jun 01, 1897, page 4 – The Buffalo Times at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/442362825/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1897 (Jun-1), The Buffalo Times of Tue, Jun 01, 1897 ·Page 4 hints at the idea of Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb being the “Mohammedan Minister” to Turkey.

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1898
July-10
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Jul 10, 1898 ·Page 20
Jul 10, 1898, page 20 – St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/138127255/?match=1&terms=Mohammed%20Webb

In 1898 (July-10), via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Jul 10, 1898 ·Page 20, Mohammed Alexander R. Webb, gave a report about his life in Manila, Philippines.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1900
Oct-10
Nov-21
“Rejoicings in the new world in honour of the Sultan,” Crescent, October 10 1900, p. 229
“Editorial notes,” Crescent, November 21 1900, p. 329, Via Singleton

Was Abdullah Quilliam a Lahori-Ahmadi when he died? A Triple Agent?

In 1900 (Oct-13), the Boston Evening Transcript of Sat, Oct 13, 1900 ·Page 18 remembers the failed mission of Webb.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1901
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sun, Sep 01, 1901 ·Page 3
Sep 01, 1901, page 3 – St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Newspapers.com™
https://www.newspapers.com/image/138260375/?match=2&clipping_id=193981645

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1902
https://www.alhakam.org/100-years-ago-alexander-russell-webbs-love-for-ahmadiyyat-and-news-from-ceylon-malabar-india-and-uk/

This is an alleged letter that Qadianis are presenting:

“My dear brother, Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

“I just received your letter dated 22 February 1902 and I was very happy to read it. I am relieved to hear that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is sincerely interested in my efforts to spread the wonderful truths of Islam here. Since my work is difficult and sometimes frustrating, I am happy to hear that Hazrat Mirza Sahib and you are praying for me. When I went to India, I was sure that our Muslim brothers would help me to their full extent. I did not imagine for a moment that anyone who is called a Muslim would oppose me and halt my efforts. I had already told them clearly that many Christians would oppose me and level allegations to frustrate my success and carry out all kinds of opposition. I had advised them not to listen to these … Christians and try to discern their motives. However, as soon as the news of the opposition of the Christians here reached India, the unfaithful Muslims over there turned against me and tried to hurt me in every way possible. They forgot all the promises they had made to me and sought only a statement to break their confessions. Now I understand why they did that. The fact is that their religious knowledge is only superficial. Truthfulness and light is not found in them. Moreover, faithfulness towards the Holy Prophet^sa is not present in their hearts.”

Then he writes, “It is good that they no longer have a relationship with me.”

“I miss my dear brother Hassan Ali very much. I remember the time I spent in his wonderful company. He tried to do good according to his understanding but like me, he also made a mistake. I am pleased to hear that he had the audience of Hazrat Mirza Sahib before he passed away. He helped me when I was in India and I regret why he and I did not go to Qadian at that time.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1903

100 Years Ago… – Alexander Russell Webb’s love for Ahmadiyyat and news from Ceylon, Malabar, India and UK

“I received your letter dated 28 January 1903 and now I write the answer. I often get magazines of The Review of Religions through Mr Webb which are published from Qadian. I am sincerely interested in some of its articles because they are written on genuine issues. I think that a person whose nature is keen on seeking the truth, these [articles] would be very valuable to them. I myself want to buy it and hope to send its subscription price in this month.

“I got many benefits in Ahmadiyyat and I agree with you that it is destined for Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to unite the different sects of Islam. Moreover, through the study of The Review of Religions and from other sources, I have come to the conclusion that this holy man is in fact the Mahdi, or at least the forerunner of the Mahdi.”

In the end, he writes:

“I see an emerging unity in all sects of Islam and the glory of our extraordinary religion will shine once again as it did in the early years, i.e. from the seventh to the eleventh century. I now conclude this letter and hope that I will receive a lot of news from you about this Jamaat. I am your true friend, Anderson.”
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1906-1907

Dr. Basharat Ahmad claims that he was in Qadian in 1906 and saw a letter of regret from Webb addressed to MGA about not meeting him in 1892 (this seems to be a total lie)(see “Mujadid-e-Azim”, by Dr. Basharat Ahmad).

MGA and his team of writers mentioned Webb in Haqiqatul Wahy (1907) twice. Once about the controversy with Dowie.

1907
(Al-Hakam, 17 August 1907)
Via Mujahid-e-Kabir

“It is a fact, which, if people do not realise it now, they will do so at a future time, that this revered person is the worthy young man Maulvi Muhammad Ali, M.A. By writing in defence of Islam and expounding its truth through the Review of Religions he has established the reputation of his pen in Asia and Europe so firmly that figures like Russell Webb and philosophers like Tolstoy acknowledge that the concepts of Islam presented in this magazine give satisfaction to the soul.

In Europe and America the articles of this magazine have been read with great interest. They are not ordinary articles but deal with such important topics as hell and heaven, slavery, polygamy, jihad, preservation of the Quran, and compilation of Hadith reports, etc., that not everyone can write about. …

I have not put forward Maulvi Muhammad Ali sahib’s name so that Muslims of India may choose him for this purpose or send him subscriptions. He neither needs this nor desires it. He has been working for years, sincerely and enthusiastically, serving Islam under the man sent by God. He is neither motivated by any greed nor can any difficulty or problem stop him. If God allows, he will do this work quietly and the world will find out how zeal for the service of Islam is made manifest.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1907
Malfuzat-9, online English Edition, pages 137-139
Al-Hakam, vol. 11, no. 8, p. 9, dated 10 March 1907

13 February 1907
(At the time of Zuhr)
Mention of Mr Webb
Mufti Sahib read a letter to the Promised Messiah as from Mr Webb, a resident of America.
The Promised Messiah as said:

If Webb had made a heartfelt effort, it would surely have affected people because:

د لاجرم بر دل 􀅔􀆶ی ن􀆹􀆟ش ن􀆲 ید د 􀕙 سخن کز دل برون آ

A statement that comes from the heart certainly affects the heart of others.

Why does Webb curse the people of America, he should curse his own heart. He did not pay full attention to our Movement, rather, he went back from India uttering abuse. In my view, Abdullah Quilliam is far better than him for he has established a community of Muslims.

The learned [Maulawi Muhammad Ahsan] Amrohi submitted: At the time when Webb had intended to visit Qadian, Hudur had prophesied that he will not come here and will turn back. Moreover, he did not attain the objective for which he had turned back. Accordingly, he was regretful after returning.””
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1907
Malfuzat-9, online English Edition, page 189
Badr, vol. 6, no. 12, p. 4–5, dated 21 March 1907

Preaching in America
This objection is invalid that why did America suffer chastisement when my message had not reached there. My message has spread there aplenty. Initially I had printed 16,000 flyers of an announcement and sent them to Europe and America. It was by reading this same flyer that Muhammad Webb from America had started corresponding with me when he had not even accepted Islam. After that, leaflets about the prophecy regarding Dowie were distributed in large numbers across America; my picture and details were published in many newspapers that were read by hundreds of thousands of people and the message of this Movement has been propagated among them.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1908
https://www.reviewofreligions.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/RR198812.pdf#page=25
ROR of 1988

Ahmadiyya sources allege that when MGA died, Webb wrote a letter of condolence. However, the full letter is missing.

In 1908, allegedly, Mohammed Alexander Webb seems to be working on organizing another “Parliament of Religions” conference (will be held at Unity Church). Webb is scheduled to speak on July-19, it will open on July-5. Webb’s speech is entitled, “The Message of Mohammedanism to the World of Today. Professor M. Barkatullah is also scheduled to speak about the Sufi’s in Islam (See The Montclair Times of Sat, Jun 27, 1908 ·Page 1).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1908
July-12
“Alex. Webb Versatile,” St. Louis Republic, July 12, 1908, part 15, p. 2.
<i>The Moslem World</i>: A History of America’s Earliest Islamic Newspaper and Its Successors
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1013&context=library-publications
Via Singleton

Click to access teachingsofislam1910.pdf

The Teachings Of Islam Mirza : Mirza Ghulam Ahmad : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.215977/page/n173/mode/2up
The Teachings of Islam 1910 edition

Click to access The-Teachings-of-Islam-1910-edition.pdf

MGA’s famous book, “Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam” is translated into english by Maulvi Muhammad Ali and published as, “The Teachings of Islam”, Mr. Muhammad Alexander Webb is given credit as someone who helped in the translation.

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1912
St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sat, Feb 24, 1912 ·Page 5

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch of Sat, Feb 24, 1912 ·Page 5 talks about MGA’s book, “The Teachings of Islam” (aka “Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam”), they scoffed at it and called it “The Mahdi’s book on Behavior”, they also mentioned that it was published from London, edited by Maulvi Muhammad Ali, and allegedly with help from Alexander Russell Webb.

Scans

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1915
https://www.reviewofreligions.org/21289/review-of-religions-october-1915-edition/

The english ROR of Oct-1915 began quoting a statement by Alexander Webb From New Jersey. This went on for many years and ended in Dec-1923.

Webb allegedly wrote about the ROR as such:

“It’s articles are well written, thoughtful and clear expositions of spiritual truths”.

and

“it is doing a glorious work”.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1916
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Russell_Webb#/media/File:Alexander_R_Webb_Gravestone.jpg
Fatimah Abdul-Tawwab Fanusie, “Fard Muhammad in Historical Context: An Islamic Thread in the American Religious and Cultural Quilt” (PhD diss., Howard University, 2008)-review by Dr. Shah – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog
St. Joseph Gazette of Tue, Oct 03, 1916 ·Page 2

Alexander Webb died on Oct. 1st, 1916 and is buried at the Hillside Cemetery, Lyndhurst New Jersey. A few months before this, the ROR of July-1916 alleges that Webb sent them an article from the USA wherein Islam was set to be attacked. This was also quoted in Fanusie (see page 228)(St. Joseph Gazette of Tue, Oct 03, 1916 ·Page 2). He had been active in the Knights of Pythias, serving that non-denominational society as Chancellor. He had owned the Rutherford News and had a popular following for his Commuters Column. Webb’s memorial service was held at the Unitarian Church, conducted by Reverend Elizabeth Padgham (See The Light of April, 8, 1944)(See The Light (16 April 1944) — www.alahmadiyya.org).

St. Joseph Gazette of Tue, Oct 03, 1916 ·Page 2

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1921
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89092547553&seq=28

The ROR quotes Webb for the last time on their cover pages. The english ROR of Oct-1915 began quoting a statement by Alexander Webb From New Jersey. This went on for many years and ended in Dec-1923.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1926

The 2nd Khalifa claims that MGA helped to convert Webb to Islam in “Invitation to Ahmadiyyat”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1933
Weller, ”The Contribution of the Ahmadiyya
See “A Muslim in Victorian America” by Abd-Allah

There was an event held in Chicago called, “World Fellowship of Faiths”, this was the second “Parliament of Religions” event. Webb was obviously at the first one in 1893. The Ahmadiyya faction was also there, however, they didn’t mention how Webb was an Ahmadi.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1943

Alexander Russell Webb

Click to access webb-light-1944-apr-8-16.pdf

https://www.muslim.org/islam/webb1.htm

An American lady, Lahori-Ahmadi convert in 1943? Or maybe just a Muslim. It was converted into a book entitled, “The Story” (1944) by Nadirah Florence Ives Osman (See “A Muslim in Victorian America” by Abd-Allah).

In “The Light” in 1944:

http://www.ahmadiyya.org/islam/webb1.htm
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1988
https://www.reviewofreligions.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/RR198812.pdf#page=25

Ahmadiyya sources allege that when MGA died, Webb wrote a letter of condolence. However, the full letter is missing.

“More than twenty years ago I started my correspondence with him and ever since then I have been deeply affected by the fearless earnestness with which he continued to spread the truth in the pursuance of his purpose. Without a doubt God Almighty had chosen him for this great enterprise which he fulfilled completely”. (Via ROR of 1988)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1989
Converted document (muslimsunrise.com)

The Moslem Sunrise of 1989 alleges that Webb was the first American-Ahmadi-Muslim (see page 14).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2016
https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2016-01-29.html

Mirza Masoor Ahmad lies and claims that Webb became a Muslim as a result of his communication with MGA.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2021

100 Years Ago… – Alexander Russell Webb’s love for Ahmadiyyat and news from Ceylon, Malabar, India and UK

However, by 2021, the Ahmadiyya Movement was claiming that Webb was the first Ahmadi in the Usa. Max Muller is also mentioned in terms of Webb, he also had a friendship with the famous Mark Twain and Victor Hugo and Abdullah Quilliam.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2023

In 2023, Maulvi Azhar Haneef said that it’s unclear whether Alexander Webb was an Ahmadi or not, there is no evidence that proves that Webb was an Ahmadi (See 1:18:00 time stamp and this tik tok).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

100 Years Ago… – Alexander Russell Webb’s love for Ahmadiyyat and news from Ceylon, Malabar, India and UK

100 Years Ago… – Alexander Russell Webb’s love for Ahmadiyyat and news from Ceylon, Malabar, India and UK

12th June 2020

Al Hakam, 14 June 1920

[…] Mr Russell has travelled to India and even came to Lahore. However, he was unable to visit Qadian owing to certain people, which he later regretted. He conveyed the message of Ahmadiyyat in America and some people paid attention to his words.

After his return from Hindustan, Mr Russell Webb wrote a letter to Mufti Sahib on 9 March 1902 from Orford, America. This letter was in response to a letter from the Mufti Sahib, which he wrote to Mr Webb from India on 22 February 1902.

Mr Russell opened his letter in the following way:

“My dear brother, Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

Then he writes, “It is good that they no longer have a relationship with me.”

Then Mr Russell mentions the Muslims [of America] and says that we should write to them because the Muslims over there feel very happy to write to the Muslims of India. Finally, he states:

He was the first person who became an Ahmadi in America and after his return from India, he was very sad that he did not go to Qadian. Mr Webb preached Ahmadiyyat to the people there and sent some addresses to Qadian. Hazrat Mufti Sahib corresponded with one of them. That person replied from New York on 8 March 1903. His name is Anderson. The way he expressed his thoughts in his letter are as follows:

“I received your letter dated 28 January 1903 and now I write the answer. I often get magazines of The Review of Religions through Mr Webb which are published from Qadian. I am sincerely interested in some of its articles because they are written on genuine issues. I think that a person whose nature is keen on seeking the truth, these [articles] would be very valuable to them. I myself want to buy it and hope to send its subscription price in this month.

“I got many benefits in Ahmadiyyat and I agree with you that it is destined for Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to unite the different sects of Islam. Moreover, through the study of The Review of Religions and from other sources, I have come to the conclusion that this holy man is in fact the Mahdi, or at least the forerunner of the Mahdi.”

In the end, he writes:

The way in which the American observers identified the Messiah is clear from these letters. They realised through their foresightedness that he was the only person through whom Islam would now progress.

So, O people of India! Behold, the people of other nations and countries … have seen and recognised this little seedling that was planted in the earth. Through him, Islam will now rise. Come and clear your minds now so that we can move towards our real goal together.

We cannot imagine how much passion these people possessed and how much they would have prayed for America.

In 1920, Hazrat Mufti Sahib reached America to revive the dead hearts. From this, one can easily find out the pace of advancement of this nation, which is still despised by the nations of the world.

In 1903, while it did not have the power to send its missionaries to America, at that time, the work was going on through correspondence.

Plans to convert Americans to Islam through letters were under consideration. Not much time has passed since the same missionary who worked through correspondence undertook the world’s biggest journey and got there. Praise be to Allah who made it all possible.

Tabligh of Ahmadiyyat in a Ceylon prison

Ceylon’s alleged murder case has not yet been decided. The Ceylon’s recent letter reveals that Mr Lai, secretary of the Anjuman Ahmadiyya Ceylon, is strongly carrying out tabligh in prison. He is conveying the message of Ahmadas of Qadian and the words of tawhid [Unity God] to all the prisoners around him.

They all listen to this message with keen interest. The message of the Messiah has been conveyed to the prison staff as well. This clearly shows the inner state of this Ahmadi that the fire of tabligh is burning in his heart. All the people should pray for this Yusuf-e-Sani [referring to Prophet Yusuf^as who was also imprisoned in the way of God] that he may soon be released from this prison. Amin!

Subsequent news reports indicate that thus far, the trial is going in our favour. Every member of the Jamaat should continue to pray. Members of Ceylon Jamaat are engaged in work with great perseverance. No cessation occurred in their works. Their passion did not deteriorate. In fact, they are very active in the field of tabligh.

Mail from Malabar

Recently, Malabar mail has brought us a lot of news. Our readers are well acquainted with the name of Din Hamid Sahib. He works as a special correspondent for Al Hakam in Malabar. He likes Al Hakam very much and keeps working hard for its publishing progress. May Allah reward him. (Sheikh Mahmood Ahmad)

[Din Hamid Sahib states] “Respected and reverend Sheikh Sahib, Assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

Kodaly and opposition

“Nowadays, Kodaly Jamaat has to suffer a lot at the hands of its opponents. I have written about this before. Recently, it happened that Mr Fakhruddin had gone to Irrikur to sell Bitumen. Through the conspiracy of a sailor there, non-Ahmadis gathered around Fakhruddin Sahib for mischief-making. Then, the voice of ‘Qadia,’ ‘Qadia Kafir’ [disbeliever from Qadian] started to come from every corner. Suddenly, people attacked this lone, naïve Ahmadi. Fakhruddin Sahib ran for his life. Thereafter, the people started throwing stones at this oppressed one … The poor soul had to jump into a river out of fear. From there, thanks to God, he took refuge at his own place.

“In the same way, the opposition in Kodaly and its surroundings is increasing by the day. Since the time when Fakhruddin Sahib’s uncle, Abdur Rahman Sahib has done Bai‘at through Maulana Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib, opposition has not stopped. They are suffering greatly. Opposition groups say that they hurt Abdur Rahman for bringing him back towards them. It has become very difficult for Ahmadis to pass through the markets of Kanjrur. As soon as people see Ahmadis, they start mocking. That is why Ahmadis come here secretly at night. Unable to cope with the situation, an application was prepared and sent to the Joint Magistrate, Tellicherry [now Thalassery] and DSP North Malabar to draw the attention of the authorities. The police have been ordered to investigate the matter. Due to some interruptions, the police have not gone to Kanjrur so far. Insha-Allah, this matter will be resolved within two to three days …

Inauguration ceremony of Ahmadiyya Mosque Pangari

“Through the blessings of God, the construction of Ahmadiyya Mosque, Pangari, has been completed in a month. Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib went to Pangari on 6 May. Coincidentally, Mr Ahmed Kai Sahib came there from Calicut. It was decided to celebrate the opening ceremony of the mosque on Friday, 12 April 1920. According to the resolution, the Jamaats from Kannur and other cities were also invited …”

Note: Although a great admirer of Ahmadiyyat and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, evidential proof is yet to be found of Alexander Russell Webb formally being part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Al Fazl, 14 June 1920

Postal address of Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiq

Respected Mufti Sahib has started tabligh work by renting a part of a house in the central and reputable area of New York City for lectures and office. His address is as follows:

“Mufti Mohammad Sadiq Ahmadi Missioner 245 W 72 Street, New York City (USA)”

The stamp on the letter from India to America costs two and a half annas [a unit of currency formerly used in the subcontinent, equal to 1/16 of a rupee] and the postcard stamp costs one anna.

Request for prayer

Currently residing in Qadian, Mr Sagar Chand (Barrister-at-Law) writes:

“I have a friend in the UK, Mr Smith Cliff. He has been blessed with a son by God through the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. He is close to becoming an Ahmadi Muslim. All Ahmadi brothers are requested to pray with all their hearts that he may become a complete Ahmadi as he will greatly serve our Jamaat in the UK. Presently, he provides us assistance in the tabligh of Islam in every way possible.”

[Mr Sagar Chand Sahib] writes about himself:

“My aim is to go to the UK in the near future and initiate publishing of a monthly Ahmadi magazine from London. Pray immensely for its success and also that I get a passport and a seat on the ship to soon depart for the UK. At present, I intend to stay in Qadian for three to four weeks, insha-Allah.”

Announcement by Mir Sahib

One of our dear friends sent a letter from Delhi and placed a one rupee note in it. He wrote:

“These days are blessed, so pray for me.”

This act inspired me to call the Jamaat’s attention that if the prosperous members of the Jamaat send at least one rupee or more in Ramadan like the aforesaid brother for the motivation of prayers, they shall not experience a slight decrease in their wealth and there will be an increase in funds for the needy. A hint to the wise is quite sufficient.

[Mir] Nasir Nawab, Qadian

(Translated by Al Hakam)

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This Was Rutherford’s Alyea-Webb Family
https://www.thisisrutherford.com/post/this-was-rutherford-s-alyea-webb-family

This Was Rutherford’s Alyea-Webb Family

This Is Rutherford
Jul 26, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jul 30, 2021

Submitted and written by Borough Historian Rod Leith

Mary Caroline Alyea (nee Webb) was just a teenager when her parents moved to Rutherford in 1898. She would marry into the Alyea family in 1915 and become a music teacher of considerable reputation, ultimately succeeding to manage her own music studio in a stately Victorian home on Sylvan Street.

Photos above: Historical photo (“It is believed to have been built about 1895. It’s a Victorian classical revival style with windows in a Palladian motif. The porch, open at the front and usually the side is typically partially enclosed with columns and railings”-explained Rosario Mannino, architect) and a current photo of 150 Sylvan Street.

The Alyea School of Music, located at 150 Sylvan Street, offered lessons in piano, violin, viola, and voice culture. Mrs. Mary W, Alyea was its director. Records indicate that Jean W. Dawley owned this property in the 1920s and that Garry Alyea, aka Garabrant R. Alyea Jr, was a tenant. Mary subsequently located her studio at 120 Ridge Road.

Mary Alyea, whose nickname was “Mammie” to her beloved children and grandchildren, was a descendant of two of Rutherford’s significant families. Her grandfather-in-law, Garrabrant Ryerson Alyea, was a teacher at the historic Meadow Road School, opened in 1850 on land deeded by Daniel Van Winkle. His son, Mary’s husband, known as Garry Alyea, became a Vice-Principal with the East Rutherford school district.

The Alyea family can trace its history to the early 19th century in Rutherford. Eliza Alyea, daughter of Albert and Sophia Alyea, married Peter R. Outwater in 1821. Peter was the son of Richard Outwater, who built the Outwater House in East Rutherford in 1821 (extant). The Outwater House, which is located across the street from Elia Restaurant (240 Hackensack Street), is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Richard Outwater House, 1941. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

On the Webb side of her family, Mary’s father was born in 1846 to parents who were active in the Columbia County Temperance Society in New York’s Hudson Valley. Their distaste for alcohol consumption apparently took root in their son, Alexander Russell Webb, who became one of America’s early converts to Islam.

Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb

Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb was “one of the earliest American Muslims to achieve public renown,” according to his biographer, Umar F. Abd-Allah. Duke University’s Rare Books Collection holds some of Webb’s literature, including “The Moslem World,” an 1893 journal that reported on the World’s Parliament of Religions at the Chicago World’s Fair.

When Mary Webb Alyea was born in 1885 in St. Louis, MO, her father had become actively employed as a journalist and editor with several prominent newspapers. These included the Post-Dispatch and Globe Democrat, which later became the Missouri Republican.

It was while he held the position as an editor of The Missouri Republican in 1887 that Webb was appointed Consul to Manila, the Philippines, by President Grover Cleveland. During his service in Manila, Webb’s daughter, Nala, was born on Feb 11, 1888. Both Mary and Nala became teachers after the Webbs relocated to Rutherford.

Nala Webb Fries, Photo credit: Findagrave.com

When they arrived in Rutherford in the late 1890s, Alexander and Ella, his wife, settled on Orient Way in a property owned by Martha “Maddie” Brinkerhoff Alyea, who was married to the senior Garrabrant Alyea. By 1909, both Mary and her sister had become teachers. At the time, they were residing at 391 Orient Way. On April 10, 1915, Mary was married to Garrabrant R. Alyea, Jr.

Alexander Russell Webb died in Rutherford on October 6, 1916. He had been active in the Knights of Pythias, serving that non-denominational society as Chancellor. He had owned the Rutherford News and had a popular following for his Commuters Column. The Webbs also had a son, Russell Lorenzo Webb, born in St. Louis in 1879. Webb’s memorial service was held at the Unitarian Church, conducted by Reverend Elizabeth Padgham. Besides his children, Mary and his other children, it was attended by many of Rutherford’s prominent citizens.

Mary apparently inherited many of her father’s social as well as physical characteristics.

“Grandma was tiny but a powerhouse when it came to her skill as a piano teacher,” according to Kathryn Ann Alyea, who was married to Karl-Heinrich Pflumm at Rutherford’s First Presbyterian Church. “She was a very kind and loving grandma,” Kathryn said in a posting on the Hillside cemetery site. Mary W. Alyea was buried at Hillside Cemetery in April 1975.
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https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1013&context=library-publications

The Moslem World: A History of America’s Earliest Islamic Newspaper and
Its Successors
____________________________________
BRENT D. SINGLETON
Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 27, No. 2, August 2007, pp. 297-307.
DOI: 10.1080/13602000701536216
Abstract
In the spring of 1893, The Moslem World debuted as America’s first Islamic
publication. The paper was to be the centerpiece in Mohammed Alexander
Russell Webb’s Indian backed American Islamic Propaganda mission to the
United States. Despite near unanimous praise from critics with regard to the
printing quality of the paper, there was a mixed reaction to the paper’s contents
and Webb’s scheme in general. The paper was only published for seven issues
before financial shortfalls from India doomed the ambitious publication. As well,
internal strife within Webb’s movement hampered efforts to regain the necessary
funding to carry on publication of the paper. In subsequent years, Webb was able
to publish scaled down newspapers, but the Voice of Islam and the consolidated
Moslem World and Voice of Islam were mere shadows of their predecessor and
never able to fully fill the void caused by the former’s collapse. This essay
explores the development, publishing history, press reaction, and demise of these
unique American newspapers.
Introduction
Many American Muslim periodicals have been published since the turn of the twentieth-century,
particularly during the past fifty years.1 However, it was more than a century ago, in the spring
of 1893, that The Moslem World became the pioneer American Muslim newspaper. The
brainchild of former United States consul to the Philippines and convert to Islam, Mohammed
Alexander Russell Webb, the newspaper was formed in conjunction with an Indian-financed
Islamic mission to the United States. The Moslem World and its offshoots, The Voice of Islam
and The Moslem World and Voice of Islam were published sporadically from May 1893 until at
least February 1896. Although short-lived, The Moslem World generated both enthusiasm and
criticism in the press for the paper and Webb’s Islamic mission as a whole. The purpose of this
essay is to explore the development, publication, and demise of the newspapers as well as the
reaction to them by the public and press.
1
Development of The Moslem World
The Moslem World came about as a result of a contract signed in Manila during the spring of
1892 between Webb and Indian businessman and philanthropist Hajee Abdulla Arab. Arab had
become aware of Webb’s conversion to Islam through letters published in several Indian
newspapers by Bombay politician Budruddin Abdulla Kur, with whom Webb had been
corresponding for several months. Arab traveled to Manila to meet Webb and inquire about his
interest in heading an Islamic mission to the United Sates, a proposition to which Webb
immediately agreed. To solidify their understanding a detailed contract was drawn up covering
all areas of the proposed Muslim mission that they dubbed the “American Islamic Propaganda.”
A newspaper was to be the centerpiece of the mission. Webb described the proposed publication
as “a high class weekly newspaper, to be devoted to the real doctrines of Islam.”2
The agreement gave management and editorship of the publication to Webb, with a total
first year budget of $13,500 for all publications and lectures produced by the American Islamic
Propaganda, and $10,000 for each of the succeeding two years to cover similar expenses.3 Webb
was particularly well suited for such an enterprise, having grown up in Hudson, New York, at the
foot of the printing press of his father’s paper, the Hudson Daily Star. Prior to his consul
position, he had been a newspaperman for nearly fifteen years in Missouri. He edited the weekly
Republican, in Unionville, Missouri, from 1874 to mid-1876, after which he was alternately a
reporter and editor for nearly a half dozen newspapers in St. Joseph and St. Louis, Missouri. The
newspapers included the St. Joseph Gazette, St. Louis Journal, Evening Dispatch, Times
Journal, and Republic. For a short period in 1882 Webb edited his own paper, the Dramatic
Critic, and in 1883 he returned to the St. Louis Republic. He remained with the paper until taking
leave for Manila in late 1887, by which time he was the Assistant City Editor.4
His friend and colleague from St. Louis, William A. Kelsoe, described Webb’s skills in
the following reminiscences of working with him at the Republic: “The most versatile man we
had was perhaps Alex Webb… there wasn’t a better all-round newspaper man on the
paper…Webb was a practical printer, and when he couldn’t find work in the writing end of a
newspaper he would join the subs in the composing room.”5 Furthermore, Kelsoe wrote, “Webb
was a born newspaper man…could ‘Stick type’ in the composing room… and in the reporters’
class there were very few, if any, who could handle a big news story better than Webb or turn out
copy faster than he could.”6 Webb was more than qualified and experienced to take on the
management of the American Islamic Propaganda’s newspaper.
Webb returned to the United States in mid-February 1893, after more than five years
abroad and having traveled extensively through India and parts of the Middle East and England.
The Moslem World Publishing Company was established a few months after his arrival and was
located at 458 West 20th Street, New York City. The company published books such as Webb’s
A Guide to Namaz: A Detailed Exposition of the Moslem Order of Ablutions and Prayer, but its
main purpose was to produce The Moslem World newspaper. Webb wanted to start the
publishing company sooner, but the initial funds from Hajee Abdulla Arab were delayed. When
the funding finally arrived, Webb quickly put the operation into motion and released the first
issue of The Moslem World on Friday, May 12, 1893. In his salutatory greeting, Webb described
the purpose of the newspaper and possible challenges it might face:
As it will be a novelty in American religious journalism, and will develop a mine of
literature new to the people of the Western hemisphere, it will, quite naturally, attract
2
some attention and may, possibly, arouse the active opposition of certain classes of
religionists, who, apparently, are of the opinion that the spiritual enlightenment of the
masses is not desirable and should be discouraged in every possible way…. Briefly
stated, the purpose of The Moslem World is to spread abroad among the independent
thinkers of America a knowledge of the character and teachings of Mohammed, and to
correct those errors into which the masses have fallen, through the false history and
misconceptions published by prejudiced and ignorant followers of other systems, who
have written about Islam and its inspired founder.7
Moreover, Webb envisioned that the newspaper would bring about a “means of creating and
encouraging direct intercourse between the Mohammedan world and the more intelligent masses
of our country.”8 Webb certainly had high hopes for the paper and realized that the success or
failure of the American Islamic Propaganda lay within its pages.
To this end, Webb made it clear that The Moslem World would be of the highest printing
quality available. He was determined to never let the critics condemn his paper as a cheap rag, no
matter how harsh their criticism of its contents. In this regard he was successful; editors from
around the nation lauded the paper’s quality. The New York Times wrote, “It is a well-printed
paper of sixteen pages….it is evident that it will be capable, in the course of a year, of absorbing
a very handsome sum of money.”9 The Kansas City Journal pronounced, “The [Moslem] World
is a beautifully printed paper, and contains evidence of very high ability in its contents.”10 The
Boston Globe called it, “bright, attractive, trenchant and thoroughly interesting.”11 Many similar
descriptions were written about the paper in the press as well as in correspondence from readers
to The Moslem World. Webb, reflecting upon the press reaction to his newspaper, stated, “our
journal has been declared a model of typographical beauty and a positive credit to current
journalistic literature.”12
Contents of The Moslem World
The newspaper consisted of sixteen pages of newsprint wrapped and bound in a sturdy white
paper cover. The nameplate on the cover presented a brilliant etching of a domed mosque capped
with a large star and crescent, and framed with palm trees on either side. The title, The Moslem
World, was formed in large faux eastern-style lettering, below which was printed the subtitle,
“Devoted to the interests of the American Islamic Propaganda.” Later, in the September 1893
issue, the subtitle was altered in favor of, “To spread the light of Islam in America”. The date of
publication was listed in both the Islamic Hijri and Christian Gregorian calendars. The lower
two-thirds of the cover was reserved for a vivid illustration of a different Indian mosque for each
issue. Within the cover, the first page of the newsprint was headed with a smaller nameplate, the
mosque replaced with a large star and crescent and palm fronds. The same title lettering as the
cover was employed and a varied subtitle read, “Devoted to a faithful reflection of the Islamic
religious propaganda.” This was brought into line with the cover subtitle in September 1893 as
well.
The paper was published almost entirely in English, save an occasional word or phrase.
This was apparently a philosophical decision by Webb and not based upon limitations of Arabic
typography in America. Arabic typesetting was available in New York from at least 1892, with
the introduction of the Arabic language weekly, Kawkab America.13 Nonetheless, Webb desired
3
to have excerpts from preeminent Islamic texts written in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Gujerati
translated into English and made accessible to the average American reader unfamiliar with these
languages. For this purpose he claimed to have “a corps of translators from the East” to assist
him.14 With this in mind, even though most issues of the newspaper commenced with a verse
from the Qur’an, it was always an English translation from the holy book.
A typical issue of The Moslem World consisted of general articles on Islam. These were
often lengthy pieces written by prominent Western or Muslim thinkers of the time, such as G.W.
Leitner, Sir Syed Ameer Ali, and Moulvi Cheragh Ali, whose A Critical Exposition of the
Popular Jihad was republished serially in the paper from July to September. Also featured were
news items from across the Islamic world, the majority of which came from India, but
occasionally other locales, such as Turkey and Egypt. Much of the news was reprinted from
other papers, but there were stories from foreign correspondents as well. The latter often
provided personal accounts and presented unique content not available through other sources.
The Moslem World also reprinted articles from American newspapers concerning the American
Islamic Propaganda, general topics on Islam, and some that seemed to have simply caught
Webb’s fancy for one reason or another. Unfortunately for historians, an odd omission from the
paper was substantive news of the progress and activities of the American Islamic Propaganda.
Only bits and pieces of information were offered to readers, leaving the mainstream New York
newspapers as the only source of coverage for many of Webb’s activities.
The paper regularly included works of general religious poetry as well as those overtly
inspired by Islam. Bylines for the poems occasionally indicated that they had been written
specifically for The Moslem World, while others were translations or reprints of published works.
The most interesting and thought-provoking items from the paper were correspondence from
Americans studying Islam. Some of the letters were unsigned or listed under pseudonyms to
avert repercussions from family or society. Yet many correspondents freely and openly used
their names in support of the American Islamic Propaganda. For example, a letter from A.K.
Brown of Santa Clara, California, claims he had converted to Islam some 40 years earlier. Emory
F. Boyd, of New Britain, Connecticut, berated Christian society, then heartily stated, “No
Christian paper in the world could have interested me as much as The Moslem World.”15
Prohibitionists commonly wrote letters supportive of Webb and his paper. Horace B. Durant of
Philadelphia argued in favor of Muslim immigration, stating, “We should have nothing to fear
from the Moslem” if it meant more voters in favor of the prohibition of alcohol.16 Lastly, a
common sentiment of correspondents was expressed by Daniel Brown of Seney, Iowa, when he
stated that The Moslem World “ought to be read by thousands of Americans, it would surely do
them good.”17
Press reaction to the contents of the paper came in various forms. Most were neutral,
while others ranged from hostile to supportive of a new religious voice in America. The New
Haven Journal wrote, “Welcome to The Moslem World. It is evidently going to be a bright and
interesting paper. And it may do some good. There are people in the country who could do worse
than to become good Mohammedans.”18 The Waco Evening News called the paper, “Decidedly
the most unique publication in America to-day.”19 In general, Webb seemed pleasantly surprised
by the overall response, but felt compelled to excoriate his critics. He wrote,
We take this means of returning thanks to the secular press of the United States
for the very cordial, fair and tolerant, manner in which it has received and
criticized the first number of The Moslem World. It is true that some of our
editorial brethren, particularly in the smaller cities and towns, have displayed a
4
degree of ignorance, bigotry and intolerance that they ought to be ashamed of,
when referring to our journal as well as the American Islamic Propaganda, but we
are glad to be able to say, that as a rule the press has treated our efforts with
courtesy, justice and kindness.20
Some critics took exception with the paper’s denunciation of crimes committed within
America and the purported linkage between the crimes and Christian society. The paper listed as
much as an entire page of news items describing heinous crimes from around the country as well
as sundry acts of clergymen gone astray. Webb often sprinkled the pages with accounts of
lynchings, both in the north and south, as well as other acts of bigotry. The Salt Lake City
Herald responded in typical fashion, stating that the Moslem World was “illogical and unjust” in
blaming Christianity for these crimes.21 Webb’s defense was that Christian missionaries often
attempted to discredit Islam by extrapolating supposed doctrine from the un-Islamic acts of a few
Muslims; therefore, he felt within his right to use a similar tactic in response. On the other end of
the spectrum, the New York Morning Advertiser thought the Moslem World was too soft and if it
“means business” it should take a page from the abolitionists and “club Christianity and expose
its fallacies with all the earnestness of a prophet who strives to displace the false by the true.
Americans love fighters.” Webb disagreed with this tactic and stated, “The mission of The
Moslem World is not aggressive but persuasive.”22
The press reaction to the paper was rather subdued compared to the reaction to the
Islamic mission as a whole. With regard to the latter, many condescending, sarcastic, and crass
remarks were written about Webb. Examples include the Washington Post pondering about
Webb’s motives, “It is not altogether certain whether this unique and original crusade is to be
undertaken in the name of the prophet or the profit there may be in it…. The Post is a little
fearful that the enervating climate and theological mysticism of the East have more or less upset
the ex-consul’s equilibrium.”23 The Los Angeles Times, “Religious fanaticism is not wholly a
thing of the past; it is an element of today. But perhaps no feature of it will appear more absurd
than that which has recently had birth in the Quixotic brain of Alexander Russell Webb.”24 These
sorts of comments appeared frequently in newspapers nationwide.
Despite concerns that businesses may have had about associating with Webb and The
Moslem World, the paper was able to attract some advertising revenue. The initial ads in the
paper were mainly for books and photographs that the Moslem World Publishing Company was
selling, but there were also ads for two carpet importers, one for Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup
(the ubiquitous nineteenth-century opium-laced teething remedy), and one for Optician, Prof.
Mayer. Some ads were full-page layouts. Despite the dearth of ads, the first issue boasted to
potential advertisers that the paper would “have a larger circulation in India, Turkey, Egypt,
Arabia, the Straits Settlements and Burmah than any other journal published in the United
States.”25 Later, a few more advertisements appeared, such as those for Shah’s Soap and for
farming equipment from the Wm. C. Barker Co. However, the total number of advertisers was
rather small, and the placement of ads was limited to the inside front cover and both sides of the
back cover. No ads appeared within the sixteen-page newsprint section of the paper.
Discerning the peak circulation of the newspaper is difficult, but a conservative estimate
would be 400-500. Initially, the amount for an annual subscription was $2.50 and 5¢ for a single
issue. In July, the rate changed to $1.00 for domestic subscriptions, $1.50 for foreign, and 10¢
for a single issue.26 Webb reported that the first year he received $518.97 in subscription
payments.27 Given that amount, several hundred must have been printed just to meet the basic
demand for foreign and domestic subscriptions. In addition, the missionary design of the
5
American Islamic Propaganda meant that many issues were freely given to the curious as well as
to support the branches of the American Moslem Brotherhood, a loose confederation of study
circles in various cities connected to the American Islamic Propaganda movement.28 The paper
was also offered free, worldwide, to any indigent person who inquired, and according to Webb,
many took advantage of the offer.29 Although the circulation total is nebulous, from
correspondence printed in the paper, it is apparent that circulation extended to all corners of the
United States and the British Empire, as well as some non-English speaking countries. There
were agents of The Moslem World in over fifteen Indian cities, including Bombay, Calcutta,
Hyderabad, and Delhi, and others in countries such as Burma, Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Ceylon,
Hong Kong, the Philippines, and England.30
The paper was issued on the second Friday of each month. However, Webb planned to
convert it into a weekly come October 1893, with issues being released every Friday.31 With
proper funding, this would not have been much of a challenge for Webb, since he was previously
the sole editor of the weekly Republican, in Unionville, Missouri. Notwithstanding, funding was
an ongoing problem for The Moslem World; Webb was cognizant that the paper would operate at
a considerable loss over the first three years of publication.32
In July, after only two issues, economic realities forced Webb to increase the cost per
issue from 5¢ to 10¢. Webb explained the increase as “necessary in view of the cost of printing
and engraving which is greater than was first estimated, and to cover the expense of sending
large numbers of copies to poor persons who want the journal but are unable to pay for it.” He
announced that the paper would remain a monthly until January 1895, instead of October 1893 as
previously planned.33 This announcement, however, was moot; the increased price and other
adjustments were of no avail. The American Islamic Propaganda ran out of funds and had no
prospects for acquiring additional income, causing a cessation of The Moslem World after its
seventh issue in November 1893.
Despite the three-year contract signed by Webb, Hajee Abdulla Arab wired funds for the
final time in November 1893. Arab blamed a rapid fall in the rupee’s value and the resultant
reneging of pledged funds by Indian Muslims for his failure to live up to the agreement.34 This
may be factual, but he also may have been swayed by a schism that arose in the American
Islamic Propaganda between Webb and his associates, John A. Lant and Emin L. Nabakoff, who
formed their own Muslim movement, called the First Society for the Study of Islam in America,
in December. In early 1894, Lant joined forces with a Muslim convert and newspaper editor in
India, Hamid Snow, and together they set out to destroy Webb’s reputation in South Asia. They
were successful in raising doubt concerning Webb’s intentions and past use of funds. Within a
short period, few Indians were willing to consider funding the American Islamic Propaganda.
The American Moslem
In an attempt to further marginalize Webb and to fill a vacuum caused by the collapse of
The Moslem World, Lant formed his own newspaper, The American Moslem. The first issue,
published in Tarrytown, New York, in January 1894, had a simpler format and design than The
Moslem World.35 Lant took to heart advice given to him by his associate Joseph E. Wade, editor
of the journal Occultism, when the latter warned, “Don’t make too costly a paper. Webb’s paper
was fine but too expensive.”36 The American Moslem consisted of only four pages and had no
graphics, cover, or advertisements. Another associate, A.L. Rawson, considered the paper too
spartan and suggested that Lant incorporate an Arabic title into the header, but Lant did not heed
6
this advice.37 A definitive content analysis of Lant’s paper is difficult to put forth because only
one issue survives. What can be discerned is that by its fourth issue, the singular purpose of the
paper appeared to be the castigation of Webb and defense of Lant in the former allies’ dispute.
Nearly half of the items in this issue relate to the controversy between the two men. The
remainder of the paper consisted of a jumble of short news pieces, one extended article, and a
transcript of a speech delivered before the First Society for the Study of Islam.
The paper makes note that it was supposed to be published twice monthly; however, its
publication was infrequent and haphazard.38 After the first issue in January 1894, two additional
issues were released on unknown dates before issue 4 was published under the date “April, May,
June 1894.” Still, this three-month date span is misleading because the issue contained news
items of events that did not occur until July and August of that year. Therefore, the actual
publication date for issue 4 was sometime after August 1, 1894, allowing for a conclusion that a
mere four issues were released in an eight to nine month period. As with The Moslem World, a
lack of subscriptions and other sources of funding likely forced this erratic publication schedule
and the paper’s eventual demise. Lant sought funds from India, but was largely rebuffed. In a
letter to Lant from Budruddin Abdulla Kur, head of the committee for Webb’s American Islamic
Propaganda, Kur described the feasibility of Indian support for multiple American Islamic
newspapers: “The funds in the Committee at Bombay under such strained circumstances, cannot
pull on two movements at a time, when one of rather old standing has been very scantily fed.”39
The Voice of Islam
In the face of Lant’s barrage in The American Moslem, Webb must have felt immense pressure to
get his own paper started again, not only to respond to the criticism, but also to continue the
progress of the American Islamic Propaganda. Sometime in 1894, the Moslem World Publishing
Company reopened at 30 East 23rd Street and in June 1894, after a seven-month hiatus, began
publishing a new paper entitled The Voice of Islam.40 The paper was a scaled-down version of
the original, in both content and quality, similar to The American Moslem in that respect. Instead
of a large-format sixteen-page paper with illustrated cover, The Voice of Islam was more or less a
modest four-page newsletter. Despite its reduced size, monetary constraints kept it a monthly
publication although its format was designed for a weekly. Webb hoped that once his finances
were straightened out, The Moslem World would be resurrected as the premier monthly
publication of the American Islamic Propaganda and The Voice of Islam would continue to be
published, but as a weekly newsletter.41
In this endeavor, the Moslem Institute in Liverpool, England, which had both monthly
and weekly publications, appears to have influenced Webb. The Moslem Institute was akin to the
American Islamic Propaganda in that it was a missionary organization consisting mainly of
converted Westerners. Webb had been in Liverpool just prior to returning to America after five
years abroad. He presumably visited the Liverpool Moslem Institute, because he was later in
correspondence with several of its members. At the time of Webb’s visit to Liverpool in late
January or early February 1893, the Moslem Institute was in the midst of publishing the first
issues of its small weekly newspaper, The Crescent.42 It is clear that Webb received issues of the
publication once he was back in America, for he often quoted from The Crescent in The Moslem
World. In May, the same month that The Moslem World debuted, the Liverpool Moslem Institute
also began publishing their lengthy monthly paper, The Islamic World. A year later, by the spring
7
of 1894, it was apparent that the Liverpool Moslem Institute had a successful model for
publishing a weekly and monthly paper and likely inspired Webb to retool his publication
goals.43 However, Webb could only charge 3¢ per issue for the diminutive Voice of Islam, and
advertising space was limited, an inauspicious formula for regaining financial solvency.
Soon after the first issue of the Voice of Islam was published, an embarrassing internal
dispute arose. In July 1894, Nefeesa M.T. Keep, Secretary of the Moslem World Publishing
Company, barricaded herself in the newspaper’s office, and despite the efforts of Webb and
police officers, she refused to allow admittance of any the paper’s staff. Her purpose in locking
the others out was to force Webb to resign, or failing that, to have the papers turned over to her
stewardship. Keep had been with the company prior to the cessation of The Moslem World and
was convinced that the financial troubles of the American Islamic Propaganda and its
publications were due to poor management on Webb’s part. She stated, “The storm has been
gathering for some time. I often remonstrated about useless expenditures. I did not wish to have
poor people in the East give their money for nothing.”44
Keep claimed that although $12,000 had been sent from abroad to support the American
Islamic Propaganda, she was still owed $50 in wages, and the rent on the company’s office was
past due. She also made reference to probable embezzlement of funds with regard to Webb’s
recent purchase of a farm in Ulster Park, New York. After several days, she emerged from the
office to visit the Turkish Consul and state her grievance about Webb. A week later, Webb
accused Keep of stealing property from the office. In return, she sought a warrant for the arrest
of Webb and his wife for conspiracy, and she filed a mail fraud complaint against Webb with the
Post Office Inspector.45
Despite Keep’s legitimate concerns about how the publications were managed and her
unpaid wages, the charges of deliberate financial impropriety were unfounded. Webb reported
that he received a total of $10,243.01 from Hajee Abdulla Arab, a sum that included Webb’s
travel expenses from Bombay to New York. Not including Webb’s monthly salary of $200, Arab
failed to issue the remaining $3,256.99 of promised funds for the first year budget of $13,500.
Later, these numbers were more or less corroborated by Arab.46 Furthermore, it became known
that the farm in Ulster County was purchased through the private funds of Webb’s wife, Ella, and
was only done so when Webb could no longer afford to live in the city with his wife and three
children. The farm was not a “retreat,” as had been mentioned in some news reports, but a
modest, if not ramshackle, home on a rock-strewn property.47 Astonishingly, through all of this
turmoil, an additional issue of The Voice of Islam was printed in August. But after only three
months, the paper folded, and Webb permanently removed himself and the belongings of the
Moslem World Publishing Company to his home in Ulster Park.48
The Moslem World and Voice of Islam
Ever resourceful, Webb managed to once again regroup, and on January 1, 1895, he issued a
third publication from his new headquarters in Ulster Park. The consolidated Moslem World and
Voice of Islam was put out by the newly named Moslem World Company, and printed at the
press of Edgar S. Werner in New York City. The graphics on the nameplate were virtually
unchanged from the original Moslem World, save the addition of “…and Voice of Islam” below
the first title. The subtitle was changed to: “Devoted to the dissemination of the Islamic Faith.” A
8
further difference was that the Islamic Hijri date of publication was dropped in favor of solely
the Gregorian.
Subscription rates for the paper were 30¢ per year and 3¢ per individual issue. The
abbreviated four-page layout was continued from The Voice of Islam and presumably the look
and feel approximated its predecessor as well. As before, Webb saw the smaller paper as a stop
gap measure to continue getting news out while he waited for funding which would allow the
paper to be separated into the proposed weekly and monthly formats.49 Within the confines of
four pages, advertisement was limited to portions of the last page, most of which consisted of
announcements and sales for the Moslem World Company’s available printed material.
However, a small number of eclectic products were also listed over time, including Marlin Fire
Arms Co., Ripans Tabules, the New York Advertiser newspaper, a foreign bookseller, and a
patent attorney.
The structure of the paper was quite different. Instead of Qur’anic verses, the paper
opened with poems, some Islamic in nature and others not, including Walt Whitman and Edward
Rowland Sill. The content of the publication was made up principally of short news items from
India, Turkey, and Egypt, and bits of correspondence from all over the world. Only occasionally
did news appear concerning the progress of the American Islamic Propaganda or other
happenings in the United States. A noticeable difference from the earlier paper was an increased
number of articles and news in defense of Turkey and the Ottoman Sultan, Abdul Hamid II.
Virtually every issue dedicated some space to this cause, and in September 1895, an article about
the Sultan entitled “A Modern Hero” took up a quarter of the issue.50
In December 1895, a reporter from the New York Times went to investigate Webb’s
situation in Ulster Park and provided a glimpse of the operation of the paper. Webb had
converted the top floor of a barn into the office of the Moslem World Company. Stacked on a
bench were papers in wrappers being made ready for the mail and a book of subscriber names.
Webb and his 15-year-old son, Russell, handled all of the business and mailings of the paper.
When asked by the reporter if he still published his paper, Webb replied, “Certainly–sadly
reduced in size, but still it is a paper.” Despite the past turmoil and his humble surroundings,
Webb was optimistic that the long-awaited financial support from India would soon come, but it
never did.51
It is unclear when The Moslem World and Voice of Islam ceased publication or why, but
the last known issue was published in February 1896. In that issue, there was no mention of it
being the final copy, but neither had there been notice when The Moslem World ceased in
November 1893. In both cases, it appears that Webb never meant to stop publishing, but without
capital he was forced to abruptly terminate operations. Despite the lack of funding from India
Webb held true to the three-year contract he had signed. In January 1895, after the funding
stopped, Webb stated, “I will perform, to the best of my ability, all I promised to do under my
contract with Hajee Abdulla Arab. God knoweth the hearts of all men and will judge us both.”52
It is unknown what Webb was doing soon after January 1896, but by 1898, he had
withdrawn completely from the official American Islamic Propaganda movement and relocated
his family to Rutherford, New Jersey. There he continued as a newspaperman by purchasing the
Rutherford News, but this venture too was short-lived, and Webb sold the paper in 1900. For his
impassioned defense of the Sultan and other work for Islam, Webb was named Honorary Turkish
Consul-General for New York in 1901. He continued lecturing and general work for Islam until
his death in 1916.
9
Conclusion
Although ultimately an ephemeral venture, The Moslem World gained international recognition
as a unique, well-produced newspaper, and it spurred religious discourse in the press of the
United States. Its successors, The Voice of Islam and The Moslem World and Voice of Islam also
lacked staying power, but the latter continued the for more than a year and provided a continuing
outlet for Islamic expression in America. The fate of Webb’s Islamic mission was tied to the
papers, and although he was not always forthcoming with information concerning the movement,
the information the papers did provide and what can be surmised from tracking their publication
history is invaluable to the study of late nineteenth-century American Muslims. As more is
uncovered about Webb and his mission, a clearer historical picture may emerge from the gaps
this essay was unable to fill. Specifically, issues of the Voice of Islam have not been found, and a
definitive date for the final issue of the Moslem World and Voice of Islam has not been
established. Nonetheless, Webb and the Moslem World can now be placed historically among the
pioneering non-Christian religious newspapers in the United States.
NOTES
1For a further discussion of the Islamic press in America, see Sulayman S. Nyang, “The Islamic Press in the United
States of America,” in Islam in the United States of America, Chicago: ABC International Group, 1999, pp. 103-114.
2Alexander Russell Webb, Lectures on Islam: Delivered at Different Places in India, Lahore: Mohammadan Tract
and Book Depot, 1893, p. 32.
3 “To My Oriental Brothers,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, pp. 3-4. Copies of the Moslem
World and Moslem World and Voice of Islam were obtained on microfilm from the Western Reserve Historical
Society in Cleveland, OH.
4“Introduction,” in Mohammed Alexander Russell Webb, Yankee Muslim: The Asian Travels of Mohammed
Alexander Russell Webb, ed. Brent D. Singleton, Rockville, MD, Wildside Press, 2007.
5“Alex. Webb Versatile,” St. Louis Republic, July 12, 1908, part 15, p. 2.
6William A. Kelsoe, St. Louis Reference Record: A Newspaper Man’s Motion-picture of the City When We Got Our
First Bridge, and of Many Later Happenings of Local Note, St. Louis: Von Hoffmann, 1927, p. 182.
7“Salutatory,” Moslem World, May 12, 1893, p. 8.
8Alexander Russell Webb, Islam in America, New York: Oriental Publishing Co., 1893, pp. 67-68.
9“The Islamic Propaganda,” New York Times, May 28, 1893, p. 4.
10 Excerpted in: “Truly American,” Moslem World, August 1893, p. 13.
11 “Editorial Points,” Boston Globe, June 20, 1893, p. 4.
12 “Thanks,” Moslem World, June 1893, p. 10.
13 Although Kawkab America was published in Arabic and initially supportive of the Ottoman Sultan, it was
principally a Syrian Orthodox Christian publication. Michael W. Suleiman, Arabs in America: Building a New
Future, Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1999, p. 4.
14 “Salutatory,” Moslem World, May 1893, p. 8.
15 “Converted Years Ago,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 9; “Rather Severe,” Moslem World, August 1893, p. 11.
16 “Favors Moslem Immigration,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 9.
17 “It Will Do Them Good,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 6.
18 Excerpted in: “New Notes,” Moslem World, June 1893, p. 12.
19 Excerpted in: “A Cheerful Critic,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 13.
20 “Thanks,” Moslem World, June 1893, p. 10.
21 Excerpted in: “New Notes,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 8.
22 Excerpted in: “Deal Gently With the Erring,” Moslem World, June 1893, p. 16.
23 “In the name of the Prophet,” Washington Post, December 23, 1892, p. 4.
24 “News Notes,” Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1893, p. 4.
25 Moslem World, June 1893, back matter.
10
26 “Special Notice,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 8.
27 “To My Oriental Brothers,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, pp. 3-4.
28 “The Islamic Propaganda, Moslem World, June, 1893, p. 11.
29 “Special Notice,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 8.
30 Masthead, Moslem World, November 1893, p. 8.
31 “Special Notice,” Moslem World, May 1893, p. 8.
32 “Special Notice,” Moslem World, July 1893, p. 8.
33 Ibid.
34 Correspondence from Mohammed A. R. Webb to financial backers, May 1, 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri
Historical Society, St. Louis.
35 The description of The American Moslem is based on Volume 1, Issue 4, available from the Ottoman Archives,
Istanbul (Başbakanlık Osmanlı Arşivi, Maruzati. Yildiz Arsivi Sadaret Hususi 309/80).
36 Correspondence from Joseph E. Wade to John A. Lant, December 4, 1893. John A. Lant Papers, Missouri
Historical Society, St. Louis.
37 Correspondence from A.L. Rawson to John A. Lant, January 21, 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri Historical
Society, St. Louis.
38 “Special Notice,” American Moslem, April, May, June 1894, p. 2.
39 Correspondence from Budruddin Abdulla Kur to John A. Lant, January 31, 1894, John A. Lant Papers, Missouri
Historical Society, St. Louis.
40 “Trouble in Islam,” New York Daily Tribune, July 14, 1894, p. 12; “Muhammed Webb Locked Out,” New York
Times, July 14, 1894, p. 5.
41 “Our Plans,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, p. 2. The author has been unable to locate issues of
The Voice of Islam; the description is based on Webb’s account in “Our Plans.”
42 Webb arrived in the United States on February 16, 1893, after a week’s voyage from Liverpool. Alexander
Russell Webb, “Preaching Islamism in America,” Providence Journal, Vol. 14, November 1893, p. 468. The first
issue of The Crescent was released on January 14, 1893.
43 The Islamic World and The Crescent were published until 1907 and 1908 respectively.
44 “Muhammed Webb Locked Out,” New York Times, July 14, 1894, p. 5.
45 Descriptions of the Keep affair come from: “Trouble in Islam,” New York Daily Tribune, July 14, 1894, p. 12;
“Muhammed Webb Locked Out,” New York Times, July 14, 1894, p. 5; “Nefeesa Keep Breakfasts,” New York
Times, July 16, 1894, p. 1; “Mrs. Keep Visits the Consul,” New York Times, July 17, 1894, p. 4; “War of the
Moslems Not Over,” New York Times, July 24, 1894, p. 8; and “Nefeesa M.T. Keep Retaliates,” New York Times,
July 30, 1894, p. 9.
46 “Mohammed Webb’s Account,” New York Times, March 27, 1896, p. 3; “To My Oriental Brothers,” Moslem
World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, pp. 3-4; “Webb’s Supply of Rupees,” New York Times, March 20, 1896, p.
4.
47 “Mohammedan Webb Buys a Retreat,” New York Times, May 29, 1894, p. 9; “Fall of Islam in America,” New
York Times, December 1, 1895, p. 21.
48 “Son of the Prophet at Rondout,” New York Times, August 17, 1894, p. 1.
49 “Our Plans,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, p. 2.
50 “A Modern Hero,” The Moslem World and Voice of Islam, September 1895, p. 3.
51 “Fall of Islam in America,” New York Times, December 1, 1895, p. 21.
52 “To My Oriental Brothers,” Moslem World and Voice of Islam, January 1895, p. 4.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Brothers at Odds: Rival Islamic Movements in Late Nineteenth Century New York City
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=library-publications

Brothers at Odds_ Rival Islamic Movements in Late Nineteenth Cent
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Shaikh Hamza Yousaf

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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https://x.com/AlHakamWeekly/status/1577636912973627395
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ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

Thorough research work on the Ahmadiyya Movement, #ahmadiyya #ahmadiyyat #ahmadiyyafactcheckblog #messiahhascome

Alexander Russel Mohammed Webb was a colonial prophet, a fake Muslim, a racist drunk and a triple-agent

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Thorough research work on the Ahmadiyya Movement, #ahmadiyya #ahmadiyyat #ahmadiyyafactcheckblog #messiahhascome

Alexander Russel Mohammed Webb was a colonial prophet, a fake Muslim, a racist drunk and a triple-agent

Al Hakam, 14 June 1920

Al Fazl, 14 June 1920

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