Extraordinary is ordinary for MUI 2019 graduating class

By Tariqah Shakir-Muhammad -Final Call Newspaper- | Last updated: Aug 21, 2019 - 8:46:05 AM

CHICAGO—“Extraordinary is the ordinary” has been Muhammad University of Islam’s (MUI) motto since its establishment by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, patriarch of the Nation of Islam in the 1930s, and reestablished by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in 1989. Its 8th grade and high school graduation honored students for their accomplishments early July and August at Mosque Maryam.

Sisters from high school graduation class 2019.

Brothers from 8th grade graduation with Bro. Talib Ul-Hikmah Karriem

The 8th grade graduation held Aug. 15 included Sister Adannaya Muhammad, Sis. Haniyyah Muhammad, Sis. Saniyah Muhammad, Sis. Maryam Muhammad, Bro. Jakhar Bey, Bro. Ibrahim Muhammad, Bro. Ya’seen Muhammad and Bro. Berve Power Muhammad.

The ceremony began with a presentation and pledge to the flag of Islam, opening remarks and a keynote address delivered by Student Minister Abel Muhammad.

The high school graduation was held July 10 and began with a presentation of the flag of Islam and a reading of Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s encouraging words to the students by high school graduate, Madinah Muhammad.

“This particular graduation for us was special,” Talib Ul-Hikmah Karriem (formerly Jason Muhammad), interim director at Muhammad University, told The Final Call, regarding the high school commencement ceremony.

Graduates and prospective post-graduation majors included: Sister Aaliyah Hakim, nursing; Sis. Saniyyah Karriem, Spanish/Arabic interpreter; Sis. Jamillah Muhammad, pediatric medicine; Sis. Kenya Muhammad, interior design; Sis. Madinah Muhammad, neuroscience and creative writing; Sis. Raja Muhammad, medicine; Sis. Ruqaya Muhammad, international studies; Sis. Jameelah Taylor, pediatric medicine; Sis. Londyn Wood, criminology; Brother Elijah Clark-Muhammad, education; Bro. Rashawn Ali Muhammad, civil engineering; and Bro. Sultan Sadeeq Muhammad, technical writing and mechanical engineering.

The 13 graduates reflected on their trials and accomplishments throughout the year which included completing their 11th and 12th grade academic studies by the summer and being awarded 65 scholarships that totaled $2 million. Several of the graduates completed their high school courses in three years and met the requirements to graduate as juniors. This 2019 class also enjoyed a spiritual journey to Tepoztlán, Mexico, where Min. Farrakhan had his “more than a vision” experience.

“A lot of them in their own words felt it was a renewal and that they felt so much the presence of Allah when they were at the home of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad,” Talib Ul-Hikmah Karriem recalled from the trip.

“One sister felt so chosen and so special being there in Mexico, experiencing the beautiful people in Mexico but seeing the beautiful places. She just felt so overwhelmed and so grateful. Most of them felt it was a spiritual renewal,” he added.

(L-R) Student Min. Ishmael Muhammad, Bro. Talib Ul-Hikmah Karriem, brothers from high school graduation class '19; and Bro. Ahmad Muhammad.

Sisters from 8th grade graduation with Bro. Talib.

Some of the places the students visited were the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon which is in Morelos, Zapata, and the former residence of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and his family.

Madinah Muhammad said the trip to Mexico set the tone for the rest of her life. “Going on the trip to Mexico was a very enlightening experience, it left me very elated. Coming back and just seeing everybody and seeing the Minister especially, it really left me very happy and fulfilled and just full of purpose knowing that once we leave Muhammad University of Islam, the work doesn’t stop and neither does our faith,” she said.

The July 10 high school graduation ceremony also included a musical performance by cellists Sisters Sajdah and Khalilah Muhammad. An encouraging keynote message was given by Sa’ad Alim Muhammad, student national secretary of the Nation of Islam and attorney (formerly Berve Muhammad).

“Bro. Sa’ad gave us some really important words on gratitude which really is the foundation of how we are going to live for the rest of our lives,” Madinah Muhammad recalled.

After the students were conferred their diplomas by Ahmad Muhammad, high school guidance counselor at MUI, they were embraced and congratulated by family and friends for their accomplishments. The wonderful afternoon concluded with closing remarks and prayer and a reception for graduates and their families.

The Final Call