CHICAGO�Making his first national public appearance in a year, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan welcomed a cross-section of Muslims, including Islamic scholars from throughout America and the world to open the Second International Islamic Conference and annual Saviours� Day Convention, held Feb. 24 in Chicago at the McCormick Place.

During the opening session of the four-day conference, co-hosted by the World Islamic People�s Leadership, Min. Farrakhan stressed the relevance of the teachings of the most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He also explained the necessity of the methodology of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad�s teacher, Master Fard Muhammad.

"As a man who studied the condition of our head and the condition of white America�s head, so what he used a strange methodology (to teach us)," said Min. Farrakhan. "(Master Fard Muhammad) didn�t prescribe what you thought he should, but the patient is on the road to recovery," he said.

The Nation of Islam leader also stressed his love for the Muslim community worldwide. "I love Allah, Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. I love every Muslim on this earth, no matter where they are, what their color is," said Min. Farrakhan under a banner which read, "Living up to Our Responsibility as Muslims in Establishing Islam in the new Millennium." "If you love Prophet Muhammad, if you want to follow this Qur�an � I love you."

The group of multiracial Muslims joyously greeted Min. Farrakhan�s return and stressed the need for the unity of Muslims worldwide. During the opening session, it was clear that the many Islamic scholars, both nationally and internationally, viewed the event as the beginning of a new day in Islam.

Sheik Farhat, representing Sheik Tantawi, the Grand Sheikh of Egypt�s Al-Azhar University and speaking through a translator, urged the Muslims to put aside their differences, unify themselves and prepare for what�s being planned against those (striving to submit to Allah�s Will). "Our Muslim ummah (community) is one ummah�based on the Oneness of Allah. I am very, very happy especially to see Min. Farrakhan in such remarkable shape. We around the world have been in deep concern over his health," said Dr. Alim Shabazz, formerly known as Min. Lonnie Shabazz under the leadership of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad prior to 1975.

Also present was a sizable delegation representing Imam Warithudeen Mohammed and the Muslim American Society in addition to a large number of senior citizens from the Nation of Islam.

"Min. Farrakhan is that one, with others, who will establish the oneness of Allah. We believe Min. Farrakhan has the power, spirit, desire, sincerity, and strength of character to make our community one ummah (community) throughout the world. I can�t wait to hear the revelations that will come through Min. Farrakhan on Sunday," he added.

"I see the sincerity in Min. Farrakhan and the organization (in the Nation of Islam) that I don�t see elsewhere. We must combine these efforts with all Muslims throughout America," said New York prison chaplain Warithudeen Umar, formerly known as Wallace 10X, who was a student minister under Min. Farrakhan when he was the minister of New York. "I know he�s a passionate man affected by Allah and he is fearful of Allah."

"This (conference) should be on the front page of every newspaper throughout the world," said Sister Sapphire Mann Ahmed, M.D., New York-based health care professional.

Photo: Participating in Jummah Prayer on Friday, February 25, 2000 are: (l-r) Imam Munir El Kassem, Chairman of the Board of directors of the London Islamic  School in London Ontario, Canada; Saeed Sabri, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Holy land;  Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan; Imam Warithudeen Mohammed; Sheikh Muhammad Salisu-Shabas and Chief Abdul Kadir Tahir, both of Accra, Ghana.