May 8th 1998
Muslim Journal

Fund Raiser Program For Muslim Owned Property Chicago Area

Imam W. Deen Mohammed

Interview by NGina Muhammad
HAZEL CREST, 111. - On Wed., April 22, 1998, Imam W. Deen Mohammed gave Muslim Journal an exclusive interview regarding the upcoming special event organized by the Ministry of W. Deen Mohammed's Property Committee of Chicago, 111.
The Committee is hosting its annual fund-raiser at the Ramada Inn, in Harvey, 111., on May 30 and 31, 1998. Imam Rafah S. Muhammed also participated in this interview.

NM: As-Salaamu-Alaikum and thank-you for coming.

IWDM & RSM: Wa Alaikum-As-Salaam, you're welcome.

NM: Let us begin. Imam Mohammed, is the W. Deen Mohammed Ministry Property Trust Account non-profit?

IWDM: Yes, it is. We have our 501-c3 classification and the Ministry Property Trust Account is now a property holder and income is coming into the Property account now from the occupants of the property. That is right now the Muslim Journal, and soon W. D. M. Publications and an office for CPC. All will be paying rent to the W. D. M. Ministry Property Trust Account. That means funds for the New Building Project.

NM: Therefore, the supporters' contributions are tax deductible?

IWDM: Yes, certainly.

NM: Some have noticed in the advertisement (for the May 30-31 fund-raiser) the tickets are priced at only $15 for adults and $7 for children. With so much being offered on the program, how will the account increase the funds?

IWDM: This question I would like to refer to Imam Rafah Shamsuddin Muhammed, because he is the one who is responsible for the details of the event.

RSM: Thank-you, sir. Thank-you, NGina. After looking at Imam Mohammed's early evaluation of the best way to go about handling this event, we planned to focus on the many, rather than on the few. The idea was to get the family involved, the parents, the grand-parents, the aunts, uncles, all bringing out their children. We will then expose more people to what we are doing with the building concept.

NM:   The Muslim Journal readers, especially members of the Chicago area, are very enthusiastic over the upcoming fund-raising benefit program. Please tell us, what does the Committee have planned for the weekend's events?

RSM: Number one, we have planned two major addresses by W. Deen Mohammed. The reason we say "W. Deen Mohammed" and not "Imam W. Deen Mohammed" is that we want to get the general public to benefit. We don't want to slow the thinking of the public in advertising, with them trying to figure out what "Imam" means (or stands for; is that his first name? Who is this? Is it a title?). So, we say "W. Deen Mohammed" with respect for what Mr. Mohammed is trying to do.

The event begins on Saturday morning, May 30, 1998, with a display of products for CPC by the products' owners. This display is to be organized by Imam David Hasan of North Carolina. That is the extent of his duties for that day - organizing the product displays. Imam Mohammed will spend valuable time with the producers and make judgement on what products might get the grade.
All day we will have a market fair with vendor booths. The vendors will have an opportunity to display their wares and make money in the process. We are estimating approximately 50 booths or more during the weekend's events.

NM: How much are the booths for the vendors?

RSM: Only $50 a day; you can't beat it. Now that is really being held just to the vendors. With a top drawing like Imam W. Deen Mohammed, most people try to capitalize and sell booths for $150 to $175. But with the Imam's kindness and consideration for the believers, he chose $50 per booth as the best way to go for good business opportunity.
Also that evening, we have a fine program. A major address by Imam W. Deen Mohammed will anchor the activities. The program starts with a fashion show with "The Classic Designers of the 21st Century - Philadelphia Connection." This group heard the Imam's call at the convention in White Plains, N.Y., and right away they wanted to be a part of the garment idea with CPC. They heard what the Imam presented about designing their wares. And if the designs were acceptable, they would be taken abroad and manufactured on a large scale. This was very stimulating for Sis. Taaibah Shabazz from Philadelphia. We also have planned entertainment from several performers: Bro. Ishola from Texas; an artist from Detroit, Daniel Mujahid on keyboards.

There has been a growing concern for singles wanting to meet singles. After our formal program, we plan to push the tables back and let the singles meet the singles over music. And if the married couples, young and old, would like to get a little exercise that evening, they can.

IWDM: Then there will be an opportunity for the young unmarried couples to meet each other and socialize that evening?

RSM: Yes sir.

IWDM: That's good.

NM: What is Imam Mohammed's topic for the evening's address?

RSM: "Individuals Promoting Our Worlds Upon Faith and the Unity of the Human Family." That will close out the formal part of the night.
On Sunday morning, we will have a CPC breakfast which is designed to bring camaraderie and conversation among the CPC members. A few people will have things to say. I would like to address the loyalty - being loyal to our design.
That is the way we would like to run the breakfast that morning; that is, with persons talking about what they feel strong about.

NM:   Is the morning breakfast open to the public? If so how much are the tickets and are they available?

RSM: Yes, the breakfast is open to the public and the tickets are available for $15. After breakfast, we will go back to shopping or whatever the people would like to do.

NM: Will the vendors be opening at that time?

RSM: The vending booths will be ongoing, open 24 hours for the two days, if we stay awake that long. Then about midday (on Sunday) the Imam will come back and present a CPC workshop. In the event that a vendor or person who has a product and wants it displayed can't come, if they would, please send your product to Collective Purchasing Conference

c/o Imam W. Deen Mohammed
929 W. 171st St.
Hazel Crest, IL 60429-1901

NM: Imam Mohammed, what will be the format for your workshop?

IWDM: After the Thuhur prayer, I will present the CPC concept, its vision for the future and the principles that govern the CPC interest.

The first principle is that all important members and supporters who are involved in the activities of CPC have to be established people of faith and of good character. They don't necessarily have to be all Muslims. But if they are Christians, it applies to all of us.
We have to be of deep faith in God with strong commitment to the excellence of community life and of good character. That is the most important principle, but we also have principles that govern all of our activities for the CPC. I will be presenting the CPC philosophy.

NM: Imam Rafah, will Imam W. Deen Mohammed's address on CPC close the fund-raising for the W. Deen Mohammed Property Trust Account?

RSM: Yes. However, we will then prepare for the Public Address by Imam Mohammed, which is scheduled for 3 p.m., and the, topic is. "Faith and Good Works - A Plan For
Strong Families And Strong Communities."

We know that after this weekend, the folks are not going to want to go home. But you can let them know that we have a home for them right here; just give us a little time.

NM: Yes. And that is what the Property Fund is established for, providing facilities for community life in the greater Chicago area. Insha' Allah. The readers and the members are going to be excited about this program. It seems to be well planned and full of activities.

IWDM: Yes. After my address on Sunday, there will be plenty of time for more entertainment and socializing.

NM: Should we be expecting any special announcements? That is regarding a projected date for the announcement of the location of the new facilities you have planned: The Masjid, Clara Muhammad School, business offices, etc., and perhaps an approximate time for the ground-breaking?

IWDM: We have identified some sites that we are going to investigate to see just how feasible it is (financially) for us to acquire the sites. One site is in Hazel Crest, Ill; another site is in Country Club Hills, Ill...


