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

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

Demonstration of Taqwaa: some surprising examples in the Qur'an

 The theme of taqwaa is a consistent theme within the Qur'an, a fact that is apparent to even a cursory reader of the text. While we tend to understand this term as "piety" in a religious sense, it is often used in a variety of other senses, but what concerns us here is its rather mundane or secular application.

This brief post seeks to look at specific examples found in rather famous examples. We seek to generate contemplation within the reader, which, indeed, is one of the goals of scripture itself.

Taqwaa is shown in dealing with others:

Allah, as being the Caretaker of the universe, has no need of sustenance from any of his creatures. Indeed, Allah is not "fed" in any means. Some imagine that religious rituals are needed by God for actual sustenance, an idea that has been advanced not only by ancient philosophical tangents, but by popular culture as well. (ft.#1). The truth of the matter is that rituals such as the daily salaah (prayers) are actually for our benefit, in that they connect us to the Allah, as well as serving as a reminder of Divine principles, thus placing internal limits on the violation of those principles. (ft.#2).

The Qur'an says "O Humanity, have taqwaa of Your Caretaker, who has created you all from a single soul, created from it it's made, and has made from them both to emerge multitudes of men and women. Have taqwaa of Allah, through whom you seek (rights) as well as the (establishment of) family ties. Indeed, Allah is ever watchful over you." (Q 4:1)

So, we see here that taqwaa is having awareness of God's care for his creation, and awareness of his Omnipresence. Awareness is demonstrated by acting in a good, just way, with those others created by the same God. 

Taqwaa demonstrated by looking at the big picture.

While popular depictions of taqwaa is seen as individual piety, the Qur'an has given a somewhat different picture, a painting that only becomes visible through the lenses of contextual studies. 

" O you who have faith! Have proper taqwaa of Allah (Haqqa Tuqaahihi) and die not except as submissive to him (Wa Laa Tamuutunna illa wa antum Muslimoon)" (Q 3:102).

While the verse alone easily demonstrates its call towards looking at bigger picture priorities, the context demonstrates this in a thorough fashion.  If we start from Q 3:98, it shows the pitfalls that the people of scripture entered into, by denial and altering of the Divine message for sectarian or political reasons, that Muslims are to avoid that acknowledging that God has sent forth scriptures and prophets other than that received by the Muslims, that holding firm to the pure scripture and putting aside personal squabbles in order to strive in Allah's cause represents caring for the bigger picture ( see Q 3:98-109).

Seeing the bigger picture is also demonstrated by those who reject racism, sexism and destructive tribalism (Q 49:13). 

Taqwaa demonstrated by careful speech and actions.

Finally, the Qur'an says "O you who have faith! Have taqwaa of Allah and communicate clearly. He will rectify for you your actions, and forgive you your sins, and whomsoever obeys Allah and his Messenger, achieve a mighty achievement." (Q 33:70-71)

Here, we have that clear communication skills are demonstrative of proper taqwaa. Indeed, from historical as well as anecdotal evidence, we have seen how those inspired by Islam have taken it upon themselves to become better at communication skills! Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) had copied by hand the entire English dictionary, improved his handwriting skills, while serving a prison sentence, and, despite very little formal education, went on not only to represent the Nation of Islam(NOI) in media, but in academic settings as well. His impact on American life is well-known. (ft.#3). 

Indeed, while working in the corrections system, I came to know an inmate who had accepted Islam shared that he had to work hard to rid himself of unhealthy attitudes, and that Islam had inspired him- someone serving a long prison term who had virtually no reading abilities, to teach himself how to read English, but also Arabic and Urdu languages!

This text is not limited to communication skills in the above senses. It is showing us that there should be no ambiguity in communication, that clarity is needed in order to avoid confusion, especially in dealing with other human beings.  Muhammad Asad points out in his comments the following "The expression Qawl Sadid signifies, literally " a saying that hits the mark" i.e. is truthful, relevant and to the point." ( The Message of the Qur'an, 1980, pg.652)

Another way of looking at the aforementioned text is that one's "speech" is not (simply to be) verbal, but rather by actions. Taqwaa guides the lips as well as the hands. If taqwaa guides those two, it results in God actually fixing one's situations and delivering forgiveness and success. 

It should be noted that these verses are traditionally recited in the wedding ceremony and are similarly often cited in the Friday prayer sermon (khutbah).  They are appropriate occasions for the reminders these verses contain. May Allah make us among those who have taqwaa. 

Footnotes

(1)  Greek mythology is filled with examples of literally "feeding" the objects of worship, and to a certain extent this still is done within Hinduism, in which rice offerings are left at the idol. Popular cultural references include the Science fiction TV program called Stargate SG-1, which depicted one alien race (known as the Go-a'uld) who had a parasitical relationship with their human worshipers, as well as another race (known as the ORI) who actually were sustained through the prayers of their followers!   

(2) The Qur'an says, for example, that the remembrance of God and prayers function as empowering the people of faith, as well as "forbidding immorality and repugnant actions" Q 29:45.

(3)        Countless books, documentaries, and popular films   show these facts regarding Malcolm X, in both his pre-NOI and Sunni Muslim life. I suggest reading his famous rendering The autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley.                                                                                                                                               

Study notes : Soorah Al Hijr [Qur'an 15:10-30]

[ Note: The following are some reflections on texts from the fifteenth Soorah of the Qur'an. We have examined the first ten verses, available at http://shamsuddinwaheed.blogspot.com/2017/07/study-notes-brief-thoughts-on-quranic.html. The English translation has not been given, unless otherwise stated, allowing the reader to look up the translation of their choice.]

[15:10]

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ فِي شِيَعِ الأَوَّلِينَ

As stated in our previous article, just as God's message has been ever consistent, the response of the leadership of rejection [A-immah al Kufr] has, likewise, been consistent. Ever demanding of what amounts to little more than magic tricks, diminishing the real import of the Divine imperative.


[15: 11-15]

‏وَمَا يَأْتِيهِم مِّن رَّسُولٍ إِلاَّ كَانُواْ بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِؤُونَ
كَذَلِكَ نَسْلُكُهُ فِي قُلُوبِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَقَدْ خَلَتْ سُنَّةُ الأَوَّلِينَ
وَلَوْ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَابًا مِّنَ السَّمَاء فَظَلُّواْ فِيهِ يَعْرُجُونَ
لَقَالُواْ إِنَّمَا سُكِّرَتْ أَبْصَارُنَا بَلْ نَحْنُ قَوْمٌ مَّسْحُورُونَ

If one were to read other places within the Qur'an or even the Christian Bible ( Matthew 16:1, Luke 11:16], this basic pattern is the same.

Notice here in verse 12 that the "hearts of the criminals" is said to have been corrupted, so that they cannot and will not change. This assertion has been given repeatedly in the Qur'an [see 2: 7-17 for a clear series of examples]. It is important to remember that "Mujrimeen" [Criminals] and Kaafireen [Rejectors] are terms referring to the same reality. In other words, these are synonymous expressions, and are referring to the A-immah al Kufr. They reject the signs of Allah with all sorts of excuses.

[15:16-18]

وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِي السَّمَاء بُرُوجًا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا لِلنَّاظِرِينَ
وَحَفِظْنَاهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ رَّجِيمٍ

إِلاَّ مَنِ اسْتَرَقَ السَّمْعَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ مُّبِينٌ
There are similar passages in the Qur'an. One example reads: " The Adorned Sky, adorned with heavenly bodies [Kawaakib]...rebellious devils  being unable to get a full hearing of Al Mala' Al A'laa ( high assembly), chased away by a burning flame." ( Q 37:6-10).

It is popularly imagined that these verses are referring to Shayateen being chased away from the gathering of angels in an heavenly assembly by a comet.

Looking at context, and after many years of pondering upon these set of Ayaat, this writer is of the view that the text is not talking about the sky, but rather, about the Qur'an itself!

In other words, criminally minded folks, be they with a "Muslim" name or a "Non Muslim" name, with wrong-headed interpretations of the Qur'an eventually gets discovered, and any success they have will be short lived.

It does not matter if those engaged in wrongful or deliberate misrepresentations are from the Khawaarij( ft.1) of old or their modern day manifestations in the form of ISIS, or if they are from the Right-wing bigots posting video commentary, they eventually become discovered and their misrepresentation will not hold long term traction.

It is interesting to note here that The Prophet Muhammad Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam is reported to have said "My Ummah will not agree upon that which is misguidance". [Tirmidhee]

In other words, while elements of deviance and disagreement will always be in the Muslim community, as with any community, the core principles and teachings are all agreed upon. For Muslims, that agreement is manifested in things from the same prayer, same scripture, same pillars, and so forth.

If the vast majority are saying, for example, that the sex slavery reportedly practiced by ISIS is incorrect, and that terrorism is contrary to religious ethics, that should be an evidence that it is the vast majority got it right!

[15:19-20]


‏وَالأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مَّوْزُونٍ

وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ وَمَن لَّسْتُمْ لَهُ بِرَازِقِينَ



The Qur'an is from the one who has made the Earth, and provides for all. Allah's provision reaches all things. We invite a reader to go to a zoo, or to a community garden, and have the custodians explain the processes of farming and gardening, the reader will reach the conclusion that God provides for all.

Revelation is often connected to the natural world.

"The Merciful [God], Teacher of the Qur'an, He created humanity, He taught man articulate expression. The Sun and The Moon operate on a course predetermined." [Q 55:1-5]

"Read! In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot, Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who teaches by means of the Pen, teaches man what he did not know." [Q 96:1-5]

[15:21-24]

وَإِن مِّن شَيْءٍ إِلاَّ عِندَنَا خَزَائِنُهُ وَمَا نُنَزِّلُهُ إِلاَّ بِقَدَرٍ مَّعْلُومٍ
وَأَرْسَلْنَا الرِّيَاحَ لَوَاقِحَ فَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء فَأَسْقَيْنَاكُمُوهُ وَمَا أَنتُمْ لَهُ 
بِخَازِنِينَ
وَإنَّا لَنَحْنُ نُحْيِي وَنُمِيتُ وَنَحْنُ الْوَارِثُونَ
وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَقْدِمِينَ مِنكُمْ وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْنَا الْمُسْتَأْخِرِينَ 



The source of the Qur'an, as well as for provison of all, is God, The All-Knowing.

The Qur'an functions as a clarifier [See Q 27:76 for example] and does so particularly on issues relating to God concept [see Q 2:255, 24:35, and 112:1-4], contrasting to the views of some religions, which depict God in language suggesting 'resting' [Genesis 2:2] or that God is the knower of headlines, not small details [ such as in the Hindu sect Brahman Kumaris]

[!5:25]

وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ إِنَّهُ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ

An obvious reference to the day of Judgement. It is important to note here that this is a fundamental Islamic teaching. If one denies that there will be a time in which one is held accountable before Allah, that person has a defective understanding of the faith.

[15:26-27]

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ
وَالْجَآنَّ خَلَقْنَاهُ مِن قَبْلُ مِن نَّارِ السَّمُومِ

The Nation of Islam [NOI] uses these verses, as well as some other texts [although they tend to use Biblical allusions more] to support a racist interpretation.

Their belief system includes a story that Whites were created by an evil Black Scientist named Yacub. In essence, according to them, Whites are actually Non Human!(Ft.2)

"And Indeed, We [Allah] have created humanity from Salsaal, from Hamaa-in Masnoon."

Salsaal: "Dried clay that emits a sound when struck". The Qur'an translator and commentator Muhammad Asad takes this to mean "an allusion to articulate speech..as well as the brittleness of his existence." [The Message of the Qur'an, 1980, Gibraltar]

Hamaa: "dark or black clay". This is found in Tafseer Al Jalalayn(ft.3]  as well as other Tafaseer.

Masnoon: "Shaped into human form, hollowed out"(ft.4)

Here, we have some matter-of-fact descriptions of human creation. Other verses highlight other items, such as blood and water.

These verses should not be read in a racial or racist way! Indeed, the Qur'an (Q 30:22) says that the different colors and languages exist by God's will, as evidence of his power and artistry, and Q 49:13, the most famous Quranic passage on issues involving race and tribe, says that his making people as different groupings allow for learning!

In other words, the interaction between the different human societies or sub-societies benefit all involved. Be it in food, music, clothing, any field.

It is also important to share the observation that those who seek racial division and advocate hatred based on color, language and the like, are people who have been influenced by devilish influences. It is the view and experience of this writer that such voices are power seeking, power hungry, irrational beings at their core, not in need of hatred, but of spiritual reformation.

Verse 27 tells us briefly about the creation of the Jinn, in contrast to that of humankind. It is imagined that Jinn are equal to Genies, made famous by legends and of course Disney movies. It is impossible to verify one way or the other most of those tales, so it is important to stick as much as possible to what is contained in the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah.

"Jinn" basically means "hidden". It is a life form or force whose reality we cannot fully grasp. It's nature is fiery, in contrast to the "pottery type" of nature humans have!

[15:28-30]
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلاَئِكَةِ إِنِّي خَالِقٌ بَشَرًا مِّن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ
فَإِذَا سَوَّيْتُهُ وَنَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِي فَقَعُواْ لَهُ سَاجِدِينَ
فَسَجَدَ الْمَلآئِكَةُ كُلُّهُمْ أَجْمَعُونَ

Iblees is made from the fire, he is a Jinn creature. He saw himself as superior to Adam, which is why he refuses to prostrate to Adam even though ordered by God to do so [15:30].

Iblees is not an angel, he was in angelic company, but he was a Jinn. Verse 29 tells us Allah breathed into Adam "My spirit", a referece to the breath of life.

Iblees-in a sense- is the first racist. The Quranic narrative is so strong, and here, looking at vv.26-27 before, it seems an even stronger evidence is being provided to show that those playing racial or nationalistic politics are actually playing from Satan's own playbook!

It is important not to fall into those traps. The Prophet said that among the signs of the nearing of Judgement day, one would find "Knowledge in low estimation, and an abundance of ignorance." (Yaqillul 'ilmu wa yaktharul Jahl].

The "Ignorance" spoken of in the Qur'an and Ahadeeth has many aspects. A good way to begin to understand what the texts speak of is to consider the age that preceded the Prophet's emergence on the Arabian peninsula. Idolatry and tribal wars, but also racism and tribalism [which Muslims call traditionally 'Asabiyyah].

The presence of the Prophet -upon whom be peace and blessings- as well as the Quranic revelation-did much to remove those diseases from the hearts of the Arabians of that time. "Muslims" should not have those issues anymore, but unfortunately we do!

Racism of all types exists, and is manifested in varying ways. Sometimes it is those proclaiming to be victims of racism that are, in fact, the biggest promoters of it!

If such folks claim an allegience to Islam, it is important for them to look inward rather than always playing the victim card. It is important to have one's faith and confidence in Allah and in Allah's words, above the calls of others. Islam is a faith that requires not only outward submission, but internal conformity to the Divine Imperatives!

Footnotes

[1] The Kharijies were an early extremist trend which emerged in Southern Iraq, roughly the same location ISIS as a movement came from. They were famous for their views that they alone possessed religious truth, and launched a bloody campaign for power. One of their members even killed the Prophet's own cousin, 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib, while the latter was praying in a Kufa, Iraq  Mosque [661 CE].

[2] It is possible that Elijah Muhammad [who records the Yacub account in his Message to the Blackman] meant for the account to be a dramatized social commentary, nonetheless, it has become a doctrinal teaching that still finds expression in today's NOI led by Minister Louis Farrakhan.

While it seems to this writer that Farrakhan has tried to distance himself from that rhetoric of the past, nonetheless commentaries on it still appears from time to time, composed by such persons as the late Tynetta Muhammad and Jabril Muhammad,  in his weekly publication, The Final Call. 

[3] Tafseer Al Jalalayn is a brief classical commentary, by two scholars carrying the same first name {Jalaluddin Al Mahalli in 1459 and his student Jalaluddin As Suyooti, his student, completing it is 1505}. The edition we have consulted is 2007, Damasus, Darul Kalam At-Teeb.

[4] Tafseer wa Bayaanu Kalimaat Al Qur'an, by the famed Egyptian scholar, Shaikh Hasanayn Muhammad Makhlouf (d. 1990]. The edition consulted is 2006, Amman, Daar Usaama.

Seal of the Prophets: examining the import of the Muhammadan light

"Muhammad is not the father of any of your males, however, he is the messenger of Allah, and the seal of the Prophets. And Allah is knowledgeable of all things." [Qur'an 33:40]

To my knowledge, there is no other text or message in any faith like that of the above mentioned ayah. While other faiths undoubtedly assign exclusive claims to salvation and use texts to support that belief [ft.#1], the Qur'an is the only scripture that uses the expression Khatm an Nabiyyeen, seal of the Prophets.




Muhammad is not the father of any of your males

This line is a bit deeper than expressing the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم only had daughters. It shows us that his message will never die out, nor is it bound by a specific group, sect or personality. Almighty Allah reminds the Prophet "Surely We [Allah] have given you [O Muhammad] 'Al-Kauthar'. So, pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Surely, the one who is hateful to you [O Muhammad] will have no legacy" [Qur'an 108:1-3].

He is a prophet or a messenger for the entire world, a sufficient guide, a mercy to all nations, so his reach is far and wide. In today's world, we see that, even though the Prophet, upon whom be peace, was an Arab, his followers are mostly Non Arab, Arabs themselves are a minority in the Muslim world.

So, if he is not a father of any males, if he is not bound by ethnic or time constraints, who is he? what is he?  "However, he is the messenger of Allah, the seal of the prophets".

He delivers the message and is himself the embodiment of that message. 

Umm al Mu'mineen 'A'ishaa Radee Allahu 'anhaa, when asked about the Prophet's character, replied "His character was the Qur'an" [Muslim]

""It is he who has sent among the Ummiyyeen [ The Arabs]  a messenger [ Muhammad] , relating to them his [Allah's ] signs, purifying them, teaching them the scripture and wisdom. And before that, they had been in a clear state of loss. And to others who have not yet joined them [this messenger and this Qur'an has come to likewise benefit them] .And he is the exalted, the wise. This is Allah's bounty, he gives to whom he wills. And Allah is the possessor of bounty, the magnificent." [Qur'an 62:2-4]

What does that message consist of?

[1] Ultimate unity of humanity  [Q 30:22, 49:13] [ft.3]

[2] Freedom of religion or conscious actually granted by God [Q 2:256,  18:29]

[3] Collective decision making [as opposed to dictatorship and oppression] a necessary element in running a society. [  Q 42:38-39]

[4] A method of solving marital problems [  Q 4:35]

[5] A just economic system, which includes the total abolition of Usury [  Q 2:275-281, 3:130, among other verses]


Islam finds its completion in the coming of the Prophet Muhammad - upon whom be peace and blessings-and in the scripture sent forth to him, the Glorious Qur'an. There is no need for a Rasool or a Nabi after him [Ft.4]. This format of completion was the Divine will and in accord with the Divine wisdom, which is precisely why the verse  ends "And Allah is knowledgeable of all things." The wisdom of Allah is often hard to see, especially right away, and especially when a spiritual diet of deep prayer and contemplation has been absent [ft.5]. But when we look at the message he came with- in detail and with open eyes- we find answers to all our issues, even if we don't like the answers. That message presents a vision of what God's earth should look like, it gives us general principles that can work anywhere, a source of blessing that benefits all humanity. May we benefit from that blessing, as truly none but the foolish reject blessings!

Footnotes

[1] An example of an exclusive claim to salvation is the Biblical statement " None  come to the father, except through me [Jesus].." [ John 14:6]

[2]  Arabs constitute only 20% of Muslims worldwide. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_world

[3] These Quranic verses show us that God intentionally made different skin colors, languages and cultures, so that humans can benefit from each other. 

[4] Muhammad is given the title of Rasulullaah [messenger of Allah] and Khatm an Nabiyyeen [seal of the Prophets]. The Risaalah [message] given to him is mainly preserved within the Qur'an itself, as this article cited. There is no need for any more. With that said, there has been attempts to explain these plain Quranic statements in a different way, in order to open the door for more claims, but these efforts have been quite unsuccessful. Elijah Muhammad [1897-1975] saw himself as "the messenger of Allah" to Black America [and even called one of his main books The message to the Blackman in America], teaching a doctrine of racial separation and a number of odd assertions, seemingly a mixture of ideas gleamed from the Bible, Islam, and freemasonry. Yet, upon the death of Elijah Muhammad, his son W.Deen Mohammed [known as Imam Warith Deen Mohammed] attained the leadership of his father's Nation of Islam and through a deliberate process led the organization to Orthodox Islam. The latter argued that this was the plan all along, even from the time of his father's teacher W.D. Fard [Fard Muhammad]- to have this process that would allow for the eventual acceptance by African Americans of Islam. So, while the followers of Imam W.D. Mohammed [who passed away in 2008] still have respect for his father, he is not seen as Allah's messenger.

 In recent years, in the Malay countryside, a man named Abdul Kahar Ahmad proclaimed himself a Prophet for the Malaysians [Rasul Melayu]. This only accomplished him being on the run for a number of years, eventually, he announced he was "retiring" from the job! 

Rashad Khalifa [ 1935-1990] claimed to be a messenger, he preferred to use the Farsi term [even though he was an Egyptian] Rasool-e- Khuda. He argued that he discovered a mathematical code within the Qur'an, his teachings developed to an eventual rejection of the Prophet's Sunnah in its entirety, that there was two "false insertions" in the Quranic text, among other things. Despite the great attention he received, and- after his death- the revival of grandiose claims by his followers on the internet, they don't have even a single physical place wherein they meet. 

Ghulam Ahmad  [1835-1908] is a most interesting figure. A prolific writer and poet in many languages, he emerged in India as a figure eventually claiming to be the second coming of Jesus and Mahdi in one person, eventually claiming a prophethood, albeit an inferior one [Zill-e- Nabi, in the shadow of Muhammad], still a follower of Muhammad.  His followers have interpreted "seal of the Prophets" to mean not the last, but the seal of approval for the prophet to come, meaning himself [Ghulam Ahmad]. [ see the Ahmadi translation The Holy Qur'an, 2003, edited by Malik Ghulam Farid, Islam international publications Ltd, London, page 911]. These claims have separated the Ahmadis from the wider Muslim world, and in Pakistan there is limited social relations between Ahmadis and Non Ahmadis. 

There is reason to believe that Ahmad was using metaphorical, sufi language that has been misunderstood, this is the argument used by some of Ahmad's early disciples such as Maulana Muhammad Ali, himself a prolific writer and translator of the Qur'an in English and Urdu. As a result, the Ahmadiyya sect divided into two camps, the latter one being founded by Maulana Muhammad Ali [the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha-at-e-Islami Lahore or Lahoris for short], still believing that Muhammad was indeed the final Prophet, and the Ahmadiyya movement in Islam, known  widely as the Qadianis, whose headquarters are now in London.  So it can be seen that these claims have done nothing but create confusion and fitnah whereever they emerge.

[5] Deep contemplation is an item needed to make correct decisions, especially in the spiritual realm. There are many Quranic verses and sayings of the Prophet that highlight this, one hadeeth has it that the Prophet said "Contemplating for a single hour is more useful than a year's worth of ritual worship" [Arabic: Tafakkuru Saa'atan Khayrun min 'Ibaadati Sanah.] [  Ibn 'Abbas, Bayhaqi].

A Christian theologian observes, about the Prophet " Muhammad is an example of a man who really made history when the time was ripe. In Arnold Toynbee's terminology, a 'challenge' was given; it was matched in the person of Muhammad by the 'response'" [ Hans Kung, Islam, past present and future, page 124, 2007 Oneworld publications, London.]  

Muslim Americans, what now? thoughts on the the impact of W.Deen Mohammed and the future

The death of Imam W.Deen Mohammed, long time fixture in the Muslim American community, sent shock waves nationwide, affecting not only his followers, but the wider Muslim community as well. He was widely seen as a source of stability and confidence for U.S.Muslims, particularly African-American Muslims, many of whom also saw in him a symbol of pride and independence.

His death has re-ignited interest in an oft-ignored African American Muslim community, and has also prompted questions as to the past, present and future image of Islam with a distinct American appearance.

Who was W.Deen Mohammed

Son of Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the 'Lost-found Nation of Islam' or simply Nation of Islam [NOI], a movement whose doctrines were a mixture of Islam, Christianity and a variety of race-based fictional accounts. It was founded in the days when discrimination and marginalization of Black Americans was a normal fact of life, also a time when various religious and political movements were vying for the Consciousness and loyalty of Blacks. Elijah Muhammad's interests were not religious alone. While he did view Christianity as a tool to put down Blacks, and Islam as a liberating religion for Blacks, he also had cultural, social and economic interests. He gave his followers the drive to be industrious, hard-working, and productive, opening a variety of restaurants, farms, and other business ventures. He advocated a rather unrealistis vision, complete separation of the races, that some land be set aside for Blacks only, for a Black nation!

It was this movement that produced well-known figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. Although marginalized in historical accounts, this movement, despite its clearly odd patch job of a theology, played an important role in both the African-American struggle for human rights and the establishment of Islam in American life.


Upon the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975, his son Wallace [also known as Imam Warith-Deen ] became the leader of the NOI, and almost immediatly embarked on a program that led in the direction of accepting Orthodox Islam. Prayer, fasting, uncompromising Monotheism, all ignored in the days of his father, became the norm for his supporters.

Eventually, W.D. Mohammed dissolved all organizational structures, having for himself essentially a symbolic presence only, with no direct control of his followers' affairs. His style had an unique American approach. He seems to have sought to allow Muslims to be Muslims, while at the same time be American! This is a different approach from other Muslim movements, which finds acceptance of all things Western anathema to Islam. He was among the first American Muslim figures to encourage voting, and his preferred style of dress was a suit and tie, rather than a Jalabiyyah.

Of course there were many issues we can disagree with him about, but his impact cannot be denied. He was a sincere worker for the Islamic cause, with a mind of his own.

The future

The passing of Imam W.D. Mohammed reflects the natural changing of the guard. No longer should religion revolve around personalities. That has also been a uniquely American experience, but in Islam our religion is suppose to be about obedience to God above all else, about the Qur'an, the words of God and acting in accordance with justice and fair-play.


Rather than circling around a leader, I think the Muslims will, and actually should, broaden their religious interests, pursuing for themselves the avenues of knowledge and building for themselves all the goodly things needed for their lives and the well being of their communities. This was very apparent to me at the funeral, which I attended, when I saw Minister Louis Farrakhan [ft.1]. It hit me that he was the only other prominent fugure from those past days still active, who himself carried a charisma that is felt by Muslim Americans of all shades and backrounds.


American Muslims are in the process of creating their own identity. Times have changed, and Islam is no longer seen as a protest movement among Blacks. It is spreading fast among Whites and Latinos. Together with second-generation Muslims from Arab and South Asian backrounds, we will create something new and unique.

Muslims here will create their own clothing, that will conform to Islamic requirements as well as Western styles, in the same way Baju Melayu in Malaysia and the Shalwar kameez for the unique identity of Subcontinent Muslims. The future is very promising.

We will ask our readers to respect this process, to participate in this process, contribute to it and do not denigrate the past. We have seen that with the passing of Imam Mohammed, many have taken the oppurtunity to attack his personal, theological and political positions. This is not the time for that, as all that will do is create unneeded enmity and hatred. We ask our readers to put aside differences and to remember the Islamic principle of not speaking ill of the dead, especially one whose good actions outweighted any [percieved] wrong ones.


Footnote

[1] Louis Farrakhan broke away from W.D. Mohammed upon the latter's acceptance of orthodox Islam, and revived the teachings and program of Elijah Muhammad.