Islam in America part three (Malcolm X, NOI, subsequent history and historical commentary)

 (Note: Below you will find my edited PowerPoint presentation (edited for this platform)  from the last in the "Islam in America" series. Much of it focuses on the history of the Nation of Islam (NOI), Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, W.Deen Mohammed, and much more. For the video of the entire program, go to This link. Also note that while we were able to use images for the original PowerPoint, copyright restrictions prevent use on this platform. )

Islam in America Part 3

Presentation by Shamsuddin Waheed

The Importance of parts 1 & 2 of this series

Previous sessions showed :(A) African presence in the Americas before Columbus (B) Muslims accompanying Columbus in his journey. (C) Muslims as being among the Kidnapped Africans brought to the Americas and made slaves.

We have emphasized “C” because of more historical evidence and lasting impact on the presence of Islam in the United States in particular.  Please consult parts 1 and 2 for those details.

The “Nation of Islam” (NOI) has also been highlighted, even though other movements existed, because it became the most famous and active movement. 

( To view playlist, click on this link to playlist or type in YouTube search engine "Islam in America" by Shamsuddin Waheed. To view part one's PowerPoint through an AI-generated video, click Here for part 1 powerpoint video)

Malcolm X 

Born Malcolm Little  (Feb.19th 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska), he was directly affected by the oppression of African-Americans in Jim Crow era.

 His father, Rev. Earl Little (a follower of Marcus Garvey) was killed by White supremacists when he was six years old.

Before that, in Lansing, Michigan, his family was evicted from their purchased home because of a rule that prevented the sale of houses to Non-White buyers.

In 1947, convicted of Larceny, breaking & Entering, he enters into the Norfolk Prison colony for his sentence, wherein he encounters the teachings of the NOI

Malcolm Little becomes Malcolm X

*While serving his sentence, he is exposed to the teachings of the NOI. While popular media places emphasis on a person he meets while in prison (dramatized in the Spike Lee movie as “Brother Bane”), it was actually his brother Philbert who had accepted the NOI teaching and introduced it to him officially through letters (The Autobiography page 158).

In keeping with the NOI’s self-improvement program, he had taken steps to grow by consistent reading, study, even copying the dictionary by hand.

Rising through the ranks

Upon his release, Malcolm first goes to Detroit (The Autobiography pg.195), in a variety of jobs, all the while growing within the NOI.

Elijah Muhammad, seeing his sincerity and talents, tasks him with pastoral roles, which ultimately sees him becoming the National spokesman for the NOI, establishing “temples” in various places within the United States.

The NOI experienced tremendous growth during the 1950’s, in large part because of Malcolm’s efforts.

While we have placed emphasis on religious theology, the NOI also grew physically. Grocery stores, restaurants, a weekly newspaper (“Muhammad Speaks”)

Trouble between Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X

All the sources indicate that there has always been a certain level of resentment between Malcolm and other NOI figures, who felt threatened by his charisma, oratory and organizational skills.

Malcolm X learns of Elijah Muhammad’s relationships with women (some of which has produced children), leading to the almost complete disillusionment with the leader he had faithfully parroted as being “The Messenger of Allah”. 

The assasination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 was a watershed moment. Famously, Malcolm X says that this is simply the product of hundreds of years of oppression and that “It made me glad.”, leading to Elijah Muhammad to suspend him from speaking in the NOI establishments.

It is unfortunate that we have to cut out so much history in order to stick to main points, but nonetheless jealousies existed within the NOI because of Malcolm’s growing popularity, attention. There is also the possibility that more seeds of division were planted by US Law enforcement infiltration, keen on preventing the emergence of a threat to the dominant order.

A search for clarity

Still considering himself to be a Muslim, he becomes more open to mainstream Islam.

Among the things that occurs is his pilgrimage to Makkah, known as the Hajj. His sister funds him. Although not as well known, he also visits other countries in the Middle East and Africa. 

The impact of Hajj

Seeing an environment which was God-centered, very little class distinctions (via the ihram clothing) nor racial discrimination has a powerful impact on his religious and political views.  He believes that Islam-if “understood” will solve the racial problems of America.

He takes on the name Malik El Shabazz, with the title “Al Hajj” before it.

He founded an organization called The Muslim Mosque Inc.

He proposes forcing the issues of Racial discrimination etc by taking the case to the United Nations, hoping the US would be held to account on a global stage.

He is assassinated Feb.21, 1965

The NOI eventually transitions

Elijah Muhammad himself died in 1975.

His son Wallace D. Muhammad (better known as Imam Warith-Deen Mohammed) becomes the leader.

He almost immediately begins to change the religious and political orientation of the NOI towards mainstream Islam, which includes embracing of all races, and various name changes as their evolution went on (World Community of Al-Islam in the West, American Muslim Mission, Muslim American society)

Louis Farrakhan, who had himself been Malcolm X’s deputy before the latter’s departure, had initially went along with the above reforms, but himself eventually broke away to revive the NOI.

Imam W Deen Mohammed

Imam WD Mohammed legacy

The network of mosques/temples became places wherein mainstream Islam was practiced.

Interfaith dialogue

The majority of Elijah Muhammad’s original following accepted this transition.

Islam in USA today

Consistent growth of people converting to the faith.

Changing people’s lives for the better.

Discipline and God-consciousness.

Influence in important areas of culture, particularly in the African-American experience.

The stats show that the biggest convert segment of the Muslim population in the United States currently is Latino. Indeed, Houston Texas has a mosque called “IslaminSpanish” (Centro Islamico)

Our links

For the previous lectures, see “Islam in America” on our YouTube channel “Imam Shams”.

Book Information: www.authorshamsuddinwaheed.com

Blog: Shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com

Mosque: www.themasjidibrahim.com

Engaging The Qur'an (Frequently Asked Questions FAQs)

                        In the name of God, The Most-Compassionate, The Ever-Merciful

By the grace and blessing of Allah Subhaanahu wa ta'alaa, we have recently released a work entitled Engaging The Qur'an. The more it's release has become noticed by the reading public, the more inquiries are made! Thus, we have decided to address the bulk of those often asked questions in the present article.

Question #1 Does Engaging The Qur'an cite any of the traditional commentaries (Tafaseer) ?

Answer # 1- Yes, Engaging The Qur'an does in fact give, as sources for its arguments, citations from the books of Tafseer.  Readers will notice references to Al-Kashshaaf by the great linguist Az-Zamakhshari, Al Baydawi's commentary, Ibn Katheer's work (called Tafseer Al Qur'an Al 'Adheem) and others. 

Question #2-  Is this a book that covers the entire Qur'an in explanation?

Answer # 2-No. It contains 55 chapters, addressing several subjects, however, it does have a detailed commentary with fresh conclusions of some of the most popular sections of the Qur'an.  Titles of such chapters include Kursiyy: The Divine Throne (regarding Q 2:255), Divine Light (regarding Q 24:35), Back to Basics (on Q 1:1-7), Joseph: The best of stories, applicable to modern Muslims (on the entirety of Soorah Yusuf ), and more. 

Question #3 Is this a book for Non-Muslim readers?

Answer # 3 - Yes. It is  largely directed towards a Non-Muslim audience. It deliberately chooses language and a style that those with no previous exposure to Islam would be able to understand. It addresses misconceptions such as those related to war, jihad, Taqiyyah, the (so-called) Islamic Dilemma, and much more.

Question # 4-Why should Muslims read it?

 Answer #4 - In truth, it's content is for everybody, but it does contain some level of content relevant for the practical application of the Islamic message, such as the third  chapter  entitled Zakaat: A fresh look at its application, Inquiries on Salaah, A fish out of water: Being Muslim in a Non-religious society, and much more.

Question #5 -Where can it be purchased?

 Answer: For now, it is on sale in hardback and E-book versions on Amazon.com. At the top of this article, one will find a QR code, which will allow a quick scan to read sample pages, or obtain the book in hardback or E-book version.

Question #6- Are there sample pages available to read?

Yes. On Amazon.com

Question #7- Is there a bibliography available?

Answer: Engaging The Qur'an provides evidence for its assertions in its footnotes, which spans from the Qur'an itself, Hadeeth, Prophetic biography (Seerah), as well as Western academics. While this edition does not have a separate  bibliography, one will find a diversity of sources cited. 

Question #8- What is the main goal of the book?

Answer: #8-  To make the Qur'an understandable but also applicable in the modern world. It invites the readers to interact with the scripture with fresh eyes, not to blindly accept all of the conclusions within the book! 

Question #9- Are the Quranic texts referenced with original Arabic ?

Answer #9- Yes. With some exceptions, all Quranic texts (as well as a number of Prophetic ahadeeth) have the Arabic text and the English translation.

Question #10- Which English translation of the Qur'an was used for this work?

Answer #10- For the most part, the translations in the work are my own translation of the Arabic text. We did consult a number of established  English-language Qur'an translations, and have noted  within the work where other translators were used. In addition, we have explained in detail the choice of certain words and concepts. 

                                                                                                                                

                                                                      

Islam In America part 1 ( Slideshow, Audio and video recording of session, complete with Q & A)

      the name of God, The Most Compassionate, The Ever-Merciful.

You will find below a video which summarizes the slideshow of our presentation, the first of three scheduled, on Islam in America. Keep in mind that the intention of the 1st session is to introduce information that will be conveyed more clearly in the sessions scheduled to come. 

You will also find below links to the bulk of the presentation, largely in audio format. 

Video one (Part "A")

Q and A session for video one

A brief introduction to the work "Engaging The Qur'an"

 

A brief introduction to the work 'Engaging The Qur'an"

Much of my intellectual work has been dedicated to the Islamic scripture, its understanding and application, particularly in a world which is more or less dominated by Western thought. An honest reader will testify to that, even if the conclusions we reach are controversial.

We have- by the grace and blessing of Allah (subhaanahu Wa ta'alaa)- published this unique work in a very presentable, professional fashion. It has been made accessible to everyone, in both E-book and Hardback formats. 

It contains 55 chapters, nearly 100 footnotes, and is designed not only to answer the most important questions about the faith, it also contains unique conclusions on some of the most popular Quranic texts. It is also deliberately fashioned to be readable for anyone, regardless of their previous exposure to Islam.

Although just newly published, we have already received some feedback from readers. Some of them are found below

" ..It's pretty interesting thus far. I like how you wrote concise sections...You definetely  accomplished (making it easy for Non-Muslim readers)..." 

" Very good book reading it now MashaAllah"

"Alhamdulillah you inspire me."

"It's a very good book congratulations."

To obtain this work, go to the following link. Click here or simply type "Engaging the Qur'an by Shamsuddin Waheed" on Amazon.com 

Term & Age limits: a short musing on political and religious leadership

 Introduction

For our readers, I think it is safe to say that in general, United States president Donald Trump's term in office, particularly the second (and current) term has been marked with chaos, irrational actions and statements. Foreign policy has been a mess, an illegal war upon Iran, with shifting rationale and goals, whose main beneficiary is of course Israel.  His supporters, in a similar vein, totally ignore the EPSTEIN FILES and seemingly have even elevated him to a Christ-like status, as illustrated in the defense given by Pastor John Marks Burns (an advisor to President Trump himself) of a golden statue of Trump, unveiled recently at a Miami golf-course.

These, and his many famously other actions, have prompted me to think on many topics, among them the impact of age on a leader. This question has also been posed (at least in my mind) in other areas that have little political impact, such as within the religious and social realms. In particular, of late I have been in rather deep study of a particular figure's published thoughts on Islam, in particular scriptural understanding. I am the first to admit that there is a great amount of freedom in terms of analysis and conclusion, on the hermeneutics of Scripture, even within Islam, and while I consider myself open-minded and fair in my judgement, some of the conclusions made by this particular figure are far beyond the pale in terms of not only the boundaries of normative Islam, but even of rational and reasonable thought! In respect to the overarching good works that that particular figure has done, I will not name him, but in all honesty I think that, just as with President Trump, some level of cognitive dysfunction has created  these negative consequences. 

Term limits

In an American context, particularly for the highest office of the land, the  maximum amount of time to serve has been two terms, each term being four years.  The 22nd amendment to the United States constitution has been officially in place in order to prevent the emergence of a dictator. Of course, other nations have their own rules, many of which have no term limits for their leaders.

I believe there is great wisdom in this approach, particularly in a nation whose history is as complex as that of the United States. The USA was founded as a rebellion against the tyranny of the British royal family, as well as a safe haven for  victims of  religious persecution within Europe.  

Should there be age limits?

On the global scene, both political and non-political contexts, there has not been an age cap for leaders. Advanced age is traditionally associated with wisdom and experience, generating respect and veneration. Obviously, the format of the above varies from culture to culture.

From an Islamic perspective, meaning from the Qur'an and Prophetic statements (ahadeeth), I cannot find any set-in-stone texts on an age cap. This makes sense when we consider that the Islamic guidance is more on a general level, leaving specific questions such as that to be answered by the social norms and healthy mechanisms that exist within a particular society.

What about an "elderly" political/social system?

This is actually a more interesting question. If we were to take Italy, as an example, it is a nation in which at least a quarter of its population is deemed "elderly", second only to Japan. It is logical that a generation of people, with entrenched mindsets and an established political order, would be slow to accept change, even if such change is positive. It is also understandable that both the leadership and the general population would be reluctant to hand over the keys to others. 

In such a context where younger people are either not present or are a political minority, perhaps the best course would be to simply wait for nature to take its course. Nothing lasts forever, including centers of power. This is taught to us not only from history, but also from the Qur'an. 

"and to every 'ummah' a time limit (has been decreed).(ft.1)"  (Q 7:34)

Sooner or later, the systems fall to a fresh and more relevant way of thinking and doing.  This can have application in the context of those who hold the keys in the social and religious realms. In the case of politics, where figures and ways of thinking are often entrenched, where corruption and narcissism are prevalent, it is usually the case that such a system will break down under its own Fasaad! This was precisely the case with the Roman empire, and even as recently as the British empire (which occupied most of the globe, to the extent that the maxim "the sun never sets on the British empire" was born) and the Soviet Union. 

What about religion?

In terms of religious leadership and community, much of what has been said above also has application. However, admittedly it can get as murky as even within secular political intrigue. Those who hold the keys may have done great work with sincerity, while it can also be the case that there were insincere or hidden  interests behind their actions. Delusions can also emerge, where individuals manifest mentalities and complexes that are dangerous in one sense or another. 

If we are focusing on religious theology or practice (Ie. addressing perceived errors or distortions that are based on delusions or age-induced cognitive issues), it can be addressed in such a manner that does not generate conflict or present a disrespectful picture. This is true of our perceptions of other religions as well! 

However, it is good to keep in mind issues of age and cognitive issues, and approach situations with mercy, understanding and wisdom.

As much as possible, we should not give keys to those who demonstrate extreme cognitive issues. The Qur'an itself says this in connection to wealth (Q 4:5), but it can be applicable to other areas of power as well. In the case where the system itself has not aged well, perhaps a new system would be needed, one which bypasses the one in place. In other words, rather than overthrowing something, do something else that has its own independence and address the needs where the older system has neglected! 

May Allah give us intellect, mercy and wisdom! Ameen! 

(ft.1) In this context, I have long understood "ummatin" in this Quranic verse to refer to a center of political or civilizational power.

"This is the third letter I have sent you" ( A reply to an anonymous Christian missionary)

 

Introduction

Over the years, in every Muslim community I have been active in, the mosque would receive phone calls, messages via various channels, and occasionally anonymous letters from Christian sources wanting to "save our souls". Sometimes, the letters will have packages that are actually useful for me as an individual with interests in religion (one example is a copy of the New Testament in Arabic), while other times will be deceptively packaged content (such as polemical literature disguised as Islamic literature, complete with Arabic or Quranic style font), and, more often than one may think, insulting messages on the answering machine. 

The image above arrived this morning. It is the 1st page of a three-page letter, filled with religious rhetoric and disparaging remarks. There was no return address or contact information for the writer. The postmark is from out of state, and I suspect the letter was sent to every mosque the writer could find.  It is not of a professional nature, the writer is clearly more emotionally-oriented than factual, nonetheless I have decided to make a reply here. It is unlikely the author of the letter will ever come across my reply, and of course the author did not intend myself specifically to be the recipient, however for the purpose of this composition, we will reply as if I was the intended person to receive the author's message. After all, I do work as a Muslim Imam, in a Muslim communal context, so it is reasonable to share a reply. The heading in bold print is from the letter. 

"This is the third letter I have sent you."

Thank you for taking the time to write to me.  I have seen similar letters to this one, but since you have never left your contact information, I cannot in fact verify if I have indeed received your messages. It may be prudent to actually engage your audience in a respectful fashion, in a professional manner. Think of it as marketing. You wish to sell me a product, to convince me to buy it. Leaving a letter on my door, without a return address, phone number, email or even a name, will ensure that I am never even given an opportunity to purchase the product you are selling.

"Islam is completely demonic. I have given you much more information than you need..you have been a slave to doctrines of demons as well as your congregation."

Interesting comment, but contrast that to the Qur'an. It is a book which actually tells its readers to supplicate God before its reading by the words "I seek refuge with God from Satan the rejected enemy." ( See Q16:98).

It is a faith that teaches regular prayer and Charity, discipline and sobriety, honest dealings in business and a generous nature.  This does not mean Muslims are angels, but it does mean that your description of our faith as being "completely demonic" is simply a false, hyperbolic statement not even closely related to reality.

"I have studied more than you...I have looked at it close enough and studied for and against..."

I understand that you don't know me that well, but in all honesty, I doubt you have studied Islam "more than me". What books have you read? What teachers have you engaged with? What degree have you attained? Have you been able to study the primary sources in the primary language ( Arabic)?  Please answer these questions, that way we can determine if you have in fact studied Islam more than I have. 

Just for your information, I have studied other religions, their doctrines and texts as well.  We will get into that later in this article. 

" I have gone much deeper in my search for truth than you have ever contemplated...you have never looked for truth or proof, or you would not be a Muslim. Islam is guilty and you are guilty by association."

I can say with honesty that I am a student of truth. I try my best to understand and present truths, even about other religions, philosophies, even political views. I don't intentionally misrepresent what others think, and I try to understand from the primary sources. To go further, those whom I have been blessed to encounter in my life, from Non-Muslim backgrounds, I can say that at least 85% of them are people highly educated in religious matters, some of whom having even been pastors, monks and other Christian clergy, who, upon their own study of Islam, became convinced of its veracity and subsequently its most dedicated and vocal defenders. 

Since your assertion is about "me", seemingly you hold the view that I have never really studied the Bible, for example, please see the images below, which has only one of the shelves in my home with Bibles, Bible commentaries and the like. Other places within my home have even more works on the Bible, Jewish and Christian theology, history, and so forth. I also have many Christian friends, some of whom are clergy, with whom I have engaged in deep discussions. In addition, I have engaged the polemics and often even the antagonistic missionaries, directly. Face to face. Not through anonymous letters or internet debates. In public and private, these interactions have taken place. Moreover, again referencing converts to Islam, in general they are people who have engaged religious texts and doctrines on a deeper level, and their research has led them to view Islam as the path of guidance that emanates from God. 

You assign "guilt " to me, followed by me being "guilty by association", but you don't make clear what I am guilty of. 

'"No one can win me to Islam"

I have never tried to win you to Islam, and I doubt any other Muslim has tried either. This is because that while we freely admit that Islam is a missionary religion, the fact is is that the majority of Muslims, even active, religious Muslims, are frankly too busy with our own issues, with no time and no interest to chase after you, seeking your conversion. Ultimately, guidance is God's job (Qur'an  6:71), not mine!

"The Quran says Jesus is not God in the flesh, that Jesus was a Prophet, Jesus never claimed to be a Prophet.." 

True, Islam teaches that God is alone and cannot be conceived in human terms. However, the Bible contains many passages using the term "prophet" to refer to Jesus, for whom (as a Muslim) we ask God to grant him peace. Matthew 21:11 (NIV) asserts that the people of Jerusalem referred to him as "Jesus the Prophet". Even the Arabic language N.T. that I own, provided by a missionary package to a mosque, uses the same term "haadhaa Yasoo'un Nabi" ("This is Jesus the Prophet"). Other places where this title is used include Luke 7:16,  John 6:14, Luke 4:24, as well as in the writings attributed to Paul. 

"Islam says Jesus was not crucified, but another took his place: ridiculous, childish tales. You have to be a moron to believe that."

Insulting us won't win us over. Yes, Qur'an (Q 4:171) says that Jesus was not crucified, but it does NOT claim another took his place. Some people think that, but that is not what the Qur'an says. For more information on this, I would kindly refer you to the following discussion, which took place between Christian YouTube personalities Brian Davilla, Evan Raugust and myself

Click here (Why trust the Qur'an)

In short, Islam teaches that all of us are responsible before God for our actions, no one can pay for our sins, let alone the "son of God" as portrayed in mainstream Christianity.

Conclusion

This reply is not meant to be polemical in nature, nor does it intend to be insulting. Despite our differences, we respect Christians and have no problems with them believing and practicing their faith as they see fit. The purpose of this reply is to generate food for thought, for all readers. We hope that will be accomplished. Unlike the author of the anonymous letter, we are very transparent and accessible. In fact, my image is below, just to show that we have no fear in these regards.  We welcome dialogue, be it in the comment section of this article or elsewhere. Our contact information is widely available. May God deliver guidance to us all. 

                                                                                               

Insight into the Qur'an ( Academic presentation)

Note: The above video is from my slideshow presentation on "Insights into the Qur'an", delivered at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). 

Some images can be found from our Youtube channel.

see here 

Clips from the presentation can be found in our playlist

see here