Imam Siraj Wahaj

Siraj Wahhaj, born Jeffrey Kearse in 1950 in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is a prominent African American Imam and community leader. He converted to Islam in 1969, initially joining the Nation of Islam as Jeffrey12x, but later transitioned to Sunni Islam under the guidance of Warith Deen Mohammed and adopted the name Siraj Wahhaj. He furthered his Islamic studies at the Muslim World League in Chicago and at Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Wahhaj established Masjid At-Taqwa in Brooklyn in 1981, acquiring a building for it the following year. He is known for his leadership at the mosque and for leading successful anti-crime initiatives, such as anti-drug patrols in 1988, which were recognized by the NYPD and the media. In 1991, he made history as the first Muslim to deliver an opening prayer for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Wahhaj is a champion of Muslim American rights and needs. He founded the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) in 2004, served on the Majlis Ash-Shura Islamic Leadership Council of New York, advocated for the recognition of Eid holidays in NYC public schools, and represented Masjid At-Taqwa in a lawsuit against NYPD surveillance. He has consistently supported Islamic law, a position that has drawn varied reactions. In 2018, some of his children were charged in relation to the kidnapping and death of his grandson. Wahhaj has stated that he provided information to police that resulted in their arrest and has cooperated with investigators.