Elijah muhammad parents

1. Childhood and Early Life
2. Encounter with Fard Muhammad
3. Leadership of the Nation of Islam
4. Beliefs and Teachings
5. Controversial Views
6. Legacy and Influence

Childhood and Early Life

Elijah Muhammad was born Elijah Poole on October 10, 1897, in Sandersville, Georgia, as the son of a Baptist preacher. His early life was marked by hard work; he labored on farms and later at an automotive plant in Detroit from 1923 to 1929.

Encounter with Fard Muhammad

In 1930, Elijah Poole's life took a transformative turn when he encountered W. D. Fard Muhammad, the leader of a Detroit-based Islamic temple. Fard Muhammad's teachings deeply resonated with Poole, who adopted the name Elijah Muhammad and became his assistant.

Leadership of the Nation of Islam

Following Fard Muhammad's enigmatic disappearance in 1934, Elijah Muhammad gradually assumed leadership of the group. He relocated its headquarters to Chicago and established Temple No. 2. Under his guidance, the Nation of Islam grew from a small sect to a nationwide organization with over 60 temples and its own newspaper, "Muhammad Speaks."

Beliefs and Teachings

Central to Elijah Muhammad's teachings was the belief that whites were inherently evil, having oppressed the black race for centuries. He espoused separatism, advocating for the separation of blacks from whites within the United States. He also taught the importance of self-reliance and economic independence.

Controversial Views

Elijah Muhammad's polarizing views often sparked controversy. He vehemently opposed integration and called for blacks to establish their own independent nation. Additionally, he held that interracial relationships were destructive and that whites were destined for moral decline.

Legacy and Influence

Elijah Muhammad remained a influential figure in the black community until his death in Chicago on February 25, 1975. His teachings and leadership had a profound impact on the civil rights movement and the development of black identity in the United States. Despite his controversial views, he is remembered as a charismatic and visionary leader who inspired a generation of black activists.