Nation of Islam

Nation of Islam flag

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BLACK MUSLIM WOMEN DRESSED IN WHITE APPLAUD ELIJAH MUHAMMAD DURING THE DELIVERY OF HIS ANNUAL SAVIOR'S DAY MESSAGE IN... - NARA - 556245

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Nation of Islam

The Nation of Islam (NOI) is a religious and political organization founded in the United States in 1930, with the aim of reviving the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of the African American community in the country. It promotes a form of Islam that is largely based on the teachings of Wallace Fard Muhammad and his successor, Elijah Muhammad. The organization has been controversial for its teachings on race, its interpretation of Islam, and its political advocacy.

History

The Nation of Islam was established in Detroit, Michigan, in 1930 by Wallace Fard Muhammad. Fard presented himself as a prophet and preached a message of black empowerment, urging African Americans to reclaim their heritage and to separate themselves from the wider American society, which he characterized as corrupt and dominated by whites. In 1934, Elijah Muhammad took leadership of the organization, further developing its doctrines and expanding its reach.

Under Elijah Muhammad, the NOI grew significantly, establishing mosques and schools across the United States. It also launched several economic ventures, including farms, restaurants, and retail businesses. The NOI's message of black pride and self-reliance resonated with many African Americans, particularly during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Beliefs and Practices

The Nation of Islam's teachings diverge in significant ways from mainstream Islam. It teaches that Allah appeared in the person of Wallace Fard Muhammad and that Elijah Muhammad was his prophet. The NOI also promotes a message of black empowerment, advocating for the separation of races and the creation of a self-sufficient black community.

Key beliefs include the inherent divinity of black people, the evil nature of white people, and the coming of a day of judgment against America for its racial injustices. The organization observes traditional Islamic practices, such as prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and charity, but interprets the Quran in a way that supports its unique doctrines.

Leadership and Structure

After the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975, his son, Warith Deen Mohammed, succeeded him and led the organization towards orthodox Islam, renaming it the American Muslim Mission. However, in 1978, Louis Farrakhan revived the original Nation of Islam, restoring its original beliefs and practices. Farrakhan has been a controversial figure, known for his charismatic leadership and his inflammatory rhetoric, which has been widely criticized as racist and anti-Semitic.

The NOI is structured hierarchically, with Louis Farrakhan at the top as the leader. Below him are ministers who lead local mosques and communities across the United States. The organization also has various councils and groups that oversee different aspects of its operations, including education, health, and economic development.

Impact and Controversy

The Nation of Islam has played a significant role in promoting black empowerment and civil rights, offering social programs and economic initiatives aimed at improving the lives of African Americans. However, its teachings on race, its interpretation of Islam, and its political stances have been sources of controversy and criticism.

Critics argue that the NOI's ideology promotes racism, sexism, and anti-Semitism. The organization's portrayal of whites as inherently evil and its characterization of Jews as manipulative and controlling have drawn condemnation from various quarters, including mainstream Muslim communities and civil rights organizations.

Conclusion

The Nation of Islam remains a significant, though controversial, organization within the African American community and the broader American religious and political landscape. Its emphasis on black pride, self-reliance, and social justice continues to resonate with many, even as its doctrines and practices invite criticism and debate.

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