by Willie Muhammad
Some of my favorite interviews conducted on the Breakfast Club with hosts Dj Envy, Angela Ye and Charlemagne Tha God are the ones where they expose their listeners to some of the great thinkers, leaders, special teachers and entrepreneurs of this time. When I realized they were going to interview the dynamic preacher Bishop T.D. Jakes I was excited to hear the interview. Unfortunately, due to some tasks that required my full attention I was only able to hear the first thirteen (13) minutes of the interview and did not have the opportunity to hear it in full until I was tagged on a recent post on Facebook.
Last week someone tagged me to a clip of the interview that highlighted where Bishop T.D. Jakes was asked by Charlemagne Tha God the following question, “Why don’t we see more of spiritual thought leaders like yourself and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, like coming together having conversations maybe teaching people together?”
Bishop Jakes FIRST response focused on theological differences. He said, “Well theologically we would be on different pages as it relates to the theology of the Nation of Islam versus the nation of the church. Community issues we would be on the same accord because we got the same community issues to fight. I don’t know if we would be better together than we are separate. I think we have different callings, at different stations. Even where we have the same theology. Even where we have the same theology. I am not as hungry for us to get together and have conversations that’s interesting. I think I am more hungry to have what I am having right now. Conversations with you. I love having conversations with you. Because you are next and anything, tips, tools, hint watch out the bear is over there. That I can leave you, I love doing.” Segment: 34:01 – 35:03
In brief, with polished speech Bishop T.D. Jakes in an evasive manner basically said that he would not meet with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan because of the differences in their theological beliefs.
I must say I was disappointed in his response. I expected more spiritual maturity from the Bishop. In my opinion it showed that despite Bishop Jakes being a dynamic preacher, he still has not risen above the narrow mindedness that plagues so many “religious, God-Fearing” leaders. The more I thought about his response the more my mind reflected on a scripture in the New Testament that showed how those who profess to walk with and know Jesus would suffer from narrow-mindedness. Allah willing we will close talking about this particular scripture.
As I viewed the entire interview I felt that Bishop T.D. Jakes went on to make contradictory statements that further shows to me that there is more to his refusal to sit with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
“The reason why I think it is important is because we as a people, can’t lose another fight. We cannot lose another fight. We cannot afford to be fighting with each other, castigating, destroying each other. We have so many enemies coming against us. Like I have not seen since I was a child. This community has to learn how to rally.. We have to learn how to rally. We have to get away from destroying each other and being cannibals, eating each other. Because we already got people hunting us and if we don’t use all of our information to come together, everything you know, and everything I know and everything Sean Combs know, and everything LL Cool J knows, and everything President Obama knows. We need everybody. Because if we don’t we are not gonna survive.” Segment 25:14 – 26:02
If we are truly honest, then we have to admit this is hypocritical. How can you say, “We need everybody,” but push aside the idea of meeting a man who has great influence on Black people who you state are besieged with so many enemies? Interesting enough is Every person he mentions that have talents the Black community needs has already personally met with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan – Sean Combs, LL Cool J and former United States President Barak Obama.
The contradictions did not stop there. Bishop T.D. Jakes goes further to talk about how damaging isolation is.
“It’s not so good to be isolated that you don’t communicate sometimes. It’s better to be a smaller part of a big thing, than a big part of nothing and sometimes we isolate as a community to our own destruction. Nobody wants to work together, every body works in isolation of each other while other peoples groups are forming conglomerates and their buying up and their building together. We work in Isolation and we love in silos. I am saying if you’re in an industry and I’m in the industry. Yes, we benefit by knowing each other. I can pick up the phone and text you and say I am gettin ready to do something I need your help. You need that kind of relationship. Don’t always be so competitive that you hating on everybody.” 38:49 – 39:30
Dear Bishop, how can you be in the same industry as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is, (which is supposed to be the reformation of our community), calling people out of Satan’s world to God, but refuse the suggestion of meeting with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, to discuss ideas that could benefit our community?
Charlemagne, who I believe picked up on the inconsistency asked Bishop Jakes, “That’s what I meant when I asked you about Minister Farrakhan, because I would love to see spiritual thought leaders like you two who have these flocks of people, together.” Segment: 41:08 – 41:16
Then Bishop Jakes replied…
“If getting together. I don’t know about him specifically, but because I don’t have that kind of close relationship with him. But I can name one hundred people off the top of my head, of different faiths. With whom I do have relationships with.” Segment: 41:17 – 41:30
I would have liked to see them ask him to elaborate more on the different faiths, but they did not. Bishop Jakes went on to talk about how he has met with several of the last United States Presidents and he did not rule out meeting or having a “relationship” with current President Donald J. Trump (Segment: 42:06-07), yet his desire to NOT meet with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan even on issues where their “theology is the same” is evident when the interview is watched.
I would like to know what’s really the issue Bishop Jakes? You met with and speak highly of your relationship with former President George W. Bush, who vacationed while Black people needed help during Hurricane Katrina. Yes the same Bush who applauded the efforts of the then head of F.E.M.A. Michael Brown. Remember, “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job.“1 Those words showed the world how out of touch the then President was. Add to this the false premise that was used for starting the War in Iraq, and still today weapons of mass destruction have not been found.2 The same is true for your relationship with Clinton whose “Super Predator” comments helped to shape policy which added to the mass incarceration of Black and Brown men which sociologists admit has ravaged those communities. The facts show that Bill Clinton could have vetoed the bill but instead he signed it a week later after feigning concern about Black incarceration and ignoring pleas by Civil Rights leaders to veto the bill.3 I have never forgotten how Bill Clinton in 1998 ordered the bombing of a medicine factory in Sudan, which the country continues to suffer from under the lie of combating terrorism.4 Every president that you spoke about has the blood of innocents on their hands. Even President Obama has the blood of innocent civilians5 and African leader Muammar Qaddafi6 on his hands. Yet you gleam over your relationship and meeting with them but refuse the very idea of meeting with a man that has transformed the lives of MILLIONS and has worked to combat and repair the damage caused by many of the policies of these Presidents. Where is Jesus in that?
Dear Bishop, Jesus was against sectarianism, which is an excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion. In John 9:49-50 the disciples suffered from this sickness as many “disciples” of Jesus continue still today.
49 Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”
The disciples wanted Jesus to commend them for their lack of maturity and narrow-mindedness regarding his mission. They did not see that this man was in deed following Jesus not by what he professed but by the effectiveness of his work. He was casting demons out when the disciples had yet to truly do so. Their forbidding of this “unknown follower of Jesus” had more to do with their own envy rather than their professed love and discipleship to Jesus.
I once heard a pastor say, “What’s in the well will come up in the pail.” This statement is talking about how what’s in us will come out of us. In my opinion, the words of Bishop T.D. Jakes shows an aspect of his heart which is still being impacted by sectarianism. If he really loved our people as he says he does, he would not allow “theological” differences to prevent him from meeting with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan who desires the same.
I have heard many people talk and teach about Jesus, but it is the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan who has demonstrated to me what the mercy, courage and LOVE of Jesus looks like. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has that type of love. That’s why he can sit with the rejected and the despised of society. He has a heart filled with love. Here is a personal testimony I can share that shows the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s character and even his love for Bishop T.D. Jakes:
Some years ago in Houston, TX, I was blessed to be one of those who had the opportunity to dine with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan after his speaking engagement. While at dinner, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan with that beautiful smile he has and a joyous spirit asked the Student Minister of the Nation of Islam in Dallas, TX, “And how is our brother the great preacher, Bishop T.D. Jakes doing?” The student minister began to talk about how a member of Bishop Jakes congregation whose child was enrolled in the local Muhammad University of Islam came with gossip that was supposed to be about the Bishop. Before the student minister could get the gossip out of his mouth, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan stopped him and said, “Let me stop you before you start!” The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan continued, “Brother be very careful about people who come from the house of another man with gossip and dirty laundry.” The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan went on to teach all of us at the table about the danger of slack talk and gossip. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s love for the Bishop and for what’s right moved him to stop the regurgitation of gossip and hearsay about the Bishop.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has also publicly expressed his appreciation and admiration for Bishop T.D. Jakes. For example in a 2013 interview while applauding Tyler Perry, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said the following:
“When you look at Tyler Perry’s movies, you see the brilliance of T.D. Jakes, a spiritual giant. You see the majesty of human problems acted out. So you could sit in the theater and see yourself in your madness, in your gladness, in your goodness, in your evil, then come out of that experience, for a $15 ticket and some popcorn, and say, ‘Wow, I feel better.”
(Willie Muhammad serves as the Student Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @BroWM46 and Instagram. Visit the official New Orleans mosque website @ noineworleans.org)
The following links are to articles referenced in the above message:
1The Undoing of George W. Bush: Hurricane Katrina badly damaged the former president’s reputation. And it still hasn’t recovered.
2Report documents lies leading to Iraq war
3Bill Clinton’s crime bill destroyed lives, and there’s no point denying it
4Bill Clinton’s Act of Terrorism NATHAN J. ROBINSON
https://www.jacobinmag.com/2016/10/bill-clinton-al-shifa-sudan-bombing-khartoum/
5Casualties of endless war? BY BRIAN E. MUHAMMAD
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_102326.shtml
6The Killing of Muammar Gadhafi and its Impact
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Minister_Louis_Farrakhan_9/article_8264.shtml
7Farrakhan asks: ‘What is the best way forward?’
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_100706.shtml
by Willie Muhammad
In part one of the Matrix series in one of the early moments of this fantastic movie that is filled with heavy principles and symbolism (I cannot say the same about the other parts, which I found personally boring), there is a brief scene that if we analyze we can learn how prophecy is fulfilled.
The scene I am talking about is when Neo gets a message and the words, “Follow the white rabbit,” appear on Neo’s computer screen. Neo was puzzled, for the statement did not appear to make sense. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. He opened the door and there standing was a strange group of folks who wanted something that Neo had to offer. While discussing the business at hand the left shoulder of the young woman at the door had a tattoo of a white rabbit. After seeing the tattoo, Neo decided to do just that, follow the white rabbit.
Prophecy being fulfilled is similar to this. Many read over the pages of scriptures in both the Bible and Qur’an which are filled with prophecies. Yet, many readers do not know how to understand how it will and has been fulfilled. For example the Book of Revelation is known for its prophetic statements. However, due to being taught the improper understanding and interpretation of scripture there are people expecting to see LITERAL flame breathing dragons, with three heads and bodily features of lions and bears. This expectation prevents people from knowing when prophecy is being fulfilled and how it is being fulfilled. Many readers fail to understand that such descriptions as mentioned in the Book of Revelation are symbolic signs that point to the characteristics of a thing or a person.
There are significant prophecies that speak about the person, the work, the enemies, the successes and the mission of God’s two key servants that are said to appear TODAY! However, people fail to see these men who are the answers to their prayers, because they fail to understand that the books of scriptures are meant to point to a human being. This problem was prophesied in the New Testament, check out John 9:39-40 in the Message Translation, “You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.”
I write this to point to the EXTREME importance of three books that have been published by our National Student Secretary, Brother Berve Muhammad titled:
(1) Moses: A Sign of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad
(2) Aaron: A Sign of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan (THE MINISTER SERIES Book 1)
(3) Joshua: A Sign of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan
Brother Berve does an excellent job showing how the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad & the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan fulfilled scriptures written about Moses, Aaron and Joshua while at the same time teaching people how to understand how prophecy is fulfilled. The books are written in an easy to understand manner. It’s not filled with a lot of big words or theological jargon which confuses the average reader. It is simple and straight to the point. He begins each book by giving the histories of Moses, Aaron and Joshua. He then follows up with the histories of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad & the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Once this is done he begins to show the UNDENIABLE parallels in the histories of the Prophets whose lives are signs and the men who are the fulfillers of their histories.
These books are a MUST have! Brother has titled the series, “In the Volume of the Book,” which to me means he has more in the works. Brother Berve has started us off with small steps that if followed and BELIEVED will help us grow into the scriptural identities of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad & the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Get these books brothers and sisters. When you do, you are making an investment into your salvation.
(Willie Muhammad serves as the Student Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @BroWM46 and Instagram. Visit the official New Orleans mosque website @ noineworleans.org)
by Willie Muhammad
Below are five practical methods that I personally use to still study today. These five methods have been taken from a book that I wrote that lists 38 practical methods you can use as well. The full 38 practical study methods can be found in my book titled, “38 Practical Methods to Use to Study the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad.” As I mentioned earlier, this book came out of frustration in asking people what methods do they personally use to study. Nearly every time I would ask, I would get vague responses that did not really give me the help and guidance that I needed.
#1 – Read all of the Messenger’s books and the Minister’s article’s repeatedly. Repetition aids the memory process and helps us to recognize information or details we may have missed. For example in karate, the students are
instructed to perform various katas (prearranged martial moves, which train the student to respond in either an offensive or defensive manner) over and over again. The constant repetition allows the movements to become second nature and provides the student with opportunities to perfect his/her skill. The more we read the Teachings the more it becomes a part of our natural thought process.
#2 – Ask yourself a question about some aspect of the Teachings you personally want to learn more about or think you know about. Once done, look for answers to the question in the Messenger’s books, Holy Qur’an and Bible. This will deepened your understanding of the Teachings.
#3 – Every now and then we are all asked a question about the Teachings that we do not know or cannot effectively answer. Take the question and go home to find the answer.
#4 – When reading the Bible and Holy Qur’an or any one of the Messenger’s books, never overlook a referenced subscript letter, referenced verse or footnote. Read it. Doing so leads to greater understanding and enriches our study.
#34 – Read the writings of those who attack our program, beliefs, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Write down every major point found in their attack and then go and find scriptural, historical and scientific ways to refute what they say.
(Willie Muhammad serves as the Student Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @BroWM46 and Instagram. Visit the official New Orleans mosque website @ noineworleans.org)
by Willie Muhammad
1) When we begin to embark on our journey to study the Word of God, we should choose an environment that is suitable and conducive to learning. The environment should be a place where we feel comfortable and relaxed. It should be brightly lit. Poorly lit environments cause future eye problems and drowsiness. The environment should also be quiet and isolated from distraction. This means the television and radio should be turned off. This also reduces the number of environmental stimuli around us which is constantly battling for our attention, which often impedes us from concentrating fully. For some of us, some of these conditions may not apply. Some people can study while the radio or television is on, while others cannot. Whatever the situation maybe, do what best suits you.
2) As Muslims we are taught that before we begin to participate in anything we should first do so by acknowledging Allah. Before beginning our study session we should say a prayer to first prepare ourselves mentally. Secondly, to ask Allah to grant us a greater understanding of His revealed Word and to be blessed with the right spirit, this will allow us to receive the full benefits of study. Prayer and study go hand and hand. Prayer purifies/circumcises our heart.
3) The most critical aspect of study is our attitude toward reading. If we possess a negative attitude toward reading we must work hard to change it. Remember the saying, “That if you ever want to hide anything from a Black man or woman, put it in a book.” Reading is fundamental! Webster’s Dictionary defines fundamental as 1) essential: basic 2) of major significance: central. The word fundamental comes from the Latin word, “fundamentum” which means the foundation. Thus reading is the foundation of study. Remember when Prophet Muhammad was revealed the Holy Quran the first command given to him was READ! The Qur’an further states, “…and the Lord is the Most Generous.”
In the introduction of Study Guide #19, Sister Ava Muhammad stated, “There are no words to express the sensation of seeing and hearing our Minister in person. And there is nothing wrong with audio and videotapes. Indeed, there value is almost immeasurable. However, there is no substitute for the written word. If you desire to grow into power and influence in this life; if you are serious about knowing the Mind of God, you must become proficient in reading.”
Her statement pretty much says it ALL. We must READ!!!! Remember the ONLY picture we have of Master Fard Muhammad is of Him reading the Qur’an. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said that Master Fard had this picture taken of Himself deliberately.
(Willie Muhammad serves as the Student Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @BroWM46 and Instagram. Visit the official New Orleans mosque website @ noineworleans.org)
by Willie Muhammad
In college every student is required to take what is called pre-requisite courses before delving into classes dealing with their major. Pre-requisite is a preliminary condition. A pre-requisite proceeds or prepares one for the main event to come. You may be saying to yourself, “What does this have to do with the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad?” Plenty!
Just as in college, pre-requisites are also needed before embarking on the study of Allah’s wisdom as revealed to the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. One of the MOST important pre-requisites that WE all must personally know is, “Our motive!” What is the motive that is driving us to want to study? Our motive will determine the quality and effectiveness of our study. I recently came across a powerful hadith in the Hadith Qudsi that highlights the great danger of being ill properly motivated. Check it out.
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say: The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied – you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Quran. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Quran for Your sake. He will say: You have lied – you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Quran that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied – you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa’i).
Why do you want to study? Do we want to study to show off at study group? Is our motivation to learn all we can for the purpose of engaging in mental martial arts, where we foolishly destroy our Lost-Found brothers and sisters to make ourselves look good in the eyes of others? We gain nothing by beating up and tearing our people apart. For instance, take this quote in consideration, “Anyone can tear something down. Being able to build it in the first place is what counts. Whom do you admire more, the person who builds a home or the person who sets a match to it?” Our motivation to study should not be driven by pride; it should be to accomplish what is being accomplished by the example in our midst, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is using the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to tear down falsehood while building God fearing men and women of sound character. The Minister is the BEST example in our midst because he is driven by the best motive any person in the work of Resurrection could be fueled by which is LOVE. The scripture says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” Allah and His Christ has granted the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan access into their minds and the revealed word because of the purity of his heart. This fact brings to mind a fable I once read that I would like to share with you. It is titled, “A Precious Gift.”
A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. “I’ve been thinking,” he said. “I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone.” Sometimes it’s not the wealth you have but what’s inside you that others need.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is a sign of the potential that resides in each of us. We too via our study can be like him. In order to do so we have to check out MOTIVE.
(Willie Muhammad serves as the Student Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @BroWM46 and Instagram. Visit the official New Orleans mosque website @ noineworleans.org)
by Willie Muhammad
Webster’s dictionary defines study as an application of the mind to books, etc.; to gain knowledge; v.t. to set the mind to; to examine carefully; to scrutinize; to ponder over; v.t. to read books in order to gain knowledge. The word study derives from the Latin word “stadium” which means “zeal.”
Have you ever thought about where we would be today if the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad had not recognized Master Fard Muhammad as the fulfillment of the biblical prophecies concerning the coming of God? Scary thought isn’t it? We are thankful to Allah that the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad did recognize Him! What was it that made it possible for the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to recognize Master Fard Muhammad? The answer is the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s previous study of the scripture.
In “This Is the One” on page 150, Brother Jabril Muhammad writes concerning the Messenger’s first meeting with Master Fard Muhammad: “The Messenger would later say to his followers, and to the world, that the first thing that struck him about Mr. Fard was that His words and actions tallies with the Bible’s prophecy about what the coming One would say and do on His arrival. The Messenger could not but compare what he was listening to with prophecy of the coming of God in the book of Habakkuk and elsewhere in the Bible.”
Due to the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s previous examination of the scripture and a sincere/pure heart He, out of the many who saw Master Fard Muhammad, knew who He was!
During a believers meeting in New Orleans on January 14, 2006, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan had the following to say about the importance of studying: “Go home and study. See many of you don’t study your religion and you think you are going to attain something without studying. But if you believe in something you need to study it so you can become proficient in what you do.”
How would you grade your level of proficiency in the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad? The Bible & Qur’an? The Supreme Wisdom? The scriptural identifies of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan? Would you be able to explain, defend or teach what you say you believe?
THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDY!!!!!!
(Willie Muhammad serves as the Student Minister at Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @BroWM46 and Instagram. Visit the official New Orleans mosque website @ noineworleans.org)
Ebony S. Muhammad (EM): This is a two part question. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has been in the ministry for over 60 years and does not appear to be tired or slowing down. In fact he is increasing momentum/strategy. According to your interaction, observance and study of him how would you think he would describe his ideal student minister? Along with his request of one thousand new student ministers, what is the significance of a youthful age and a youthful spirit?
Willie Muhammad (WM): I can only respond to this question based upon what I have heard the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan teach over the years and from what I have heard him share of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s words about him. Thus, I would say the ideal student minister would be one that is like the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
He shared with us recently that the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad told him that he was “his Ali.” The Minister explained that Ali means the standard bearer. In addition to that the Minister said the Messenger said that if he had ten more like him he could take over America. So the ideal student minister reflects Minister Farrakhan.
When I say reflect I am not talking about physical features, even though the Minister is a very handsome man. Therefore, when I say reflect I am talking about the need to possess those qualities that makes him the beloved of God and His Christ. When I say reflect I am talking about reflecting the qualities in the Minister that made the Christ tell him to sit in his seat and that we should look at him, hear him, obey him and follow him. I hope that answers your question.
Also when I say reflect I am talking about his character. In the Book of Jude in the New Testament the character of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is attest to using the example of the Archangel Michael. The scripture says that Michael disputed with Satan over the body of Moses. During this dispute, even though Satan used low down tactics, the scriptures say Michael maintained his integrity. Most people throw principle out of the window when engaged with their enemy. But scripture shows the Archangel Michael didn’t stoop to the level of the Devil. The Messenger said he only had one Farrakhan. Michael is the only angel referred to as the archangel, and the Messenger told the Minister that he is an angel. An ideal student minister must have character.
Many of us still think about youth in a chronological sense. Remember the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan told us that is not the number one indicator of the Joshua generation. He said it’s about the spirit we possess and how that spirit moves us to be in lock and step with Allah. Look at the Minister, whom we say Joshua is a sign of in the Bible. Yet, the Minister is in his 80s. Biblical scholars estimate that Joshua in the scriptures was 60 years of age when he led the Children of Israel into the Promise Land. So it’s more about the spirit in than youthfulness.
EM: How real of an issue is burn out, resentment or even bitterness when it comes to being in the ministry? How do these sentiments enter the mind/heart of the one positioned to serve? How does one combat against it?
WM: Resentment, bitterness and burn out are real issues for people in the ministry. I personally think that burnout is the final stage after resentment and then bitterness. They begin to set in our hearts and minds when we fail to properly acknowledge our disappointments and fail to properly address them. These sentiments begin to take root when we look for reward and praise from others instead of Allah. If we keep Him as the focus then we can avoid those sentiments.
I’m not just trying to say that in a way that sounds cliché-ish. In the scriptures we see can learn from Jesus and the ten men he cured of leprosy. Only one of the ten came back, and the one that did was not a member of Jesus’ own people. Despite that, Jesus did not allow the ingratitude of the other nine take away from his spirit/desire to do what God raised him to do. Why? Because he was not doing it for vanity but solely for the glorification of God. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is a LIVING example of that in our midst. He is proof that we can defeat such sentiments.
Sometimes we bring these sentiments upon ourselves by doing more than Allah asked us to do. In the Holy Quran Allah asked us to simply live a life based upon the laws and principles He gave us. He also asked that our duty is to only deliver a clear message. This world has given many an incorrect understanding of salvation. Too many think that it’s about sitting back and doing nothing, while allowing God and Jesus to do it all. If we read the scripture we see that the person who hears the word has a responsibility to do something. The Minister said that the ear would be the instrument of salvation in the Last Days. Well, add that the words of Jesus when he said don’t just be hearers of the word but also DOERS!
Often time we go beyond that and try to do it all for our people and end up enabling them. This creates stress, which leads to resentment, then bitterness. We begin to resent the amount of time we spent trying to bring the message to our people. Then we begin to become bitter toward them and our own spirit becomes salty. So like the wife of Lot we are looking back and missing the world we were brought out of while we say we are walking with the Man of God toward the destination God is leading him. Then burnout takes place, which means the fire of Allah is extinguished due to resentment and bitterness.
EM: I always hear Minister Farrakhan give care and consideration in his opening. He does not waste one word throughout his messages. What kind of spirit does it take and what kind of love does it take to overcome exhaustion where it doesn’t affect one’s ability to convey the word of Allah?
WM: If we love sharing the Word of Allah, I mean really love it, that alone will help us overcome exhaustion. That love with the constant reminder that we are representing God’s man and speaking to God’s people, will help us be careful in our delivery. Minister Farrakhan is a living example of that. He is energized by the word and seeing people become awakened. I have experienced the same thing, I love sharing what the Minister is giving to us from the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. This is all I really want to do. Share it verbally and find ways to manifest it in tangible ways as well. When I do I feel energized and fulfilled. I feel unfulfilled when large amounts of my time are consumed by things that don’t include this Teaching.
EM: What are the complexities related to tiring out? For example, there are some student ministers who work full-time jobs. How does that or how can that affect one’s spiritual energy? How does physical health and fitness contribute to one’s spiritual energy?
WM: I think the biggest challenge having a full time job presents is that it limits what we can do. It adds to the challenge for the struggle for balance, and it takes away from the creativity we can be devoting to planning, strategizing and developing the systems within our mosques or study groups.
We are participating in the resurrection of a mentally dead people, which is more than a FULL TIME job. Think about this example. Imagine there are two people who work at a graveyard doing 12 or more hour shifts. Their job responsibilities are exhuming bodies that are buried in caskets. One worker does this job full time. His full attention and energy is dedicated to doing that work, while the other has another full time job that requires his attention and labor from 8a-3:30p. As soon as this worker finishes he goes to work at the graveyard. Which one do you think would be the most effective in fulfilling his job responsibilities? Which one would have more energy? Which one do you think would be able to use his mental and creatively capabilities the most?
The disciples of Jesus, at one point in their following Jesus, had to leave their occupations to follow the Master Teacher. You don’t read about them still fishing and being accountants. They followed him. I personally believe we would make greater strides and accomplishments if more student ministers and laborers were freed up.
by Willie Muhammad
In November of 2010 I wrote a letter in response to a story featured in Ebony Magazine titled, “Is Black Leadership Dead?” The article was written by Brother Kevin Powell, whom I have great respect and admiration for. However, I disagreed with his answer to the question which served as the title of his article. In the article Brother Kevin basically agreed that Black leadership was dead and did not mention the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Now six years later, I am compelled to write another blog regarding the same omission. This time, I must honestly say that I am even more bothered.
I saw that the great up and coming Black Psychologist Dr. Umar Johnson was being interviewed on the popular morning show The Breakfast Club. I tuned in to hear what he had to say about the recent events and the latest updates on his efforts to open a school for Black boys. Midway through the interview I was shocked when I heard DJ Envy say there were no Black leaders. I thought that Charlamagne Tha God would remind DJ Envy about the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan but he also said nothing. I listened to the entire interview and the leadership of the Honorable Louis Farrakhan was NEVER mentioned even though they talked about action items that Blacks can use, which the Minister has already proposed, planned and executed. While they discussed whether or not Blacks today could wage an effective economic boycott, which they doubted could be done, DJ Envy said the following beginning at the 24:55 minute mark:
“I think they would if we had a leader. I think with us who is the leader? Who do we look up to?…People need leadership, when I say leadership. People need to know what to do.”
In fact during his first appearance he talked about the economic boycott he called for during Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2015. Envy, Dr. Umar and Charlamagne Tha God talked about the effectiveness of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan exposed millions to a side of Dr. King that had been kept away from the masses and that side was the impetus for his call for Blacks to use their economic strength. The Minister used that little known fact to galvanize many to participate in an economic boycott. At the conclusion of this same economic boycott we saw and read news stories/articles about major retail chains deciding to close hundreds of stores. The leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, a Muslim, inspired many including Christians to not allow their love for Jesus to be exploited by merchants.
In addition to the economic boycott the Minister has called for 16 million Black wage earners to give 35 cents a week to a national treasury known Muhammad’s Economic Blueprint. In one year the fund would amass $291 million to be invested first in farmland and then in other industries and projects. With these funds the Minister has already purchased acres of farmland. What other leader has done so?
Almost every action they discussed Black people needed to do, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has done, and inspired many others to do. Dr. Umar talked about our need for schools, businesses and establishing international relationships. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has inspired the opening of schools in many major cities across America. One, the Muhammad University of Islam, is right in Chicago.
As it relates to international alliances, the Minister has had several World Friendship tours where he was received as a Head of State by other World Leaders. While there he has opened up doors and established relationships for Blacks in America. Here are just two examples of what took place from these World Tours. The late Muammar Qaddafi wanted to place $1 billion dollars under the supervision of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to be used to create economic growth and development for Blacks in America. In Cuba the Minister was able to get Fidel Castro to provide FREE scholarships for Blacks in America who desire to become medical doctors. I can go on and on.
Minister Louis Farrakhan (R-first row) leader of the Nation of Islam, smiles during a meeting with USA students of the Latinamerican Medical Science School on Monday 20 March, 2006 in Havana, Cuba. EPA/STR Stringer
If I had the chance to speak to my dear brother DJ Envy, I would remind him that we do have a leader and that is not the problem. The problem is not enough of us want to be a follower. When I say follower I am not talking about becoming a member of the Nation of Islam. I am talking about having the mindset to take the initiatives which the Minister gives and use our resources to move out on them. This responsibility falls on the shoulders of all who hears the Minister.
Anytime the omission of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s decades of leadership takes place we must NOT be silent. To do so is a sign of ingratitude. If there is no leadership then how do we see the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan? As a celebrity, a preacher, or just some respected elder that we can take pictures with and show our grandchildren that we once met him? The more I reflected on this recent omission, the more I further realized that the prophecies found in the scriptures about how the Son of Man will be treated are definitely being fulfilled. In Ezekiel 33:30-33 its reads,
30 “Son of man, your people talk about you in their houses and whisper about you at the doors. They say to each other, ‘Come on, let’s go hear the prophet tell us what the Lord is saying!’ 31 So my people come pretending to be sincere and sit before you. They listen to your words, but they have no intention of doing what you say. Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. 32 You are very entertaining to them, like someone who sings love songs with a beautiful voice or plays fine music on an instrument. They hear what you say, but they don’t act on it!
This fits Black America and our response to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. We sit and complain about the state of the Black community and cry out for plans of action. We do so while the man God has placed the solution to our problems is right in our very midst telling us what we need to do to better ourselves. Yet we do nothing! There is a consequence for such inaction. It hurts me to say that much of what we are suffering as a people, from the murder of innocent Black men by law enforcement, broken homes, economic dependence on others and presidential disrespect; is as a result of us rejecting and refusing to follow what God is given to us through the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. When it is all said and done, every knee will bow and every neck should bend and we all will attest to what is said in the 33rd verse of the 33rd chapter of Ezekiel.
33 But when all these terrible things happen to them—as they certainly will—then they will know a prophet has been among them.”
I believe that those on the Breakfast Club have love for the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. I just wanted to take this opportunity to encourage them to look at what the Minister has done and is doing. Doing so will help us to see we have already been given the course of action that can transform our community.
(Student Minister Willie Muhammad is the New Orleans Representative of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Nation of Islam at Muhammad Mosque No. 46.)
[Source: FinalCall.com]
Mediation training
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The New Orleans Peacekeepers have been very successful in resolving conflicts in their city and are responsible for squashing nearly 30 beefs to date. Following the October 10 “Justice Or Else!” gathering in Washington, D.C., Willie Muhammad and Jesse Muhammad teamed up to assist other cities in developing their own Conflict Resolution Centers by organizing a telephone conference. As a result, 38 cities, including Atlanta, Houston, Memphis, Milwaukee, and Baltimore expressed interest in establishing a CRC. Eleven of those cities have already formed their mediation team, which has resulted in nine successful mediations.
“The day after the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan delivered his Oct. 18 message titled, ‘The Way Forward’, I was blessed to meet with him,” said Jesse Muhammad, who facilitates social media for The Final Call newspaper and also Min. Farrakhan. “During our discussion, I shared with him the successful conflict resolution work being done by Student Minister Willie Muhammad and those striving to stop the beefs—as he instructed—in New Orleans,” said Jesse Muhammad.
“I showed the Minister a slide presentation from Brother Willie that outlined how they set up the conflict resolution center, informed him about the national ‘Justice Or Else’ training conference call we did and the feedback. Minister Farrakhan was very happy over what he saw. It is the type of follow-up action he has been looking for since 10.10.15. He said it is a model that we should use across the country and that Brother Willie would be great to spearhead the national effort because they have a proven track record in stopping the beefs,” he continued.
Student Minister Willie Muhammad said that he strives to the best of his ability to carry out the ideas Min. Farrakhan expresses to Black, Latino and Indigenous communities. “As you know, Min. Farrakhan said that we need to set up Conflict Resolution Centers in every city to help reduce violence. That’s all I needed to hear, so we moved out on his directives,” he explained.