Our World of Islam is in terrible condition—not because you fully understand the Holy Qur’an, even in Mecca. If you understood the Holy Qur’an, why would you put it behind your back and accept guidance from the White House? – Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan
When Farrakhan is gone, what are you going to do? I’m just your brother, with a Message in my mouth and in my heart from the Honorable Elijah Muhammad for you. But if he calls me up to The Wheel, where he promised me he would allow me to see him face-to-face, then I expect you to be on your post. I expect you to keep the work going. I expect you to love one another even as I have loved you. I have proved it, now you show it to one another.
Black Muslims in America have to deal with two struggles: anti-Islam rhetoric and anti-blackness. Inside and outside of the mosque, or masjid, there is racism that shouldn’t be ignored. If you tell a Muslim who isn’t black that there is racism among the ummah, sometimes the response will be “That’s not true! There is no color in Islam!” Colorblindness is never a good thing. There are dangers in a colorblind society. If you claim that you can’t “see color”, you are choosing to ignore racial injustices that people face. You ignore people’s identities and conform them to say that who they are is wrong. Just because Islam is diverse, doesn’t mean you should deny my blackness, or the issues we face while being black. Black Americans in particular have had to deal with white supremacy for centuries. It has not yet disappeared.
By Nzinga Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon him) had to teach the Arab people of his day to not discriminate against the black people who followed him. Sadly, that anti-blackness still lingers in many Muslim communities. You would see sometimes during Jummah, all of the black people all together in a corner, segregated from the rest. You would see disrespectful glares of non-black Muslims towards us, and even hear the repetition of racist speech in Arabic. This is not Islam. But this is an unspoken reality. Actually, its spoken of, but always talked over by the loud recitation of Quranic verses and hadiths discussing diversity. If you can’t identify or listen to Black Muslims, or dismantle any racist behaviors, then your quotes on diversity mean nothing.
One of the reasons why “traditional” or Orthodox Muslims don’t like the Nation of Islam is because of the teachings to empower mainly black people to bring us back from a “dead” state. Black power was manifested in our own grocery stores, newspapers, businesses, schools, etc from the Nation of Islam, who had a very big hand in establishing Islam in America. This has gotten criticism for many years as “un-Islamic.” But understand what black people have gone through and still go through daily in an unholy society. Understand the need for self-love in a community with likened conditions as the Arabs in jahiliyyah, during Prophet Muhammad’s time. No one else would willingly teach black people Islam at first.
There are those Orthodox Muslims who claim our great brother Malcolm X, or Malik El Shabazz, yet didn’t care for him until AFTER he got taught by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The Nation of Islam cleaned him up. We did that. He learned “As Salaam Alaikum” and all of his prayers from the Nation of Islam, not Orthodox Muslims. No one else taught us until after the fact, and even still, there was discrimination.
With all due respect, there are some so called “Muslims” who sell the forbidden swine in black communities. There are some so called “Muslims” who mistreat black women, and disrespect black people in general. It happens more often than we think, not even limited to American borders, but the issue is always pushed to the back of our minds. There are a lot of black Muslims who have to find an all-black mosque to pray in, because they haven’t been treated as they should in other mosques. It’s a horrible thing when people who claim to follow Prophet Muhammad hate the same people who look just like Bilal.
There is definitely racism in the mosque. You can’t sweep it under the rug and pretend blackness doesn’t exist to make the issue go away. Islam and religion in general needs to be cleansed so that it can be as pure as it’s supposed to be.
(Nzinga Muhammad is based in Rochester, NY. Follow her on Twitter @QueenNzinga13)
by Brother Eric R. Muhammad
“The Holy Qur‘an’s readings are not the kind that will lull one to sleep, but to get a real Qur’an one should know the Arabic language in which it is written. However, you can find a good translation of it by Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Ali.” (The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, pg. 93)
In the 1964 interview with Buzz Anderson, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad stated “He (His Teacher, Master Fard Muhammad) gave me a Holy Qur’an in English and Arabic… I studied The Holy Qur’an from what He gave me.”
I have been inspired for many years to write a column and offer translations of the chapters of The Holy Qur’an based on the above quotes by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. What moved me from just inspiration (thought) to practice (doing it, smile) was a statement made by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan addressing the Muhammad University of Islam 5th Annual Educational Conference. He said, “The Muhammad came to make us equal to the scientist or scholars of Islam, not only equal, but superior…”
I will begin by expressing the importance of Grammar. The grammar of any language is primarily the study of forms of words and how these words relate to one another to give specific meanings. Therefore, examine how The Honorable Elijah Muhammad studied the Holy Qur’an. This is powerful because language is suppose to live; and we should see each word in a living situation. For example, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad said, “2/3 of the Holy Qur’an was for him; and 1/3 was for another fellow…”. What allowed him to see that about himself and the other fellow; and what and who will help us to identify the other fellow?
Here are a few important concepts about “grammar”:
1. People best relate to each other when they are able to communicate and convey their thoughts and ideas in the most perfect way.
2. We study “grammar” to find out how to put words together so they express ideas and thoughts clearly and effectively.
3. To better understand “grammar” we should see it as the law and order of the sentence structure and language.
There are three main terms that are used for grammar in the Arabic Language.
1. The first is (As-SARF) and this word shows how words are formed in language, its inflection, derivation, and conjugation.
2. The second term used is (AN-Nah- wu) and it refers to the syntax (word order and sentence structure.) It gives direction, course, manner, and the method in which words are to be placed.
3. The third term is (Al Qawaa ‘id), which in its root meaning indicates foundation, fundamentals, morphology, and syntax. This word encompasses both As-Sarf and An-Nah wu.
In your studies, dear fellow students, you will see the word, “Qawaa ‘id,”. In the Qur’an, this word is related to Abraham and Ismael laying the Foundations (Qawaa ‘id) of the Kabbah. Also, when Iblis is having a conversation with Allah when he says, (Iblis) said: “Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait (Qawaa ‘id) for them on Your Straight Path.” (7:16)
LIBYA – SEPTEMBER 01: L – Farrakhan Receives Award Kadhafi Of Human Rights On September 1st, 1996 In Tripoli, Libya. (Photo by Alexis DUCLOS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
The purpose of this writing, as we conclude, is to bear witness to why we must learn the Arabic of the Holy Qur’an. Let’s say you are reading the following verse from Maulana Muhammad Ali’s translation:
“O you who believe, surely of your wives and your children there are enemies to you, so beware of them. And if you pardon and forbear and forgive, surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” 66:14
It starts off with “O you who believe” then it states, “among your wives…”. How do you interpret that as a Muslim Believer, Sisters? And most of all, how do we as Muslim Brothers interpret that? The word “wives”, translated by Maulana Muhammad Ali, is “Azwaaji” (kum, you plural); and it means husbands, wives, or Spouses. You must use the appropriate word in a translation based on the contextual meaning. For instance, look at the next verse same word, same As-Sarf (grammar term above), but different ending, Azwaaji (Ka, you singular, referring to the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH):
“O Prophet! Why do you ban (for yourself) that which Allah has made lawful to you, seeking to please your wives (Azwaaji ka)? And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 66:1
Now, in the translation of the above verse, it’s appropriate to use “wives” as the English word; because it’s a direct statement to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) concerning his wives. In Surah (chapter) 66:14, is a direct statement to the Believers (any Believer whether male or female) because there are some husbands that are enemies to some Believing wives. A better and clearer translation for the reader of Surah 66:14 would be:
“O you who believe, surely of your spouses and your children there are enemies to you, so beware of them. And if you pardon and forbear and forgive, surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
Lastly, in my years of translating and studying, I realized that you don’t have to force The Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad as the tafsir, (meaning or explanation). It is the Tafsir. I was watching a video lecture by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan years ago, and he said, “My English is more precise than your Arabic.” I said, “Wow!” I asked myself, “How can a man as The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan travel the Muslim World with the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and make the most powerful impact that he is making with an English translation of the Holy Qur’an?” Then I thought, “because One came and taught one; and that One that came spoke 16 languages and wrote 10 of those languages. Surely, He could translate the Arabic into English in the Most Perfect way; and call it the Supreme Wisdom.”
Brothers and Sisters, this is why I strongly suggest to us that even when we get the Holy Qur’an in Arabic, we must Always study it from what was given to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad by His Teacher; and what They both are giving to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, today. This method of study brings the content (Ayah, verses) to the present time and gives it the energy that is needed for us, as the reader, to accomplish The Work in our time. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan stated while in Houston, “You must know how the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, established Islam 1400 years ago in Arabia, in order to understand how the Honorable Elijah Muhammad is establishing Islam today.” Because what The Teacher of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad gave to him; and what They are both giving to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan; and in turn, what he is giving to us, is the Tasfir, meaning or interpretation.
Thank you for reading these few words and may Allah reward our efforts to be better students in Islam, “Everything”.
(Brother Eric R. Muhammad is a Nation of Islam Student Assistant Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 45 in Houston. To order his new book “Understanding and Applying the Qur’anic Principles of Justice…Or Else!” visit www.justiceorelsesouthwest.com. Email: nafsallah@gmail.com Twitter: @qudus)
We know, or at least should know by now, that American mainstream media demonizes Islam constantly. I hear repeated jargon of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) being a pedophile. I hear that the oppression of women is a religious obligation. Of course, none of these are true, yet they contribute to a justified hatred towards Islam and Muslims altogether. They are believed fairy tales and it’s about time people grow up and realize how silly they are:
“Islam hates women and the Hijab oppresses Muslims.”
Actually, in Islam, women are respected and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke about treating women with kindness. Islam teaches that heaven lies at the feet of our mothers. Islam also gives equal rights to women. Woman are to be treated with the utmost respect and honor.
By Nzinga Muhammad
The hijab, and really any covering we wear, is a choice that Muslim women make. It is to show our devotion to Allah (God), and to reject the unwanted sexualization and objectification of our bodies. The hijab or any other head/body covering does not oppress us. Can non-Muslim, white feminists stop concerning themselves with our choices? I hope that when you say “Ok but women can wear whatever they want!” that you also include the Muslims who voluntarily want to cover our hair/bodies.
Yes, men have tampered with the true teachings of Islam to fit their sexist systems, but that’s not Islamic. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would be very disappointed.
Not to mention, other religions have head coverings for their women, so it’s not just a “Muslim thing”. I don’t know why a Muslim in a niqab, burqa, or hijab is demonized, but a nun is considered a “devoted worshipper”. I don’t know why in all the depictions of the mother of Jesus, Mary, she’s covering her hair, but only those who say “Allahuakbar ” are wrong for wearing a veil.
“Muhammad was a pedophile. Aishah was nine when he raped her, so child brides are ok in Islam.”
Let me first say, rape in Islam is punishable by death. Paedophilia is also haram, therefore forbidden. I find it hard to imagine and believe that someone who was revealed the wisdom of the Holy Qur’an would be that low and vile.
Evidence shows that Aishah was actually older than fourteen (probably nineteen) at the consummation of her marriage, not nine. America has a history of women being nineteen years old, or younger, with a husband.
I don’t think Americans are fit to speak about other countries as though they are holy. The same thing goes on at home. “Child brides” exist in America, but your fake concern for them and the Middle East is only present to demonize Islam. Virginia this month banned child marriages.
No, it’s not as common here as other places, but that still does not make America’s hands clean. That still doesn’t mean child marriages and paedophilia is some Islamic sunnah. It’s not. Usually the people who associate child brides with Islam have never actually read the Holy Qur’an, nor do they really care about girls being married off at young ages.
I’m not saying don’t have a concern for them or don’t speak on what’s happening. I’m saying: don’t think America is clear of paedophilia and child brides, and don’t use those girls as your tools to slander Islam, instead of coming up with solutions for them.
“All terrorists are Muslim”
Actually, only 6% of terrorists are under the label “Muslim”, even though terrorism is completely unislamic. We aren’t to be the aggressors, although fighting with those who fight with us is ordained.
You should be more concerned about white, “Christian”, terrorists who terrorize people in churches, schools, and movie theatres. Or even The KKK who wants to make a comeback. How about the police? Americans are more likely to be killed by a policeman than a “terrorist”, so especially as a black person, my threat isn’t overseas, it’s at the police station.
This propaganda about Islam/Muslims is not based on facts, nor does it come from the mouths of those who have read the Holy Qur’an from cover to cover and understood it. Hands Off Islam.
(Follow Nzinga Muhammad on Twitter @QueenNzinga13)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, sexual conduct, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from sunrise until sunset. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramaá¸Än is a time to fast for the sake of Allah, and to offer more prayer than usual.
During Ramaá¸Än, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an. Each day a entire section (which is 1/30 of the Qur’an) is read, therefore the entire Qur’an would be completed at the end of the month.To those who are non-Muslims, we invite you to participate with us. We all have some form of bad habit or urge that we would like to get under control, right? Whether that is food, too much Internet, texting addiction, gossiping, lack of reading, anger or cursing, how about you use the next 30 days to master it? Fasting is powerful and we invite you to join us.
When we deprive ourselves of something so essential to life as water and food, for a period of 15 to 18 hours, during the heat of the day, this discipline imposed on ourselves makes it easy for us to discipline other hungers or desires.
When we can stop eating and drinking, drives which are natural to life itself, how much more easy is it for us to stop lying, stealing and the practice of those sins that destroy the peace and brotherhood of the society? This fast of Ramadan is one of the greatest means of inculcating self discipline.
We have all seen societies that are highly disciplined by authoritarian rule. This is a discipline imposed on others by a superior authority. Authoritarian rule often leads to excesses: Despots, tyrants and dictators.
Certainly the discipline imposed on the members of an authoritarian society does produce some good, but the greatest of all disciplines is that which we impose on ourselves.
Self discipline leads to the restraining of those passions in our own being that can be used by Satan for the destruction of ourselves and things around us. Self-imposed discipline leads to a healthy society, one where the people truly can rule.
Excessive eating leads to obesity which brings with it a myriad of other diseases culminating in heart failure, stroke, stress, etc. Excessive sex leads to promiscuity, fornication, adultery, the breakup of families and the destruction of the basic unit of civilization, as well as the killing of millions of unborn unwanted children.The lust for material things leads to greed, avarice and the over consumption or acquisition of things, and ones glorying in things, that have no feeling, thereby denying the humanity in self and others.
The lust for power, to be recognized, can become so great that it gets out of control, then we see men and women destroying others to get what they want and where they want to go.
Anger is a force within the human being that is so potent, if it is not controlled it will lead to the destruction of the individual and others. You can see that there is a need for personal discipline in our lives.
The fast of Ramadan and the discipline of prayer at prescribed times during the day is the greatest aid in developing personal discipline and regulating our affairs and habits.
To read Minister Farrakhan’s entire message please click: http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_3939.shtml
Greeting Blog Readers! Today is the first day of Ramadan for the Muslim World! For those that are unfamiliar with it, here is a little information.
The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd “to burn”. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting (no food or drink) during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. The name came from the time before the Islamic calendar, when the month of Ramadan fell in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad during this time and we read one part of the Holy Quran a day for the next 30 days.
If you would like to support your Muslim brothers and sisters, participate with us in our sacred month by abstaining from drinking or eating during the daylight hours. Sounds hard? Nothing is too challenging for someone made in the image of God.(smile)