The Final Call

“This was truly a night to remember,” said Lakesha Muhammad, Student Protocol Director of Muhammad Mosque No 15B in College Park, Georgia.

Sister Lakesha Muhammad, the organizer of the Nov. 11 event was driven by concerns that lessons learned at critical points in the Nation’s history might get lost on newer generations.

“I thank Allah for the vision to honor our pioneers. … We must honor them and give them the platform needed for them to express themselves, she said. “They are the reason that we can do certain things today.”

Lakesha Muhammad organized and spearheaded the pioneers tribute and banquet.

Iconic figures like Ministers Abdul Rahman Muhammad, Abdul Bey Muhammad, James 7X (Najiy Muhammad), Thomas Jehad and Nation of Islam International Representative Akbar Muhammad addressed the banquet. Also on the dais was Abdul Wahid Muhammad— the first person to accept helping the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan rebuild the Nation of Islam; Sister Elaine Muhammad (wife of Minister Najiy) and Sister Sylvia Shah—widow of legendary Fruit of Islam Captain Yusef Shah. Captain Shah served with Ministers Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan in establishing the historic Muhammad Mosque No. 7 in New York City.

Many pioneers graced the banquet hall who served and sacrificed and are still standing with Minister Farrakhan. Some spoke specifically to young people about longevity and enduring faith.

“First of all, we have to get into the spirit and the spiritual aspect of Islam following the Minister (Farrakhan) and all of the Study Guides…because we must build faith,” said Thomas Jehad to The Final Call.

Joining the Nation in the early 1950s, Thomas J. as he is also called, explained the importance of not getting stuck in the accomplishments of yesteryear.

Nation of Islam International Representative, Akbar Muhammad

“A lot of people talk about prior to ’75; well that’s past tense,” reasoned Brother Thomas Jehad. “In our lessons it says, what are you doing today for yourself; your brother from the East wants to know and hear from you at once.”

Thomas Jehad expressed gratitude for the honor and said everyone regardless of age “can find a way to help” in the cause of Islam as it continues.

Akbar Muhammad in agreement added “what keeps you here is utility” and having something to do. He encouraged young people to connect with the elders as he witnessed in his global travels to places as far away as Africa and Japan. Cultures worldwide honor elders for forging the way and laying the foundation for current generations.

A presentation on genealogy was given by Nassir Muhammad, historian and owner of Black Mecca of the South Tours. He stressed as connections are made learning the legacy of the Nation of Islam, it’s also important to tie the history to the genealogy of families that make up the group. “As in what the Honorable Elijah Muhammad said ‘in of all our studies, history is most qualified to reward our research,’” said Nasir Muhammad.

A highlight of the evening was the surprise gift to Minister Abdul Rahman Muhammad of a 2018 BMW from Muddathir Muhammad. With the car outside he turned the keys over to the pioneer, affectionately known as “The Rock,” at the banquet. Bro. Muddathir Muhammad fully paid for the car with proceeds made from his Final Call Newspaper sales.

A family man in his mid-40s, Bro. Muddathir Muhammad told The Final Call that Min. Rahman has been like “a grandfather and a brother” who always took time with him.

“Regardless of what I’m going through … my ups and downs of my struggles, he always had positive light to impart to me,” said Bro. Mudduthir.

Having regular conversations, he learned how much trouble Min. Rahman Muhammad was having with his car and was motivated to remedy the situation.

He explained how words of Min. Farrakhan about the upcoming generation and that they can’t go forward if they don’t take care, respect, carry on their shoulders, and most importantly get guidance from the elders. Those words of guidance resonated with him.

Najyi and Elaine Muhammad

The event was the desire of Sister Lakesha Muhammad in following her heart to recognize those who came before her. Based on the overwhelming success and positive response to the Nov. 11 event, her aim is to duplicate it in cities across the country and perhaps at the Nation of Islam’s annual Saviours’ Day convention.

“They feel I have re-stimulated a feeling of love for Elijah in them, just from giving them a platform. Why wouldn’t we take this throughout our whole nation, we owe it to them,” said Sister Lakesha Muhammad.