The Nation of Islam

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The Nation of Islam: A Source of Hope

In the early 1930’s, in Detroit, when the Nation of Islam was initially founded it was not really widely known. It was a very secluded and introverted religion and community. It was not until they came under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad that the Nation of Islam became a household name in the early 1960’s. The Nation of Islam, during the 60’s, was one of the forerunners for African American unity. They strove for a separate black community. They wanted to be completely separated from the white community only because, according to their beliefs, white people were all devils. Elijah Muhammad being influenced by many people and factors in his life led the Nation of Islam to the point where many blacks started to look toward Islam as a way out. The Nation provided an escape from the harsh racial treatment and discrimination that was going on during the time. The brutality of the police is a great example. Within the Nation, however, some political moves were also taken towards blacks acquiring their civil and human rights. The Nation’s efforts seemed to be at it’s all time high from 1960-1965 during the time Muhammad and Malcolm X, as his right hand man, led the Nation. After that time period however, the nation seemed to fall apart. Once Malcolm X was dismissed from the Nation, the Nation and it’s followers seemed to become a bit quieter. It was more than likely due to the fact that after Muhammad’s death, the Nation split into different paths and even in a new direction.

Before the Nation of Islam became widespread throughout the black community, Elijah Poole was busy having his life formed and shaped to the point that would eventually lead him into becoming the leader of Nation of Is...

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...%28198306%2913%3A4%3C417%3ATBMMAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B

“In the Muslim mainstream” The Christian Century, Oct 26, 1994 v111 n30 p978 (2)

http://web4.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/445/629/49925478w4/purl=rc1_EAIM_0_A15897641&dyn=19!xrn_5_0_A15897641?sw_aep=uiuc

Bellinger, Larry. " A new Farrakhan? The Nation of Islam leans toward the mainstream."

Sojourners, May-June 2002 v31 i3 p16 (2). http://web4.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/445/629/49925478w4/purl=rc1_EAIM_0_A85172355&dyn=12!prv_3_0_A85172355?sw_aep=uiuc

Marsh, Clifton. 1996 From Black Muslims to Muslims: the Resurrection,

Transformation, and Change of the Lost-Found Nation of Islam in America, 1930-1995 Maryland: Scarecrow Press, Inc.,

Alexander, Amy. ed,1998. The Farrakhan Factor: African-American Writers on

Leadership, Nationhood, and Minister Louis Farrakhn. New York: Grove Press

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