The Nation of Islam (NOI), founded in 1930s by Wali Fard in Detroit, is described as a synthesis of Black Nationalism, urban Christianity and classical Islam in American context. Although estimates show that its membership ranges between seven hundred thousand and one and a half a million, it is believed that the group’s influence has exceeded its actual membership.
The NOI continued the spirit of the Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association which aimed at building a sense of empowerment and self esteem among African-Americans. When Garvey died in Europe, a vacuum in leadership emerged in the Black Nationalist movement. Fard with his Nation of Islam successfully filled the vacuum and consequently, many of his early followers were members from the Garvey’s Association. Elijah Muhammad who succeeded Fard, set up a Para-military wing of the NOI, to provide discipline and protect the members especially during riots for segregation. The group’s theology held that blacks’ elevation could only be attained through racial segregation. Elijah Muhammad’s other contributions included developing school system, enterprises and temples for black Americans. It is during this time that the group’s membership grew rapidly to a significant number, due to its radical rhetoric.
When Malcolm X joined the organization and became appointed as its spokesperson, he won over many followers. However, latter he denounced the NOI, aligning himself towards the classical Sunni Islam. W. Deen Muhammad succeeded to lead the NOI after the death of his father, Elijah Mohammed. He introduced drastic changes that have led the organization moving towards classical Sunni Islam; Muslim communities worldwide have generally accepted the changes. In this regard too, the name of the group has been changed to the World Community of al-Islam in the West. Following the drastic changes by Deen Muhammad, Louise Farrakhan defected to rebuild the NOI according to Elijah Muhammad’s pattern. The NOI under him captured international attention when it supported Jesse Jackson’s presidential bid. The group has also involved itself in drug rehabilitation and economic programs and building temples in several cities. Currently, although Farrakhan struggles with prostate cancer, he is still the leader. However, he continues to be criticized for his open violent and racist remarks that are anti-Semitic.
