In the contemporary period, a host of groups and movements have emerged purporting to speak for Islam or on behalf of its principles. One such group is the Nation of Islam (NOI), a movement established in the early 20th century in the United States. Although it has received notice for its activism and power, particularly among the African American population, it is necessary to define its beliefs and practices in comparison to authentic Islam, which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught and that has been preserved through the Qur’an and Sunnah.
It is important to understand the differences between orthodox Islam and the teachings of the Nation of Islam both for clarity of theology and upholding the integrity of the religion. Most individuals who do not know much about Islam confuse both religions, causing misrepresentation and misunderstanding.
The Origins of the Nation of Islam
The Nation of Islam was founded in Detroit in 1930 by Wallace D. Fard, who styled himself a prophet and even an incarnation of Allah. When he suddenly vanished, control went to Elijah Muhammad, who preached that Fard was Allah himself and that Elijah was His messenger. These assertions directly conflict with the essential doctrines of Islam.
Under Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam expanded into a movement centered on black self-empowerment, economic self-sufficiency, and separation from white society, which it referred to as morally evil. These concepts were formulated during an era of profound racial injustice in the United States, and the movement caught the attention of many African Americans who were looking for dignity and freedom.
The Core Beliefs of the Nation of Islam
The Nation of Islam deviates greatly from the core principles of Islam. Genuine Islam is premised on the Unity of Allah, the lastness of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the Qur’an as the uncorrupted word of God. The Nation of Islam, however, instructs that Allah manifested Himself in flesh, that Elijah Muhammad was a prophet, and that the Qur’an is somewhat trustworthy, needing reinterpretation.
Moreover, the NOI’s doctrines include racial theology, promoting black superiority and portraying white people as devils created through genetic experimentation. These beliefs are alien to the Islamic worldview, which affirms that all humans descend from Adam and that superiority is based solely on piety, not race or lineage.
What True Islam Teaches
Authentic Islam, which was revealed more than 1,400 years ago, instructs in the total Oneness of Allah. He is not born, nor does He beget, and He does not take on a form similar to His creation whatsoever. The Qur’an states in Surah Al-Ikhlas: “Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
In addition to that, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is also addressed in the Qur’an as the Seal of the Prophets, i.e., that no prophet will be sent after him. Islam does not believe in any new revelation, prophet, or divine incarnation other than him. This basic belief is what prevents the religion from getting distorted and ensures the finality of the message of God.
True Islam is also universal and inclusive. It cannot be linked to race, ethnicity, or color. In his Farewell Sermon, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “No Arab is better than a non-Arab, and no white is better than a black except in righteousness.” This message has endured through time affirming that Islam brings people from all walks of life together before one God and one ummah.
The Misrepresentation of Islam by the Nation of Islam
Even adopting Islamic terminology and practices, the Nation of Islam actually misrepresents Islam on many different levels. The five pillars of Islam faith, prayer, fasting, zakah, and pilgrimage are either amended or omitted from their teachings. Their religious holidays, rituals, and even status of leaders deviate greatly from traditional Islamic doctrine.
The assertion that Fard Muhammad was Allah. That Elijah Muhammad was a prophet is an evident act of disbelief from an Islamic perspective. The Qur’an is specific in its condemnation of attributing partners or likenesses to Allah. To propose that Allah descended in the form of man erodes the very definition of Tawheed, the bedrock of Islamic belief.
Moreover, the NOI’s racial doctrine not only contradicts Islamic teachings but also spreads division and hatred. Islam came to unite humanity under the banner of justice, not to create new forms of racial superiority.
The Transition of Some Followers to True Islam
Interestingly, there were some persons who previously belonged to the Nation of Islam but, later on, adopted orthodox Islam. The prime example is of Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz). After making Hajj and seeing Muslims of all colors united. Malcolm X left the teachings of the NOI and adopted authentic Islam. He openly rejected the racist teachings of the Nation and bore witness to the magnificence of real Islamic brotherhood.
Malcolm’s conversion is a strong witness to the contrast between the man-made ideology of the Nation of Islam and the divine reality of Islam. His life and legacy remain as an inspiration to many individuals to search for the truth above politics and identity.
The Responsibility of Muslims Today
Given the misunderstanding created by entities such as the Nation of Islam. Muslims today must make a duty of explaining what Islam truly teaches. This means inviting others to study the real message of the Qur’an and Sunnah, da’wah with wisdom. Demonstrating by example the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s character.
Muslim societies need to be as aware of the social and historical settings which resulted in such movements as they need to oppose the false ideology of the NOI. We oppose the NOI’s erroneous beliefs, yet we acknowledge the plight of marginalized communities who sought empowerment and dignity. It is through Islam—not nationalism, racism, nor human ideologies that one can ultimately find justice and honor.
Conclusion
The Nation of Islam, presenting itself as Islam, deviates far from its fundamental teachings. From its theology and claim to leadership to its racial teachings. It is diametrically opposed to what Allah taught the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Islam is not a religion of nationalism or race—it is the final revelation from God for all of humankind.
Muslims need to be steadfast in bringing forth the truth, distinguishing between Islam and those groups that misinterpret its teachings. And simultaneously, we have to come forth with empathy and understanding to those who have gone astray or seek meaning. The light of Islam is radiant, and it’s our responsibility to reflect that light genuinely, comprehensively, and humbly.
Read more: Abdullah Ghazi Quran Surah Al-Baqarah
