Who Are America's Black Muslims?
By the AOL Black Voices News Staff,
Posted: 2006-10-26 15:52:00
There is no one face of African-American Islam.
Like Christianity, with its many denominations, splinter sects and dueling theologies, Islam among African-American Muslims is complex -- an ongoing conversation hosting a multitude of voices and spanning a wide-ranging set of political leanings and affiliations.
Like Christianity, with its many denominations, splinter sects and dueling theologies, Islam among African-American Muslims is complex -- an ongoing conversation hosting a multitude of voices and spanning a wide-ranging set of political leanings and affiliations.
It may also be a surprise to some that Islam did not begin among African Americans in the 1930s with the birth of the Nation of Islam. As far back as the 1700s, there were black Muslim slaves, captured in West Africa and brought to America, who professed Islam even though religion, during slavery, was discouraged and suppressed.
Today, of the estimated six to seven million Muslims in America, about 30 percent are African American. Another 3 or 5 percent are from Sub-Saharan Africa, totaling a little over 2 million black Muslims currently living and practicing in the United States. From Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, Louis Farrakhan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Girlfriends’ producer Mara Brock Akil to entertainers Jermaine Jackson, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco and Ice Cube have all, at one point or another, professed one form of Islam.
That number can be divided into three main categories: The Nation of Islam, Orthodox Muslims and the Five-Percenters.
The Nation of Islam
Began in 1930 as the Lost-Found Nation of Islam, this sect of Islam, unique to African-American Muslims, was founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad in Detroit. Born at a time when race and segregation deeply divided America and often physically endangered and financially crippled African Americans, the religion was radical in its ambition to "uplift the race." But even with noble motivations, it countered white racism with equally corrosive teachings that matched anything in the Jim-Crow playbook. It taught its members that blacks are divine and white people descended from "devils."
Today, of the estimated six to seven million Muslims in America, about 30 percent are African American. Another 3 or 5 percent are from Sub-Saharan Africa, totaling a little over 2 million black Muslims currently living and practicing in the United States. From Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, Louis Farrakhan, Hakeem Olajuwon and Girlfriends’ producer Mara Brock Akil to entertainers Jermaine Jackson, Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco and Ice Cube have all, at one point or another, professed one form of Islam.
That number can be divided into three main categories: The Nation of Islam, Orthodox Muslims and the Five-Percenters.
The Nation of Islam
Began in 1930 as the Lost-Found Nation of Islam, this sect of Islam, unique to African-American Muslims, was founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad in Detroit. Born at a time when race and segregation deeply divided America and often physically endangered and financially crippled African Americans, the religion was radical in its ambition to "uplift the race." But even with noble motivations, it countered white racism with equally corrosive teachings that matched anything in the Jim-Crow playbook. It taught its members that blacks are divine and white people descended from "devils."
During the 1960s, the Nation of Islam rose to its height under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad and its most famous minister, Malcolm X. Temples were built all over the country and the organization enjoyed appeal way beyond its religious doors with large numbers of African American sympathizers drawn to it because of the figure of Malcolm X and his politically charged and charismatic speeches.
Today, headed by Louis Farrakhan, the Nation has softened its racialized rhetoric, at least publicly, and has only about 20, 000 members. It is also no longer the dominant portrait of black Islam in America. Its influence however remains prominent through the high-profiles of Farrakhan and other captains of the organization that take on popular African-American political causes from time to time that affect large numbers of non-Muslims. It has also reached deep within the prison system, which is disproportionately black, and its bow-tied street vendors and security forces have become a common presence in many parts of Urban America.
Orthodox Muslims
This is an all-encompassing term used to describe Muslims whose practices and beliefs resemble those of mainstream Islam more than that of the Nation of Islam. However, its not one particular group. From Sufism, a mystical form of Islam that emphasizes love and passionate expression, to more conservative and even radical manifestations of the religion – what is considered Orthodox Islam claims the lion’s share of African-American adherents.
From Hollywood to college campuses to the worlds of hip-hop and sports, many African Americans – have embraced Islam. Aligned with Arab-American mosques, this group deemphasizes race and usually aligns itself with other Muslim groups around the world.
Today, headed by Louis Farrakhan, the Nation has softened its racialized rhetoric, at least publicly, and has only about 20, 000 members. It is also no longer the dominant portrait of black Islam in America. Its influence however remains prominent through the high-profiles of Farrakhan and other captains of the organization that take on popular African-American political causes from time to time that affect large numbers of non-Muslims. It has also reached deep within the prison system, which is disproportionately black, and its bow-tied street vendors and security forces have become a common presence in many parts of Urban America.
Orthodox Muslims
This is an all-encompassing term used to describe Muslims whose practices and beliefs resemble those of mainstream Islam more than that of the Nation of Islam. However, its not one particular group. From Sufism, a mystical form of Islam that emphasizes love and passionate expression, to more conservative and even radical manifestations of the religion – what is considered Orthodox Islam claims the lion’s share of African-American adherents.
From Hollywood to college campuses to the worlds of hip-hop and sports, many African Americans – have embraced Islam. Aligned with Arab-American mosques, this group deemphasizes race and usually aligns itself with other Muslim groups around the world.
It is still small but quickly becoming an increasingly important voting bloc. One orthodox Muslim, Keith Ellison, currently a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, might be the first U.S. Congressman if he is elected next month.
The Five Percenters
This sect of African-American Muslims has significantly influenced hip-hip. Some of its terminologies (man called gods, women, earth and children, seeds) have become mainstream in hip-hop parlance. Also called the Nation of Gods and Earths, five percenters consider themselves a branch of Islam but most Muslims regard them as heretics, or at least inauthentic. Started in Harlem in the 1960s, its founder Clarence 13x claimed that he was Allah and taught black political and social empowerment.
Pride and Patriotism: Photos, History and More on American Muslims
The Five Percenters
This sect of African-American Muslims has significantly influenced hip-hip. Some of its terminologies (man called gods, women, earth and children, seeds) have become mainstream in hip-hop parlance. Also called the Nation of Gods and Earths, five percenters consider themselves a branch of Islam but most Muslims regard them as heretics, or at least inauthentic. Started in Harlem in the 1960s, its founder Clarence 13x claimed that he was Allah and taught black political and social empowerment.
Pride and Patriotism: Photos, History and More on American Muslims
2006-10-17 15:39:06