Rembering Mufti Usmani
Dr Mufti Usmani passed away on Friday, July 10, 2009.
Dr Usmani was a senior member of the Muslim community in Memhis. He was
born in India but migrated to Pakistan, where he taught English at the
university in Peshawar. He moved to Holly Spring, Mississippi in the late
1960s, where he was a professor of English at the local community college.
Along with other Muslim families, he established the Muslim Society of Memphis
in 1978, before which there were no Muslim community centers or mosques in east
Memphis. At that time Muslims conducted Quranic Tafseer, educational
sessions and social functions at the student center of the University of
Tennessee. This was located at the corner of Manassas and Madison avenue
in downtown Memphis. Dr Usmani used to lead the Quranic explanation
sessions for the audience, whicht numbered from ten to 30 participants every
Sunday afternoon. Dr. Usmani eventually became the first President of the
Muslim Society of Memphis, having pioneered the establshment of the
organization.
Masjid As-Salam as we know it today, had it's humble beginnings as a small house
of about 1400 square feet. This building eventually converted into a
Musalla. The Islamic activities rapidly proliferated in this small
building consisting of lectures and discussions on various subjects and classes
for the children. The Islamic social activities also increased
proportionately with pot-luck dinners. Dr Usmani and his family along with
other families played a leadership role in such activities.
In 1984, Masjid As salam was built. Dr Usmani played an active role in the
teaching program, often leading the discussions on various islamic topics in the
mosque. He gave many lectures in the churches and synagogues on Islam.
He regularly gave qutbas (sermons) on Fridays at Msjid As-Salam.
Dr Usmani authored several books on various Islamic topics. Many of his
articles were published in the newspapers and letters to the editor, so as to
redress misinformation about Islam and Muslims. His command over the English
language earned him the reputation of a being prolific writer.
Dr Usmani was loved and respected by all. His contribution to the Muslim
community was both invaluable and immeasurable. May Allah (SWT) grant him
Jannate-firdaus.
-- Dr. Moinuddin