Tag

children of the most high

Video: “Children of the Most High” 2019 Book Tour Recap

by Fudia Muhammad

WHAT A YEAR!!! APDTA??. So grateful for the blessings, struggles, trials and triumphs of 2019!!! THANK YOU to every single person in the Nation and beyond who purchased, read, shared, promoted and supported my book this year?. I’m so grateful! We’re definitely NOT DONE, but I wanted to give a special SHOUT OUT and show of gratitude to the Southwest Region. You really are the BEST!!!❤️❤️

#ChildrenOfTheMostHigh

(Sister Fudia Muhammad is a member of Muhammad Mosque No. 64 in Austin, Texas. She is married to Student Minister Robert L. Muhammad and they have been blessed with four children. Sister Fudia holds a Master’s degree in Education – she is a writer, an educator and an advocate for God-centered child-rearing. https://www.givebirthtoagod.com/)

February 10, 2020

Motivation

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: Gotta Love the Black man!

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

Once you discover who the Black man really is, all you can do is love him! The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said, “Whenever you look at a Black man, you are looking at God.”And who doesn’t love God? The Black man is a direct descendant of the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This means he is genetically coded to be a master and a ruler,born with the capacity to exercise force, power and influence wherever he goes. His divine ancestry is the critical link that makes him the ideal husband for the Black woman, the ideal father for Black children and the ideal head of his community and Nation. He possesses everything required to not just father children, but further them in the way of righteousness to fulfill their divine purpose.

Fudia Muhammad

Our enemy would like us to forget the potential of the Black man, but it’s impossible if we reflect on the past and keep our eyes keenly open in the present. This is a man who has survived the unspeakable and the unthinkable. The foul conditions in the holds of slave ships for weeks (and in some cases months) at a time, were no match for him. The brutal backbreaking labor of the cotton fields could not destroy him. He continues to endure police brutality, unjust laws, false imprisonment, medical experimentation and demonic stereotypes. Racism has caused him to be rejected and dejected in every corner of the globe. But we all know intuitively that no other group could suffer centuries of abuse and still exist, heal and thrive. Only a man chosen by God for greatness could keep going.

The Black man is indestructible and unconquerable! The enemy understands that every physical law has a spiritual counterpart. The law of physics states that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This same law is applicable to power and rulership. According to the Holy Qur’an, Satan was given a respite by Allah (God) until the day the righteous are raised. Satan is working overtime to see to it that the Black man is never raised in knowledge, wisdom, understanding and power. But God’s Will cannot be frustrated – after all, the Black man is God and he is chosen to restore all of humanity – take it or leave it! But, if we are paying attention, we will see signs every day that bear witness that the Black man is assuming his rightful status and soon everyone will have to submit to his divinely ordained leadership.

You have to love the Black man because his strength is in his connection to Allah (God). We got a glimpse of this on October 16, 1995 – a Monday – when nearly two million Black men gathered in Washington D.C. for the Million Man March, at the call of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. It was a day of Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility. It remains the greatest demonstration of peace, discipline, unity and strength, ever! It was proof that Black men have a natural gravitational pull to righteousness and desire to be good examples for their families and communities – they aspire to be like God.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “The greatest goal of all is to meet with, or to form a perfect union with, Almighty God Allah. When there is a perfect union with God and when we become one with our Creator, then the Attributes of God come right across our own personality and character, so that we become one with the Source of life, so that when you see the person, you are actually looking at God…If you can become one with the Creator, join with Him in a perfect union, which is a great struggle, then His Attributes, His own unique Personality, will impress Itself upon you and His own being will come across your being, so that you die, He lives, in you – through you. When they see you, they see Him, for you are in Him and He is in you.”

The Blackman’s manhood’s envied by those who could never be like him and a threat to those who benefit from white supremacy – but he is adored by those who know his rise is directly tied to their own. We can all see that the Black man is beautiful; a physical masterpiece. But that’s just a bonus – the truth is that the Black woman has no resistance to God. So, there is nothing more attractive to a woman of God than a righteous Black man who knows who he is because he knows the God that made him. When she sees God in a man, her greatest desire is to help that man fulfill his vision, his goals – his purpose. A man of God is most desired because he is a protector, a provider, and a maintainer – he is loyal, respectful and dependable. He fears no one and nothing, but God Himself; and is willing to fight, kill or be killed defending those he loves. He works daily to make sure that his family feels secure physically, mentally, spiritually and morally.

Encouragement is a powerful force. Black men need encouragement when they falter, but also when they are striving and succeeding. Encouragement not only stimulates and inspires, but it’s evidence to the receiver that ‘we see you’ and ‘we need you.’ The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “A man is a delicate creature more than he is willing to admit, and he needs care…” No one can care for a man or encourage a man like a woman – that’s her true nature. The Minister said, “The female is the second self of God…So when she comes into existence by His Will and Power, she doesn’t come into existence to fight Him. She comes into existence to honor Him and respect Him and serve Him and console and comfort Him, and that’s the nature of the female. You should look at yourself and really study yourself.”

We are so grateful to Allah (God) for every Black man who is striving to improve himself, his family and his community. All Black men need encouragement everyday – fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors, teachers, and leaders should be encouraged to keep making a positive impact in the lives of others. We are especially grateful for the Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.)because they are little saviors who should always be seen and honored as such. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad “produced a methodology to bring out of the Black man what God put in him.” The F.O.I. are proof that God came, and the methodology works. They are righteous and fearless. They engage our people, regardless of their condition, and offer them the same Teachings and discipline that led to their own reform. Their consistency and commitment are proof that Black people are chosen by God for a serious work. Their presence brings instant peace, order, focus and hope that a new day is coming.The F.O.I. make it easy – but every Black man deserves our love and encouragement, not just today, but everyday!

June 14, 2019

Motivation Perspective

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: The Science of Weaning

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

With most goals in life, we find greater success when we apply the principle of gradualism. Often, those things that are rushed or done haphazardly in an attempt to seek the path of least resistance or attain immediate gratification, leave us still wanting, unfulfilled or even injured. Gradualism is defined as, “the slow, moderate and measured changes that happen within an organism or society to make a better environmental fit for animals and humans.” This principle is applicable to the nursing mother whose baby has reached the age where he needs to be transitioned or “weaned” off of mother’s milk. Weaning, when done properly is slow and gradual so that both mother and baby are given the adequate time to adjust and neither has to experience any physical or emotional distress.

Fudia Muhammad

According to the Holy Qur’an, women are encouraged to suckle (breastfeed) their babies for two whole years (2:233). Interestingly, the Qur’an also reads that the process of weaning takes two years (31:14). Yet, in another verse, it reads, “His mother bears him with trouble and she brings him forth in pain. And the bearing of him and the weaning of him is thirty months…” (46:15). Are these verses contradicting each other? Absolutely not! When we understand the science of weaning and the principle of gradualism, we recognize that the weaning process actually begins at the onset of breastfeeding. And the production of milk begins during pregnancy.

After a mother gives birth and the placenta is expelled, her mammary glands respond by immediately supplying and releasing a substance called colostrum. Colostrum not only provides nourishment for the baby, but it protects the baby against infection and disease because it has an abundance of antibodies, white blood cells, proteins and vitamins. At this point the newborn will nurse every 1½ to 3 hours. Approximately 2 to 4 days later the production of colostrum transitions to mother’s milk. When breastmilk comes in, it is unmistakable to the mother because of the dramatic fullness of her breasts. Mother’s milk can come in with such abundance that if the mother does not nurse her baby frequently her breasts can become engorged and this can be quite painful. So newborn babies will easily nurse 8 to 12 times per day. Babies rarely if ever will nurse as often as they do when they are newborns. By one or two months of age, an exclusively breastfed baby will now nurse about 7 to 9 times per day. Hence, the process of weaning has already begun in early infancy without the introduction of solid food.

In his book, How to Eat to Live – Book I, The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad wrote, “When you are able to start feeding them [babies] on solid food, give them weak [navy] bean soup – not the highly seasoned, strong soup that you eat. You also can start them out with orange juice and mashed apples. This is done whenever you think the baby is able – after he is about three months old. This depends on the health of the baby and its age.”

We should not introduce any solid food to our babies before three months of age. Babies can often go six months without any solid food at all! The introduction of solid foods is a big part of the continuation of the gradual weaning process. Although breastmilk should still be the babies staple food, a small serving of solid food should replace 1 to 2 feedings of breastmilk. Though the term partial weaning is often used to refer to this part of the process, it is misleading because at a certain age every nursing baby or toddler is partially weaning or partially breastfeeding since at some point milk alone is not sufficient. Weaning is a continuous nonstop process that does not cease until the very last feeding from the breasts. The key to success is incremental steps.

When the baby approaches one year of age, this is the midway point for those who choose to nurse for the recommended two years. At this point our baby is stronger and certainly more mobile. A one-year-old should definitely be beyond nighttime feedings. And though every child is different, sometime between 12-months to 18-months of age he should be eating at least two meals during the daytime hours with breastmilk now gradually serving as a supplement, not the staple – especially if the staple is navy beans. During this time period approximately 60% of the baby’s nutritional intake should come from solid food and 40% from breastmilk.

It is important to mention that gradual weaning is also very important for both the physical and emotional health of the mother. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan stated, “When baby nurses from mother’s breast, there is satisfaction for the child, not only in the stomach, but in the mind. As the baby is physically fed, the act of nursing produces a chemical reaction in the brain of the child, resulting in contentment. This is manifested in the peaceful countenance you see on a nursing child as it drinks. There is also chemical reaction in the mother’s brain and satisfaction for her as she obtains both relief and pleasure as the milk that fills her breasts is drawn out.” After being physically attached to her baby for nine months during pregnancy and then physically bonded to her baby for two years through breastfeeding, it is not easy for the mother to detach. But what makes it easier for her is if she does not have to stop nursing abruptly.

As the baby approaches two years of age, we have to start doing some math. It takes 2-3 days for a woman’s body to adapt to missing just one feeding. However, more time should be allowed for both mother and baby to adjust to no longer being able to physically bond through the act of nursing. For example, if your 22-month-old is nursing four times a day and the mother would like to stop breastfeeding at exactly 24 months (2 years), then allow eight weeks to complete the weaning process. Drop to only breastfeeding exactly three times a day for the first two weeks. The next two weeks breastfeed only two times each day; followed by only breastfeeding once a day for the following two weeks. Then, for the next seven days breastfeed only once every other day. Finally, the last week the baby will nurse once every third day for a total of two feedings, and after that will never nurse again.

It may be necessary for the mother to manually express her milk each time she skips a feeding so that she can be physically comfortable. However, if weaning is gradual, this should not be necessary for long because the less a mother nurses her baby, the less milk she will produce. This is an example of mother-led weaning. Keep in mind that if the mother does not initiate the weaning process, this will lead to extended breastfeeding – beyond two years. It is not necessary to continue to breastfeed beyond what Allah (God) recommends. There are no additional benefits to breastfeeding beyond two years, in-fact we could inadvertently have a negative impact on our child’s social and physical health.

Another factor to be mindful about is the fact that a small percentage of babies will self-wean before two years of age. This is rare, but it does happen. It is important for the mother to make sure that the factors contributing to the baby’s lack of desire to nurse are not health or diet related. For example, the baby may be teething; or he may have a minor illness, like an ear infection. If this is the case it could be confused with self-weaning. Any drastic changes in the mother’s diet or hormonal shifts like menstruation or ovulation resuming could affect the mother’s milk chemistry. Anything that the mother puts on her skin (soap, lotion, deodorant, perfume) can impact her body chemistry and can alter the milk; or the aroma could be off-putting to the baby. If none of these or similar changes has occurred, then the baby is signaling to his mother that he no longer has a need for her breastmilk, and he can transition to unaltered, pure whole cow’s milk.

The only time we should abruptly stop breastfeeding our babies is in extreme emergencies where the health of the mother requires medication that is not safe for her baby or she is expecting another baby and continuing to nurse could harm the new life. Outside of situations such as these, the slower the weaning process, the better for both mother and baby.

June 3, 2019

Perspective Top News

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: A Girl Child Ain’t Safe in a Family of Men

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

[This article was originally written and posted on December 18, 2017. However, in light of the devastating news about yet another innocent little girl, Maleah Davis, who is presumed dead, at the hands of – or due to the negligence of a man who should have been her protector, we revisit the unfortunate reality of abuse, abandonment, and molestation in our community. This article offers a code of conduct as well as practical tools and guidelines, which if implemented will help to keep our precious daughters physically and emotionally safe from predators.]

Fudia Muhammad

The 1985 epic movie, The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s novel of the same title, had no shortage of memorable scenes and dialogue. Right up there at the top is the unforgettable confrontation between Sofia (portrayed by Oprah Winfrey) and Celie (portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg). As you may recall, Sofia was livid and hurt that Celie would tell her husband, Harpo, to beat her as a way of keeping her in check; more subdued. Sofia approaches Celie fuming with rage and exclaims, “You told Harpo to beat me! All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy; I had to fight my uncles; I had to fight my brothers. Girl child ain’t safe in a family of mens [sic] But I ain’t never thought I’d have to fight in my own house. I loves Harpo – God knows I do…but I’ll kill him, dead, before I let him beat me…”

This movie is based on a fictional storyline, set in America’s racist rural south, during the early 1900s; but the issue of incest that lingers throughout the tale is not fictional at all. There is no country, community, religion, income-level, status or race that has not been affected by the devastating impact of rape and incest. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad was concerned enough about the potential for incest that he told the Sisters in the Nation of Islam not to leave their daughters alone with their fathers. Most of us, when we hear this for the first time, probably react the same way the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan did when his wife first informed him of those instructions. He said that he became upset. As a father, who loved his sons and daughters, he was very offended – he even thought someone was lying on Mr. Muhammad and that some “crazy” sister in the women’s class made it all up.

It is completely understandable for a protective doting father, who would never think of abusing his daughter, to be initially offended by anyone saying that he should not be alone with his own flesh and blood. However, it did not take long for the Minister to understand the reality of sexual molestation in our community and why it was necessary for the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to give out such a directive. We cannot be more concerned about sparing someone’s feelings than we are about protecting our precious daughters. It is not difficult to get over a bruised ego – but only God can completely restore a woman who suffers from the abuse she endured as a child. The primary goal is the protection of our daughters and the preservation of their innocence and chastity.

In his lecture, The Sin of Child Molestation, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “I know what you think, brothers, especially if you’re a good person…Sometimes, brothers, you are good, and the thought never enters your mind and God has to make a rule taking into consideration the total society. And we should obey it, not because we need it; but for the weak one in the society that needs it.”

As it was made evident in Sophia’s case, we know that these instructions must extend beyond fathers. Every effort should be made not to leave our girls alone with any male – family or otherwise. Unfortunately, our natural God-centered mind is being overcome by a sick pleasure-seeking mind that is corrupting the innocence of our young girls, daily. The fastest way to destroy our future is to abuse children. It only takes a moment in time to ruin the hope, potential and countless successes destined in the span of someone’s lifetime. As mothers, we are charged by God to be watchful, vigilant protectors of our children; and though the choices we make may appear to be extreme to others, enacting this discipline plants the seed that will help our girls to one day protect themselves.

They may not articulate it in this manner, but the thought is: “If I can’t be alone with my own father, nobody else stands a chance.” Not permitting our daughters to be alone with men in general, including their father, inoculates them against a feeling of ease and peace when found alone with a man. Since she is not accustomed to being in this type of situation, it should make her uncomfortable enough to rebel and seek to remove herself.

There are a few additional, yet simple and very effective instructions that we are taught to implement in our homes to provide added protection for our girls. As followers of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the guidance and leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan; we do not permit our girls (or our boys) to sit in a man’s lap. It matters not the relationship – our children sit with their mother or in a chair. We deal with science and nature; not with the fact that someone is “supposed” to know better. Clearly, too many men do not care to do what they know is right or else rape, incest and molestation would not be so prevalent. The male is easily stimulated by sight and touch. And a man whose mind is not wrapped in God may act on an impulse.

We also do not permit our husbands (or other males) to bathe our daughters or even change their diapers – that role is exclusively for mother. And this practice that we are now seeing, where parents are bathing/showering with their children is completely inappropriate! We are not to expose our own naked or half naked bodies around our children of the opposite sex after they have reached the age of two. The Holy Qur’an states that we may only display our adornments to “children who know not women’s nakedness.” We should not even bathe our children together. In the name of saving time and/or water; we are exposing our children to habits that were once rightly considered taboo. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said that adults, as well as children, need space and privacy. He said that boys and girls should not share a bedroom and certainly, they should not share the same bed. Girls must have their own bedroom.

In addition, modest clothing should be worn at home as well as in the public. Every little girl in a family of men should own a robe and have decent night clothes that cover her developing body. These days, the onset of puberty is starting younger and younger due to our poor eating habits and the enemy’s tampering with the food and water supply. As we mentioned, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has daughters; and he said that after the age of two, he never saw as much as his daughters’ legs. Their wonderful, diligent mother made sure that they were always covered in the presence of their father and brothers. What a great example for us all!

This is the ideal way of life that we must actively strive to attain. Yes, there will be exceptions, such as single fathers and emergencies or other situations that may prevent a perfect practice. But we must work to make this way of life the norm and not an anomaly. When our children are away from us, it is necessary that we assess them, physically and mentally for any signs of tampering. If we see ANY indication of such a violation, we must move heaven and earth until we expose the culprit, whoever he may be.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “This means that we (men) must help in the production of a righteous woman. As men, we must know that the little girls that come into this world come in pure and we as husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, and cousins must commit ourselves to protect the purity of females that we come in contact with, particularly fathers, uncles, and brothers, for, oft-times it is family members that are destroying the virtue of our young girls.”

In 2016, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan gave this divine warning on the popular New York based radio program, The Breakfast Club: “In our world (of Islam) the penalty for abusing women and children is death. And unless we are willing at some point to kill those who rape our women; to kill those who destroy our children – that’s going to come. Not now, because you have to be taught first and given a chance to reform your life. But you are not going to live among us and carry out that crap and not pay for it…I hope we never will have to do that.”

May 27, 2019

Motivation Perspective

Motherhood and The Truth About Postpartum Depression

written by AQM Blog Staff

Hurt to Healing Exclusive with Fudia Muhammad

Source: https://hurt2healingmag.com/motherhood-the-truth-about-postpartum-depression/

Ebony S. Muhammad (EM): First, I must congratulate you on your first and newly published book “Children Of The Most High: Giving Birth To A God & The Science Of Child Rearing” and your current book tour! How has the response been and how has it been being on tour with this unique approach to a topic like motherhood?

Fudia Muhammad (FM): All praise is due to Allah (God)! Wow, thank you so much, Sister Ebony – the response has been so wonderful, I am truly grateful! The book was released on March 28, 2019 and the excitement from others about its release was immediate and overwhelming. We are just getting started on the book tour, so we have only completed three cities out of the seventeen stops currently scheduled, but with each location, the response has only been positive and encouraging.

There is nothing like having an unrelenting passion for something, growing it to a vision; going to work to make that vision a reality, and then it gets taken to another level because your Brothers and Sisters support you in that effort. But I have to say, the most thrilling aspect of this entire experience is to be able to witness young people and those who are not familiar with this aspect of The Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, become completely rapt and intrigued by learning something so profound that they have never heard before. I am so grateful to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan for giving me that same experience as a new Believer when I heard his five-part lecture series, How to Give Birth to a God, for the first time!

EM: May is pinned as Mental Health Awareness Month as well as the month where the world is observing Mother’s Day. I thought we could combine both and discuss the topic of Postpartum Depression (PPD).

FM: Yes ma’am. It’s a very important topic and I would be happy to have that conversation.

EM: For those who are familiar with the term but unclear of what it means, can you please explain what postpartum depression is?

FM: Yes ma’am, certainly. Postpartum depression is an illness. It’s a mental illness that can build slowly or manifest instantly after a woman gives birth. It should not be confused with “baby blues,” which is a brief period of sadness, anxiety or frustration that some women experience after giving birth which has more to do with the dramatic and sudden shift of hormone levels. Baby blues only last for two to three days. However, with postpartum depression the symptoms are more intense and last much longer. Symptoms of depression that manifest within six months after giving birth and last for more than two weeks is likely postpartum depression.

The symptoms vary from woman to woman and range on a spectrum. Women may experience extreme mood swings: feelings of sadness, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, or anger. They may lose interest in those things that typically brought them joy, they may lack energy or motivation; which leads to feeling guilty, hopeless and worthless. Physically, women may experience excessive crying, insomnia, sleeping too often; or there can be a loss of appetite and extreme weight loss or weight gain. Women may also show very little interest in their new baby or can even feel that life is not worth living.

EM: What exactly causes PPD, and is it more prominent in some versus others? What determines whether one will experience PPD?

FM: Unfortunately, the exact cause of postpartum depression is unknown. We do know that all women experience dramatic changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy, which can certainly produce a chemical change in the brain. However, some women are able to navigate that shift better than others. So, there are many factors involved. But, based on the physical health of the mother before and during pregnancy, her family history of depression and other mental illnesses, her current family dynamics and her level of stress during pregnancy may predetermine which women are more heavily inclined to experience postpartum depression.

According to mental health experts, postpartum depression is most likely to occur if the woman has previously experienced any type of depression; if her pregnancy was unwanted; if her relationship with her spouse or the baby’s father is strained; if she does not have close family or friends to depend on; or if she is experiencing financial difficulties. Women may also be predisposed if they experienced severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS); if they experienced any stressful life changing events during pregnancy; if they had a difficult pregnancy, complications with labor and delivery; or if their baby was premature or had any health problems.

EM: You are a mother of four amazing children; three boys and a girl. What are their ages? To the degree that you’re comfortable, please share what it was like regarding your experience overcoming PPD.

FM: All praise is due to Allah (God)! Yes, ma’am they are indeed a joy and a tremendous blessing – I am so grateful to Allah (God) for continuing to guide and protect them. My oldest son, Aquil, is 21; Rashad just turned 20; my daughter, Nadiyah, is 15; and little Halim is 7.

Wow, this is my first time sharing this with anyone outside of my family and a few of the Sisters in the MGT who were around at the time; but here we go.

I experienced postpartum depression after having my daughter. At the time, it seemed to come out of nowhere and it literally shook me because prior to my experience, I was so ignorant and judgmental about the whole thing. I always wondered: How could anyone be depressed after experiencing the majesty of childbirth; what’s wrong with these women? I didn’t even recognize right away what was happening and I certainly did not want to admit that what I was experiencing was in fact postpartum depression.

I didn’t recognize it because I always thought that postpartum depression meant you were suicidal, or you wanted to harm your baby, and neither was EVER a thought in my mind. I felt no detachment or resentment toward my daughter at all. In fact, because I was struggling mentally, I probably overcompensated with overt expressions of love, hoping that would shield her from my issues.

But there was no denying the physical and emotional symptoms. I was crying about everything – and I am one who is always smiling and happy. But I was so sad and overly anxious. I had no appetite, but I forced myself to eat because I was breastfeeding. I was jealous of my husband, who went to work everyday and had adults to talk to. And worst of all, I could not sleep – my mind raced all night long. The smallest issues seemed completely overwhelming. And my perception of how others viewed me was completely warped. My poor husband didn’t know what to do. He called my mother and she came running. Her physical presence and comfort helped each time she came, but it wasn’t enough to get me all the way back to myself.

My depression was triggered by two major changes in my life that took place near the end of my third pregnancy. I had been a member of the Nation of Islam for over eight years at that time and I served as the local Student MGT & GCC Captain for seven of those eight years. I chose to officially step down from this post during my maternity leave from the mosque because as the soon-to-be mother of three children under the age of six, I did not think I could balance it all and my children were my priority. Even though it was my decision to step down, I realized that my identity as a Muslim was tied to my post. I didn’t know how not to be in charge.

The second major change was that my husband and I bought our first house. We literally moved in three weeks before my daughter was born. I was so excited and relieved to be in a brand-new home; but in hindsight, a brand-new baby and a brand-new house was too much in too short a time span. Our home needed everything to get it in order and so did my baby.

There was a period of about three months where my symptoms were very intense and scary. Then gradually, due to a combination of real spiritual, mental and physical work, I could see that I was getting better with each week and month that passed. But if I am being honest it took nearly a full year before I could say with confidence that I had no signs of depression at all. I don’t know this for a fact, but it may have taken me so long because I did not seek any professional help.

EM: What key elements were significant to your successful rise through and above PPD?

FM: I want to be very careful here because what worked for me may or may not work for someone else. For some women, their symptoms are so severe that if they do not seek professional help, it could lead to postpartum psychosis and real attempts to hurt themselves or their newborn.

I was blessed to be a student and follower of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the leadership and guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. What that meant was that even during the worst moments of my depression I was fully conscious and aware of the reality of God and I never doubted that He would in fact get me through. I knew that I was in the midst of a severe trial and that Allah (God) had the power to help me through it.

I remember at the time, I kept meditating on words I had recently heard from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan…He said that when we go through a severe trial, it will either make us better or worse; but we will not remain the same. Well that was it for me. There was no way I was going to be worse so I was determined to deal with some painful things so I could get better. I knew from The Teachings that at the root of my depression and all depression is ingratitude. My ingratitude was exacerbated by comparing myself to others, having irrational fears and not feeling appreciated.

Taking medication was not something I was willing to do because I was breastfeeding, and I did not trust the long-term side-effects on my mind and body. And unfortunately for me, at the time, I was ignorant to the value of essential oils, teas, herbs and other naturopathic healing remedies. If I had known a psychologist who was also rooted in the Teachings, I would have gladly seen him or her; but the last thing I was going to do was trust the enemy with my private thoughts.

So, I began writing when I couldn’t sleep. I jotted down all of my thoughts so I could address them one by one at a later time. Every time something came to my mind, I wrote it down. The act of transferring my thoughts to paper allowed me to fall asleep!

Though it was so painful at the time, I now know it was a blessing that I couldn’t hold anything in, all my stuff was coming out. I had atonement sessions with some family members and Believers that I had both real and perceived conflicts with and felt lighter and freer with each completed session. I talked to my husband about all my insecurities, irrational fears and weaknesses so that he wouldn’t unknowingly say or do something that would trigger them. I literally could not handle hearing about his day at work for a long time.

I made sure to make myself exercise with regularity because I always immediately felt better afterward. It was a struggle, but I went through the motions of keeping up with my obligations at home and at the mosque until it was no longer a struggle. I had to force myself to put one foot in front of the other every single day. Thankfully, I never stopped praying. I was very aware that I could not get through this without Allah’s (God’s) help and I could feel Him healing me. It was as if every lecture I listened to by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan was tailor made for me and my current state; so, I kept feeding on his words.

EM: What should women know about the likelihood of PPD ahead of conception, while they’re expecting and after they give birth that may not be common knowledge?

FM: They should not be afraid or overly concerned about having postpartum depression, but they should definitely be aware of the possibility of it. We are taught that every physical law has a spiritual counterpart. Therefore, we cannot prepare the body for pregnancy and neglect the mind and the spirit. Issues on the spiritual and mental plane often manifest physically. Seek a healthcare practitioner that focuses on holistic health, healing the whole being (mind, body, spirit). Focus on seeking balance in these areas before conception, during pregnancy and postpartum.

EM: I was with a postnatal massage client who recently gave birth and said she thought PPD was normal and was the only way to feel after having children. How would you respond?

FM: That’s really sad and unfortunate that she feels that way because it means she has not had the pleasure of experiencing the pure elation and joy of bringing life into the world. It may be common, but it certainly is not normal to be depressed after childbirth. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said the brain was created to think right. When we are depressed, the brain is not doing what it was created to do. Postpartum depression is a sign of mental or chemical imbalance. I did not experience any depression or prolonged sadness during three of my four pregnancies, so I know for a fact that it is not the only way to feel.

EM: To those currently battling PPD and feel as though they are losing the fight, what words do you have for them?

FM: Allah (God) can never be left out of the equation. Go to Him first and not last. No matter how impossible a situation may appear to you; it’s easy for Allah (God). He is possessor of power over ALL things. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan reminds us that when we pray to Allah (God) we cannot have any doubt that He will answer our prayers. Pray and then get the help you need. That may mean getting professional help; going to therapy and even getting your chemical levels balanced (naturally). Reach out for help and do not give up. This is a mental illness that can be overcome.

EM: Is there anything else you would like to add?

FM: Allah (God) fashioned us with the capacity to handle all trials, misfortunes and challenges. He is Merciful in that way. He does not give us more than we can handle. Do not be afraid of the process that may lead to a better you. If Allah (God) did not manifest our defects, we would not know they exist. And if we are not aware of their existence, we cannot correct them. So, trials purify, and purification brings us closer to oneness with God; which should be our ultimate goal. How else can we bear witness to the reality of God and His power to save if He does not send us through a severe trial that only He can get us out of?

May 13, 2019

Motivation Perspective

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: 7 Ramadan Goals for Children

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

The Holy Month of Ramadan is anticipated to commence on the evening of Sunday May 5, 2019, which means the first day of fasting will begin on Monday May 6, 2019. Ramadan takes place during the 9^th month of the lunar calendar year. Each year, approximately 1.8 billion Muslims all over the world observe this Holy Month by fasting (abstaining) from food and drink during the daylight hours. This sacrifice is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty and is free from health conditions that would prevent them from fasting. In addition to fasting, Muslims are mindful to make their daily prayers; read the entire Holy Qur’an; increase charitable contributions; refrain from quarreling; commit no unscrupulous acts – and married couples do not engage in sexual intercourse during the daylight hours. Nearly one-quarter of the world’s population will unite and observe this strict discipline for 30 days.

Fudia Muhammad

The Holy Qur’an reads, “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard against evil” (2: 183). This verse addresses those who “believe.” A Muslim is simply one who submits his or her will to do the Will of Allah (God). So, the principles of Ramadan are not exclusive to those who identify as Muslims, it’s for all those who choose to submit to the Will of God. We could argue that every Black man and woman by nature is a Muslim. But regardless of our labels, every believer in God should desire to guard against evil; so, we invite and encourage all of our Brothers and Sisters to join us every year for a beautiful month of fasting and prayer.

Children who are too young to abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours, do NOT have to be excluded from receiving the tremendous reward gained from self-imposed discipline. Below we list seven ways in which younger children can participate and benefit during this month. These are only suggestions. It is advised to first have a conversation about them with your children, then implement some – or all. Each goal should be adjusted as needed so it’s age-appropriate. We pray that all will be encouraged to make every Holy Month of Ramadan a family affair!

One good deed a day / Charity: Now this is a worthy goal that can be accomplished at almost any age. Every religion and even those who claim to be agnostic believe in the “Golden Rule” – or variations of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is never too early to teach and train our children to be kind and considerate of others. There is no greater deed than one that has a direct positive impact on another person, but they are not limited to this. Good deeds or acts of kindness are boundless, but if children need a jumpstart, be sure to offer suggestions. Anything from picking up trash in the neighborhood to giving their sibling a compliment; or making a “thank you” card for their teacher, to completing an unassigned chore, are all considered good deeds. Monetary charity, clothes or toys can also be donated to a worthy cause. Charity can also be expressed through volunteering one’s time to feed the hungry, keep company with the elderly, or visit with children who are ill. At the end of each day, make time for each child to share their good deed for the day and its impact.
Prayer: Prayer is a pillar of Islam second only to Belief in One God. Depending on their age and/or their level of discipline, prayer at best is probably inconsistent for very young children. They usually either pray only with their family or in congregation. Or, they may only pray before a meal or right before bed. Whatever the level of prayer, the goal is to increase. If a child does not pray at all, they should be encouraged to pray at least once a day. If they only pray once, increase it to twice a day; if twice, then increase to three times; and so on. At a minimum, regardless of what time our children rise in the morning, it is best to begin their day with prayer. It is never too early to build a personal relationship with Allah (God).
Read Holy Qur’an: The Holy Qur’an is compartmentalized in many different ways. One way is division by ‘Parts’ – it has a total of 30 Parts. Adults and teens who fully observe Ramadan are required to read one Part each day, so that by the end of Ramadan, the entire revelation has been read from cover to cover. Simply include the younger children in the daily readings. It would be wonderful if schedules and time would permit the entire family to read the Holy Qur’an aloud together every day. The family can have a designated shared reading time and even the children who are not yet able to read should be invited to listen to the revealed Words of Allah (God) being read. One does not have to be able to read to benefit from being immersed in the Word – it is all being recorded in the brain and mentally absorbed.
No fighting or arguing: Fighting is strictly forbidden during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The only exception is if we must defend the life of self or others. We are to avoid arguing and quarreling as well because it robs us of the peaceful spirit of God. Depending on the number of children in a household, their ages, gender, and other family dynamics; this could be quite the achievement for siblings. Imagine 30 days without any bickering and all differences settled in the best manner – now that’s a small glimpse of heaven!
Personal sacrifice: The most difficult aspect of the observance of Ramadan for most is the abstention from food and drink during the daylight hours. This is because we are abstaining from something that is natural – it is natural and necessary to eat and drink if we want to live, but we are asked to suppress this natural instinct for 30 days (during the daylight hours). A sacrifice such as this is too great for very young children. However, they can sacrifice and strengthen discipline in other ways. They can forgo indulgences that may be personally enjoyable, but not a necessity. So perhaps children can sacrifice eating sweets or junk food; sodas or land animals – allow them to choose but encourage them to choose something that will really challenge them. They can also sacrifice the amount of time spent watching television, playing video games, surfing the internet, going to the movies or aimless socializing. The goal of personal sacrifice and abstention is self-control, self-mastery. If we begin this practice in our youth, not only will we be able to master self, but eventually our immediate environment.
Overcome one bad habit: According to the scholars and experts, it takes about 21 days to break a bad habit and form a new one. This rule is not exclusive to adults; which means that during the month of Ramadan our children can rid themselves of at least one bad habit. It is important to first have a clear understanding of why the specific habit is not good for them, so they will stay the course. It is also imperative to get started on this goal right away as time is a factor that dictates their success.
Set one worthy goal: The idea here is not to have the goal accomplished by the end of Ramadan, but rather for our children to be in a position physically, spiritually and mentally to be ready to take on a worthy goal. This goal may take a week or several months to accomplish; but they will be well prepared and have actual evidence it can be done, having disciplined themselves for the last 30 days. It is no small feat for a child to accomplish these seven goals and successfully observe Ramadan. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said that the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad wanted to see his followers “supremely disciplined.” It takes a disciplined individual to accomplish any goal worthwhile.

May Allah (God) bless each member of our family to have a successful and blessed Ramadan!

April 29, 2019

Motivation Perspective

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: God’s Co-Creator

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

In the simplest of terms, what we think, feel, see, do, eat and drink during pregnancy can potentially have a marvelous or damaging effect on our child’s entire life. Women must determine to become actively and consciously involved in their pregnancies. As the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “Any woman with a womb can allow a baby to be made – because all that takes is breathing and the intake of food – but how many of us know how to make a baby?” Most of us do not and that is okay because we may have never been taught, but the future of our Nation depends on our willingness to learn.

Fudia Muhammad

The woman’s womb is fashioned after the womb of the Universe. The Holy Qur’an 39:6 reads, “…He (Allah) creates you in the wombs of your mothers – creation after creation – in triple darkness…” The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “Every life is a witness of the self-creation of God.” So, to understand our own creation is to understand Allah’s (God’s) self-creation from the triple darkness of the womb of the Universe. If we were to sit in a small closet located in a cabin in the middle of the woods, during the dead of the night with our eyes closed; we would not be experiencing triple darkness – not even close. During the night hours, the sun is simply hidden from our direct view and we are in her shadow. But triple darkness refers to the absence of the sun, which is the source of light for the entire Universe. Triple darkness is so dark that it is actual substance. Allah (God) loves the female so much, that the only place in His vast Universe where He replicated the womb of His origin was within her – giving her the perfect laboratory and ability to produce another being like Himself.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches that Allah (God) created this entire Universe from nothing – just as we start out as nothing. The Holy Qur’an verifies this as the man’s sperm is referred to as ‘worthless water.’ Though Allah (God) saw nothing in the beginning, He still had the thought and vision to produce what we now know to be the Universe. He said, “Be,” and it was. The word, ‘be,’ does not mean abracadabra or hocus-pocus. ‘Be,’ activates the process of arranging atoms and molecules, which over a period of time will eventually form, Universe. The children of God have that same ability. The type of child that we wish to produce must become a thought in our mind first – a vision; then we too can say, “Be,” which will start the process. We must then actively engage and continue this process by making those vital changes which will ultimately manifest as our initial thought. The way the Universe was created was no accident; Allah (God) created exactly what He envisioned, and we can too.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches – after creating Himself, Allah’s (God’s) first act of creation was the female. She was here before the sun, the stars and the additional planets. He (Allah) studied Himself and produced the female from the cream or the Best part of Himself. She is the woman of God and not the woman of man. Therefore, her essence is truly divine.

The woman’s womb is God’s laboratory and the woman is God’s assistant as she co-creates with Almighty God, Allah. This wonderfully divine gift cannot be viewed casually. The fact that Allah (God) would give the woman this kind of power is proof of His inexhaustible love for the female.

Human beings are Allah’s (God’s) greatest creation. What separates us from the sun, moon, stars, mountains, the ocean and every other living creature is knowledge. Our ability to learn and to make decisions based on rationale instead of natural instincts separates us from the insects and animals. Allah (God) referred to man and woman as ‘His Glory.’ If our ability to think and reason is what separates us from all other creation in this awesome Universe, then herein lies one of the keys to giving birth to a god.

Our thoughts are so powerful that they can affect our physical make-up and call into existence our immediate reality. The type of friends we attract; our choice for a mate; the conflict and trials in our life; and our overall lifestyle, all materialized from both our conscious and subconscious thoughts. We must understand that our thoughts are not independent of our body. Emerging from our mind is who we truly are. This is why when someone is considered ‘brain dead,’ families agonize over allowing the person to live by artificial means or to discontinue life support. Our definition of living does not stop at breathing or having a heartbeat. If our brain, which houses the mind, does not function; we are NOT living.

So, what is the point? We should be careful of what we think, especially during pregnancy. Our ability to produce a god, a mental giant every time we bear a child, without missing, is largely dependent on our thoughts. We can just as easily give birth to a potential devil.

Once we learn that we are pregnant, whether that pregnancy was planned or not – if we sincerely want the baby – our initial thoughts are joyous. We are happy and excited. But if this is an unwanted pregnancy, then the first thoughts our baby receives stem from disappointment, fear, anger, frustration and perhaps denial.

The baby’s brain is the first part of his body to form. Think of the child’s brain like a blank sheet of paper and the mother has the pen. A blank sheet of paper has no importance without words, diagrams, symbols or pictures. Our thoughts and actions as an expectant mother are the means by which we write those words and images, our desires, on our baby’s brain. And whatever we write is written with permanent ink that cannot be removed unless Allah (God) actively intervenes, for He is the only One with a solution strong enough to erase what we have impressed on the baby’s developing brain.

April 15, 2019

Motivation Perspective

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: Breastfeeding – Father’s Role

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

Everything that Allah (God) has created is perfectly obedient to His laws except for man and woman. The sun, the moon, the trees, the birds and the planets are all submissive to their nature – they have no other choice. Allah (God) only gave the gift of reason and the freedom of choice to His greatest creation, the human being. Collectively, we have abused our gifts and put the human family in a miserable condition by choosing to follow everyone and everything else except for God. We must use our gift of reason and choice wisely and live our lives in a way that would be pleasing to Him. This first step will restore us back to our rightful status, ‘The Glory of God’!

Fudia Muhammad

Disobedience to natural divine laws has its consequences. And it just doesn’t get any more natural than breastfeeding. Brothers, did you know that even in breastfeeding you have a critical role to play? In this world, a woman who desires to breastfeed needs a lot of support and encouragement, particularly in the beginning. The best source of this support is her husband. The last thing she needs is a husband that says, “Well Babe, if you don’t want to breastfeed that’s your choice; do you.” That sounds really nice, but it is all she needed to hear to give up instantly. Our duty is to encourage one another to follow Allah’s (God’s) guidance and do what is best for our children. Do not promote disobedience. Encourage her and get her the help that she may need. Do not get angry with her or try to force her to breastfeed; a gentle word and reminders will be more effective.

Though it is the mother’s responsibility to provide milk for the baby; it is not her baby alone. A woman who desires to give birth to a god needs a strong man to pick her up when she gets weak. Her obligations should be centered on Allah (God) and providing the best nourishment for her baby. A spiritually weak man who does not include himself in this journey is of no use to her when challenges come. Be clear on the specifics of her difficulty and if you cannot help her, seek the assistance of others. If she still does not breastfeed; only then should you have a measure of calm knowing that you did all that you could do.

During one of her lectures, Student Minister Ava Muhammad discussed an article she read about a woman in an airport who was nursing her baby as she awaited the arrival of her husband. While this woman was nursing, she received news that the plane her husband was on crashed. The extraordinary grief, anxiety, and trauma immediately consumed this woman’s mind and produced a toxic, poisonous reaction that instantly affected her blood, changing the chemistry of her breastmilk dramatically. The milk was so toxic that it killed her nursing baby. This is the power of thought. The woman can transfer peace, love, and life; or anxiety, hatred, and death to her baby.

That poor mother’s situation was the severest of the consequences one can experience from the transfer of negative thoughts. However, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan gives men a warning when it comes to their nursing wives. He stated that a man must be careful how he handles his wife during her nursing years. If an argument arises, the chemistry of the woman’s mind changes and this affects the blood and then the milk. When she goes to feed her baby, the baby is feeding on this milk and feels the rejection of his father. Everything a woman feels for her husband, good and bad, is received by the child. A husband should make sure that his wife is happy, relaxed and in good spirits when she goes to nurse her baby. Remember, she is not just nourishing the body, she is developing the mind and spirit of that precious new life.

[Please read more about the benefits of breastfeeding here: The Divine Value of Mother’s Milk and Breastfeed in the First Hour.]

April 8, 2019

Motivation Perspective

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: A Bun in the Oven

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

Most have heard the old idiom, she’s got a ‘bun in the oven’ and may not have given it much thought beyond the obvious; a reference to an expectant mother – the bun is a baby and the oven is her womb. Sounds simple enough, right?

During his How to Give Birth to a God lecture series, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan referenced this common idiom to demonstrate a profound point of importance. When we are baking bread or cake in the oven, we are very careful of how we handle the oven because if we bump the oven or open the door too soon; our bread or cake may fall and be ruined beyond repair. A pregnant woman is like this. She must be handled gently, with the utmost care; so that the baby she is making will not fall from a potential god to a devil. We must be careful of everything we see, hear, ingest and experience because all can have an effect on the baby, one way or another.

Fudia Muhammad

Consider Mary (Maryam), the mother of Jesus, and examine the sacrifice she had to make in order to give birth to Jesus, a perfect example of a man who is at one with Allah (God). It required sacrifice. According to the dictionary, to ‘sacrifice’ means, “to forfeit something for something else considered of greater value.” Mary withdrew herself to a remote place away from her family and friends because she considered her child to be of “greater value” for the entire world and could not risk anyone interfering with his life. What is the lesson for women today?

Expectant mothers must take an honest assessment of their family and friends and those with whom they interact and ask themselves if they create an environment contrary to the type of child they are trying to produce. Are they supportive of the mother’s desires? Are they conscious of her pregnancy and are willing to refrain from profanity or vulgarity in her presence? Are they encouraging when sometimes she gets weak and the sacrifice seems too much? If her answer to these questions is, ‘No,’ then her circle of family and friends are creating a contrary and harmful environment for her unborn baby. She must make the sacrifice of keeping her distance from those negative influencers for the duration of her pregnancy or until she sees evidence that they will respect her wishes.

This is a huge sacrifice, but our babies are more than worth it. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “How we relate to circumstances surrounding our pregnancy determines certain character traits in the child which is known as your prenatal influence.” We must do whatever it takes to see that our prenatal influence is uplifting.

As soon as we find out that we are pregnant, we should inform our spouse. The Holy Qur’an says that it is unlawful for us to conceal what Allah (God) has created in our wombs. Then, in time, we should tell those who need to know. Pregnancy is not a disease or a defect that we should hide or be ashamed. But at the same time, there is no need to make an announcement on the worldwide web; just share with those within your sphere. The time will eventually come when we will not be able to hide our condition no matter how hard we try. The reason we want people who will have regular contact with us to know that we are pregnant is because we desire for them to be mindful of how they behave when they are around an expectant mother. If one is not aware of the pregnancy, it is difficult to hold them accountable when they constantly ask us to accompany them to view the latest horror flick, smile!

Heaven and hell are not places we go after death, but they are two conditions of life. Heaven and hell are established on earth; depending on the condition of the individuals that inhabit this space. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan wrote, “Heaven represents a state of peace where the citizens of heaven live in accordance with the laws, rules, statutes or commandments of Allah (God). This is also called in the scripture, the Kingdom of God. Again, it is also called the hereafter. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad taught us that the hereafter means ‘here’ on the earth ‘after’ the works of Satan are destroyed. Some Islamic scholars say that the hereafter is a continuation of this life. Only it is lived on a higher plane.”

The woman’s mind is one of the laboratories that produce the new world. Our children must be conceived in righteousness. The consequences of conception in the back seat of a car filled with thoughts of lust and filth have led to generations inclined to lust and filth.

We do not have to allow this hellish condition to continue for one more day. Whatever our mind can conceive, if we are a Believer, it can become reality. The 23^rd Psalms reads, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said that this means that we will never want for anything that we cannot have; the only condition is that we believe that we can have it. In her book, The Women in Islam Educational Series: Part 3, Mother Tynnetta Muhammad wrote, “Whatever our brains are capable of thinking, we can bring into existence.” Just think about that, because this extends to the womb. Whatever a mother is capable of thinking; whatever she wants to produce from her womb, it is easy for Allah (God) to give it to her if she believes. A believing woman is a force of nature – she has limitless potential and can produce a god every time.

April 1, 2019

Motivation Perspective

CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH: Man(kind)’s Best Friend

written by AQM Blog Staff

by Fudia Muhammad

@GiveBirthToAGod

I write this article knowing full well that this subject is not going to endear me to many readers and may even get me cursed out by a few (smile)! Due to how much we love our pets, we are willing to squabble with anyone who suggests that we may need to rethink that relationship. It is an important area to explore because children are fascinated by animals and are often the reason why parents choose to bring a pet home. But relax, no one is saying that we should not have pets, we just have to remember that our pets, though domesticated, are still animals.

Fudia Muhammad

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan was asked the following question via Twitter: “Should Muslims have dogs as pets? If not, will you please explain.” The Minister answered, “You can have a dog as a pet; but you should always have a place for your pet – not in your house, in your bed, but a place outside. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad never told us we shouldn’t have a pet.” Animals belong outside, it’s their natural habitat. Living, eating and sleeping side-by-side with our pets is unnatural. But as is the case with most of our unnatural behaviors, we learned and adopted them from those who are not natural to our planet.

In the Holy Qur’an, there is a section titled, The Dwellers in the Cave, where it reads, “And thou mightest think them awake while they were asleep, and We turned them about to the right and to the left, with their dog outstretching its paws at the entrance. If thou didst look at them, thou wouldst turn back from them in flight, and thou wouldst be filled with awe because of them” (18:18). This particular verse is referencing the era when Caucasians lived in the caves and hillsides of Europe for two thousand years (i.e. caveman). The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches that during this time they were deprived of divine guidance which caused them to live as and look like wild beasts. They lived in caves and trees, crawled on all fours, grew hair all over their bodies, and ate raw food. He teaches that before the new man (Caucasian), there was no such thing as swine, apes or monkeys.

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad wrote, “Their [white race] next and best weapons were the dogs. They tamed some of these dogs to live in the caves with their families, to help protect them from the wild beasts. After a time, the dog held a high place among the family because of his fearlessness to attack the enemies of his master. Today, the dog is still loved by the white race and is given more justice than the so-called Negroes, and, is called the white man’s best friend. This comes from the cave days” (Message to the Blackman).

How could the Original man have a dog (god, spelled backwards), as his best friend? This is the invention of ‘mankind.’ The white man literally cares for his dogs and other pets with the same attentiveness and extravagance as he would a child. They schedule playdates for their pets, provide dental care, vaccines, health insurance, life insurance, grooming at the salon, fancy outfits, therapy, social media profiles and more. This is insanity.

This is not to say that we should mistreat or abuse animals. In fact, Allah (God) is displeased when we mishandle our authority over the lower animals and use them for other than their given purpose. They should not be killed for sport. They should only be killed for food, clothing or shelter. Yet, even in these instances, mercy is required in the manner they are slaughtered, which is done by taking them by surprise. They should be taken in the name of Allah (God) and should never see death coming. Cruelty to animals is considered a sin in Islam. Allah (God) requires kindness and mercy.

We should teach our children to not only be kind to animals, but to also study them in their natural habitat. There is so much that we can learn about ourselves and divine order by studying nature and the lower creatures. In everything that Allah (God) has created there is a lesson. People and their pets both benefit from keeping pets as close to their natural environment as possible. Instinctively animals are hunters. A domesticated pet will not hunt, but it should still be kept on property where there is a large yard and ample room for exercise. Exercise is good for both the mental and physical health of animals. They love being close to nature with the freedom to be active and have all of their senses stimulated. Animals are created to live outdoors, constantly absorbing Vitamin D from the sunlight. Therefore, a deficiency in Vitamin D can actually be more harmful for animals than for people.

Of course, the primary reason we want to keep our pets outdoors is for the cleanliness, health and refinement of the family home. The scripture reads, “Cleanliness is next to godliness” – the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said, “Cleanliness is godliness!” Muslims remove their shoes upon entering the home. The bottoms of our shoes are incredibly filthy; just as filthy as the bottoms of the feet of our pets. If allowed indoors, they immediately track a myriad of grime, dirt, mud, excrement, muck, etc. on our floors, sofas, beds and more. Not to mention that pets are notorious for shedding, relieving themselves indoors and destroying furniture. Pets can also activate allergies and other zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that normally exist in animals, but can be transferred to infect humans. We will find that if we give our children an explanation of why we choose not to have pets, or why the pets will be kept outdoors, they will understand and learn to appreciate that the nature of the human is not the same as the nature of an animal. Give them the true history of the “caveman” and what type of people and lack of civilization emerged from people and animals cohabiting. If we really love our pets, we will respect their nature and demonstrate it by not taking them completely away from their designated existence and keep them outdoors.

March 25, 2019