PHILADELPHIA—The Nation of Islam’s newest Student Imam, Abdul Salaam Muhammad, recently journeyed to Mosque No. 12 in Philadelphia to host a workshop and lecture. He guided learners through an exploration of “The Muslim Daily Prayer—A Learner’s Guide To Success.” He also provided insight into how Black Philadelphia can be saved and improved through the application of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s program and teachings during his visit which took place Jan. 21-22.
The student imam, formerly known as Carlos Muhammad, began his prayer workshop by emphasizing the developing nature of the Muslim prayer service over time. He cited examples in history that demonstrated this development. Student Imam Salaam Muhammad—who serves as student minister of Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore—taught the importance of prayer as taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and reinforced by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan who stresses that prayer binds us to Allah (God) at all times.
In his presentation, Student Imam Salaam Muhammad stressed the importance of prayer and action as integral components of faith. He explained that while Allah does not need our prayers, it is for human beings who strive to be closer to Allah through visible acts of worship like prayer.
He encouraged participants to take the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and not just simply believe but also maintain a steady practice of duty through prayer. He reinforced the notion that faith requires more than mere belief and that it demands tangible action so men and women can truly make great strides in their spiritual journey.
Student Imam Salaam Muhammad, who is also a Nation of Islam historian and archivist, shared the history of the Nation of Islam regarding prayer. In 1957, Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad released a small book entitled “Muslim Daily Prayers.”
Minister Farrakhan initiated Jumu’ah (Friday congressional) prayer services in 1986. Through teaching his class the value of prayer rooted in the Nation of Islam culture, Student Imam Salaam Muhammad provided clarity, history and guidance as taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Minister Farrakhan.
Through his conclusion of the Saturday evening workshop, Student Imam Salaam Muhammad revealed not only the ideal, profound nature of Muslim prayer as a divine system but also its far-reaching scientific importance.
His point was clear: seeking access to Allah should be done by utilizing the prayer resources at hand, rather than trying to avoid prayer altogether. He emphasized that this pursuit of knowledge and spiritual admiration is always about growing and developing in ways that bring closer understanding. In this way, each person’s deep connection with Allah can flourish.
“Take the tools provided and get close to Allah. Don’t run from prayer but learn it. It opens access to Allah at all times. We are on a journey of growth,” he said.
On Sunday, Jan. 22, Student Minister Abdul Salaam Muhammad presented a message titled, “The Decision: Who Will Save Black Philadelphia from Destruction?” He identified prayer, education, and training as the foundations for salvation. To emphasize this point, he spoke about educational centers being built on brotherhood in order to develop knowledge of self. Student Imam Salaam Muhammad explained that by Black people understanding their collective power and mobilizing, they can improve their condition and address problems.
Brandon Do, who attended the Sunday service, related to The Final Call that Student Minister Salaam Muhammad offered a particularly poignant point of view—that no one should be written off as beyond rehabilitation. As a schoolteacher, Mr. Do explained this approach would find fertile soil in his classroom, inspiring students and potentially sparking a change in some of the prevailing attitudes. He said the student imam’s words regarding redemption is something that he will reflect on for many days to come, using it to drive the positive impact of his work with the pupils he sees every day.
