Imam Mujahid Ramadan
“Welcome to Muslim News Nevada.
Today, we’re honored to be joined by Imam Mujahid Ramadan, a respected leader and voice in our community. Imam Ramadan has played a vital role in uplifting and guiding our community through faith, service, and advocacy. We’re grateful to have him with us as we begin this important conversation and share his insights with our audience.”
1. Imam Mujahid, what does a stronger, more unified Muslim voice in Nevada look like—and how do we begin building it today?
Knowledge of Muslim demographics in Clark County, Southern and Northern Nevada and Washoe County established activity year-round, voter registration/education initiative. Maintain voter registers at Islamic Muslim facilities throughout Clark County.
2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Muslims in Nevada right now? And where do you see the greatest opportunities?
Muslim community isn't internally connected (Quran 49:13) Muslims (Immigrants) are largely culturally and politically unaware. When utilize effectively, our diversity and ethnicity, culture, language, income and education are value assets. This type of diversity is distinct and unique to the 21st Century America. Note - Indigenous immigrants
3. Nevada’s Muslim community is incredibly diverse. How do we build unity across cultures, generations, and backgrounds?
Religious requirements Salat, Jumah, prayer service, education programs, forums voter registration and education events/programs, sporting events, “monthly Muslim family night talks.”
4. What role do you think a platform like “Muslim News Nevada” can play in shaping our community’s future?
It can play a crucial role of defining how the general non-Muslims will view Al Islam and Muslims.
5. Do you feel Muslims in Nevada have been accurately represented in media? What stories are missing that we need to tell?
It may not be a matter of accuracy, as there is limited to no coverage in the media regarding Muslims unless events occur internationally, Middle East, etc. Tell the history of Al-Islam and who the Muslims today?
6. How can Muslim communities in Nevada build meaningful civic engagement and lasting influence?
Develop youth, adolescent and adult members of Muslim communities that operate with culture, competency and the mainstream of Clark County to recognize and offer solutions to broaden community concerns and issues.
7. What advice would you give to young Muslims who want to step into leadership, organizing, or public service?
Learn and build strong foundations in the way and the life of Al Islam, based on the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Learn how to apply the pillars and principles both externally in society, but also internally as the individual/self. Understand the application of Al Islam in a non- Muslim culture and environment that is possibly bias and/or hostile and influenced by propaganda against Islam.
8. In times of uncertainty and division, how should faith guide our response as a community?
Study the life experiences of Prophet Muhammad (SAS) and his companions and how they applied/utilize the guidance of the Quran to address not only religious, political, social economics, war, human relation, community family and individuals. This will require a 21st century application of the Quran and Sunnah in addressing concerns of Muslims who are a minority population in diverse multicultural, multi-ethnic religious populations. Al Islam is best equipped based on the Quran and Sunnah to address the circumstances and challenges the United States and the international communities are facing.
9. What role should our mosques and community institutions play beyond spiritual guidance?
The Mosque in the ideal sense is a primary and major asset in mobilizing Muslim populations of varying age in political education and engagements, forums and workshops.
10. Can you share a personal experience that shaped your path as an imam and community leader?
Born and raised the first 10 years of my life in the rural “Jim-Crow,” attended a segregated elementary school and lived in a segregated environment. My grandfather and Mr. Lewis Till (grandfather of Emmit Till) were good friends. Emmit Till’s death in neighboring Mississippi in 1956 was the second trauma in my life. That year my biological father was also killed. Two years later, our house burned down and my youngest brother died as a result of the fire. Those 3 events allowed or caused me to experience Allah's (SWT) divine presence and confirmed his mercy. Three years later, my mother married the man (RIP) who raised me and moved me to Las Vegas. Quran 94:5-6.
11. Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life and your work?
I've been blessed to have experienced good and positive role- model and mentors. Coach Overton Curtis, (RIP) the man who raised me Flenorte Harris, (RIP) and Rev. Donald Clark, (RIP) Converting (reverting) to Al Islam, Abdul Rajman Bukari (ra) and my teacher Imam W.D. Mohammed.
12. What keeps you motivated during difficult times?
The life and experiences of Prophet Muhammad and his esteemed Companions is inspiration during times of trials and tribulations. Creation itself provides insight into enduring struggles; the caterpillars metamorphoses into a butterfly, coal transitions into a diamond, lower elements becoming gold, the 9th month process leading up to and the birth process itself. All the experiences reflect difficulties which serves as inspiration during difficult times. “In the heavens, the earth and yourself are signs for those who reflect.” (Quran 41:53)
13. What is one lesson from your journey that you wish every young person in our community could learn early on?
“He who knows himself, knows his Lord”… Ameen - Prophet Mohammed (SAS)
14. If you could leave our readers with one message or call to action, what would it be? "
And man shall have nothing but what he strives for." Quran 53:39.