Our Founding Story

Driven by a powerful vision to uplift under-resourced communities, UMMA was born from a commitment to education and empowerment.

UMMA, the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, started with a simple but powerful idea: to uplift those in need, beginning with education. In 2003, after a year that truly tested me, I read Malcolm X’s autobiography during a trip to China. His commitment to self-improvement and his relentless pursuit of justice for marginalized communities deeply moved me. I felt an immediate connection to his journey and knew I had to embark on a path of my own—one that would not only change my life but the lives of many others in Lake County.

Later that same year, I had the opportunity to complete Hajj, a pilgrimage that profoundly shifted my perspective. Upon my return, I couldn’t ignore the stark disparities between affluent areas and the under-resourced communities of Waukegan and its surroundings. I began seeing these struggles with fresh eyes, realizing how similar they were to those faced by inner-city communities across America.

One night in May 2003, while driving home from a volunteer event, the idea for UMMA hit me like lightning. My purpose was clear: to create a space where underserved individuals could access the tools and resources they needed to uplift themselves and their families. By 2004, UMMA opened its doors, starting humbly as a GED center for high school dropouts. Even then, I knew UMMA was destined for more.

In the early years, our focus was on alleviating poverty. We worked tirelessly to provide basic needs and educational opportunities. But over time, I realized that simply helping people survive wasn’t enough. Our mission had to evolve. It wasn’t just about alleviating poverty—it was about creating prosperity

The word prosperity became our guiding light. To me, prosperity is more than financial stability. It’s about thriving in every aspect of life—health, relationships, personal growth, and purpose. It means living a life filled with meaning, joy, and connection, where individuals have the resources—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to truly flourish. This shift in focus has been at the heart of everything we do today at UMMA.

We’re not just addressing immediate needs; we’re helping individuals and families build prosperous lives. I believe that everyone, no matter where they start, deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Guided by this belief, UMMA has grown into the vibrant community center it is today—empowering, inspiring, and uplifting all those we serve.

This is our story, and it continues. Our vision is to create a Lake County where every individual and family has the resources, opportunities, and support to build a prosperous life.

Ashfaq Mohiuddin
Founder & Chairman of the Board