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New Orleans, La. - August 29, 2005 is a day that will forever be etched in the minds of members of Muhammad Mosque #46. It was on that day, that the little building where many of them accepted the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad was severely damaged by the ravaging winds of Hurricane Katrina and the floodwaters that came with her. For nearly four years the few returning Believers held weekly mosque meetings in each other's homes, community centers, a hotel meeting ballroom and a building office suite.
Despite being without a permanent meeting place their minds were still focused on repairing their damaged building. "Working to rebuild our community and to renovate our  building was one of the greatest challenges that I have ever personally faced. We truly had to seek refuge in Allah and dig deep to bring out the leader within ourselves. In the midst of searching for ways to raise the funds to begin the renovation, we had to deal with the constant questioning of our decision to return and rebuild by some Believers from outside of the city. Some were saying that the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said that we should not return, which was not true. All of this added to the difficulty of what we were trying to do. However, every time I see the joy in the Believers faces about the beauty of the mosque and when I reflect on how please the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan was/is when he found out about our rededication. It makes it all that much sweeter," stated Brother Willie Muhammad. On the 17-18th of January 2009, the believers were able to enjoy the fruit of their three and a half year laborer.
The FOI, MGT and hired laborers worked feverishly to prepare the mosque for the rededication ceremony. The rededication ceremony began with a dinner held in the honor of Brother Minister Harold Muhammad, who played a key role in growing the mosque in New Orleans. Friends, supporters and those who accepted the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad after hearing Brother Minister Harold Muhammad came out to take part in this historic celebration. Several in attendance shared with the audience how Brother Minister Harold Muhammad positively influenced their life and helped them to grow in faith.
"This brother is one of the finest examples of a minister under the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan that I have ever known. It is a blessing to be able to say that you have known someone for 22 years and can say that you only know of him being a Muslim representative of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan," stated Brother Bryan Muhammad, former secretary of Muhammad Mosque #46. "Every time I heard Brother Minister Harold talk, he talked so strong and so hard that he made me want to be the same way. He would always say the Honorable the Minister Louis Farrakhan teaches this and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan teaches that. He talked so much about the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan he made me want to learn more about him...Brother Minister Harold has helped me in every aspect of my life - with my wife and how to conduct myself as a man," stated Brother Jason Muhammad. "I thank Allah for Brother Minister Harold's ministry and his commitment to Islam. Brother Minister Harold did not play; you were going to work in the cause of Islam. You were not going to come up in here and talk about what you would do for yourself. If you said your life and your death is all for Allah, he would remind you that your word is your bond," stated Sister Michelle Muhammad.
To show their love and appreciation for Brother Minister Harold's years of service, the Believers of Muhammad Mosque #46 presented him with the Torchlight Service and Dedication Award. "Where ever there is no light (spiritual darkness) God intervenes and sends prophets, messengers and warners, etc. The believers in New Orleans at Muhammad Mosque #46 have heeded the call of God and His Christ to go forth and proclaim to the people that "Our Saviour Has Arrived." If you all did not have a mind to work to shine light into the darkness then our people would have no hope. You did not cut and run after the devastation of hurricane Katrina, you stood your ground knowing that there is no mystery god and that the suffering masses of God's people in that city needed the light that you have been blessed with. Now Allah (God) has blessed you with a headquarters from which to work and save the people from the fall of America. A miracle happened in New Orleans that wonderful weekend, may Allah continue to bless you to do His will and bless you with much success," stated Brother Minister Harold Muhammad. Legendary Nation of Islam Pioneer, Brother Minister Abdul Rahman traveled with Brother Minister Harold Muhammad from Atlanta to witness this special occasion.
On Sunday the mosque was filled with people who came out to take part in the historic rededication ceremony. The ceremony began with an ecumenical prayer, which was followed by an instrumental rendition of Black National Anthem by Brother Errol Muhammad on the saxophone and Brother Bryan Muhammad on the keyboard. Members of the Jr. MGT class read a brief history of the beginning of the Nation of Islam - Mosque #46 in the city of New Orleans. Next the audience heard brief words from Rev. Dwight Clay of Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, Imam Rafeeq of Masjid Raheem, Sister Vera of the Community Book Center, Mtangulizi Sanyika of African American Leadership Project and Muhammad Mosque Pioneer Sister Rosedale Shabazz. A moment of silence was taken for all of the believers of Muhammad Mosque who passed away over the years.
One of the major highlights of the day was when the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan called in to share some words about the historic occasion. What a great pleasure it is for me to have this opportunity to congratulate Minister Willie and the believers there on your great effort to restore to rebuild and renew your mosque. You know restoration, renewal is a great thing when you see what you have to do when a mighty storm, both divine and man-made has destroyed your house. The effort to rebuild is a great effort, that requires the sacrifice of many, the skill of many the ingenuity of many, so that when you open your door you not only have a new house with a new look, but you also hope to have a new people with a new outlook," stated the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. You can click on the following link to hear all of the words spoken by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Following the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan a special tribute was made to honor all of the ministers and their staffs that have worked in the city of New Orleans since the early 40‘s. A plaque listing the names of all the ministers and their years of service hangs in the newly renovated building with the words, "Upon their shoulders we boldly stand. They gave of their time, family and souls to carry the banner of Islam as taught by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan." On hand to receive the plaque were Brother Minister Harold and Brother Dwayne Muhammad.
The believers and guests were also blessed to hear some words from Brother Minister Abdul Rahman, who was moved to tears as he began to speak. "I am overwhelmed...Even myself if I would have witnessed what ya'll went through, I probably would have said later for this. I would have been looking to buy another building. I saw the building before; I know what it looked liked. My mind was blown when I came in here last night. So I got all the respect and love for this young man and the believers here because they did not give up the ghost, they did not back down. Many of the believers are in Atlanta now, some in Texas and others all over America. But they stuck and I admire them and I love them for continuing to lift up the banner of Islam in New Orleans in number forty-six."
Brother Regional Minister Robert Muhammad closed the ceremony out by delivering the keynote lecture. During the lecture he pointed talked about the significance of the mosque renovation post-Katrina, the need for us to become mature in our expression of what has been given to us by Master Fard Muhammad and why we must double our efforts of going after our people.
Some additional quotes about the ceremony
Sister Rosedale Shabazz (Former Sister Captain): The rededication ceremony was inspiring and uplifting. There was a sense of coming together in unity for the well being of society.
Brother Walter Umrani : I was encouraged by the response by the general community of all races. I was also very inspired by the universal message of Islam as taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
.JPG) Brother Dwayne Muhammad (Former Minister): This day was a testament of hard work, diligence, and faith amongst the believing community that will utilize this as an impetus for greater community work because those principles are universally applicable, hard work, diligence, and one's faith.
Sister Angele Muhammad (Former Sister Captain): I felt joyfully overwhelmed. I am grateful that Allah has worked through the Believers in New Orleans and through those who could not attend to make this day a success.
.JPG) Brother Robert Muhammad (Regional Minister): I am reminded of Scripture Nehemiah. The people had a mind to work. The Brothers and Sisters of New Orleans remind me of the Hebrews who longed to return to the city of David and the Temple.
.JPG) Brother Rahman Muhammad: Traveling to New Orleans with Bro. Harold for him to receive honor and seeing Muhammad Mosque #46 rebuilt was a wonderful surprise. I pray you all continue to be strong and continue to be diligent workers. May Allah bless the Believers of Muhammad Mosque #46.
.JPG) Sister Michelle Muhammad (Former Protocol Director):
The entire weekend has been awesome. Starting with the ceremony to honor Bro. Harold who has laid a strong foundation of Islam in New Orleans. . The re-dedication of the Mosque was inspirational and reinvigorating witnessing the broad spectrum of communit members who support our efforts to continue the work of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad of liberating poor and oppressed people.
.JPG) Brother Harold Muhammad (Former Minister): Truth crushed to earth shall rise again. The highlight of today was the message from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and what it means to rebuild, recommit, and rededicate. Also, recommitting Bro. Willie and his staff and Believers with him to rededicate the house of God, the poor, depressed, down trodden citizens of New Orleans. May Allah bless Brother Willie and those with him with continued success
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