Muhammad University of Islam [M.U.I.]: Considering the fact that the first week of a new school year typically sets the tone, sending a message to students and parents, what tone is M.U.I. now setting? What message is it communicating?

Jason Muhammad [JM]: The tone has already been set by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. We prepared, over the summer, to raise the bar, and to strive to reach the goal of meeting the Messenger’s standard. We are bringing back the strong discipline, which starts with the Messenger’s Teachings, strong routines, high expectations and quality instruction, according to academic standards. There is no higher expectation than that of God’s Christ, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.

M.U.I.: What new changes are parents, students and staff able to observe?

JM: In addition to the physical changes in the school, provided by the Minister’s great sacrifice, and positional restructuring within the staff, the biggest change we want to experience is a return to the Spirit of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. We should be able to feel and see it through the routines and instruction that has been set up this year.

When the children come through the front door, they are warmly greeted by two sisters, and escorted swiftly into the morning inspection, military drill, and their Islamic Studies class. They are encouraged, all the while, to be quick-moving and fast-thinking-right down to the modern times, as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad asked us to be. The children are made more secure when there is order, discipline, and consistency. Also, this month we are launching an adult education program.

We are working in conjunction with Kennedy-King College for our General Educational Development (GED) program. The Messenger and the Minister wants to eradicate illiteracy amongst the poor and oppressed people. Though the adult education program is not yet accredited, it is a stepping stone in the right direction. It is also an opportunity for our people to acquire the necessary skills for a productive life. The contacts for these programs are Brother Shahid Muhammad and I. We are really working hard, as we strive to help the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, to make this a reality.

M.U.I.: How was the first week?

JM: Absolutely off the charts! We’re taught that Allah is the Best Planner. This summer, we applied the principle of planning to every area of the school’s operations, leaving nothing to guesswork. The first week was really greater than what we’ve experienced in recent years, as far as preparation. However, we will continue to work hard each day, anxiously awaiting the stamp of approval from the Servant of God. We will keep striving until we make M.U.I. what Master Fard Muhammad and the Most Hon. Elijah Muhammad intended for it to be.

M.U.I.: Are there any messages that you want to give to the parents and the students?

JM: That we are very serious about this new school year. We are very happy and excited about all of the new things we, by the grace of Allah, have prepared, over the summer, for the students. Thus far one of the best compliments given is that the school reminds them of the time when the Honorable Elijah Muhammad was among us, in terms of structure and discipline. We still have a lot of work to do. We look forward to constructively working with each parent to provide the best support and education for their children. For the student, we want them to know that we have high expectations for them and they should know they are at the best school on the planet.

M.U.I.: Thank you.