Minister Louis Farrakhan announces expanded mission for Nation of Islam

By Ashahed M. Muhammad
Assistant Editor | Last updated: Oct 24, 2008 - 2:05:00 PM

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan

CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) - The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan delivered a message demonstrating the oneness of Allah (God), the oneness of humanity and religion to thousands at the rededication ceremony of the newly renovated Mosque Maryam, the worldwide headquarters of the Nation of Islam on Oct. 19.

The crisp chill of the autumn morning was warmed by the sun as its light glistened off the gold dome atop the mosque. Traffic slowed as onlookers tried to catch a glimpse of the newly renovated mosque while lines stretched in both directions around the property as the public began lining up at 10 a.m. for the rededication of one of the most iconic and historic houses of worship on Chicago’s south side.

From inside the mosque, the ceremony began with Sheikh Ahmed Tijani Ben Omar’s beautiful Arabic recitation of words from Surah 3 of the Holy Qur’an—the religious book of scripture used by followers of Islam.

A peaceful atmosphere of respect and tolerance was established immediately as many in the crowd were exposed to ceremonial displays representing the religious traditions of the three monotheistic religions referred to by scholars as “The Abrahamic faiths.”

(L-R) Rev. Willie Wilson, Sheikh Ahmed Tijani Ben Omar, Imam Misbahudeen Ahmed Rufai, Priest Aheedya Ben Israel

The Shofar or “Ram’s Horn” was blown consistent with the religious tradition of the practitioners of Judaism, bells tolled representing the religious tradition of the Christian faith, and the Adhan—the Islamic call to prayer—was delivered by the muezzin using the human voice consistent with the tradition of the Islamic faith.

Prayers were then offered representing religious unity. Priest Aheedya Ben Israel of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem delivered a prayer in Hebrew representing the religious tradition established by Prophet Moses, Imam Misbahudeen Ahmed Rufai delivered a prayer in Arabic representing the religious tradition established by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), and Rev. Willie Wilson of Union Temple Baptist Church offered Christian prayers.

Minister Farrakhan’s top assistant at Mosque Maryam, Ishmael Muhammad then discussed the storied history of Mosque Maryam saying the gold dome sitting atop Mosque Maryam is similar to the “The Dome of the Rock” located in the disputed territory called Jerusalem by the Jews and al-Quds by the Muslims on what is referred to as the Temple Mount by the Jews and the Haram al-Sharif or Noble Sanctuary by the Muslims. Mosque Maryam—first dedicated in 1988—is named after Mary, the Mother of Jesus, demonstrating to all those in this dominant Christian nation that Muslims believe in Jesus.

After being treated to several orchestral accompaniments, the audience heard vocalist Stephanie Mills sing Ave Maria.

A message of unity and peace

Stephanie Mills

People from all over the United States and the world attended the ceremony in person and many thousands viewed across the globe via internet webcast as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan delivered a message dedicated to the establishment of a universal government of peace wherein we all can live in peace together.

“It is misplaced worship that has the human family at odds with each other,” said Min. Farrakhan adding that the contention and strife existing between believers in God is the result of envy and idolatry.

“There was unity among the Jews, when Moses was among them, unity, but when the prophet was gone, division came. The Holy Qur’an says that they did not become divided until after knowledge came to them, splitting up their religion into sects and parties vying with one another due to envy. This happened during the time of Jesus, it happened again during the time of Muhammad and it happens every time there is a charismatic person who guides people—sometimes into a new truth—but when that person dies, then that terrible human condition arises when people seek power, greedy for power and out of envy, they war with one another, then the people of God become divided.” said Min. Farrakhan. “The prophets all over the Earth taught the same basic truths, but when the prophet dies, people began to name the message after the prophet,” he added.

Again citing the Holy Qur’an Min. Farrakhan pointed out that God sent messengers and prophets to every nation with the same truth, and God is not the author of confusion, but the author of peace so “How then did we become so confused?” he asked. “What is the real religion of Him who created the heavens and the earth and gave every creature the true religion?”

Minister Farrakhan described the new beginning for the Nation of Islam which would involve going out into the streets with a renewed commitment in service to humanity while demonstrating the highest principles of our religious beliefs.

“We have churches, we have mosques, we have synagogues but the streets are filled with crime, violence, the abuse of women and children. If our religion is only for the walls and the people within them, then we have failed,” said Min. Farrakhan who then referred to the rededication of the mosque, “We have spent money to make a beautiful building but that is not what God is interested in. If we don’t make beautiful people to come in and out of that building doing the will and work of God then all of this means nothing,” Min. Farrakhan said.

After the completion of his message, Minister Farrakhan left the rostrum and entered into the sacred area behind the sanctuary and offered the dedication prayer with Brother Ishmael Muhammad—who also offered a portion of the dedication prayer—at his side.

Reactions to the message

“I’ve known the Minister since I was 16 years old and he is like a father to me, so when he called and asked me to come here, I was already planning to come because I wanted to be a part of this,” Stephanie Mills told The Final Call. “I just think this is historic and I think that new beginning and change and what he is teaching is absolutely necessary right now for Black people.”

“I am so happy to see the dream and vision of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad being fulfilled,” said Ali Baghadi, editor of The Arab Journal and former columnist for The Muhammad Speaks and The Final Call. “This is what The Honorable Elijah Muhammad wanted, to see the African American Muslims unite with their brothers and sisters all over the world particularly in Asia and Africa and to see one nation of Islam and I am seeing it in my lifetime and I am so happy.”

Archbishop G. Augustus Stallings, founder of the Imani Temple African-American Catholic Congregation told The Final Call, “The significance of today’s message delivered by God’s representative is that we heard the voice of God speaking through him calling us to unity, calling us to live out our true religion which is the reason for which God created us. What the Minister did today was to call us back to God’s original way, the true way, the orthodoxy, the right teachings for the right time is to truly be that family under God, to grow and to blossom into sons and daughters of God.”

Dr. Barbara L. King, founder and spiritual leader of Atlanta’s Hillside International Truth Center told The Final Call, “This was very special because of Minister Farrakhan’s love for all humanity. He is bringing people of all faiths together knowing there is one God. This mosque is named for the mother of Jesus which draws all people together for the love of Jesus’ mother.”

Charles Veal, Jr. conducts orchestra in Mosque Maryam at Holy Day of Atonement.

Civil rights activist Rev. Willie T. Barrow said, “I love to see the coming together of all faiths, whether you are Muslim or Christian, the time has come for us to come together to save our children, our families and the world.”

Longtime follower of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad and helper of the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, Brother Wazir Muhammad of Los Angeles, California said, “This makes the last 50 years of struggle all worthwhile. It makes all the promises of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad real. This helps us to understand his teachings, the brotherhood of Islam. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad knew how to get us there and we’ve arrived to that day.”

Sister Yonasda Lonewolf Muhammad has been involved in outreach on behalf of the Nation of Islam and the Millions More Movement especially related to the Indigenous nation. She brought several members of the Indigenous family to the event. Ms. Lonewolf said we are witnessing the manifestation of Native American spiritual teachings of Mitakoye-Oyasin which means “we are all related.”

Muhammad’s Mosque No. 45 in Houston was filled beyond its capacity as the crowd swelled at the Southwest Regional headquarters of the Nation of Islam to hear the message from Min. Farrakhan.

Kimberly Harris, hearing the Minister for the first time said, “When he spoke on that journey to unite self with God—that truly struck me. He advanced my way of thinking,” said Ms. Harris who also brought her three sons.

“That man (Farrakhan) changed my thought pattern,” said 25-year old Houston Community College student Kevin Harrison. “I have a different perspective on how important it is to help those who are in need. I now want to use what I learn in business management class to help my people and not just work for some one else,” he added.

Rev. Michael Pfleger, the activist priest of the Faith Community at Saint Sabina said Min. Farrakhan is calling all to go beyond particular faith traditions and denominations and to let the will of God guide our actions.

“There is only one thing we are supposed to reflect, and that is the image and likeness of God,” said Rev. Pfleger. “If we go forward with that hunger and that thirst, then all the barriers and rituals and denomination that pull us apart will fall to the ground,” he added.

As a 19-year member of the Nation of Islam, student minister Carlos Muhammad of Muhammad’s Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore, Maryland said the rededication ceremony and Minister Farrakhan’s message represented “the biggest moment of his Islamic life.”

“He exemplified for us today the definite evolution and universal aspects of the teaching of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and I just look forward to helping him make that word bond and after what we’ve witnessed today, this house in Chicago will be that beacon of light that the whole western hemisphere can look to (for guidance) and eventually the whole world,” said Mr. Muhammad.

Atty. Malik Zulu Shabazz, New Black Panther Party National Chairman said Min. Farrakhan’s Holy Day of Atonement message had him “feeling real good.”

“It feels great to be around the Nation of Islam, around the Muslims and to see Min. Farrakhan and the rest of the sisters and brothers, it really has uplifted my spirit tremendously,” said Atty. Shabazz.

According to Nation of Islam officials, guests were present from Mali, Saudi Arabia, Guinea, Turkey, Palestine, Ghana, Nigeria, Israel, Pakistan, South Korea, and Mexico.

Demonstrating the wide diversity of those in attendance at the rededication ceremony, Bishop Carlton Pearson, author of the book “The Gospel of Inclusion” and leader of the New Dimensions Worship Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma was present for the ceremony and message. A protègè of Pentecostal televangelist Oral Roberts, Bishop Pearson came under fire when he broke from the traditional Pentecostal doctrine by stating his disagreement with the view that all non-Christians were destined for hell as well as his doubt of the traditional Pentecostal concept of hell as it had been taught for decades.

Thousands across the globe also viewed the free live internet webcast from Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, Japan, Bermuda, Australia, Sweden, The Netherlands, France, Poland, Singapore and Brazil.

Later that evening after the rededication ceremony, Minister Farrakhan and several hundred of his special guests enjoyed entertainment and fine dining at the Salaam Restaurant. The Minister walked around the upstairs fine dining area then went downstairs into the atrium, the Blue Seas dining area and Elijah’s Garden graciously greeting all of his guests. Minister Farrakhan even went into the kitchen area and greeted the servers and cooks who worked tirelessly to accommodate those present.

“I am so happy and thankful to Allah for the presence of each and every one of you,” Min. Farrakhan told those at the Salaam Restaurant. “I just wanted all of you to experience the Nation of Islam. The brothers and the sisters work very, very hard under the teachings of Islam to improve themselves in every way so that we can meet with any civilized person anywhere on the Earth and be accepted and respected.”

Describing Min. Farrakhan’s message and the weekend of events, Maxine Muhammad of London, England said, “He’s given an opportunity to the entire human family to come to the favor of Allah that we can truly be a human family as it says in the Holy Qur’an and the Bible.”

(Nisa Muhammad and Jesse Muhammad contributed to this report.)

Related links:

Holy Day of Atonement Webcast (FCN Web Video)

The Final Call