Letter to Minister Farrakhan
Minister Louise Farrakhan,
I respect much of what you are doing today for Black people in the U.S. and abroad whose ancestors were held in bondage, and who suffer from mental and emotional bondage in today’s society. However, I have a few dire questions that are really of concern to me, and I believe you are the only person who can aid me in getting answers. I ask that you submit yourself and ego to adhere to my plea.
Just a little background on myself…I was born 22 years ago from two loving parents, both whom were in the Nation of Islam at a time when Elijah Muhammad led. My father’s background was Pentecostal Christian, and my mother was more of a “floater.” By the time I was born, my parents were no longer officially associated with the Nation of Islam for whatever reason. I have no desires to ask because it truly isn’t a real concern of mine.
To this day, my father holds the utmost respect for everything that you have done to keep Elijah’s dream alive. He really hasn’t followed the Nation of Islam (NOI) for the past decade or two but he does tune in when you speak at the Million Man Marches or on television. Just recently I’ve met a young man (we’ll just call him Muhammad) who just happens to be a member of the NOI. He and my father often sit and talk about the NOI, what it’s doing and how much it’s changed.
Now, I however, am not a member of ANY religious organization! My parents didn’t raise my sister and me in a religious environment, but rather encouraged us to explore options that may work for us independently. I believe we are better as a result, because we didn’t start off “tainted” by one way of thinking. I’ll admit that I believe in a higher being, whether he is called God, Allah, or Jehovah. But it’s difficult for me to call myself religious. I like to call myself deeply spiritual and I’m sure you can conjure up the differences between the two. I feel satisfied that I’m accomplishing peace without the religious propaganda associated with my beliefs. My letter to you comes because I do have a few questions about what the Nation stands for now in today’s society. I also want to know where it’s headed.
I followed my friend Muhammad to Savior’s Day in February of this year. I heard you speak via telecast in Chicago. Your message was refreshing but I left with unanswered questions.
[Disclaimer: This letter was written in 2005. I'm no longer actively pursuing answers to the following questions. Please also note that I respect any organization or religion that give people hope, peace of mind, and a sound heart.]
My first question to you is if the NOI a religious organization or a social movement? It cannot be the two. Religion deals with God and submitting to his will, whereas a social movement flows with the wind of time and can eventually lose foundation and support. From sound information that I’ve gathered, it seems to be more of a social movement. I have visited the mosque a few times and the message there supports my theory. Now, if it’s a social movement, then why is it under the umbrella of Islam? With Islam meaning “submission to the will of God and obedience to His law,” how does that fit in with the sometimes racists tactics used to help Blacks overcome their struggles? For instance, all people are created by Allah correct? Do you believe in the story of the man who separated blacks until he created a white race of people? Do you believe that these people then turned white and lost humanity? Do you also believe that that’s why whites are deemed “white devils” by the NOI? I surely hope you don’t believe that the term “white devils” is an appropriate term for a religious minister to use Mr. Farrakhan. Is God leading you and the rest of the NOI in that directions? Well whether or not you believe the folklore is true, take a look at this for a moment. All creations are that of God. Nothing is a mistake. If God is all knowing and he created everything with love, then no man can undo his will. He must’ve known what was going to happen if in fact it did happen. Therefore he must love those people the NOI deem as “white devils” the same as he does us. But wait, what about the Asians? What’s the story of how they came about? It seems to me that many people who are too pro-black have an excuse for everything that happens to Blacks. Why couldn’t God have created everyone equally? Has anyone actually spoken to God and received a jest answer? I really don’t think so, despite claims that speak otherwise.
Secondly, how is it that Fard Muhammad is deemed a prophet when he was a follower of the Prophet Noble Drew Ali, founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America? If I am wrong, please inform me of my misunderstanding because the documentation that I’ve uncovered from the Moorish Science Temple of America state this to be true. Claims are that Fard and Marcus Garvey were Ali’s favorite pupils and when Noble Drew Ali disappeared in 1929, the two protegees went their separate way and founded their own religious systems, which are very much similar to that N. Ali established. In Fard’s instance, he founded the NOI in 1930. Minister Farrakhan I ask the explanation of this? How can men derive religion at their own beckoning call? Buddha, Muhammad and Jesus didn’t seek to build a religious organization, but instead focused on spreading their encounter with God and to bring people closer to peace.
Third, if history is going to be taught of Black suffrage in America, then I advise that it’s told in entirety. Tell of the African tribes who contributed to slavery by selling rival tribesman. Tell that there were also Africans holding others in slavery. Tell the whole story and not just the painted version of the “white devil” coming, kidnapping, and leaving. Many people do not do their own research and surprisingly they only listen to what their Minister/Pastor tells them. But since you know the story, why not share it? I’m sure it’ll shed a different light on things and diminish some of the current excuses people have for their suffrage.
Fourth, why is it that many of your ministers curse? If they curse and continue promising that they are trying to stop, it means that they haven’t been fully reformed. So then why are half-reformed men deemed ministers and leading a congregation down a road of salvation? Just a thought.
Furthermore why do I have to give my name, address, and number when I enter the mosque? In talking with my parents I learned that this is a fairly new procedure. Why now? In wanting to be a Private Investigator for the FBI, I am leery of any organization that has a problem with me not giving my information before entering. Especially if it’s a religious and sacred place. How can you rightfully screen who walks through God’s door?
Last, why is it that you give out last names to Muslims? I understand you want for them to be completely free from the slave master’s name, but why can’t they choose it? If you want for Blacks to be free from bondage completely, then why not encourage them to find an Islamic name that suits them best, or that they wish to live up to? For instance, I like the name Amin because it means faithful and trustworthy.” I can live up to it. Why give so many people the name Muhammad? My goodness! Not everyone can or is willing to live up to that name. It’s a disgrace to the name for so many Muhammad’s to commit crimes and other wrong doings but claiming the Islamic religion.
I would love to meet with you and talk to you more to clear up my questions. I have other concerns but my letter will go on forever. I hope you don’t take offense that I ask so many questions, but rather take it as an opportunity for God’s work to shine through you. I can do research forever, but until I hear from the guy in charge of the NOI I will remain in a lost state when it comes to the practices of the organization. I hope you can meet with me the next time you are in Washington.
Sincerely,
Beatrice McClearn
