BOSTON—Minister Don Muhammad was not just a leader—he was a force of nature whose influence spanned decades, breaking barriers, and inspiring countless lives. Known affectionately as “The Don,” he left an indelible mark on the Nation of Islam, the city of Boston, and far beyond.
A man of dedication, wisdom, and compassion, Minister Don Muhammad exemplified what it means to lead with conviction, bridging communities and paving the way for generational progress.
The Nation of Islam pioneer was a student and follower of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and companion and friend of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. The esteemed minister emeritus of Mosque No. 11 passed away on December 17, 2024, at 87.
His daughter Yvette Muhammad reflected on the life of her beloved father, calling him a devout family man, businessman and Muslim. “He taught each of his five children about his business acumen by giving us the opportunity by working in his dry cleaners, flooring business, and helping my mom with her Nu Life Natural Foods market.
My father always had time for any believer who would stop by his business and was never too busy to help anyone who needed consultation,” said Sister Yvette.
“His acts of kindness included helping the less fortunate or the homeless by giving them some money, a Final Call newspaper and he would tell them, ‘the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan told me to help you out.’ My father was a hands-on man.
He would never think a task was beneath him even if it meant sweeping or picking up trash around the mosque just like any other F.O.I. would do. He will be missed and remembered as a very loving husband.
When his wife (Sister Shirley Muhammad) began to get close to her transition time, he never left her side. He was always ready and willing to do anything needed to make her more comfortable,” added Sister Yvette, who was a caregiver for her father and mother.
“Minister Don Muhammad was a pillar, a legend in both the city and the Nation of Islam,” said Student Minister Randy Muhammad of Mosque No. 11. He managed to embody strength and authority by governing with what Student Min.
Randy described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” His leadership was exemplary. “Minister Don’s ability to lead was unmatched, both within the mosque walls and out in the community,” he added.
Minister Don’s remarkable service in the Nation of Islam showcased his resolute dedication. He joined the Nation of Islam in the late 1950s as a young man after he heard Minister Louis X (Minister Farrakhan) teaching at then-Temple No. 11.
From his early days as a first officer, drill instructor, and captain, to his eventual rise as Minister Farrakhan’s (known then as Minister Louis X) assistant minister, his path was one defined by commitment and excellence.
Minster Don served briefly as minister of then-Temple No. 11 in 1965 after Minister Farrakhan was appointed to head the New York temple. When Minister Farrakhan began to rebuild the Nation of Islam, Min. Don was appointed minister of Mosque No. 11 where he served faithfully until 2018.
With a keen sense of organization and a passion for uplifting others, he managed Mosque No. 11 in Boston with remarkable skill, fostering unity and growth among believers. He built a community of strong, service-minded brothers, embodying the very essence of the Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.).
A unifier and mentor
Minister Don’s leadership extended far beyond spiritual guidance. His capacity to form meaningful, impactful relationships with clergy, law enforcement, elected officials, and everyday citizens was extraordinary and speaks to his training under the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Captain Haseeb Hosein of the Boston Police Department recalled meeting Minister Don during one of Boston’s darkest chapters in 1992, a year marred by record homicides. Minister Don was at the forefront, collaborating with law enforcement to address the root causes of violence, particularly in the Grove Hall and Roxbury areas.
“Minister Don didn’t care about race or ethnicity—be it White, Black, Hispanic, or Asian. His mission was to bring people together, to strengthen our shared community,” said Captain Hosein.
“He was the very fabric of Roxbury, a unifying force who brought hope to so many. His work was tireless, and his ability to hold institutions accountable while earning their respect was truly remarkable,” said Captain Hosein.
This ability to balance firmness and diplomacy was Minister Don’s hallmark. Unafraid to confront injustices and hold public figures accountable for wronging the marginalized, he still had the wisdom to mend relationships and unify diverse groups. His commitment to justice was unwavering, and his influence was both commanding and compassionate.
Minister Don’s reach also extended to those society had left behind. He earned the respect of young Black men in the streets—individuals who rarely trusted authority figures. His ability to connect with them on their level, understanding their struggles and experiences, brought many into the fold of the Nation of Islam.
Student Minister Randy Muhammad shared his testimony as one of many helped and mentored by Minister Don. “I was a former gang member, but Minister Don’s influence helped guide me and countless others into the Nation. He built a brotherhood within the mosque that was strong, united, and ready to serve as real soldiers for the truth,” he said.
Minister Don’s diplomatic skills were so exceptional that he was often called upon by Minister Farrakhan to mediate conflicts and to help foster unity in other cities. Known for his ability to resolve discord and bring about reconciliation, Minister Don’s gift was that of a peacemaker, operating with strength and grace when tensions ran high.
Student Minister Dr. Abdul Haleem Muhammad is the Nation of Islam Southwest Regional Minister at Mosque No. 45, in Houston. He is one of many people inspired by Minister Don.
“Minister Don showed me that being a minister wasn’t about a building or mosque—it was about serving an entire city,” said Student Min. Haleem Muhammad. “His political wisdom, business acumen, and tireless service influenced my own path. He was, simply put, one of my greatest inspirations.”
A friend and protector
Dianne Wilkerson was the first Black female state senator of Massachusetts. She recalled the great works of Minister Don since knowing him from the early 1980s in Boston.
Minister Don’s advocacy on social issues, including fair housing, stopping the violence among street gangs, protecting women and children, and as a strong voice against the Boston Police Department’s stop and frisk policy that affected young Black men in addition to his leadership and voice of reasoning stood out to her.
“Under Minister Don’s leadership and direction when funeral services at Morningstar Baptist Church were interrupted by gang violence, the next day he and the F.O.I. of Mosque No.11 marched to the church and circled the church inside and outside to provide security and protection for the mourners and congregation.
The security practice and the methodology used in 1992 became the footprint and guide used to provide security in Boston’s churches, buildings, and synagogues,” said Ms. Wilkerson.
“When I had death threats on my life, Minister Don had the F.O.I. provide me with security around the clock for over a month, even though I had Boston police for security. Minister Don was a man that women in the community felt safe around, he was a friend and a protector.”
Sister Fatima Shahid is a former M.G.T. Captain of Mosque No.11 who first met Minister Don and his wife, Sister Shirley, in 1966 when it was called Temple No. 11. In 2006, she served as the M.G.T. Captain under Minister Don for several years.
“Those were some of the best years of my life in the Nation. Minister Don loved the Honorable Minister Farrakhan and his Nation. I can still hear him saying, ‘We got work to do’ and ‘Go to work.’
He would give credit for your efforts but always followed with, ‘Not enough!’ in a firm tone. Minister Don was a pleasure to be around, always upbeat, yet firm. His conversations were centered around Islam and the progress of our Nation,” said Sister Fatima.
“You could hear the love in his voice when he spoke about Islam. Minister Don cared deeply about the believers, their families, and the community. He would often encourage people to settle their differences over a cup of coffee, and more than not, the outcome was positive.
Minister Don had the utmost respect for women, especially the M.G.T. The community respected and loved Minister Don. He was well-known and highly regarded in his community. He loved his Nation and his community. May Allah be pleased with our beloved brother Minister Don.”
Mel Miller is a civil rights leader, lawyer and founder of The Bay State Banner newspaper. He told The Final Call that he had known Minister Don for over 50 years. “Minister Don affected change in the Christians, Muslims, youth, elders, and others. He was definitely a change agent in Boston.”
Minister Don’s legacy wasn’t just defined by his impact on individuals—it was also rooted in his contributions to the community’s economic and social upliftment. Sister Virginia Muhammad, the longtime secretary of Mosque No. 11, highlighted Minister Don’s entrepreneurial spirit.
From a modest laundry business to a successful flooring company, his ventures created opportunities for others and embodied his commitment to economic empowerment.
Minister Don also played a pivotal role in fostering community businesses, including barbershops, bakeries, supermarkets, and dry cleaners. Always leading by example, he demonstrated the power of self-reliance and economic sustainability, as taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s teachings on doing for self. He helped find solutions to everyday community challenges and proved himself to be not just a leader but also a hands-on visionary.
Minister Don Muhammad was an astute Black man who loved and lived the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, shared Sister Virgina Muhammad. “He was a loving father, husband, businessman and a soldier.
He was able to combine it all and was truly dedicated to the Nation of Islam. I got my business ethics from Minister Don and my sternest from his wife Sister Shirley,” said Sister Virginia.
“Minister Don was not only a leader but also a brother. He had integrity and never asked someone to do what he would not do himself. When Minister Farrakhan called for Brother Don to help in the rebuilding of the Nation of Islam, we were all so happy.
When Minister Don started rebuilding Boston, he attracted a lot of people,” she continued. Minister Don respected people regardless of creed or class or color. “He sat down with anybody and he was so skillful in language and getting things done,” Sister Virginia added.
Sister Virginia said that Minister Don was also responsible for helping to clean up the scourge of drugs in the community as well as helping to bring resources and businesses to the city.
“Minister Don was a shepherd over the mosque and the believers following in the guidance and leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Brother Don was about work and structure,” she explained.
He was sent to England and set up the mosque there. “His mantra was to stay the course, outwork them, never mind what they say about you, outwork them,” said Sister Virginia Muhammad.
Senior Pastor Bishop William Dickerson of Greater Love Tabernacle also recalled the advocacy work of Minister Don along with himself on prison reform ministry of the Nation of Islam which and strives to redirect Black men into society after these men returned from prison.
“He will be missed and remembered how he moved in an ecumenical way to try to curb urban violence and absentee fathers. There are a lot of brothers in the community:
Christians, Muslims and some of no professed faith who came from behind the walls of prison and are now living a positive life which is attributed to the leadership of Minister Don Muhammad and his ministers Randy Muhammad and Rodney Muhammad,” said Bishop Dickerson.
Connecting to people
Seventeen years ago, the 13-year-old son of Rev. Ron Odem Sr. of True Vine Church in Roxbury, was murdered in the streets. As a result, Rev. Odem Sr. said he and Minister Don often found themselves in the same meetings working to make things better for their community.
“Minister Don reached out to me at the time of my son’s death in 2007 to offer his condolences to me and my family and I was honored that he would ask around to get my personal number to offer me solace,” shared Rev. Odom Sr.
“Minister Don was always willing to work with other clergy and willing to put aside theological differences to work towards the common good of our community because we were all affected by the violence in our community.”
He was a well-respected leader, explained Brother Rodney Muhammad, who served for years as Minister Don’s assistant minister. “He was a powerbroker for peace amongst the so-called gangs, activists, clergy, law enforcement and high-ranking elected officials.
Many of those people would visit Minister Don at the mosque or at his place of business to receive advice on pertinent matters in the city. Black and White politicians sought him out for his astute leadership … .”
“Minister Don Muhammad was an ardent defender of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. If anyone would verbally attack Minister Farrakhan, he would meet with them to sit down and show them where they were wrong. His response to the detractors would be ‘You don’t know Farrakhan like I know Farrakhan,’” Student Min. Rodney added.
Minister Don Muhammad’s dedication knew no bounds. His work touched everyone—governors, mayors, clergy, young men in the streets, and families in need. His life serves as a beautiful example of what it means to live selflessly for the betterment of others.
“Minister Don exemplified what it means to be a true leader,” Student Minister Randy Muhammad attested. “His legacy will continue to inspire not only Boston but the entire Nation of Islam.”
