Who is Sheikh Nasir Ahmad? Aka Walter Smith Bey, another Ex-Ahmadi

Intro
Muhammad Yusuf Khan converted Walter Smith Bey to Ahmadiyya and changed his name to Nasir Ahmad in 1930 (roughly) in Pittsburgh (See Dannin, See also, Hakim, History, 2-3, 6; “Mohammedan Activities,” Missionary Review of the World 55 (1932): 246; “Islam in Pittsburgh,” Moslem World 23, no. 1 (1933): 90, via Bowen). Muhammad Yusuf Khan (honorary Qadiani-Ahmadi missionary) gave Nasir Ahmad the title of Sheikh (as he did many others in the early 1930’s, the exact year is unknown, must be just before 1933, see ROR). He was formerly Walter Smith Bey and was originally a Christian preacher who had joined the Moorish Science Temple (MST).

By 1930, Muhammad Yusuf Khan was fully entrenched with the ex-members of the Moorish Science Temple (MST) in Pittsburgh, Cincinatti and other locations in Ohio (See the Moslem Sunrise [July-1930, see page 13][this newspaper was inactive for 6 years]). The same edition of the Moslem Sunrise reports that Muhammad Yusuf Khan is doing solid work in Pittsburgh and Cincinatti. Saeed Akmal (aka Walter Bellinger) was also there in Pittsburgh in the early 1930’s. According to Smith Bey (Nasir Ahmad), in an interview conducted by the FBI a dozen years after the fact, his first introduction to the Ahmadis was in Cleveland in 1930 (see AAUAA FBI file, Philadelphia, No. 100-19940)(See Bowen). Check out our full history of Ahmadiyya in the USA herein.

By 1932, Wali Akram had 150 families following him in Cleveland. Wali Akram somehow asks Sheikh Nasir Ahmad to come to Cleveland (from Pittsburgh) and help him with imam work. Thus, by 1932, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad was the official imam of the Ahmadi’s of Cleveland. Dannin makes a mistake here, he alleges that Muhammad Yusuf Khan heard about Wali Akram’s success and came from Chicago, that would incorrect, since Muhammad Yusuf Khan was working out of Pittsburgh since at least March-1930 (See the Moslem Sunrise of 1975).

The ROR of Sep-1933, has a report from Dr. Muhammad Yusuf from America about the spread of Ahmadiyya in Cleveland, Ohio, they allege to have 300 Ahmadi’s in Cleveland. Dr. Muhammad Yusuf also mentions how Sheikh Nasir Ahmad and Sheikh Muhammad Omar (Omar Ahmad of Braddock?) are working with him, both were Christian priests. Dr. Muhammad Yusuf also alleges that some Turks and Arab Muslims might have converted to Ahmadiyya and caused a stir.

In January of 1934, Yusuf Khan was published in a local newspaper and seems to have arrived to work in Cleveland and is working with Wali Akram and Sheikh Nasir Ahmad and a whole bunch of African American’s who were former members of the Moorish Science Temple (Aka Walter Smith Bey)(See “My Message to the Moslems,” Cleveland Call and Post, January 6, 1934, 4;, via Bowen). He signed off his letter as M. Yusuf Khan. There is another article about “Youngstown Moslems” by Amtul Majeed, in this specific article, there seems to be a woman named Madame Begum who is giving speeches. The location in Youngstown Moslem is at 960 South Rigby St, Youngstown, Ohio. Bro Ali Mubarik and his sister Azeema Mubarik are also mentioned. Dr. M. Yusuf Khan is their leader. The 3rd article in this is about “Activities of The Braddock Mosque” by Abdullah Easa. Sheikh M. Omar, Ahmad Omar and Sheikh Akmal are also mentioned and gave speeches. They were taking new converts on Dec-25-1933 in 135 Linden Ave, Duquesne in Pittsburgh, PA. The first woman to join up was Mrs. Coleman, then Daniel Moore then Bro Coleman. At the end, Sheikh Akmal appointed Bro M. Rafeek as President and Bro Mataza as Vice President. The 4th article is about the Dayton Mosque, Sheikh Nazeer Elahi (his name is spelled as Shaikh Nazier Eliehee) is named as the Imam of the mosque. Dr. Y.M. Khan is their supreme leader. The 5th article is about Ahmadiyya in Cincinatti, Dr. M.Y. Khan is their leader by Y. Waheed.

In Jan-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post (of Sat, Jan 20, 1934 ·Page 4) report that the people of the Cleveland “Head Mosque” were surprised by a lecture from Wali Mohammed aka the medicine man, Maulvi Muhammad Yusuf Khan also spoke. A photo of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was given in the newspaper, Tuesday night, 7pm. The same newspaper mentions the news of the “Mother Mosque” as well, and how a man named Shaikh Wali Dod gave a speech and was referred to as God. This appeared on the “Religion” page of the newspaper and was a daily or bi-daily publication and MGA’s face appeared many times. News from the Dayton Mosque via Sheikh Nazeer Elahi is also given, this is the Ahmadiyya mission, Dr. M.Y. Khan is listed as the missionary. However, simultaneously, Dr. M.Y. Khan is teaching the other 2 groups of Muslims, one by Brother Abdullah Farook. The other by Omar Mohammed who had recently returned, they both seem to be connected to Dr. M.Y. Khan and Brother Abdullah Farook. Sheikh Nazeer Elahi gave a speech on “The Life of Mohammed”. The Mosque has recently moved to 216 Euclid Ave. Interestingly, the Cleveland Mosque, which is ran by Sheikh Nasir Ahmed is mentioned and money was being collected for the travel expenses ($2) of the Ahmadiyya missionary, Dr. M.Y. Khan, who will allegedly represent them to the East. The Colombus Mosque by Rasheed Hosas is also mentioned, the rope of Allah is discussed.

On Apr-1-1934, Muhammad Yusuf Khan returned from an import/export run to British India and immediately confronted Sheikh Nasir Ahmad (in Cleveland or Pittsburgh?) and accused him of having alleged ties to the Moorish Science Temple, which he characterized as “worthless” and “un-Islamic.” Rather than seeing the Moors and the Garveyites as links to a larger American audience, Dr. Khan challenged their influence. He vehemently opposed Freemasonry and insisted that membership in the Ahmadiyya Movement excluded other sectarian affiliations.
(See Bismilla,” Cleveland Call and Post, April 21, 1934, 2; Dannin, Pilgrimmage, 38, via Bowen). Thus, in April of 1934, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad seems to have been ex-communicated by Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Cleveland, he then moved to Philadelphia and started working with Muslims therein. Just six weeks (by June of 1934) after Sheikh Nasir Ahmad’s departure, the Ohio River Valley Muslims got word of Ahmad’s success in Philadelphia (See Abdul Mohammad, “Philadelphia Mission,” Cleveland Call and Post, June 2, 1934, 2., via Bowen).

In Apr-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Apr 07, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a photo of M. Yusuf Khan. This is about the Cleveland Mosque. The Ahmadiyya regional headquarter has been changed from Pittsburgh to 5311 Woodland Ave in Cleveland. The headquarters was in Pittsburgh for 4 years. Yusuf Khan alleges to have faced the bitterest opposition vs. Ahmadiyya. Yusuf Khan alleges that he has already created 11 men and 1 woman to go out and to tabligh. On March-29, the Moslems of Pittsburgh gave Yusuf Khan a farewell party (he was going to India on a trade run) wherein 300 people showed up. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad was there as well as well as Shaikh Abdul Wahab, Shaikh Abid Haque, Shaikh Saeed Akmal and Shaikh Abdul Farook. Shaikh Abdul Farook was made in-charge, with full authority in Pittsburgh. Yusuf Khan says that anyone who doesn’t pay their chanda for 3 months will be removed from the membership. There is another report in this newspaper from the “Mother Mosque”, during the week of March-25-1934, wherein it is stated that Rahmat Mahmood Sheikh Farook and Dr. Khan held a meeting. Eid was also held. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad from the Cleveland Mosque were also there. Shaikh Saeed Akmal from Braddock, Pittsburgh was also there. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad will be around and in-charge in Cleveland, signed off by Shaikh Saadi Malik.

In Apr-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Apr 14, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a report on the Braddock Mosque by Abdullah Eesa. Remarks were given by Ahmad Omar and Sheikh Akmal (Saeed Akmal?). On Wednesday evening, lectures were given by Bro. Ahmad Omar and Sheikh Abdullah Farook. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad had the keynote speech. On Friday evening, Shaikh Abu Saleh held a meeting in a new mosque, which is in East liberty, on Frankstown Avenue, Sh. Ahmad spoke too. Sheikh Ahmad gave a final address before moving to Philadelphia on Sunday evening at the East Liberty Mosque.

In the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Jun 02, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a report about the Ahmadiyya mission in Philadelphia, which seems to be lead by Shaikh Nasir Ahmad. On Sunday, Shaikh Nasir Ahmad gave a lecture. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad recently married on Apr-27 and hasn’t seen his wife in 6 weeks. His wife seems to be in Cleveland and will leave therein on June 2, her name is Alia Ahmad. She is currently living with her sister at 2233 E. 69th St, Cleveland, Ohio. Abdul Mohammad is the reporter.

By July of 1934, the Muslims in Pittsburgh had totally ousted Muhammad Yusuf Khan (See Bowen). On July 14, an important announcement was made in the religion section of the Cleveland Call and Post, the local black newspaper:

“””The leaders of Vearianue [sic], or what is better known as Imams, gathered [in Pittsburgh] and formed a council, according to the Islamic teaching. We discharged the missionary, M.Y. Khan because of his failure to carry the work on in the right way. We, the members have been successful in making connection with the Moslem League, that we may be known throughout all the Moslem World. Our lecturer will cost just about half what it has been costing. The new
missionary will be located at … Pittsburgh. His name is Abdul Mohammed Iben Akbar. For any information, please write 18 South Sickel St., Philadelphia, Pa. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad has returned back to his mission in Philadelphia. We are making wonderful progress here in Philadelphia. Unity is our aim. May Allah guide us wherever we go.”” (Cleveland Call and Post, the local black newspaper of July-14-1934)(See Bowen).

The Vearianue, which was also known as both the Islamic Council and the Supreme Council, was led by Nasir Ahmad and was initially composed of twelve leading men from the Ohio-Pennsylvania community (because Philadelphia was now included, the region cannot be limited to the Ohio River Valley), and it soon acquired representatives from the Pittsburgh, Braddock, Youngstown, and Columbus Ahmadi missions (See Saadi Mliak, “Proceedings at the Pittsburgh Mosque,” Cleveland Call and Post, July 31, 1934, 2; Abdulla Eesa, “Bis-mil-lah,” Cleveland Call and Post, July 31, 1934, 2., via Bowen).

In August 1934, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali who had spent most of the last few years promoting Islam to whites in cities outside of the Ohio River Valley, attempted to win back the disgruntled members in Pittsburgh (Braddock Mosque). He publicly denounced Muhammad Yusuf Khan and pleaded with the mosques that had broken off to return under his leadership. (See “Moslem Activities in Braddock,” Cleveland Call and Post, August 4, 1934, 2, via Bowen).

Muhammad Yusuf Khan left for India again in roughly Oct-1934 (See Dannin, letter from Khan to Akram).

Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali returned to Qadian on 12 December 1935, and was sent back to America on 21 October 1936 (he stayed for roughly 11 months), he arrived in Chicago on Dec-10, 1936 (See the Moslem Sunrise of Aug-1937). While Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali and Muhammad Yusuf Khan were gone, Wali Akram totally quit Ahmadiyya and separated his entire flock from Ahmadiyya.

By 1937, all Ahmadiyya missions had shut down, only the Ahmadiyya temple/house on Wabash Ave in Chicago remained. In the 1940’s there was barely any growth. By 1950, Ahmadiyya in the USA had totally failed, barely 200 members remained, 5 mission houses, NO MOSQUES. They promptly moved the headquarters of the community to Washington D.C. Saeed Akmal (a fellow ex-ahmadi) wrote Akram a letter wherein he described himself as a Lahori-Ahmadi (See Dannin). Saeed Akmal is mentioned in Jameela Hakim’s, “History of The First Muslim Mosque in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania” (1979) as someone who took over the Pittsburgh mission of confused Muslims. Check out our full history of Ahmadiyya in the USA herein. Also called the Braddock Mosque. There is another Ex-Ahmadi named Sheikh Omar of Braddock, he seems to have also quit Ahmadiyya and worked with Saeed Akmal at the Braddock Mosque.

By 1938, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad was working with Muhammad Ezaldeen’s aauaa. Knowing that the aauaa was expanding from Newark and Philadelphia to Rochester, Syracuse, and Jacksonville, Akram solicited its participation in a unified national organization. Nasir Ahmad became a central character in efforts to unite the diverse Muslim American coalitions and communities. He worked with Ezzeldeen, the prominent Moorish Science Temple leader-turned-Sunni leader, in creating the Black Sunni group Addeynu Allahe Universal Arabic Association in New Jersey.

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1930

According to Smith Bey (Nasir Ahmad), in an interview conducted by the FBI a dozen years after the fact, his first introduction to the Ahmadis was in Cleveland in 1930 (see AAUAA FBI file, Philadelphia, No. 100-19940)(See Bowen).
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1932
See Dannin

By 1932, Wali Akram had 150 families following him. Wali Akram somehow asks Sheikh Nasir Ahmad to come to Cleveland (from Pittsburgh) and help him with imam work. Thus, by 1932, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad was the official imam of the Ahmadi’s of Cleveland. Dannin makes a mistake here, he alleges that Muhammad Yusuf Khan heard about Wali Akram’s success and came from Chicago, that would incorrect, since Muhammad Yusuf Khan was working out of Pittsburgh since at least 1930.
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1933

Scan
“My Message to the Moslems,” Cleveland Call and Post, January 6, 1934, 4;

The Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Jan 27, 1934 ·Page 4 mentions almost all the same data as
The Cleveland Call and Post, January 6, 1934, 4;, via Bowen).

By March, “Dr. Khan to Make His Headquarters Here,” Cleveland Call and Post, March 3, 1934, 2, via Bowen). Sheikh Nasir Ahmad has left.

Cleveland Call and Post, March 3, 1934, 2

On Apr-1-1934, Muhammad Yusuf Khan returned from an import/export run to British India and immediately confronted Sheikh Nasir Ahmad and accused him of having alleged ties to the Moorish Science Temple, which he characterized as “worthless” and “un-Islamic.” Rather than seeing the Moors and the Garveyites as links to a larger American audience, Dr. Khan challenged their influence. He vehemently opposed Freemasonry and insisted that membership in the Ahmadiyya Movement excluded other sectarian affiliations. Muhammad Yusuf Khan left for India again in roughly Oct-1934.

In Apr-1934, (14th), Shaikh Saadi Malik wrote a report under the headline “Among the Moslems”, the sub-heading “Proceedings of the Mother Mosque” a photo of Dr. Abdul Khan is also affixed. Shaikh Saadi Malik tells us that on Sunday night, Apr-1-1934, Shaikh Abdullah Farook, Abu Saleh, Shaikh Saadi Malik and Nasir Ahmad spoke. Shaikh Saadi Malik gave a speech on “Ahmadism will set you free”. Shaikh Ahmad also spoke (Shaikh Nasir Ahmad?). Shaikh Wali Dod is mentioned as someone who is working with Moslems in the “South Side” and teaching them Arabic (See the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Apr 14, 1934 ·Page 2).

In Apr-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Apr 21, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a report on the Braddock Mosque by Abdullah Eesa. The Ahmadi’s of Braddock seem to have visited a Church. At this church brother Ahmad Eesa gave a speech. Sh. Akmal (Saeed Akmal?) gave a speech. Thereafter the entire congregation seems to have went to the Ahmadiyya Mosque in East Liberty, wherein Sheikh Nasir Ahmad gave a speech. On Thursday evening, a party was held at the house of Sister Abdullah. Contests were started and Ahmad Omar won for Adhan, opening services were read by Ahmad Eesa, Moosa Aleem won too.

In Apr-1934, via “The Plain Dealer” of Mon, Apr 23, 1934 ·Page 5 mentions Muhammad Yusuf Khan. This is about the Cleveland Mosque. There are allegedly 400 members of the Cleveland Mosque. Muhammad Yusuf Khan is mentioned as the “head man” of the Ahmadia Moslems and he says that this mosque has left Islam and he will try to bring them back. The majority of the membership is Negro, with a few Indians and a few Arabs. This Cleveland Mosque is on the 3rd floor of a building at 5311 Woodland Ave, Cleveland and is simply called “Mosque”. Ahmadia people expect more prophets in opposition to Islam and deny holy wars. Ahmadi’s also allegedly don’t believe in polygamy. Khan is allegedly teaching the Quran, Arabic names have also been given out to new converts. Khan alleges to have 8 converts who have learned Arabic good enough to become Sheikh’s (missionaries) and he has already did that with the previous 22 students. Allegedly, the Pittsburgh Mosque is the same size as the Cleveland Mosque. Khan told the newspaper that there are 16 Ahmadi Mosques in the USA. Allegedly, the Cincinatti Mosque has 150 members, however, most locations have less than 100 members. There are other Ahmadiyya temples (mosques) in Chicago, Akron, Colombus, Dayton, Youngstown, Steubenville, Washington, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Detroit, Braddock, Homestead and Duquesne, PA. Khan hopes to open a mosque in NY next year. The Cleveland Mosque was opened in 1932. Khan has been splitting his time between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Khan told the newspaper that he came to the USA in 1921 as a chemistry student.

“The Plain Dealer” of Mon, Apr 23, 1934 ·Page 5

Thus, in April of 1934, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad seems to have been ex-communicated by Muhammad Yusuf Khan in Cleveland, he then moved to Philadelphia and started working with Muslims therein. Just six weeks after Sheikh Nasir Ahmad’s departure, the Ohio River Valley Muslims got word of Ahmad’s success in Philadelphia (See Abdul Mohammad, “Philadelphia Mission,” Cleveland Call and Post, June 2, 1934, 2., via Bowen).

By July of 1934, the Muslims in Pittsburgh had totally ousted Muhammad Yusuf Khan (via Bowen. On July 14, an important announcement was made in the religion section of the Cleveland Call and Post, the local black newspaper:

However, it should be noted that even though M.Y. Khan was ousted from Pittsburgh, he moved to Cincinatti and began working therein. The leadership for the Pittsburg Mosque hired an Arab from Egypt, named Abdul Mohammed Ibn Akbar for half the price that they were previously paying M.Y. Khan. The new missionary will be located at 1800 Center Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. For any information, please write to 18 South Sickel St., Philadelphia, PA. Sheikh Nasir Ahmad has returned back to his own mission in Philadelphia. There is an article on “The Akron Mosque”, a man named St. Abdus Subhan gave a short lecture and several short talks by Bro Nasir Hicmat and sis Moleeks Shaun, Bro Hickmd, sis Shann, written by Wakeela Mula, reporter. There is another report on the Cincinatti Mosque, it is reported that they recently held a “Young People’s Islamic Program”, however, only women were speakers. This is a report by Dr. M.Y. Khan, who seems to be working with Prof. Malik and Mr. Ishaq Mohammad. They had all recently returned to Cincinatti from Pittsburgh. Dr. M.Y. Khan alleges that Prof. Malek is “in-charge” of the Cincinatti Mosque. Mr. Majid Hassan is also named as a speaker. Prof. Malek gave a speech on the death of Jesus Christ. Jamal Deen, reporter. Dr. Khan quickly reported to the newspaper about the progress of his cult and left of Cleveland. Prof. Malik (from the Cincinatti Mosque) is currently touring in Chicago. Jameel Geen, reporter. There is another report on the “Akron Mosque”, Sh. Subhan gave a speech, by Wakeel Mula.

Scan
Cleveland Call and Post, the local black newspaper of July-14-1934, via Bowen

In July-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Jul 21, 1934 ·Page 2, Ahmadiyya is not mentioned at all, Muhammad Yusuf Khan is not mentioned and nor is Sufi Bengalee. It seems that by July-1934, Ahmadiyya had been totally ousted. There was a series of essay’s entitled, “Among the Moslems” by Abdullah Easa. He starts with BIS-MIL-LAH, and alleges to see a bright future of Islam in the region. Abdullah Easa relates a major announcement from the Islamic Council and Maulvi Muhammad Yusuf Khan was removed (however, he is not named in this article) from the mosque. Abdullah Easa consoles the Moslems from Pittsburgh and other areas. Abdullah Easa alleges that old members who had left previously have now returned to the mosque. Abdullah Easa praises the Moslems of Ohio and specifically Colombus. Sheikh Hason is mentioned. Abdullah Easa mentions the council of 12 men. Bro Abdul Mohammad Ibn Akbar has been named as “Imam U1 Shareef in America”. Allegedly Bro Abdul Mohammad Ibn Akbar has connections to the Moslem world via Egypt, Africa, Palestine, Arabia and many other Moslem Governments. Abdullah Easa says that it is in the best interest of the council to join the Moslem League (of which an Ahmadi is the leader, Zafrullah Khan). Abdullah Easa announces that Sheikh Nasir Ahmad is heading the council. There is also a report from the Akron Mosque, on July-15, there was a social held at the house of Bro and Sis Moosa Raheem, at 185 McCoy Street, Akron, Cleveland. Bro’s. Sarle Subhan, Nasis Hiemat, Moosa Raheem and Sis. Bismala Shako gave a talk or a reading. Signed off by Wakeei Mula. There is 3rd article on “Proceedings at the Pittsburgh Mosque” by Saadi Malik. Saadi Malik alleges that there is new life in the Moslems of the region, from places like Colombus, Youngstown, Ohio, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA. Saadi Malik alleges that a missionary from Egypt is coming soon.

Scan
Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Jul 21, 1934 ·Page 2

In Aug-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Aug 4, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a report on the Braddock Mosque by Abdullah Eesa. On Sunday, July-22 at 8pm, there was a gathering at the Mosque in Pittsburgh to greet the new Imam, Bro Hakim Abdul Muhammed. Sh. Nasir Ahmad has been touring with him too. It is mentioned how Dr. Sufi M.R. Bengali came to the Braddock Mosque and denounced M.Y. Khan, called him an honorary missionary only and demanded chanda via certain policies. However, the blacks of Braddock refused. On Sunday (July-28), Bro Hakim Abdul Muhammed gave a lecture.

In Aug-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Aug 18, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a report on the Braddock Mosque by Abdullah Eesa. A man named Abdis Subhan of Braddock died. On Sunday Aug-12, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad stopped at the Braddock Mosque as he was enroute to Philadelphia, he also gave a speech in Pittsburgh.

In Aug-1934, via the Cleveland Call and Post of Sat, Aug 18, 1934 ·Page 2, there is a report with the headline of “Among the Moslems”. There is a report on “Youngstown Moslem News” by Jumal Elahee. On Thursday, Aug-9, the Ahmadi’s of Youngstown hosted Sh. N. Ahmad of Philadelphia, Sh. R Hassan of Colombus, Shaikh A.D. Frock of Pittsburgh and Shaikh A. Sabhan of Akron. On Sunday morning, Aug-12, classes were held, they are trying to learn Arabic. On Sunday night at 8pm, there were lectures by Sister Farook, Bro Muhammad Yahya and the keynote speaker was Sh. Jumul Elahee Islam. All people are invited to their temple at 869 E. Federal St.

The Moslem Sunrise of Nov-1934 didn’t give any locations of Ahmadiyya centers in the USA, it was a regular feature of the magazine to list locations in the USA and abroad. However, just 10 month earlier, the Moslem Sunrise of Jan-1934, the Pittsburg branch of pseudo-Ahmadi’s was mentioned and with Muhammad Yusuf Khan as in-charge and with the famous 2222 Webster Ave, Pittsburgh, PA as the location of the mission house. In the very next issue of the Moslem Sunrise (March-1935), a new Pittsburgh location is given, 2008 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. This evidence proves that the Ahmadiyya schism did in-fact happen in Pittsburgh in the late summer of 1934.
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1935

In the Moslem Sunrise of March-1935, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali mentions 8 missions of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA. The first being in Chicago. The second being at 1419 Roosevelt Ave Indianapolis, IN. The third at 913 Woodland Ave, Kansas City (MO). The 4th at 537 Hendrie St. Detroit (MI). The 5th at 2008 Wylie Ave, Pittsburgh, (PA). The 6th at 928 W. 7th St. Cincinatti (OH). The 7th is a new mission at 216 S. Euclid Ave, Dayton (OH). The 8th is also a new mission at 5311 Woodland Ave, Cleveland (OH).

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1938
Dannin, page 48

In 1938, Wali Akram contacted Sheikh Nasir Ahmad who was then in Philadelphia working with Muhammad Ezaldeen’s aauaa. Knowing that the aauaa was expanding from Newark and Philadelphia to Rochester, Syracuse, and Jacksonville, Akram solicited its participation in a unified national organization. To that end he also contacted representatives of several other Muslim groups whose agenda focused on Arabic pedagogy.

In 1938, Ezaldeen led his followers in Buffalo to incorporate the community of Jabul Arabiyya in West Valley, New York. Another aauaa “unit” soon migrated to a rural area of New Jersey outside Philadelphia (now called Ezaldeen Village). Other prominent “units” of the aauaa were located in Youngstown, Ohio; Rochester, New York; Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Florida; and Detroit. The goal of each unit was to follow precedent by purchasing rural acreage to create an autonomous Muslim community living under the sharia. Ezaldeen’s principal collaborator, Sheik Nasir Ahmad, was a mercurial personality who invested his energy in several different organizations: the former Walter Smith Bey was originally a Christian preacher who had joined the Moorish Science Temple of Islam.

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1943
Thesis – Ahmadi institutionalization (harvard.edu)

In 1943, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad and Sheikh Wali Akram collaborated to hold the First All Moslem and Arab Convention in Philadelphia, a watershed movement in U.S. Islam. Both men were black Muslim leaders who had joined the Qadiani Ahmadiyya movement and recieved religious credentials, but ultimately left (largely over discontentment with discredited missionary Muhammad Yusuf Khan’s spiritual and financial exploitation of members), but continued to hold onto the more universalist and less discrete Lahori theology as they lead broader “Sunni” movements.

The first meeting of the Uniting Islamic Society of America convened at Philadelphia in . Handbills announced: The First All Moslem and Arab Convention, August , . This meeting
will consist of four organizations for Al-Islam, namely, the Muslim Ten Year Plan, Moslems of America, the Academy of Islam and the Adenu Allahe Universal Arabic Association. It is held for the purpose of all uniting together as one great organization working in accord with the
teaching of Al Quran. The aauaa hosted this event, which featured Professor Ezaldeen as the
prayer leader and Sheik Nasir Ahmad, who delivered the opening sermon, as master of ceremonies. Wali Akram sermonized on the second day, and Sheik Omar Ali of Harlem’s Academy of Islam at the third session. In the course of the fourth day, the conferees toured a farm in nearby New Jersey called Ezaldeen Village, which was the aauaa project for a self-sufficient Muslim community. A young Adenu Allahe sheik, Yusuf Hameed, gave the final day’s first khutbah, followed by Professor Ezaldeen’s message of adjournment (See Dannin).
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1945
New Pittsburgh Courier of Sat, Mar 03, 1945 ·Page 10

At the First Moslem Mosque of Pittsburgh, Saeed Akmal was the master of ceremonies and Imam Deen were present. The wife of Abu Saleh was also there. Shaikh Nasir Ahmad of Philadelphia gave a speech as well as Wali Akram.

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1946
See Dannin

The third and last meeting of the uisa convened in Cleveland beginning August 30, 1946. It was a subdued affair with representation from only five organizations Professor Ezaldeen did not personally attend, nor did any representative from the Academy of Islam in Harlem. Sheik Nasir and Wali Akram opened the conference with a summary of the efforts to unify Muslims in
America, mentioning that the lack of internal cooperation had theretofore stymied progress. They put forward a suggestion to reorganize the association, adding that changing its name might contribute to a fresh start. The delegates included Sisters Khaleel from Pittsburgh and Habeebah Rasaq of Cleveland. Kareema Akram also assumed a prominent role in the second day’s proceedings with a speech about unity.
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1947–1958

For the next decade, Gillespie’s big band was a training ground for many of the great names in modern jazz, including Milt Jackson, Ray Brown, Howard Johnson, and John Coltrane. Curiously, it also proved to be fertile soil for Islamic dawa. In Philadelphia, Rainey met Sheik Nasir Ahmad. He soon converted to Islam, taking the name Talib Dawud. The band’s young tenor saxophonist, Bill Evans, followed him, taking the name Yusef Lateef, as did Lyn Hope, who became Hajj Rashid after making pilgrimage to Mecca in 1958. The drummer, Kenny Clarke, changed his name to Liaqat Ali Salaam, and Oliver Mesheux became Mustafa Dalil.

Talib Dawud affiliated his Philadelphia mosque with Harlem’s International Muslim Brotherhood, which was run by Imam Abdul Raheem and the
ubiquitous Sheik Nasir Ahmad. He coordinated with other mosques in Boston,
Providence, and Washington, D.C. , but conflict ensued when the Muslim Brotherhood tried moving west to Detroit, a stronghold of Elijah Muhammad’s Nation
of Islam.

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Links and Related Essay’s

https://ahmadiyyafactcheckblog.com/2023/12/31/who-is-mr-muhammad-yusuf-khan-a-crooked-ahmadi-maulvi-in-the-usa-1922-1976/

Click to access Dannin2002black-pilgrimage-to-islam.pdf

The Professor Mohammed Ezzeldeen Story – America’s Islamic Heritage Museum (aihmuseum.org)

Jazz musicians that accidentally converted to Ahmadiyya – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

Saeed Akmal is an ex-Ahmadi too – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

Who is Shaikh Saadi Malik? – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

Who is Shaikh Saadi Malik?

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