Imam Siraj Wahhaj: A Comprehensive Biography
Siraj Wahhaj (Arabic: سراج وهّاج; born Jeffrey Kearse; March 11, 1950) is a distinguished African-American imam, renowned for his leadership at Masjid Al-Taqwa in Brooklyn, New York, and as the founder of The Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA). His pivotal role as a former vice-president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) underscores his significant contributions to the Muslim community in the United States.
Early Life and Education
Born Jeffrey Kearse on March 11, 1950, Imam Siraj Wahhaj was raised in the culturally vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York. His upbringing was marked by the dedicated efforts of his parents: his mother, a nurse, and his father, a hospital dietitian. Immersed in a Christian environment, young Jeffrey regularly attended church services and demonstrated an early aptitude for leadership by becoming a Sunday school teacher at his local Baptist church during his teenage years.
In 1969, Wahhaj made a transformative decision to leave formal education and join the Nation of Islam, adopting the name Jeffrey12x. During this period, he ardently embraced and propagated the Nation of Islam’s teachings, including the controversial belief that “white people are devils.” Reflecting on this chapter of his life, Wahhaj has candidly acknowledged both the empowerment of Black pride instilled in him and the regret he felt for adopting divisive ideologies.
He remarked, “I preached it. I taught it,” but later admitted feeling he was “other than [him]self” during this phase. The turning point in Wahhaj’s spiritual journey came in 1975 following the death of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam’s leader. Guided by Warith Deen Mohammed, Elijah Muhammad’s son, Wahhaj transitioned to Sunni Islam. Warith Deen Mohammed’s efforts to reorient the Nation of Islam toward orthodox Islamic principles profoundly influenced Wahhaj. He subsequently adopted the name Siraj Wahhaj, meaning “bright lantern” in Arabic. In 1978, he embarked on a period of intensive Islamic studies at Umm al-Qura University in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, further solidifying his understanding of the faith.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Siraj Wahhaj |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1950 |
| Age | 74 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New Work |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Influential Spiritual Leader |
| Education | Umm al-Qura University |
| Known For | Anti-Drug Patrol, Historic Invocation |
Career Timeline
Career and Community Leadership
In 1981, Imam Siraj Wahhaj took a momentous step by establishing a mosque in a friend’s Brooklyn apartment. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would later become Masjid Al-Taqwa. Within a short span, the congregation acquired an abandoned clothing store, transforming it into a vibrant community center for worship and learning. As the imam of Masjid Al-Taqwa, Wahhaj has become an influential spiritual leader, conducting daily prayers, delivering Friday sermons, and offering comprehensive educational programs in Islamic studies, Arabic, and marital counseling.
One of Wahhaj’s most celebrated initiatives occurred in 1988 when he spearheaded an anti-drug patrol in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Partnering with local law enforcement, Wahhaj and the Muslim community launched a 40-day and night campaign during the harsh winter months, successfully shutting down 15 drug houses. This initiative not only reclaimed the neighborhood from drugs and crime but also earned high praise from the New York City Police Department and garnered international media attention.
In 1991, Imam Siraj Wahhaj achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Muslim to deliver an invocation at the United States House of Representatives. This symbolic moment highlighted his efforts to bridge the gap between the Muslim community and the broader American society.
Philosophy and Views
Imam Siraj Wahhaj is a vocal advocate for the implementation of Islamic laws and principles. He has expressed views favouring the supremacy of Islam as a comprehensive way of life, stating, “Islam is better than democracy. Allah will cause His deen [Islam] to prevail over every kind of system, and you know what? It will happen.” His perspectives on capital punishment, rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, have also been a topic of discussion. He has remarked, “If Allah says 100 strikes, 100 strikes it is. If Allah says cut off their hand, you cut off their hand. If Allah says stone them to death, through the Prophet Muhammad, then you stone them to death, because it’s the obedience of Allah and His Messenger—nothing personal.” These statements have sparked both support and criticism, reflecting the complexity of his role as a religious leader navigating a pluralistic society.
Personal Life and Challenges
Imam Siraj Wahhaj is a devoted father of eight children, who ranged in age from 31 to 51 as of May 2023. Despite his unwavering dedication to his family, he faced a profound personal and public challenge in 2018. Three of his children were charged with terrorism and felony child abuse. Wahhaj disclosed that his children had severed ties with the family in 2017 and that it was a tip he himself provided to authorities that led to their arrest. This incident underscored the imam’s commitment to justice, even in the face of deeply personal trials.
Legacy and Impact
Imam Siraj Wahhaj’s journey from a Sunday school teacher to a globally recognized Islamic leader encapsulates a narrative of transformation, resilience, and unwavering faith. His efforts to combat social ills, foster interfaith dialogue, and uplift his community have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American Islam. As the leader of Masjid Al-Taqwa and MANA, Wahhaj continues to inspire countless individuals through his teachings and actions, embodying the principles of service and devotion.