If a picture is worth a thousand words then this pic is...

(Left to right...Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, Michael Jackson and Louis Farrakhan)

See this pic and read more about the passing of our brother Michael Jackson in this week edition of the Final Call Newspaper. Also, online...

The human desire to feel important

by

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

"We... have of our own free will, put aside all titles to accept the responsibility of intensive study to qualify ourselves for such titles and positions that await us on completion of our course of study and labor."(May 1982 article by The Hon. Louis Farrakhan)

What is the greatest human desire? According to Dale Carnegie, author of How To Win Friends And Influence People, the greatest desire of a person is to feel important. We just want to feel special. He then goes on to say that varied are the ways in which human beings go about achieving this feeling of importance. 

Some wear expensive clothes or jewelry to make them seem a notch higher than others. Then others flaunt their education or social status to make them better than their "lesser" counterparts. Or drive the best and latest vehicle in an attempt to say through things: I AM IMPORTANT! 

In the world of religion we use our supposed "right understanding" to distinguish ourselves from others we consider lost. 

However, all of these things are just covers for, most of the time, a wounded soul. From my studies and experience of life, I understand that life is lived from the inside out not from the outside in. What does this mean? It means that we have to make our self happy within. No other thing outside of yourself can totally make you happy. That includes money, spouses, fame, luxury, vehicle type or any other material thing. You have to first develop inner happiness and self approval. Then the things outside of yourself can add to the happiness you have already built. 

This is why I do not seek to have any title attached to my name other than "brother". I am not seeking to be called master, reverend, minister, captain or leader. I just want to master being a brother to brothers and sisters. I do not even use the title Muslim without prefacing it with "student". I am in the process of learning how to be in submission to the will of God and be a righteous person. So, I say I am a student Muslim- student believer. 

Our true identity has it roots in creation from the Creator. The scripture teaches we are created in the image and likeness of Almighty God. So, brothers and sisters we have big shoes to fill in living up to the life our Lord desires for us. Once we know him personally, connect with and grow in him we will not have to worry about titles or material things to feel important... for he will make us whole.

Thank you for reading!

Feedback/What do you think about this article?

Copyright2009Mustafaa Muhammad

Farrakhan on trials, struggle and faith

"In this dark time where we are experiencing the pains of the wobble in the United States of America. After a period of relief at the gas pumps, the price gas is steadily on the rise once again. The unemployment continues to mount creating more financial problems and stress for the American people. This is truly a dark period of time. In a dark time like this the greatest currency we can have is our faith in God and having him as our friend. What follows are some quotes by The Hon. Louis Farrakhan that I find uplifting in times of struggle. No matter what we must remember that God has never let his people down."

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

****************

Louis Farrakhan on life's trials, struggle and faith

April 17, 1987 Easter Sunday Message

"“That in our darkest hour, an hour when you think you should give up because the forces arrayed against you are so mighty; so powerful; and they look as though they have totally overwhelmed you, it is in that hour that your greatest opportunity for triumph is in you."

Origin of blackness 4-8-2001

"It is layers of darkness, but, in that darkness is the power to create life. In that darkness there is the germ of light. That is why any Believer in Allah (God), no matter how dark the day seems, no matter how dark the trouble is that you think you are in, yet, in that darkness there is light, and, there is life if you hold on and do not let the darkness overtake you until your mind becomes as dark as the darkness that envelops you."

He came that we may have life 2-27-2005

"When you come into the Life of God, that is the Abundant Life. It is your inheritance to be anointed with His spirit, to be filled with Him, so that when you are filled with His word, you become an extension of Him. When He is in you, then the scripture is fulfilled. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world."

Oct 20 2002 message

"Allah (God) created the human being to struggle. And most of us don’t like struggle. We like ease. But the Holy Qur’an says, after difficulty comes ease or with difficulty comes ease. You’re not going to get ease without difficulty. When the difficulties come in your life, know that ease is coming. You can’t run from the difficulty with a bottle in your hand, or with a reefer in your hand, or with the pipe in your hand, or with a woman by the hand thinking that this is going to console you and comfort you in your hour of difficulty. That’s running; that’s trying to escape. When you’re in difficulty, you must say, "Yes, Allah, I’m going to face it. Whatever it is, I know You are my Patron, you are my Friend, and You will see me through this. But I’ve got to face it. I can’t run from it." When we face the difficulty with the help of Allah (God), we find ourselves overcoming it. And every time you overcome it with the help of Allah (God), you’ve wiped out another idol. You won’t worship this or that idol any more."

Town hall meeting New Orleans 1-14-2006

"So there must be a reconstruction of our minds. Then nothing is impossible. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad said to me when Almighty God created the universe out of nothing, He destroyed the impossible. So we have the capability to do exactly what needs to be done if we do in our minds what must be done to deposit the knowledge that we need."

Message 11-21-2004 The fabric of faith

"God tests you by taking things that you love from you. When He does this to you, are you going to fall out of faith? Are you going to think that God has done you wrong? Look at the fabric of Job’s faith in the Bible. God permitted everything to be taken from him. Even Job’s wife told him, “Curse God and die!” But he said, “Woman, you speak as the foolish. I’m going to wait until my change comes.” That’s the fabric of faith upon which you build a life of service dedicated to the worship of God."

The Spider 3-20-2005

"Trials are like tests. How well did you study? Some of us do not study, but still pass tests because we paid attention in class. Tests show us weakness. In order for Allah (God) to perfect His creation, He must manifest its weakness. So, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad calls this period “the Time of the Manifestation of Defects.” How do you know if what you created works until you test it? When you test it and see its weaknesses, you then say, “I have to fix that.” So it is with God. He wants to perfect us, so that He can use us for the redemption of our people and all of humanity. So, we have to be tried and our defects manifested in order for us to be perfected."

Are reparations the solution to black suffering?

By

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

Last night I watched a heated discussion regarding reparations as a solution to the historical crime of slavery in America. The debate was raised on the MSNBC show Hardball with Chris Matthews. There was a pro position and of course a con position given during this spirited debate. 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The host attempted to make it seem that it would be impossible to determine the proper course towards giving reparations to black people. He advanced the arguments that not all were slave owners, where would the money come from and who are descendants of slaves in this country. These are all arguments to excuse the country from doing what is right and proper towards black people 

It is a fact that we were brought to the U.S.A. over 400 years ago. It is a fact that hundreds of thousands of black people died in the middle passage before we even arrived on these shores. The official story says we were brought here in 1619, but The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, the Messenger, teaches that God revealed to him that we were brought here in the year 1555. The time period between 1555-1619 was a 64 year period where we were broken or seasoned for the "new world". It is known that we were stripped of our names, language, history, way of Godly devotion, family structure and self esteem. This was a black holocaust that many are still uncomfortable talking about in modern times. You are accused of living in the past or being a whiner by bringing up these historical facts.

After 300 or so years we were allowed to read and to get religious instructions. However, the latter was not for the purpose of making us better in the sight of God, but to make us better docile slaves. 

America became a great wealthy country off the back of the free labor contributions black people gave for centuries.  Considering all that we have given to this country of our blood, sweat and tears it is not unrealistic for this country to give monetary compensation to the descendants of those who gave the wealth of their bodies to make The United States a world super power. We are not begging for a hand out! I read once that Israel receives 10 millions dollars a day from the U.S.A. for compensation. This is amazing considering their holocaust didn't happen in this country or under the American government. Yet, we who suffered here and contributed to the country get mocked when we talk about the real issue of reparations. 

In the word reparations is the idea of repair. Some of the definitions of repair are: To restore to sound condition after damage or injury; fix. To set right; remedy. To renew or revitalize. Make up for or compensate for (a loss or wrong, for example). We have never been, as a whole, repaired from the mental, emotional and spiritual genocide unleashed upon us by our oppressors. This is the greatest reparations that must be given. When you look at the current bad condition of black people you can trace the root of our issues to that peculiar institution of slavery. 

The Hon. Louis Farrakhan teaches us that in true reparations there must be the transfer of knowledge. Who are we as black people? We are not colored, niggers, niggas, negroes, dogs, bitches or even African Americans. We are a people created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, any repair must take into consideration the transforming us from a low state to being what our Creator intended for us. This the country cannot do and does not have the desire to do. So, The Hon. Louis Farrakhan at this year Saviours' Day convention reminded us "We must accept the responsibility to build our community". 

Where will this reparation come from? If Amighty God is our Creator then he knows best how his creation should function. There is a prophecy in the Bible stating the slavery condition of black people and our redemption. Genesis 15:13-14 states, "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age." This is a very clear prophecy regarding our entire sojourn in America. So, If Mr. Chris Matthews and others who think like that want to trivialize our need for justice, we shouldn't worry because God will answer our prayers and repair us fully.

The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad and his student Minister Farrakhan have both diagnosed our condition in the context of the spiritual realm. We are not where we are in condition, necessarily because of lack of money. We are in the condition we are in due to the lack of the proper knowledge. The knowledge that we need are the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves as created beings in his image and likeness. Considering that the American dollar is fluctuating and falling we should not put our hope in financial reparations from the country, but rather in the promise of God. When man fails God has to step into the picture.

Thank you for reading these words.

What do you think/Feedback

Copyright2009Mustafaa Muhammad 

Http://brothermustafaa.com

A few tips for surviving a job layoff

by

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

Just a few minutes ago I experienced one of the most dreaded things most people fear in this economic down turn... the dreaded L word... yes Layoff.

 I went to my job today and everyone looked as though they had seen a proverbial ghost. One co-worker looked as though someone had died. So, I asked what was wrong? It was then that I was told by my co-worker that my long time j-o-b would be closing down for good. I was then directed to speak to the president of the company. He then confirmed what my co-worker told me, apologized and then blamed the shut down on the bad economy. No one said a thing, but I am sure some where surprised by my upbeat attitude towards the ordeal. As a youth I was in the boy scouts for a month and our motto then was "Be prepared"! So, I already had a contingency plan prepared if the worse happened. One co-worker actually cried in my presence while discussing the layoff and went on about possibly having to live in her car. I tried to remind my co-workers that while this is a bad situation it is not the end of the world...just a setback. And you know what they say setbacks and setups for comebacks. 

As I drove home after this news, my heart went out to all of those who will suffer greatly as a result of this layoff. I wondered too, what this will mean for my financial goals for this year. 

I would like in the rest of this posting to offer comfort and a few tips for surviving and thriving in a layoff.

#1 File for unemployment immediately and all benefits available. I know this will not be the full salary you were used to, but just knowing that some income is available goes a long way towards alleviating stress. This is the time to review your budget, cut the fat and focus on what is actually needed to keep your ship afloat. 

#2 If you can get financial aid, this would be the perfect time to enroll in some classes or to be certified in a skill. If that is not an option, you can always look at continuing education classes to learn something new. Keep yourself busy, learning and growing everyday.

#3 Do something that will make you happy and keep your spirits high. This might already be a terrible situation in your life which doesn't need to be compounded by you allowing yourself to succumb to worry, stress, fear and being despondent. After finding out I was laid off, I, after checking my reduced income budget, took myself out to dinner at a moderately priced restaurant.  I did this allow myself some joy and to relax my mind to prepare my comeback plan.

#4 If you are religious or spiritual this is the time to find comfort in your religious text of choice. From reading such text we discover that God has never let his servants suffer a defeat without eventually blessing them with more in the end. As the famed motivation speaker Les Brown says, "It is not over until you win!" 

#5 I know this might be the last thing on your mind, but maybe this is the time to start a small business or service. With your reduced income, you might think where will I get the money to start a business. I believe that our Creator blessed us with two hands and a mind. So, between these two gifts, I believe that we  have the ability to be little creators. These is always something that can be done by someone that will alleviate a problem for others. I don't know what your skills and talents are, so I cannot advise you what service oriented business will work best for you. You can research online or check out a magazine called "Get rich at home". I am not talking about a get rich quick scheme, but rather a legitimate means of bringing in some extra cash. I was amazed to read that during the great depression people were still becoming millionaires and Hollywood was still releasing successful movies. 

Keep your head up, keep faith and this dark time will pass for you. 

Thank you for reading

What do you think? Feedback.

Http://brothermustafaa.com

10 part time businesses you can start

10 Part-Time Business Ideas

by Jeremy Quittner and John Tozzi

Thursday, May 28, 2009

provided by

In any economy, a part-time business can bring in extra income, give you a fallback plan if you lose your job, or plant the seed for a larger venture. In a downturn, it's hard to argue with preparing a backup plan. Of course, starting a business is always risky, and you will almost surely spend more than you make at first. Previously, we offered advice for recently laid-off workers considering going into business for themselves. Now we're offering snapshots of part-time solo business ventures that could turn into full-fledged businesses, including tips on getting started. Click here for full article

Posted by Brother Mustafaa

Do for self or suffer the consequences

by

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

The title of this post "Do for self or suffer the consequences" is from an admonition given by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to the black man in particular and the black community as a whole. The Minister's words are in complete harmony with his teacher, The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, that we must "Do for self". 

We have a saying amongst us in the black community that when America catches a cold we catch Phenomena , which means that when the nation suffers we get the worse end of it. When America's stock market crashed in 1929 leading to the Great Depression period of the 30's. This produced great financial stress that led many business men to suicide. However, we as black people in America had already been in a "Great Depression" during our sojourn in the country.

Today, many experts speak of the current economic downturn or recession as being the worse since the Great Depression. As it was then, 1930's, so it is today. We as black people continue to be on the bottom rung in society when it comes to life expectancy, economics, health, marriage and family. This is by no means to put down my own community or deny the successes that many brothers and sisters are achieving despite the odds. What I am speaking of is the overall picture reality for our people. 

In point #9 of the Muslim program The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad reminds us, "We do not believe that America will ever be able to furnish enough jobs for her own millions of unemployed, in addition to jobs for the 20,000,000 black people as well." This was written in the 60's when we numbered 20 million, but now today we number around 30-40 million and still face high unemployment in this nation. 

What will we do? Should we sit at home praying and hoping for others to correct this problem?

 Of course as tax paying quote un quote citizens we look for the government to help correct the problem. We should be wise enough by now to know if we do not unite and do for self to solve our problems they will not get solved. The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad wrote in his phenomenal book, Message to the blackman, a chapter titled "A program for self development" in which he gave us the following program:

1. Separate yourselves from the slave-master.

2. Pool your resources, education and qualifications for independence.

3. Stop forcing yourselves into places where you are not wanted.

4. Make your own neighborhood a decent place to live.

5. Rid yourselves of the lust of wine and drink and learn to love self and your kind before loving others.

6. Unite to create a future for yourself.

7. Build your own homes, schools, hospitals, and factories.

8. Do not seek to mix your blood through racial integration.

9. Stop buying expensive cars, fine clothes and shoes before being able to live in a fine home.

10. Spend your money among yourselves.

11. Build an economic system among yourselves.

12. Protect your women.

The above mentioned program is practicable in that it can be used by all of our people regardless to faith association or lack of, political leaning or other differences real or imagined. We must develop our self and our community. The Hon. Louis Farrakhan took as his Saviours' Day 2009 message theme "Accepting responsibility to build our community."

The answer to our problems is not hard to find. We will find that answer in our own hands and the collective hands of us as a people. 

Thank you for reading!

What do you think/Feedback

Copyright2009Mustafaa Muhammad

Http://brothermustafaa.com

Real health insurance

(What follows below is The Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan's  advice towards the health care problem in America. As the nation debates the health care system, I think we should reflect on the words of the Minister given 9 years ago.)  Brother Mustafaa

Real health insurance comes from the diet and eating that which was unclean to eating that which is clean. That which is sanitary is that which is clean and that which is unsanitary is that which is unclean. What is the relationship between sanity and sanitarium, insanity and unsanitary? When you put that into the principle of justice, the more deprived of justice human beings are, the more insane or unclean they become. When you can live in filth then you encourage rats, cockroaches, flies and all things that are carriers of disease. So, one of the first things that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad enforced upon us was cleanliness and he said one day that he would like to form a committee of cleanliness to enforce cleanliness in the society. He said cleanliness is not next to Godliness; it is Godliness. So, just helping our people to see the need for, and to get involved in the practice of being clean, will start them on the road to health and sanitary conditions

We were required to take a hot bath or a shower everyday. We were required to put the best foods in our stomachs and therefore the Muslims countenance literally glowed. We never had prescription drugs in our bathroom cabinets. We hardly ever had a headache. We suffered from diabetes but we knew how to master it. The key is not forcing government to give health care to the people. The key is providing the people with an internal force of enlightenment that allows the people to give basic health needs to themselves and, what the government does is to provide people with health care should they need it. But, if you are clean and you eat the proper foods and you try to take control of your thoughts then you are giving sane, and sanitary conditions to yourself and no matter what the government does or does not do, we give health to ourselves by what we do.

The government said it was OK to drink alcohol. God said no and we stopped. The government said it was all right to smoke. God said no and we stopped. The doctors said eat three meals a day. God said no. We ate one meal a day and we got away from the forbidden swine and shell food that is improper. These are instructions to the people because what we represent is empowerment to the masses by giving the masses the knowledge of how to do for themselves rather than to depend on government, but the unity of the masses will give us the power to redirect government."

Feedback/What do you think?

Http://brothermustafaa.com

Black men dressing like women

By

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

While I was working on a new article for this blog, I was distracted by the thought of black men and drag, particularly in Hollywood. It is seen as a big laugh to see a black man dressed up like a woman. The old testament of the Bible says such a person should be killed. I am not advocating killing anyone or trying to inspire anyone to do such. 

We as a people have come through the horrible ordeal of slavery and it has destroyed us on many levels. Therefore, it is not good for us to down another brother or sister who may be manifesting one of many aspects of post slavery sickness. 

 

(Above pics top to bottom: Jamie Foxx as Wanda, Flip Wilson as Gertrude, Barry Bonds dressed as a woman and Wesley Snipes dressed in drag)

Back to black men dressing like women. The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, the Messenger, had to advise his Min. Farrakhan when he put on a play displaying our transformation from low life to Godliness. In the play The Hon. Louis Farrakhan had a brother play the role of a homosexual and a sister play the part of a prostitute. After seeing the play The Hon. Elijah Muhammad told Minister Farrakhan to never have his people playing such roles again, because to play such a role you have to put your mind in the role of what you are playing. This is in line with the Bible which teaches, "As a person thinks in their heart so are they."  Why is black men dressing in drag encouraged or promoted in America? 

(Pics from top to bottom: Ving Rhames in drag, Eddie Murphy in drag)

God has come to America to uplift the black man and his family to the highest pinnacle of success in this world and the next. We have to be washed from the death blow of the slavery experience which destroyed our minds. We have been ripped off from the knowledge of self and of our God. The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad, The Messenger of ALLAH, worked for 44 years to reform, redeem and renew the black man and woman in America. His great student and spiritual son, The Hon. Louis Farrakhan  has worked in his absence to continue the process of spiritual and moral resurrection.  

Black brothers it is no joke and do not let the enemy make you a joke among the civilized world by putting you in a dress. You are a black man not a black woman!

(Tyler Perry as Madea)

Thank you for reading this post

What do you think?

Http://brothermustafaa.com

The beginning of Islam and moderate Muslims

by

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

I am watching the current dialogue with Muslims and the Muslim world with hopeful anticipation along with most people in the world. The religion of Islam continues to be one of the most misunderstood faiths in the world due to the misrepresentation by the adversaries of Islam and often by the very followers themselves. The religion of Islam and Muslims have been under a microscope since the horrible incident of September 11th. I have been told personally by a few that I have made them uncomfortable, because of my Islamic affiliation. Pressure internally and externally are now causing the Muslim world and Muslims in general to reexamine the way we have practiced our faith. 

I have noticed that during this recent dialogue with Muslims there are still some misconceptions regarding Islam and Muslims. I believe these are innocent misunderstanding, but they feed into a larger stereotypes of Muslims. 

One of the most common misunderstandings concern the actual origin of Islam and Muslims. President Obama recently said in his speech to the Muslim world via Egypt that, "He wanted to return to where Islam began." Some may say what is wrong with his statement and why are you making such a big fuss over nothing. I do not personally believe that he meant anything by it, but this is not the Muslim position regarding our origin in the world. First not all Muslims are Arabs, but some Muslims, around 18%, happen to be Arabs and live in the Middle Eastern region. The rest of the Muslim family live in Indonesia, Africa, Europe, America, China and all in between making up the estimated 1.5 million Muslims world wide.

Secondly, Muslims nor the Qur'an teach that Islam had it's origin 1400+ years ago or in the geographical area of Arabia. Islam as we are taught is a principle of submission to the will of the Creator of the heavens and the Earth. It is an eternal principle that is seen in nature, the universe and humanity.  It is for this reason that we believe all the prophets taught the same way of life-submission to the will of God. 

The world has taken it for granted that Islam is of Arab origin despite them only representing around 18% of the whole. Islam is seen in the sun obeying the will of the Creator and giving light. Islam is seen in the planets floating in their orbit in an orderly fashion. Islam is seen in the Bee being a Bee. Islam is seen in the bear being a bear. The human being was created with the nature of Islam and to reach greatness by bowing to the will of the Almighty God Creator ALLAH. This is verified in the Holy Qur'an Chapter 30:30. So, it is for the aforementioned reasons that we do not say Islam has an origin other than God himself.

My second reason for writing this post is to rhetorically ask the question what is an moderate Muslim and why does Islam have to be moderated? These statements are made implying that Islam and/or the Holy Qur'an are some inheritantly wicked, hostile or backwards system. So, it is up to others outside to show Muslims the correct civilization. It is clear to everyone that the practices of Muslims, particularly in the Mid East need reform. This I will announce from the mountain tops without shame. 

The Muslim world and Muslims in general have deviated from the path as foretold by Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him). So, the Muslims need to be reformed, but it is not for their adversaries to dictate to them. Just as Christianity went through a dark age and has now come of age so must Islam come through it's own cleansing process. Martin Luther and John Calvin both disagreed with how Catholicism(Christianity)  was being practiced from the leaders to the followers. Therefore they protested thus creating the protestant movement in Christianity. I believe the same is in store for Islam. Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) taught is that innovation would enter the religion of Islam. The true principles and practice of the Holy Qur'an, without the interpretations by the scholars, would offer light to all of humanity. 

This is an interesting time for the Muslims in the entire world. This dialogue amongst Muslims will lead to much good-self examination, self analysis and then self correction. Prophet Muhammad said that the sun would rise from the West. This means that as the sun represents light to the Earth, the truth of Islam will shine from the West to the East. Muslims in the East will have to start showing more respect to the Muslim communities that are being developed in America that could be an example to them to solve their problems.

Thanks for reading

Tell me what you think.

Copyright2009Mustafaa Muhammad

Http://brothermustafaa.com

My response to charges that Minister Farrakhan is anti-semitic and anti-Jewish

I am amazed that in 2009 it is still asserted that The Hon. Louis Farrakhan stated that Judaism is a gutter religion. He has addressed the falsity of this charge consistently over the years. He is a Muslim and as a Muslim we believe in all of the prior prophets/scriptures including Moses, the Torah and the prophets sent to Israel. So, the Minister wouldn't condemn people for their practice of Judaism when Islam in principle shares with Judaism at it's core.

However, the Minister says we do not judge a persons religion by what they say, but rather by what they do. Using this criteria there are not many true Muslims, Christians or Jews in this world. They may wear the label of being a religious believer, but their actions betray their proclamations.

It is in this context that he criticized some members of the Jewish community for their not living up to their faith. Does this make him anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic for saying this? He has even said the same towards members of his own group, Muslims, Christians, African Americans and wherever he sees injustice and wrong. Take time to learn of this man and his divine works in America.

Brother Mustafaa

Http://brothermustafaa.com

Black men, terrorism and Islam

by

Brother Mustafaa Muhammad

In the Name of ALLAH, The Beneficent, The Merciful

I just read a short while ago about the alleged shooting of an military recruiter by a black man named Mr. Abdulhakim Muhammad. Of course, by his last name being the same as mine, I have already been questioned by well meaning family members as to what this is all about and expressing concern about my safety. Subtly, in some cases, and overtly in others this incident has raised concerns among some regarding national security and Muslims.

Let me first say that I nor the Holy Qur'an, the scripture of Muslims, do not condone any such act of aggression or violence against non combatants. The Holy Qur'an teaches in harmony with the Bible that human life is sacred and is not to be taken except in self defense or for punishment for a crime. Secondly, my condolences go out to the family and loved ones of this recruiter whose life was lost. 

I have been a proud practicing Muslim for the past 13 years and this way of life has been a great benefit to me personally. I have gone from being a thuggish person being a destroyer of my community to being an asset to my community. 

I am writing, because of my concern with those who will use this unfortunate incident to further their campaign of vilification of Muslims. 

First, why is it that when a Muslim does something which is clearly against the faith  the label of "terrorist" or "terrorism" is thrown around. Perception becomes reality, so while there are Muslims who are faithful, upright decent people the entire Muslim community is looked at with suspicion, due to the actions of a small minority. 

As a black man born and raised in the U.S.A, I am outraged whenever I hear such terms as "terrorism" and "terrorist". I ask myself why are not the police who kill young black men labeled domestic terrorist? Nor is it labeled terrorism when they taser a brother or sister excessively within an inch of their life. 

I believe that we as black people have been under "terrorism" from the time we arrived on these shores 400 years ago until today. Of course, this includes the so-called Indians who have suffered as well under the same "terrorist" tactics and germ warfare. When we read of these wicked incidents it is portrayed as though Blacks and Indians were savages prior to the coming of their European saviors. 

With this history in mind and the present injustice we face in this country it is understandable if some are outright angry. However, this anger does not give me or anyone the right to target innocent people. The Holy Qur'an says in Sura(chapter) 5:2, "And help one another in righteousness and piety, and help not one another in sin and aggression." Further in Sura(chapter) 5:3 we are told, "O you who believe, be upright for ALLAH, bearers of witness with justice; and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just; that is nearer to observance of duty." So, even though we have a right to be angry at the injustices heaped upon us historically and until the present we must not degenerate to becoming that which we accuse  our adversaries of being.

A special group of Muslims have been in America for the past 79 years. I am speaking now of the Muslim followers of The Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad and members of the Nation of Islam. We were founded on July 4th 1930 by our saviour and deliver Master Fard Muhammad, to whom praises are due forever. We have walked in peace for 79 years being inside America. We are taught by our Messenger to not carry any weapons not even a pen knife. We search all visitors to our Mosque meetings and we eject any harmful items including alcohol, drugs and weapons. This has allowed us to have a consistent record of holding peaceful meetings. 

Our black brothers and sisters must come out of this interpretation of Islam called Orthodox or Sunni Islam, which is just that an interpretation. The Muslim world, for the most part, has not spoken out against black suffering in this country nor have the offered any assistance. They(some of them) have come into our communities sell us pork, alcohol, drugs and rape our women and have joined on with the other blood sucker merchants in the black community.

Prophet Muhammad(Peace be upon him) has said that the Muslim community would deviate from the straight path 3 generations after him.  So, what we are seeing presently is not the actions of true Muslims, but those deviants following the deviated Ulema(scholars) who have ruined the religion of Islam with their wicked interpretations. The Holy Prophet Muhammad(Peace be upon him) spoke of Islam being renewed in the latter days and thus prophesied of the advent of the Mahdi, the self guided one. 

We as members of the Nation of Islam believe this Mahdi has come in the person of Master Fard Muhammad and that he has raised up his messenger in the West. The Muslim community of black brothers and sisters can now be a light and an example to the Muslim world of true Islamic practice. This would fulfill a saying of Muhammd wherein he says, "The sun will rise from the West."  

It's time for the world of Christianity, Islam, Judaism and other faith communities to look at the work of Almighty God amongst those black men and women who were destroyed by slavery(physically and mentally) and are now being raised to a new life by the guidance of God.

Thank you for reading these few words

Copyright2009Mustafaa Muhammad