Estimated reading time: 13 minute(s)
Originally published 10.23.14
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Source: FinalCall.com) – The Nation of Islam has called in forensic specialists and private investigators to look deeply into the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of the leader of the Nation of Islam’s study group here.
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Robert Dion Muhammad, the 39-year-old leader of the Nation of Islam’s Grand Rapids Study Group reportedly went missing in the waters of Muskegon State Park’s campground beach September 5th at approximately 5:30 p.m. According to Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler, his body was found the next day in Muskegon Lake in 28 feet of water. Details are sketchy but it has been reported that he struggled during an attempted swim back to a boat that was located approximately 50 feet offshore, went under water, and presumably drowned.
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“We intend to get to the truth of what happened to our brother,†said the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, who presided over the Islamic funeral prayer service known as the Janazah, speaking from the pulpit of the Deliverance Outreach Ministries church September 13.
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“Even though we are hurt because we don’t know exactly what happened,†the Minister continued, “we bear our pain with dignity and strength.â€
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Minister Farrakhan said whether it was a tragic accident as has been reported, or foul play involved, Allah (God), the giver of all life, already knows. If there is evil involved, Allah (God) will deliver a severe punishment and swift retribution.
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The Nation of Islam’s funeral ceremony is dignified and efficient. Minister Farrakhan explained that in Nation of Islam funerals, there are no elaborate and expensive floral displays, because it is preferable that flowers and accolades are given to individuals while they are alive, when they can enjoy their beauty, and the sentiments of those sharing them.Â
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There are no choirs singing, and brief words are spoken by the appointed spiritual leader, reinforcing the transitory nature of life and the importance of appreciating each day as a gift from God.
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“Every life is his and as the Sovereign Lord of all life, he can call us back to himself whenever he pleases,†said the Minister.
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Members of the Fruit of Islam served as pallbearers and carried the coffin out of the church placing it delicately in the hearse, as the women of the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class of the Nation of Islam escorted the family of Robert Dion Muhammad to the vehicles that would take them to the burial grounds. Dozens of cars in the funeral procession traveled through the streets of Grand Rapids arriving at the Oakhill Cemetery.
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The widow of Robert D. Muhammad, Sister Yreva, was visibly shaken, but with dignity and poise comforted her young children, with the help of relatives and the extended family of those who are members of the community. The two were married in 2000 and have eight children, four sons, Nioreh Dion (16), Solomon Isa (13), Toussaint Saalih (12) and Najm Sherrif (10), and four daughters, Nikah Hanan (8), Shahadah Qamar (6), Ilyasa Mashariq-Hajj (2), and Mizan Qaharra (5 months). Muhammad would have turned 40 on Saturday, September 6, the day his body was found by aquatic search crews.
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Minister Farrakhan delivered a brief prayer, and then those who loved and respected Robert Dion Muhammad proceeded to cover his casket with dirt and flowers. Then, the body was lowered to its ultimate resting place. The Minister shared final comforting words with the family and all who gathered.
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“I’m looking at his sons and his daughters and I can see in them that they will continue the work of their father, so it is not over. It has just begun, and you watch and see how God answers and he will. The Qur’an says he’s very swift at taking retribution. If they did anything evil, you can believe they will pay,†he said.
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Every person who spoke about Robert Dion Muhammad described him as a committed Muslim, husband and father who was always available to serve those in need. He had led the Grand Rapids Study Group since 2006. Many described how he would be reliably posted up at the corner of Eastern and Franklin—a busy intersection in Grand Rapids—making The Final Call newspaper available to the members of the community.
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Funeral director and licensed mortician Crystal Hardley, with over seventeen years of experience in the industry, believes it is a very good idea that the Nation of Islam has hired its own independent investigators and forensic specialists to look into the circumstances surrounding Robert Muhammad’s death. [READ MORE]
To SUPPORT THE MEMORIAL FUND for the family for Bro. Robert D. Muhammad click here http://www.gofundme.com/e81mu4 …he leaves behind his beautiful wife Yreva Muhammad and his 8 beautiful children the family is asking for your continued prayers and your donations. Money collected here will go to the immediate needs of his eight children we thank you in advance for your donation. Click here http://www.gofundme.com/e81mu4
