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The Black Crescent

A Journey Through African American Islam

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Overview

A Distinct Community

African-American Muslims, often referred to as Black Muslims, constitute a significant religious minority within the United States. They represent over 20% of the total Muslim population in the U.S., making them one of the largest demographic groups within American Islam, as no single ethnic group forms a majority. While predominantly adhering to Sunni Islam, this community also encompasses smaller Shia and Nation of Islam minorities. Their history is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of African-American history, tracing roots back to the Revolutionary and Antebellum eras.

Historical Trajectory

Early African Roots

Historically, it is estimated that approximately 30% of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas hailed from West and Central Africa, where Islam was prevalent. These individuals often possessed literacy in Arabic, a skill uncommon among other enslaved populations, leading them to be assigned supervisory roles. Despite the pervasive forced conversion to Christianity during the era of American slavery, records indicate that some, like Omar ibn Said, maintained their Islamic faith throughout their lives in the United States.

20th Century Movements

The 20th century witnessed the rise of several influential Black nationalist groups that incorporated Islamic practices, significantly shaping the landscape of African-American Islam. Key among these were the Moorish Science Temple of America, founded in 1913, and the Nation of Islam (NOI), established in the 1930s. The NOI, in particular, gained substantial traction, attracting tens of thousands of members by the mid-20th century, with prominent figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali emerging from its ranks. Ahmadiyya Muslim groups also actively engaged in proselytizing within the African American community during the 1920s and 1930s.

Transition and Reform

A pivotal moment in the movement towards mainstream Islam among African Americans was Malcolm X's conversion to Sunni Islam following his pilgrimage to Mecca. This shift influenced many within the Nation of Islam. After Elijah Muhammad's death in 1975, his son, Warith Deen Mohammed, guided the majority of the NOI's followers toward orthodox Sunni Islam, initiating significant reforms. Conversely, Louis Farrakhan revived the Nation of Islam in 1978, adhering more closely to the original teachings of Wallace Fard Muhammad.

Prison Conversions

Conversion to Islam is a notable phenomenon within the U.S. prison system, with a significant percentage of inmates identifying as Muslim. A substantial portion of these converts are African American. While some experts suggest a link between prison conversions and radicalization by external Islamist groups, others argue that such radicalization, when it occurs, is often disconnected from these external interests.

Diverse Expressions of Faith

Sunni Islam

The majority of African-American Muslims adhere to Sunni Islam, often identifying with the community led by W. Deen Mohammed. This branch emphasizes the Quran and the Sunnah (practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad) as primary sources. Reforms introduced by W. Deen Mohammed included transitioning NOI temples to traditional mosques, adopting the Five Pillars of Islam, and encouraging adherents to embrace orthodox Islamic practices and identity, including changing surnames often tied to slavery.

Shia Islam

Shia Islam gained a foothold among African Americans during the 20th century, particularly gaining visibility after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. While many African Americans were initially unaware of the Sunni-Shia distinction, a notable number converted to Shia Islam, especially in cities like Philadelphia. However, this growth sometimes led to friction with Sunni groups, influenced by sectarian rhetoric.

Nation of Islam (NOI)

Founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad and later led by Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam presented a distinct theology, including the deification of Fard Muhammad and the concept of the white man as the devil. Figures like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali rose to prominence through the NOI. Following Elijah Muhammad's death, his son Warith Deen Mohammed led most members to Sunni Islam, while Louis Farrakhan revived the NOI based on its original doctrines, maintaining its unique identity and teachings, though often drawing criticism for its controversial rhetoric.

Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA)

Established by Noble Drew Ali in 1913, the MSTA taught that African Americans were descendants of the ancient Moabites and advocated a return to Islam and Moorish ancestry. Its teachings drew from various spiritual traditions, including Sufism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Taoism. The MSTA's distinct theology and emphasis on creed over the Five Pillars, along with its association with Black nationalism, make its classification within mainstream Islam a subject of debate.

Five-Percent Nation

Emerging from a theological dispute within the Nation of Islam, the Five-Percent Nation (or Nation of Gods and Earths) was founded by Clarence 13X. Its core belief is that 10% of humanity knows the truth, 85% are kept in ignorance, and 5% are the enlightened who strive to teach the truth. Central to their doctrine is the belief that the Black man is God personified.

Ahmadiyya Community

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community engaged in missionary work among African Americans, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. Recognizing the racial dynamics in the U.S., their efforts focused on this demographic and immigrant communities. Many Ahmadis later arrived in the U.S. as refugees, contributing to a second wave of adherents.

Notable Figures

Pre-20th Century

Early African-American Muslims who maintained their faith despite enslavement and societal pressures.

  • Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori
  • Omar ibn Said
  • Yarrow Mamout
  • Ayuba Suleiman Diallo

Activists

Influential figures who championed civil rights and religious identity.

  • Malcolm X

Politicians

Public servants and elected officials who are Muslim.

  • Ako Abdul-Samad
  • Charles Bilal
  • André Carson
  • Keith Ellison
  • Jamilah Nasheed
  • John Collins-Muhammad
  • Larry Shaw
  • Ilhan Omar

Athletes

Prominent athletes who practice Islam.

  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Ahmad Rashad
  • Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
  • Shareef Abdur-Rahim
  • Muhammad Ali
  • Rubin Carter
  • Shaquille O'Neal
  • Ibtihaj Muhammad
  • Mike Tyson
  • Gervonta Davis
  • Husain Abdullah
  • Rasheed Wallace
  • Jamaal Wilkes
  • Kyrie Irving
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Ameer Abdullah
  • Dominique Easley
  • Muhammad Wilkerson
  • Mohamed Sanu
  • Hamza Abdullah
  • Husain Abdullah
  • Az-Zahir Hakim
  • Ryan Harris
  • Abdul Hodge
  • Ephraim Salaam
  • Sharrieff Shah

Musicians

Artists who have contributed to music and culture.

  • Ali Shaheed Muhammad
  • Ahmad Jamal
  • Akon
  • AR-Ab
  • Art Blakey
  • Bas
  • Beanie Sigel
  • B.G. Knocc Out
  • Buckshot
  • Busta Rhymes
  • Dave East
  • Divine Styler
  • E.D.I. Mean
  • Freddie Gibbs
  • Freeway
  • Ghostface Killah
  • Ice Cube
  • Idris Muhammad
  • Idrees Sulieman
  • Jay Electronica
  • Jermaine Jackson
  • Joe Tex
  • Joey Badass
  • Kevin Gates
  • King Von
  • Lil Durk
  • Lupe Fiasco
  • MC Ren
  • MF DOOM
  • Moneybagg Yo
  • Mos Def
  • Napoleon
  • PnB Rock
  • Q-Tip
  • Pop Smoke
  • Raekwon
  • Rhymefest
  • Robert "Kool" Bell
  • Sahib Shihab
  • Sean Price
  • Sheck Wes
  • Shy Glizzy
  • Swizz Beatz
  • SZA
  • The Jacka
  • T-Pain
  • Westside Gunn
  • Yusuf Lateef
  • Quando Rondo
  • NLE Choppa
  • Kay Flock

Entertainment

Actors, models, and comedians who are Muslim.

  • Iman
  • Dave Chappelle
  • Mahershala Ali
  • Halima Aden
  • Barkhad Abdi
  • Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
  • Felonious Munk

Religious Leaders

Prominent figures in religious leadership and scholarship.

  • Siraj Wahhaj
  • Warith Deen Muhammad
  • Khalid Abdul Muhammad

Other Notable Figures

Individuals recognized for various contributions.

  • Yusuf Bey
  • Larry Hoover
  • Jeff Fort

Demographics

Population Overview

African-American Muslims constitute approximately 20% of the total Muslim population in the United States. Within the broader African-American community, about 2% identify as Muslim, with the majority adhering to various Christian denominations. This demographic presence highlights Islam as a significant, albeit minority, faith within the African-American religious landscape.

Geographic Distribution

Concentrations of African-American Muslims are notably found in major urban centers across the United States. Cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Newark, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Atlanta are recognized for having substantial African-American Muslim communities. The Nation of Islam, under Louis Farrakhan's leadership, is estimated to have a membership ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 members, contributing significantly to the visibility and influence of Islam within these urban areas.

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References

References

  1.  Moorish Science Temple of America Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 13, 2009.
  2.  Kathleen Moore, "Muslims in Prison: Claims to Constitutional Protection of Religious Liberty," in Yvonne Haddad, ed., The Muslims of America, p. 141.
  3.  The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America Chapter XXV - "A Holy Covenant of the Asiatic Nation"
  4.  Farrakhan backs racial harmony BBC News (BBC). October 16, 2000. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
  5.  Nation of Islam leader dies at 74 NBC News. Retrieved June 21, 2009.
A full list of references for this article are available at the African-American Muslims Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not religious advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional religious consultation, study, or practice. Always refer to authoritative religious texts and consult with qualified religious scholars or community leaders for guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.