| Islam. He made a science of black nationalism, requesting black separation from white, "blue eyed" devils (white people). In 1959, the movement received an extra boost with the conversion of Malcolm X. Malcolm emerged as a dynamic spokesman for Muhammad. By 1965, the year of Malcolm's death, the movement consisted of 70 temples throughout the United States. After Wallace Muhammad took over leadership of the movement, he made drastic changes in an effort to move closer in belief and practice to orthodox Islam. Whites are no longer attacked (they are encouraged to join) and Christianity is no longer attacked to the extent that it once was. The movement was influenced from its beginning by black nationalist movements (e.g., Moorish Science Temple and the Marcus Garvey Movement). In 1985, with the approval of the Council of Imams (ministers), Wallace Muhammad resigned his post as leader of the American Muslim Mission and disbanded the movement's national structure. BASIC BELIEFS: Muslims are taught to hold fast to the creed of Islam, which encourages the fervent belief in Allah as the One true and Supreme God, and belief in Muhammad as his Holy Prophet and Servant. The movement teaches complete obedience and submission to Allah, and respect for His divine Prophet, Muhammad. It also teaches that all the prophets Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, etc.were sent from God. The basic duties of worship should be observed; namely, to perform the five daily prayers, to fast during the month of Ramadan, pay or give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca. It also stresses the brotherhood of all men as part of its basic teachings. The religion of the Muslim Mission is based on the Holy Koran (Qur'an), the Sacred Book of Islam. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: The American Muslim Mission emphasizes proper ethical practices such as cleanliness, good conduct, chastity, charity, honesty, courtesy, proper appearance, etc. It also stresses brotherhood, equality, justice, and love. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The disbanding of the national organizational structure in 1985 represented the establishment of a fully congregational polity (a polity more in line with mainstream Islam) by the Muslims whose local centers are now under the guidance of the Imams rather than the control of the Chicago headquarters. News of the centers is carried in the Muslim Journal, the newspaper formerly known as Muhammad Speaks in the 1970s. ROLE OF MINISTERS: There is no "priesthood" or "ordination. Muslim ministers are teachers who exemplify the greatest degree of knowledge, assume religious responsibilities, deliver messages from the Holy Koran, lead in prayers, render counsel, officiate at conversions and marriages, and are chosen and approved by the great body of the movement. Any Muslim may conduct worship services, however services are usually conducted by ministers of the various Temples or Mosques. WORSHIP: Group worship is required for noon prayers on Fridays. Group worship is highly recommended for each of the five daily prayers. Members are also encouraged to attend and support Sunday services. Before worship, the body must be cleaned (face, mouth, nostrils, arms, etc.), and so must the member's clothing and the place of worship (Temple or Mosque). Each member must have a prayer mat or rug for prayer on Fridays and Sundays. A podium or platform is also desirable for the prayer leader and the minister who gives the message. DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: Pork and its derivatives are prohibited. Alcoholic beverages and drug abuse are forbidden. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: At the time of death, members pray for the soul of the deceased. The body is washed, two pieces of cotton placed in the mouth, one in each ear, and one in the anus. The eyes and sexual organs are covered. The body is then wrapped in a cotton sheet and a simple prayer is said for the soul of the deceased member. While a minister is not required to be present at the time of death, the presence of another Muslim is desired. Autopsy is allowed if necessary and/or required by law. Cremation is not allowed; the body should return to the earth in natural form. MEDICAL TREATMENT: No restrictions. OTHER: Members of the American Muslim Mission will go to war to defend the Muslim people, or the country in which Muslim people reside. Because all religions and prophets are respected, tolerance of other religions is encouraged. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Muhammad, Warith D. As a Light Shineth from the East. Chicago: WDM Publishing Co., 1980. _____,Lectures on Elam Muhammad. Chicago: Zakat Propagation Fund Publications, 1978. _____,Prayer and AI Islam. Chicago: Muhammad Islamic Foundation, 1982. 297pp, _____,Religion on the Line. Chicago: W. D. Muhammad Publications. 1983. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Muslim Journal 7801 Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60619 (312) 651-7600 or Washington Masjid 1519 Fourth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20001 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| American Muslim Mission |
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| ADDRESS: Masjid Hon. Elijah Muhammad, 7351 S. Stony Island, Chicago, Illinois 60649 OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: The World Community of Islam in the West; the Nation of Islam; "Black Muslims." LEADERSHIP: Wallace D. Muhammad, son of Elijah Muhammad, was the Chief Iman (spiritual leader) at the time the Mission disbanded its centralized national structure in 1985. Wallace Muhammad now operates as an independent lecturer. MEMBERSHIP: Not Reported. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: The American Muslim Mission began as the Black Muslim Movement, or the Nation of Islam, in the early 1930s. A peddler in Detroit, with the use of a Qur'an (the Muslim Holy Book), began teaching the about the origins of blacks, nutritional guides, and about what constituted the "true" religion of the black man. His teachings included bitter denouncements against the white race. This peddler, Farad Mohammed (one of several names), disappeared in 1934 and was succeed by his most trusted student and follower, Elijah Poole. Poole, later renamed Elijah Muhammad, continued in the footsteps of the mysterious peddler by denouncing Christianity and the white race. Another follower, Abdul Muhammad, withdrew and established a temple in Detroit. Competition between Elijah Muhammad and Abdul Muhammad became so fierce that Elijah Muhammad relocated and established another temple in Chicago. From 1934 to his death, in 1975, Elijah Muhammad emerged as the undisputed leader of the Nation of |
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