Friday, December 12, 2008

X


Recently I read the Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Hailey. It was a wonderful story, and I really enjoyed learning more about this complex man's life. I was aware of the injustices done to black Americans, but this book brought them to new light. It is amazing that things like that happened such a short time ago.

One of the first things that really struck me in this book was how Malcolm X was able to immerse himself in learning while in prison. He read anything and everything, trying to get a new understanding of how his race had been treated over the years. This studying formed some of his most profound ideas later in life and allowed him to fully express himself.

Another interesting thing I learned was how strange the beliefs of the Nation of Islam are. I can see how at that time in history SOME of the NOI doctrine seemed to make sense to black Americans, but I honestly don't know how anyone can belong to it now. To think that 6000 years ago a 'big headed' (not my words) black scientist created the evil white race by doing recessive gene experimentation seems ridiculous to me. The way that it was explained in the book was almost laughable. I'm probably going to get in trouble with a few people for saying that, but it honestly makes no sense what so ever. I also never understood how anyone could read the Quran and think that any of that was true. How could you possibly think that WD Fard was Allah himself? And that Elijah Muhammad was his prophet? I also learned that members of the NOI do not pray 5 times a day and they don't pray like Muslims do at all.

Ok, now onto my favorite part... Malcolm X goes to Mecca and sees what TRUE Islam is. There is no color, no class, no gender... just Islam. I got tears in my eyes reading about all of his experiences while in the holy City. It was amazing to read the descriptions of him first learning to pray the right way. He even mentioned how his toe hurt from the sitting between sujood posture!

Now I'm not black, but I do feel that I can relate to Malcolm X because he discovered the true Islam and became passionate about it. I read in another blog somewhere that the poster didn't like it how non black Muslims 'use' Malcolm X for their own issues. Now for one thing I don't think that there is such a thing as white and black Muslims. There are only Muslims. If someone is that obsessed with their color, I think they have some issues of their own. Why is it that the same person that will rant and rave about equality will want to put separating barriers between the Ummah by color? Yes, most of Malcolm X's notoriety comes from his stance on race issues, but to me, A MUSLIM, I admire him for finding the true Islam, and digging himself out of that hole of shirk that he was in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the life of this great MUSLIM. May Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala guide us all... black, white, brown, yellow, red....

6 comments:

بنت بيتر said...

Assalamau alaykum! I didnt read the book but I did watch the movie shortly after I converted... I didnt know much about NOI either, but felt touched when Malcolm (Denzel) went to see Kaaba with his fellow Muslims. Alhumdullah, we are blessed and Islam indeed should transend all gender, culture, and ethnicity...alhumdullah

Anonymous said...

As-salamu alaykum,

Whenever I read the book, I went straight to the hajj part because that's what interested me. I'm already aware that he was apart of the NOI and that he went to jail,etc.

Salamseeker

Anonymous said...

"Now for one thing I don't think that there is such a thing as white and black Muslims. There are only Muslims."

That's not always the case, unfortunately. A black Muslim would still feel prejudiced against on racial grounds if his white Muslim friend does not accept to have him as a brother-in-law. Friends yes, in-laws no: that's hard to grasp for a black person, be it Muslim or not.

Like Umm Travis I did see the movie, but haven't read the book.

Jamilah said...

salam Mohamad Ali

I understand your point, but what I'm trying to say is that as Muslims we should not actively seek to separate each other based on color at all. I know it happens, but its not a part of Islam and should not be brought up as such.

Meela said...

As Salaamu Alaikum sister Jamilah (I'm Jamila - no H - though)

I just came across your blog and I like! Hope you don't mind if I add you to my blog list.

I have not yet read the biography of Malcolm X but everyone I know who has read has gotten so much out of it. I hope to read it soon.

Altitude said...

Please sister pray for me. I see you are a good Muslim.
Rubiya.