Nation of Islam
The Nation of Islam is an African-American ethno-nationalist and religious group. It was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1930 by Master Farad Muhammad and re-founded in 1977 under the leadership of Louis Farrakhan. The original group founded in the 1930s changed its name to American Society of Muslims, which rejected many of its original beliefs, including black separatism. The main goal of the Nation of Islam is to bring back the spiritual, mental, social and economic condition of blacks in the United States. Since 1981, the group has been led by Louis Farrakhan. Malcolm X also was a member.
Basis
The current headquarters for the Nation of Islam is in Chicago, Illinois. The Nation of Islam is currently lead by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan through the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Elijah Muhammad met Master Farad Muhammad and was directly given lost knowledge to rebuild the children of slavery and bring them back to their original selves.
Beliefs and practices
Religious beliefs and practices
The Nation of Islam combines a number of religious doctrines and beliefs, primarily Islam and Dianetics. In their literature, they profess their belief in the oneness of Allah (tawhid) and the Qur'an.[1] They celebrate Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Unlike orthodox Islam, they celebrate Ramadan in the winter.[2] Their places of worship are called mosques. They also pray five times a day, although unlike in orthodox Islam, they pray in English, not Arabic. [3]
In addition to these Islamic beliefs and practices, the theology Nation of Islam also promotes and includes non-traditional religious beliefs. Although their contemporary website highlights their belief in the oneness of God, other sources produced by the Nation of Islam highlight their beliefs in many Gods as well. For example, Master Farad, the founder of the Nation of Islam is also considered "God in person".[4] This is a belief that would be strongly refuted in traditional Islamic teaching. They also believe that Allah is a black man and that each cycle of history is ruled by a different God, who dies once his cycle is over.
The flag
The flag of the Nation of Islam has the symbols of the sun, moon, and the stars. It represents the universe. It is also a banner of universal peace and harmony.
Nation Of Islam Media
The flag of the Nation of Islam is a white crescent moon and star on a red background.[5] The group calls this flag, which is based on that of Turkey, "the national".[6]
Young male members of the Nation of Islam in San Francisco, California in 1994
Nation of Islam members at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, London, March 1999
Women members of the NOI at a Saviour's Day meeting in 1974. A women's outfit incorporating a headpiece and full-length garment covering the arms and legs was introduced in the 1930s, intended to preserve the wearer's modesty.[7]
A Nation of Islam mosque in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, 2005
The interior of a Nation-owned bakery in Oakland, California
The Moorish Science Temple of America, whose members are pictured here in 1928, was a key influence on the Nation of Islam
Wallace Fard Muhammad in a 1933 mugshot
Elijah Muhammad, who formulated many of the Nation's key ideas
References
- ↑ "The Muslim Program". NOI.org Official Website. 2013-10-08. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
- ↑ "Nation of Islam (NOI)". crcc.usc.edu. 2019-04-16. Retrieved 2024-03-10.
- ↑ Curtis, Edward E. (2002). "Islamizing the Black Body: Ritual and Power in Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam". Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation. 12 (2): 167–196. doi:10.1525/rac.2002.12.2.167. ISSN 1052-1151.
- ↑ Gardell, Mattias (1996). In the name of Elijah Muhammad: Louis Farrakhan and the nation of Islam. The C. Eric Lincoln series on the Black experience. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-8223-1845-3.
- ↑ Gardell 1996, p. 60.
- ↑ Austin 2003, p. 59.
- ↑ Gibson 2017, p. 35.
- ↑ Potorti 2017, pp. 79, 80.