Evolvement of Malcolm X's Islamic faith and its impact on Black nationalism
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Multiple factors motivated Malcolm X to turn to Islam. According to his autobiography, he was introduced to Islam through his brothers. His brother sent him a letter promising his release if he did what he asked him to do which was not to smoke cigarettes, drink and consume pork. These rules he applied to his life rather quickly. He was motivated to become a Muslim because he wanted to get out of prison as soon as possible. His brother told him not to eat pork, or smoke cigarettes and he would show him how to get out of prison.
What I found interesting was how differently they portrayed this in the film. In the movie, it seemed like Mr. Bain's(or Bimbi's) words were his only guidance to Islam. Since the word Islam was never mentioned it seemed like Malcolm X was blindly following the rules of a religion he did not know much of just so he could improve as a person and find a way to release himself from prison. Also, in this autobiography, we see that Malcolm X recognizes Islam and understands that his first pre-Islamic submission had been manifested. Finally, for the first time he experienced and believed in the teaching of "If you take one step toward Allah, Allah will take two steps toward you". As a Muslim myself, this manifestation is quite important in your religious journey and faith as a Muslim. Prominent people in my life and my experiences in life have always proven this teaching to be true, which helped increase my faith.
According to his autobiography, I think the reason why Malcolm X and other followers of the Nation of Islam may have accepted Islam is because they believed that this religion accepted them, unlike Christianity. They had found the "natural religion of the black man".They were told that God was truly black and that the devil was white. They were told that Elijah Mohamed was a messenger of god and was black like them. Elijah Mohammed had a message for the black people who were the "Lost-found Nation of Islam here in this wilderness of North America"
This false idea that white people are devils and black men are good was not associated with the Islamic religion, rather than the Nation of Islam led by the honourable Elijah Muhammad. I think this idea fueled the rise of black supremacy and was against black-and-white unity. However, once Malcolm X completes his pilgrimage to Mecca to expand his knowledge of Islam. He learned that Islam is not racist, that it does not discriminate against those of different colours and that all humans are equal in the eyes of Allah. Then he realizes completely separating black and white people is not ideal and fuels racism. Therefore, he finally opened doors for white people who were eager to support his cause. This was a turning point in his beliefs as before this when he was representing the Nation of Islam he denied the aid and support of a white with good intentions.
Later his 1992 film (Malcolm X), he emphasizes his political philosophy of black nationalism and controlling politics of the African American community. He states the following: "Whites can help us but not join us". His experience with getting removed from the Nation of Islam and the betrayal by his own people including Elijah Muhammad made him realize that we must have black-white unity however to do that we must learn to have black unity first.