Intro
Technically, the history of the Ahmadiyya Movement started in 1903, the Detroit English News of June 27, 1903 reported on MGA and his death threat to Alexander Dowie.

In 1920, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq arrived in America and immediately heard about Shia-Muslims from Syria in Detroit and how they had NO imam or NO organization. These were mostly workers at Ford’s Factory in Highland Park. By June-1920, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was invited to Detroit (Al Bayan, 26 June 1920, p. 3, 26 Court St, Brooklyn, NY) to meet the Shia-Muslims therein and devise a plan.

By 1921, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was ran out of Detroit by Shia and Sunni Muslims. He ran to Chicago and had enough money to buy a residence which he converted into a makeshift temple.

In roughly 1922, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was back in Detroit and delivered five lectures in Detroit at the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) meetings; out of the 40 converts, one of them, Mufti Sahib said, was an enthusiastic young man with the name Rev. B.D. Sutton. Rev. BD Sutton converted to Qadianism and became an enthusiastic Ahmadiyya preacher, with the new name of Sheikh Abdus Salam, he was one of at least 40 pan-Africanist Garveyites that joined the movement following Sadiq’s five lectures to the Universal Negro Improvement Association in Detroit. After his conversion, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq made him a “sheikh”, as he continued to give out this title. Reverend BD Sutton took the Muslim name, Sheikh Abdus Salam and was appointed the leader of that congregation (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue I, 1923, p. 167), in the same edition Mufti Muhammad Sadiq cites Sheikh Abdus Salam and Sheikh Ahmad Din (both African American’s and both given financial deals) as prolific prostelytizers (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue 2-3, 1923, p. 190). Sheikh Salam went on to become one of the principal preachers in Detroit. He was described as “busy bringing others to the fold of Islam”. (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue 2-3, 1923, p. 190). Sheikh Abdus Salam aka Rev. B.D. Sutton totally disappeared soon thereafter.

1924–1929 was a dead era for Qadianism in Detroit. However, in 1930, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali began alleging that there were some Ahmadi’s in Detroit.

In the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-1931/Jan-1932, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali alleges that there is a Qadiani-Ahmadi mission house at 537 Hendrie St. Detroit, this was written in every single edition until the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-1935, roughly 3 years. By 2010, it seems that the Qadiani-Ahmadi’s in the Detroit area moved into 1730 W. Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 and built their temple.

From 1932 to 1956, Ahmadiyya seems to have been totally dead in Detroit.

Syed Jawad Ali worked as an Ahmadiyya secretary in the USA (1954-1960; 1963-1971). It is alleged that he founded the Detroit mission in 1956.

In 1978, the Ahmadiyya either began renting or bought a residence at Wyoming Avenue (See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of Sep-1983)(in 2024, it’s an open lot with no building). At the 1982 Jalsa Salana at Rabwah, Mirza Tahir Ahmad (the 4th Qadiani-Ahmadi Khalifa) announced that 5 New Mosques in the US (New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, and Detroit) were in the works (See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of March-2006). In March 2002, the Ahmadiyya Movement had to sell the land because of the state’s plan to build a freeway ramp on that site (See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of March-2006). In September 2002, we purchased a new parcel of land. On June 25, 2005, Mirza Masroor Ahmad graciously prayed on the Foundation Stone for the new site. On December 17, 2005, Mohtaram Ameer Sahib USA laid the Foundation Stone at the new site. Thus, construction of this mosque (the first Ahmadiyya Muslim ‘Community Center’ in the US) finally got underway. To complete this construction in a timely manner, we need to urgently raise the requisite funds. While we are leaving no stone unturned locally, Mohtaram Ameer Sahib has kindly allowed us to raise $250,000 nationally.

In 1983, there was arson at the Ahmadiyya temple located at 8218 Wyoming Avenue (in 2024, it’s an open lot with no building). This is terms of the murder of Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad. It seems that this location was sold and the new location of 1730 W. Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 became the Ahmadiyya temple.

Since roughly 2021-2022, Murrabi Farran Rabbani is the head Maulvi in-charge of the Detroit Temple of Ahmadi’s.

In 2025, Muslim TikToker @maziii_313 accidentally walked into a Qadiani-Ahmadi temple in Detroit (Rochester Hills aka Masjid Mahmoud) a few days ago to read his Taraweeh prayers. As you can see, there were barely 6 worshippers being led by a kid (see the clip on tiktok and twitter). This proves that Ahmadiyya is totally dead in Detroit and other parts of America. You can read about the full history of Ahmadiyya in the USA herein.

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The Ahmadiyya Temple

Mahmood Mosque – Detroit Michigan USA

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center (Masjid Mahmood) located at 1730 W. Auburn Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309.

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1903

Technically, the history of the Ahmadiyya Movement started in 1903, the Detroit English News of June 27, 1903 reported on MGA and his death threat to Alexander Dowie.
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1920

In his letter dated 7 August 1920, he expressed his intentions to move to Chicago, considering it more suitable as the centre of the Ahmadiyya mission (Al Fazl, 23 September 1920, p. 1). And in the very next letter, he wrote that he had reached Chicago.

“Being stationed in New York, he had the opportunity to visit different cities to propagate the message of Islam. Among his journeys was a visit to Detroit, Michigan where he attended a meeting of Arab immigrant Muslims. An Arabic newspaper of New York, Al-Bayan, reported his visit in its edition of June 26, 1920 as follows:

‘[Translation] The Islamic Community in Detroit, Michigan has held a general body meeting on June 14 for the occasion of having Mr Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, one of the best men of India. He has come all the way from New York especially just to visit the Islamic Community here in this city.

‘Mr Mufti begun this meeting with the following words “In the name of Allah, and blessings be sent upon the Holy Arab Prophet”. Then he delivered his address in both English and Arabic, he expressed how the Muslims of India are highly determined and well dedicated to uplift the pride of Islam again, and how supportive they are towards their brothers in the East and the West. His address left a noble impact in the hearts of attendees.’” (Al Bayan, 26 June 1920, p. 3, 26 Court St, Brooklyn, NY).

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1921
Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan) 13 February 1921

In May of 1921 (via Al Fazl, 19 May 1921 and the Detroit News), Mufti Sadiq has successfully converted a white woman to Ahmadiyya, her name is Ella May Garber (also known as Mrs. EM Garber, or Siddiqatun Nisa Rahatullah. She is allegedly preparing to travel to India and become a female missionary for the Ahmadiyya Movement. This is part of Mufti Muhammad Sadiq and other Ahmadi editors lied about white converts to Ahmadiyya from Europe and America. She is mentioned again in the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-1921, she is alleged to be giving lectures in NY.

1921
https://www.reviewofreligions.org/21830/review-of-religions-october-1921-edition/

The ROR of Jan-1921 tells us that he is in America and has converted a few white people to Ahmadiyya, he gives his address as 4334 Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Ill (U.S.A.). The ROR of March-1921 tells us that Muftree Muhammad Sadiq was given the honorary Doctorate of Literature from Lincoln Jefferson University out of Chicago, illinois. In the Feb-1921 edition of the ROR, a few converts are mentioned as well as his work in America thus far. Being invited to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he delivered a series of lectures there in early October 1921.

In February 1921, he was invited again to Detroit for lectures, so he arrived there on 5 February 1921. With the characteristic hospitality of Arab Muslims, he was offered a friendly and generous reception and accommodation. He stayed for more than a month in Detroit and its suburb Highland Park with these Arab Muslim friends and delivered a series of lectures on Islam. Per the Moslem Sunrise of July-1921, back in Feb-1921, the Mufti was in Detroit and wrote an essay in the Highland Park Times of Feb 25-1921 wherein he responds to Christians and gives his address as 624 Stinson Place, Detroit, MI.

In February, 1921, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq delivered a lecture on Islam at the auto workers hall in Detroit, Michigan (seen here). https://twitter.com/TrueIslamUSA/status/1213149869776478208

In 1921, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq seems to have given Mr. J.L. Mott aka Shaikh Abdullah Din Muhammad the title of “Sheikh” and a Muslim name. This was a white man. In 1922, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq began giving African-American’s the title of “Sheikh”. Thus, Sheikh Ahmad Din was the first ever African-American to become an Ahmadi missionary (Sheikh)(however, without going to jamia). He appears in the Moslem Sunrise of July-1922 (see page 119). There were many others who were grandfathered in and made Sheikh‘s by Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, we don’t have a full list because a full list was never published, however, the al-hakam makes many errors. In Detroit, a Christan named Rev. BD Sutton converted to Qadianism and became an enthusiastic Ahmadiyya preacher, with the new name of Sheikh Abdus Salam, he was one of at least 40 pan-Africanist Garveyites that joined the movement following Sadiq’s five lectures to the Universal Negro Improvement Association in Detroit.

In July 1921, he visited Toledo, Ohio. A local daily newspaper, The Toledo News Bee reported his visit and interview in its edition of 12 July 1921 under the heading “Plan a Mosque for Toledo”. He launches the Muslim Sunrise from Detroit, a new newspaper which would be the mouthpiece of Ahmadiyya in America. He lies and claims that there are 700,000 Ahmadi’s in the world. He also thanks Mr. Muhammad Karroub and his wife for hosting him in Detroit.
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1922-1923

In roughly 1922, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was back in Detroit and delivered five lectures in Detroit at the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) meetings; out of the 40 converts, one of them, Mufti Sahib said, was an enthusiastic young man with the name Rev. B.D. Sutton. Rev. BD Sutton converted to Qadianism and became an enthusiastic Ahmadiyya preacher, with the new name of Sheikh Abdus Salam, he was one of at least 40 pan-Africanist Garveyites that joined the movement following Sadiq’s five lectures to the Universal Negro Improvement Association in Detroit. After his conversion, Mufti Muhammad Sadiq made him a “sheikh”, as he continued to give out this title. Reverend BD Sutton took the Muslim name, Sheikh Abdus Salam and was appointed the leader of that congregation (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue I, 1923, p. 167), in the same edition Mufti Muhammad Sadiq cites Sheikh Abdus Salam and Sheikh Ahmad Din (both African American’s and both given financial deals) as prolific prostelytizers (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue 2-3, 1923, p. 190). Sheikh Salam went on to become one of the principal preachers in Detroit. He was described as “busy bringing others to the fold of Islam”. (The Moslem Sunrise, Issue 2-3, 1923, p. 190). Sheikh Abdus Salam aka Rev. B.D. Sutton totally disappeared soon thereafter.

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1926
In 1926, Mary Caroline Holmes wrote in the Muslim World about the failures of Ahmadiyya in America – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

In 1926, via the famous Muslim World Magazine, a woman named Mary Caroline Holmes wrote about the failures of Ahmadiyya in America. Mary Caroline Holmes explained how MGA claimed to be Krishna, the Marham-i-Eisa medicine and how the Jesus in India (Kashmir) theory. She discusses the Lahori-Ahmadi mission in the UK (at Woking) and the Lahori-Ahmadi mosque in Berlin, Germany. Mary Caroline Holmes mentions the famous “Highland Park Mosque” and how Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was the reason why it failed, since he poisoned the Muslims of Highland Park and Detroit with Qadiani beliefs, which were the polar opposite of Islam. She mentions how Mufti Muhammad Sadiq was run out of Highland Park and how he moved back to Chicago and had lots of money and bought a house which he made into “Al-Masjid”. She curiously mentions how the adhan is not recited by a man, the Qadiani-Ahmadi’s in 1926 were using a phonograph for the adhan. Mary Caroline Holmes alleges that only negroes have converted to Ahmadiyya, 900 of them and that the newspaper “The Moslem Sunrise” has ceased to exist. She says that Mohammad Yusuf Khan is working as the “Missionary-in-Charge”. She claims that a few negroes are converting to Islam as a result of their persecution by whites in America.
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1927

It seems that in April-May of 1927, a Professor named Andrew T. Hoffert (who was working at Chicago University) wrote about the Ahmadiyya Movement and its operations. Andrew T. Hoffert claims to have visited the Mission house on 4448 Wabash Ave and even entered several homes of the Negro’s that had converted to Qadianism. He claimed that Ahmadiyya was a product of Western culture, Christian missionaries and Islamic reform and many other things. Hoffert visited the Ahmadiyya headquarters in 1927 and revealed that there were 60-70 active members of the Ahmadiyya Community, the vast majority Negroes. Hoffert claims that Ahmadiyya has spread to Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and St. Louis. He claims that in NY there was some membership too, but it dwindled over the years. He visited the Chicago mission on Wabash and observed barely 25-40 active members attending the various meetings (See Andrew T. Hoffert, “The Moslem Movement in America,” The Moslem World, 20 (1930): 309). His essay on Ahmadiyya was published verbatim in the ROR of Dec-1927. It was initially published in the “The Messenger”, dated 9 (May 1927): 141, 160; John Van Ess, “A Moslem Mosque in Chicago,” Neglected Arabia 141 (1927): 13-15. The title of the article was “Moslem Propaganda”. He also wrote about the Ahmadiyya in 1930, via the Muslim World Magazine (See scans in the below). This was also reproduced in ROR of Aug-Sep-1930.
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1930

In the Moslem Sunrise of Dec-1930, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali mentions all 4 mission’s of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA. This includes the mission at 2040 Rose St. Pittsburgh, PA, which is operated by M. Y. Khan. It also includes a location at 928 W. 7th St. Cincinatti, OH. which is ran and operated by a man named Mr. A.H. Khan. The 4th location in the USA is operated by Brother T. Ahmad at 350 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN. Missions are also mentioned in St. Louis, Washington and Detroit.
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1932

In the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-1931/Jan-1932, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali alleges to have toured and given speeches in Chicago, Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania, Indianapolis-Indiana, St. Louis-MO, Grand Rapids-Dowagiac-Detroit, Michigan and Gary, Indiana. Bengali claims that have had Ahmadi’s meet up in 11 places around America to celebrate the “Life of the Prophet”. 2 in Chicago, 1 each in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, East St. Louis, Cincinatti, Pittsburgh and Washington, Pennsylvania. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali mentions all 6 mission’s of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA. This includes the mission at 2222 Webster Ave Pittsburgh, PA, which is operated by M. Y. Khan. It also includes a location at 928 W. 7th St. Cincinatti, OH. which is ran and operated by a man named Mr. N.A. Halik. The 4th location in the USA is operated by Brother T. Ahmad at 350 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN. The 5th is a new mission in Detroit, at 537 Hendrie St. The 6th is another new mission in Kansas City (MO), at 913 Woodland Ave.

In the Moslem Sunrise of Apr-July-1932 (published in Aug-1932), Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali mentions all 6 missions of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA. This includes the mission at 2222 Webster Ave Pittsburgh, PA, which is operated by M. Y. Khan. It also includes a location at 928 W. 7th St. Cincinatti, OH. which is ran and operated by a man named Mr. N.A. Malik. The 4th location in the USA is operated by Brother T. Ahmad at 350 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN. The 5th is a new mission in Detroit, at 537 Hendrie St. The 6th is another new mission in Kansas City (MO), at 913 Woodland Ave.
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1933
https://www.alhakam.org/sunrise-in-the-west/
Indianapolis’ Ahmadi Muslims in the 1920s and 1930s | Invisible Indianapolis (wordpress.com)

In the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-1932/Jan-1933, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali mentions 6 missions of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA. This includes the mission at 2222 Webster Ave Pittsburgh, PA, which is operated by M. Y. Khan. It also includes a location at 928 W. 7th St. Cincinatti, OH. which is ran and operated by a man named N.A. Malik (this guy is new). The 4th location in the USA has moved from 350 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN. to 1419 Roosevelt Ave and it is no longer operated by Brother T. Ahmad, no new name is listed. The 5th is a new mission in Detroit, at 537 Hendrie St. The 6th is another new mission in Kansas City (MO), at 913 Woodland Ave.

In the Moslem World magazine of Jan-1933 (page 90) you will find the famous short paragraph on “Islam in Pittsburgh”. This paragraph is written by “The United Presbyterian” (newspaper). One of the book sellers/peddlers who work with this newspaper has recently observed a Muslim missionary looking for converts among the negroes of Pittsburgh and pointing at Christianity and calling out their use of slavery. Also pointing out that in Islam, all are brothers. They also mention how these “Muslims in Pittsburgh” believe that Jesus died in India.

He is mentioned in the ROR of Aug-1933, as well as his missionary work in America. He seems to have just returned from a preaching tour of Michigan, wherein he tried to convert Syrian Muslims to Ahmadiyya and failed. He also travelled to Indianapolis and Detroit. He alleges to have converted 60 people to Ahmadiyya in 1933. “The Manager” at the Islamic Center wrote a report on Islam in the Americas and mentioned the Ahmadiyya mission in Chicago, Cincinatti and Pittsburgh.

The ROR of Nov-1933 has a report from Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali wherein he tells how Zafrullah Khan stayed briefly in Chicago and went back to Toronto, Canada on Sep-7-1933. By the time this edition of the ROR was published, Zafrullah Khan was in England. Zafrullah Khan is doing some type of work with some “Joint Select Committee”. Zafrullah Khan is expected to be back in British-India the 3rd week of December. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali escorted Zafrullah Khan to Detroit on his way out of America.
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In the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-1933/Jan-1934, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali mentions 6 missions of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA. This includes the mission at 2222 Webster Ave Pittsburgh, PA, which is operated by M. Y. Khan. It also includes a location at 928 W. 7th St. Cincinatti, OH. which is ran and operated by a man named N.A. Malik (this guy is new). The 4th location in the USA has moved from 350 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN. to 1419 Roosevelt Ave and it is no longer operated by Brother T. Ahmad, no new name is listed. The 5th is a new mission in Detroit, at 537 Hendrie St. The 6th is another new mission in Kansas City (MO), at 913 Woodland Ave.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmadiyya_in_the_United_States

In Jan of 1935, and from the University of Algiers, a man named G.H. Bousquet wrote a piece in the Moslem World Magazine of Jan-1935, pages 40-44, “Moslem Religious Influences in the United States”. In this essay he mentioned Bahaism in America and its successes as well as the famous Moorish Temple by Noble Drew Ali. G.H. Bousquet also mentioned how Ahmadiyya missionaries were operating in the 1930’s. G.H. Bousquet alleges that in 1933, there were 6 Ahmadiyya centers, (Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cincinatti, Indianapolis, Detroit, Kansas City). G.H. Bousquet mentions how Mufti Muhammad Sadiq started the Moslem Sunrise magazine and how it was stopped in 1924 and was re-started in 1930 by Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali, and he is operating out of State Street in Chicago. G.H. Bousquet surmises that that there are barely a few thousand Ahmadi’s in the USA, of which the vast majority on Negroes. G.H. Bousquet perfectly explains how Ahmadi’s believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the last prophet. G.H. Bousquet calls Ahmadiyya as disingenuous and a heretical cult which denies that Muhammad (saw) is the final prophet.

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).

In the Moslem Sunrise of July-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). On May-12-1935, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was in Hammond, Indiana at some Goodwill Program. On June 6th, 1935, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was in Stanley, North Dakota and looking for converts to Ahmadiyya. On Aug-9-1935, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was in Michigan City.

In the Moslem Sunrise of Oct-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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In the Aug-1937 edition of the Moslem Sunrise, Titus Smith (aka Noorul Islam) wrote an essay entitled, “Activities of Ahmadiyya Moslem Mosque in Chicago”. He explains how most Ahmadi’s in Chicago are new members, this seems to be referring to the schism which caused lots of African-American’s to leave Ahmadiyya and search for an alternative cult which mixed the Bible with the Quran. He also mentions how Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali had been gone for almost a year and returned to Chicago on Dec-10-1936. Titus Smith (aka Noorul Islam) also mentions how Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali brought his wife and 9-year old daughter. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali’s wife was pregnant when they arrived and the baby came soon thereafter, most likely Jan. of 1937. Moreover, Titus Smith (aka Noorul Islam) alleges that meetings are held 4 times a week, Juma is held every Friday, members are meeting for congregation prayers only 3 times a week, classes on Islam are held simultaneously. Similar activities are held in Ahmadiyya centers in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
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1938

In the Moslem Sunrise of May-1938, a convert to Qadianism (Titus Smith aka Noorul Islam) reports that Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali lead the Eid prayer on Feb-11-1938 at the famous Qadiani temple/house/prayer center in Chicago on Wabash (it’s unclear which location in Chicago, they had two). Similar congregations are alleged in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. A woman named Catherin Uber read a poem. Two converts, Brother Omar Khan and Brother Noorudin also gave speeches. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali has also changed the 2nd location of Ahmadiyya, the mailing address of the Moslem Sunrise from 56 East Congress St, Suite 1307 to now Suite 1102, it seems like the same building but a different office. In Nov-1941 (via Moslem Sunrise), Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali moved to 220 South State St., Suite 1010, this was his new mailing address and office it seems. The 220 South State St. mailing address remained until the fourth quarter of 1949 (see Moslem Sunrise) at which point, there was never a location in Chicago ever given again by the Ahmadiyya Movement until the 3rd Quarter of 1952 (see Moslem Sunrise), which was the famous mosque/temple on Wabash Ave in Chicago. This location was demolished by the Ahmadiyya Movement and rebuilt in the 1990’s as a purpose-built mosque.
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1939

In the Moslem Sunrise of July-1939, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali only gives one address for Ahmadiyya in America, 56 Congress St, Suite 1102, Chicago, Il. A man named H.J. Young has an essay in the Moslem Sunrise of July-1939. In this essay he talks about the work of Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali in Chicago. Young mentions how from 4-30-1939 thru May-7th-1939 (about 8 days), and in the famous huge auditorium building. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali gave a speech on “The Palestine Problems”, “The New World Order” and “The Unknown Life of Jesus”. This series of lectures concluded on May-14-1939 (seems like a total of 15 days). Also in the Moslem Sunrise of July-1939, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was in Pittsburgh, PA and lecturing at his mission’s address: 6311 Frankstown Avenue. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali alleges to have missions in Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Detroit, Kansas City, Mo., Washington, PA., he has proselyted among white and black. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali told the Pittsburgh Courier, “The whites tell me to leave the blacks alone”, “and the blacks tell me not to take my message to the whites”, Sufi says he ends up bringing his message to both.
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Via the Moslem Sunrise of First Quarter-1940, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali only gives one address for Ahmadiyya in America, 56 Congress St, Suite 1102, Chicago, Il. On Dec-29-1939, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was in Logan, West Virginia and looking to speak to the community of Syrian Muslims (about 50) who were working therein. He stayed until roughly Jan-4-1940. Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was staying at the Aracome Hotel and was giving lectures therein. A letter to the 2nd Qadiani Khalifa is also given in congratulations for his 25 years of Khilafat. Timothy Titus Smith (aka Nurool-Islam) gives a report of the “Activities of the Ahmadiyya Moslem Mosque Chicago”. Ramadhan started on Oct-13-1939 and allegedly, Sufi Muti-ur-Rahman Bengali was leading Tarawih prayers for the first 10 days, however, he became ill and someone else led the congregation. On Jan-19-1940, Eid-ul-Azha was held at the Chicago Temple/Mosque on Wabash in Chicago. Speeches were given by Bro Omar Cleveland (white man), Bro Omar Khan (black man) and Bro Noorudin. The Moslem Sunrise alleges that similar events were held at Ahmadiyya centers in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Dayton and Kansas City.
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1953

I believe these are members of the early Detroit Jamaat taken about 1953. Abdus Saban is in the photo. This is most likely 1958.

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1956

Syed Jawad Ali worked as an Ahmadiyya secretary in the USA (1954-1960; 1963-1971). It is alleged that he founded the Detroit mission in 1956.
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1957

In 1957 Yusuf Lateef (aka William Emmanuel Huddleston, the famous Jazz player) lived in the Ahmadiyya mission house in Detroit where he served as its imam and developed a curriculum for Islamic instruction for children and adults. It seems like he was taking advantage of not having to pay rent, and how much Islamic Knowledge could he have?
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1966

Allegedly, the 19th Jalsa Salana USA was held at the newly built Temple-Mosque in Dayton, Ohio, on September 3 and 4,1966 (See 50th Jalsa Souvenir). Ahmadi’s from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Youngstown, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis and Tennessee attended. Brs. Syed Abdur Rahman, Muhammad Sadiq, Ahmad Shaheed, Bashir Afzal, Muhammad Qasim, Dr. Bashiruddin Usama. Dr. B.A. Munir, and Missionaries, namely Major Abdul Hamid, Syed Jawad Ali and A.R. Khan Bengalee, in the three Sessions presided over by Brs. Ahmad Shahid, Syed Abdur Rahman and Bashir Afzal, respectively. The Conference ended with prayer and a farewell address by the Missionary-in-Charge.
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1967
https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Souvenir-USA-50th-Jalsa-June-1998.pdf

Maqbool Ahmad Qureshi arrived in the USA on 6 Sept 1967 and was immediately working as the Missionary-in-charge in the USA. He worked as missionary-in-charge until 1971.

The Ahmadiyya Gazette of 1967 quotes MGA in Malfuzat about Hell and Heaven being on Earth. October 15, 1967 is announced as an Ahmadiyya day of Tabligh.

Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan Bengali (aka A.R. Khan Bengali) told the Pittsburgh Press that the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA had 4 circles of operation in the USA, he was working in the circle of Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Cleveland and Detroit. He also told the Pittsburgh Press that Ahmadiyya was against Communism and that it was Atheistic. Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan Bengali alleges that the Old and New Testament (bible) are authentic teachings, he also says that there will be new prophets whenever the need arises. Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan Bengali alleges that there are barely 50 Ahmadi’s in all of Pittsburgh, PA and they don’t pay chanda, pray or fast properly. Again, he calls Communism as anti-God and one of the biggest evils in society.

In The Pittsburgh Press, Mon, May 22, 1967 ·Page 26, Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan Bengali (aka A.R. Khan Bengali) said that the Ahmadiyya Movement didn’t oppose the America’s war policy in Vietnam and also opposed Cassius Clay (aka Muhammad Ali) for being anti-war.

In the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette of Thu, Nov 02, 1967 ·Page 12, Maulvi Abdur Rahman Khan Bengali (aka A.R. Khan Bengali) announced his departure from Pittsburgh, enroute to Pakistan.

______________________________________________________________________________________________1977
A Trip Down Memory Lane – 25 Photos that Shaped Ahmadiyyat in America (youtube.com)

The 30 annual USA Jalsa Salana was held in St. Louis. As you can see, barely 60 men showed up. Syed Muhammad Saddiq (aka Muhammad Siddique Shahid Gurdaspuri) can be seen, he was the missionary-in-charge (39:00 time stamp). Mian Muhammad Ibrahim can also be seen. Abid Haneef can be seen, however, none of his sons are in this photo, were they even in attendance? Yahya Shareef can also be seen, he was a Jewish convert (the only white Ahmadi in the USA). Abdur-Raqib Wali can also be seen. Yusuf Lateef, a famous Jazz player can also be seen. Muzaffar Ahmad Zafar was also there.

Photo

Maulanaa Ataullah Kaleem (1977 -1983) published 40.000 copies of the I loly Quran
with Engli~h translation. Thousands of brochures and 18 books and booklets on Islam and
Ahmadiyyat were printed and distributed. The Synopsis of Religious Preaching (Parts I, II
and Ill) were authored by him. He started the Urdu journal Al-Noor and enlarged the
Ahmadiyya Ga1ette to ih present si7C. His propagational interviews were broadcasted live
on Manhattan and East Saint Louis Cable TV and published in The Detroit News, Detroit
Free Press. The Community Carrier, and the Canton Observer. He spoke to students al sev[1]eral colleges and universities. The building for the mosque in Philadelphia was purchased
in his time. Similarly, the land for the mosque in Chicago was purchased, and the mosque
in Tuscon. Ari/Ima was inaugurated. Maulana Kaleem is currently serving as Missionary
in Charge in Germany.
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1977

Abdul Fazal was the President of the Cleveland Jamaat. He later moved to Detroit and became the President of that Jamaat about 1977. When my brother, Kamal Ud Din accepted Ahmadiyyat brother Fazal took him under his wing. Brother Fazal was a very sincere and knowledgeable individual. My Allah bless his soul

______________________________________________________________________________________________
1978

In 1978, the Ahmadiyya either began renting or bought a residence at Wyoming Avenue (See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of Sep-1983)(in 2024, it’s an open lot with no building).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1982
See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of March-2006

The Jan-1982 edition of the Muslim Sunrise was edited by Dr. Khalil Ahmad Nasir (named as the Editor in Chief), Mubasher Ahmad (M.A., L.L.B.) is named as the managing editor and there are 3 associate editors, Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dr. M.H. Sajid and Dr. Bashir uddin Usama. Dr. Khalil Ahmad Nasir’s private address is given out for those who have questions about the subject matter, all questions about the business affairs of the Muslim Sunrise are addressed at 2141 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington D.C., at the American Fazl Mosque (which was the headquarters of the USA jamaat). A book by Zafrullah Khan is quoted, as well as an entire essay entitled, “The Concept of the Second Coming in World Religions”. A speech by Dr. Khalil Ahmad Nasir which was given at the Ahmadi USA-Jalsa of 1981 is reproduced (held on Sep-5-6-1981 in Washington D.C.), the essay was on the shroud of Turin. A quote is given from Tohfa Golarhviyyah, however, the page number is not given, this is about Ahmadiyya taking over the world. 7 locations of the Ahmadiyya Movement in the USA are given, 2141 Leroy PL, N.W. Washington D.C., 1064 Union Street, Brooklyn, N.Y., 112225, 637 Randolph Street, Dayton, Ohio, 45408, 4448 South Wabash Ave, Chicago, Ill, 60653, 4401 Oakwood St, St. Louis, MO, 63121, 8218 Wyoming, Detroit, MI, 48204 and 3401 Sitrus Ave, Walnut Creek, Ca 94598. Ahmadiyya locations around the world are given: Benin, the Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Canada, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Burma, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

At the 1982 Jalsa Salana at Rabwah, Mirza Tahir Ahmad (the 4th Qadiani-Ahmadi Khalifa) announced that 5 New Mosques in the US (New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, and Detroit) were in the works (See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of March-2006).
______________________________________________________________________________________________
1983
US Ahmadiyya 50th Jalsa Salana (alislam.org)
In 1983, in Detroit, Michigan, an Ahmadi was murdered, then the Ahmadi mission house was set on fire – ahmadiyyafactcheckblog

In the USA, $44, 833 was collected (See page 77) for Tahrik-e-Jadid.

In 1983, in Detroit, Michigan, an Ahmadi was murdered, then the Ahmadi mission house was set on fire. The 1983 USA Jalsa was cancelled by Oakland University. The university seems to have cancelled the Ahmadiyya Jalsa just a few days before it was supposed to begin. They cancelled it based on this internal murder. Mirza Tahir Ahmad then ordered the Jamaat to hold a 1-day convention.

Thus, the Ahmadiyya temple-residence at 8218 Wyoming Avenue (in 2024, it’s an open lot with no building) was burned and abandoned.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1984
Souvenir on 50th Jalsa Salana USA (alislam.org)

The Ahmadiyya Movement bought 7 acres of land with a building already on it and paid $125,000.

In May 1984, the Ahmadiyya Movement bought a parcel of land for our new mosque (See the Ahmadiyya Gazette of MArch-2006). Was this via insurance money?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1987
Souvenir on 50th Jalsa Salana USA (alislam.org)

Mirza Tahir Ahmad seems to have visited the USA in 1987 and allegedly was present for the ground breaking ceremony for the new Ahmadiyya temple (location unknown).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1990-1991

The USA Jalsa was held in Detroit.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2002

Faith groups show solidarity after vandalism of Ahmadiyya Mosque in Detroit, USA

22nd October 2021

Syed Shamshad Nasir, Missionary, USA

Unfortunately, a sad incident took place on the night of 8 October 2021, around 9:30 pm, when an individual walked up to the main entrance of the Mahmood Mosque in Rochester Hills, Michigan USA and vandalised the front door.

The main door of the mosque was smashed that left the front door with broken glass splattered across a wide area in and outside the mosque. Members of the Jamaat learned about the incident the next morning at Fajr prayers.

After the initial review and assessment, the incident was reported to the local police. Video footage along with pictures were shared with the police department where the incident has been under investigation by the Rochester Hills police department.

A team was formed under the local president, Maqbool Tahir Sahib. The team worked hard over several days to not only review the security cameras video footage but also engage the local law enforcement, interfaith leaders, media and neighbours.

The details of the incident were also shared with the interfaith communities and public leaders for observing precaution and vigilance at their places of worship. A letter was sent on behalf of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya to leaders of various religious groups across Michigan.

The Jamaat said they would forgive the vandal for his actions and reached out to him to learn about the Jamaat and remove any misconceptions.

The news generated overwhelming support from the community and interfaith leaders. Some of the comments about the incident are given below.

Lynne Muth, Chair, Faith in Justice, St John’s Episcopal, Royal Oak, said:

“I read with sadness over the vandalism at your mosque. I remember the graciousness of your community in DRIVE and Coffee, Cake with a Muslim. You and your leadership and members work hard to build bridges in Southeast Michigan. At this time, I want to share my sadness and prayers of hope that love and goodness will conquer hate. May you feel the love and hope from others at this time.”

A neighbour and friend of the Jamaat, Brenda Balas, said:

“How beautiful that even at this time, when something hateful happens that impacts your faith community, you think of the safety of others and reach out. Thank you for sharing this information with us. We, the interfaith community, are linked together by our love of diversity and inclusion, peace and justice. We are all impacted by this ugly act. We stand with you. We condemn these acts. We will be vigilant. We reaffirm our commitment to taking action to bring understanding, respect, and peace. We are praying for the members of your faith community and for peace in our community and world.”

Bob Cornwall, Troy Interfaith, commented:

“Thank you for sharing this unfortunate incident. It is sad that houses of worship are attacked in this way. Let me know how I can be of assistance.”

Patty Rehfus, Board President Congregation Shir Tikvah, commented:

“This is very sad news indeed. I am grateful that no one was injured. Please know that you are in my prayers and that we stand in solidarity with you. Thank you for sharing the information as well.”

Rabbi Alicia Harris said:

“I wanted to send my prayers and echo those who have written already. Congregation Shir Tikvah and the whole Jewish community stands with you. We vehemently condemn this act of hate, and send you love and peace. Please know we are holding you in our hearts. I look forward to meeting you someday soon. We are in solidarity.”

Fred, a community teacher said:

“Salam, I was so very sad to hear about the vandalism incident at your masjid Friday evening. To me, the Ahmadiyya are the most gentle sect in all of Islam – most nonviolent in both word and deed – as well as one of the most persecuted. May Allah bless you all […]. Hope you are doing well”.

John E McCauslin from Central Woodward Christian Church commented:

“You are beloved. Please accept our sincerest wishes that this incident is soon behind us. When some of God’s faithful are attacked all of us are under attack. Kindness is the way forward.”

Rev Weatherly Burkhead Verhelst, First United Methodist Church of Troy, said:

“We will hold your congregation in our prayers tomorrow morning. My heart hurts that your mosque has been threatened this way. Thank you for letting the larger group know of this concern. Peace to you.”

Phillip Kwik, Assistant Director, Troy Public Library, said:

“I am sorry this shameful act happened. I hope you are able to find those who perpetuate such hate.”

Rial and Margery Hamann said:

“You and your faith community are in our prayers. We do not understand the minds of people who do such horrible things. Their acts are against the beliefs of every religion I have studied. Please know that we stand with you. Peace.”

The Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD) commented:

“Salaam […] I am very sorry to hear what happened to the Ahmadiyya mosque. You are our neighbour to the West from IAGD, and I am appalled by this incident. Nobody and no community should have to go through this kind of vandalism and threat, particularly when it is a place of worship attended by women and kids. I hope and pray that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and all the faith communities will come together to support your community.”

Nishat Haq from the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD) said:

“Assalaamu-alaikum. We at IAGD are sorry to hear about the incident that took place last week. We hope and pray that this will not happen again, and our communities remain safe by the grace of Almighty. Please let us know if we can help in any way.”

Dr Anil Kumar, a local Indian-origin politician who has run in the past Federal and State elections, said:

“I heard about the attack on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Mosque. It’s very despicable and our Indian Hindu Community and Christian community is really very supportive of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Please give us a call if you need any help.”

Ravi Yalmanchi reached out via a phone call and then sent a follow-up text message showing support and help. Ravi has been part of the city council of the city of Rochester Hills and has been a friend of the Jamaat for many years.

Nasy Sankagiri, Chair of Outreach, Bharatiya Temple, said:

“It is with deep feelings of sadness and empathy that I write to you, to show solidarity of your Hindu brothers and sisters from the Bharatiya Temple, in the aftermath of this hateful incident. In recent times, there have been hate-filled verbal attacks by vested interests against the Hindu community in the Troy area and on social media. We must be ever vigilant to protect our physical spaces of worship as well as our social spaces. Once again, we stand with you. Please feel free to call on me for any humble help I can render.”

The message regarding the peaceful teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat was amplified by wide coverage through the media, both print and electronic.

Some of the news stories can be viewed on the following links:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VOiVqC-gto

https://youtu.be/zuSq1FVKzp8

www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2021/10/10/he-just-didnt-care-vandals-target-mosque-in-oakland-county/

www.wxyz.com/news/muslim-leaders-say-they-are-rattled-after-someone-try-to-break-into-rochester-mosque

https://news.yahoo.com/mosque-vandalized-rochester-hills-035035077.html

www.fox2detroit.com/news/mosque-vandalized-in-rochester-hills

www.fox2detroit.com/video/988244

www.fox2detroit.com/video/988276

www.fox2detroit.com/video/988183

www.fox2detroit.com/news/vandalized-mosque-imam-invites-suspect-to-talk-to-them