Detroit: birthplace of the nation of islam, a little black history fact

2/23/2020

CASTLE THEATER PARADISE VALLEY, DETROIT, MI (CIRCA 1930'S)

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Did you know that Detroit is the Birthplace of The Nation of Islam?

Welcome to the Castle Theater, First Official Temple of The Nation of Islam

Did you know that Detroit, MI is the Birthplace of the Nation of Islam (N.O.I.)? In the very early period of the Nation of Islam, Master W.D. Fard Muhammad, founder of the N.O.I., would meet with early followers in their homes to spread his unique message to the "Black Race." Eventually their number grew, their first official meeting space or Temple was located in Paradise Valley (a.k.a. Black Bottom) in Detroit. Meetings were held in a space over the Castle Theater at 3412 Hasting Street, where W. D. Fard taught about this new religion, "Islam."

The Castle was a movie theater that catered to black audiences during the time of segregation in the 1930's. This building was torn down to make room for the state's new Interstate 75. This project displaced may African American businesses and homes, negatively impacting the African American community. According to cinematreasures.org, "The Castle Theatre opened in 1914. It seated 1,350. The theatre closed in the early-1960’s. The site is now an empty lot."

The Nation of Islam moved to a number of locations before finding its permanent home at 11529 Linwood in Detroit in 1959. Mosque Temple #1, is now named Masjid Wali Muhammad. Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad still operates as place of worship for Muslims and is now registered as a City of Detroit and State of Michigan Historic Site.

For more information on Historic Masjid Wali Muhammad follow us on our Social Media Below!

Author

Sabreen Hanifa

12 Comments

Monique Belcher

2/23/2020 10:12:35 am

Praise Be To Allah. This is a Wonderful History Lesson. Thank You.

Masjid Wali Muhammad

2/26/2020 03:22:29 am

Alhumdulillah Sister you are welcome, and thank you for reading our blog.

Hashim

7/31/2023 12:23:04 pm

As salaam Alaikum brother Muhammad!
I wanted to know if you would do the me and my Financee the honor of marrying me and heritage we can give you the date?

Linda

3/19/2020 11:16:58 am

This was very interesting information of the history of NOI. I am so enlighten by the nation and will continue to study. Thank you

Dawn Muhammad

1/26/2021 09:00:18 pm

Shukran! Wonderful history! Can you share how the Masjid received the name Wali Muhammad?

H Daniel Mujahid link

9/26/2021 05:50:36 am

Peace to you! If you don’t pause, you miss how similar the structures are between the first building (where Master Elijah and Fard met), which was in the ‘Paradise Valley’ section of ole Black Bottom Detroit, and its current location at 11529 Hon Elijah Muhammad Blvd (formerly Linwood). These are two different buildings. The first temple, 3408 Hastings, is the structure on the roof, directly over the main stage, and later screen, at the Castle, 3412 Hastings… these are signs ! H Daniel Mujahid

Marina link

12/22/2021 11:55:18 pm

Thanks for this article I never know that Detroit is the Birthplace of The Nation of Islam. I know a lot of interesting information from this article. Especially all these historical facts, give to me motivation to learn more about Detroit.

Teresa (MEW) link

6/6/2022 12:02:14 am

Nation of Islam, African American movement and organization, discovered in 1930 and famous for its teachings blending elements of conventional Islam with Black nationalist concept. The Nation also benefits racial unity and mutual support and maintains a limited code of discipline among members. The NOI’s divine beliefs and practices vary notably from the supreme sects of Islam, and several do not think about the organization to be a conventional Muslim religious group. For some cause, Detroit has been marginalized by scholars studying Muslims in America; despite the fact that you could argue it's one of the extremely historically vital cities for African American Muslims.

Brian Powell

1/27/2023 08:49:39 am

I'm interested in some of the great literature for study guide for myself

Seth

11/28/2023 10:57:22 am

There’s a lot to be said about Detroit being the birthplace of the Nation of Islam, and no coincidence of the utter brokenness and destruction this city has faced. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Look up the Dead Sea scrolls. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, falls flat on it’s face when you do research and the veil is lifted from your eyes. Christianity isn’t a white man’s religion. Please don’t associate modern day religion and denomination as a true Christian faith. Research Jesus, pray to Him, talk to Him. He is the son of the most High. Most will never experience the power of the Holy Spirit in this lifetime and spend eternity in torment. God is a gentleman, He gave us free will and a choice to love Him.

KEITH D HALL link

5/13/2024 02:24:48 pm

Storefront churches all over Detroit but yet violent crime is still rampant. Your Jesus doesn’t work and he sure did nothing during slavery nor had he stopped one child molester.

11/28/2023 11:06:34 am

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2eCMttHepYE

Worth a watch. Blessings.

HMWM BLOG