Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam
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Malcolm X turned to Islam, and more specifically to the Nation of Islam, following his experiences of racism and violence, which left him profoundly disillusioned with white society and its values. His brother Reginald introduced him to the Nation of Islam’s doctrine in prison, giving him a point of view that resonated with his current situation, and in particular, the idea that historical manipulation erased the accomplishments of Black people. His conviction that his people’s suffering was due to a society controlled by the “white man” was strengthened by this vision, which not only explained the tyranny he had seen but also gave it meaning and purpose. Simultaneously, his desire to learn grew more robust and he studied literature and history. He was taken aback by the brutality and cruelty of European colonization and the wealth of African and Asian past civilizations. The further he progressed in his reading, the broader his knowledge became, and this strengthened his understanding of the historical battles of black people.
At the time, many African Americans shared this attraction to Islam because they were motivated by a context of racism and segregation. Islam offered them a sense of community, an affirmation of racial pride and an ideal of self-determination. For many, Christianity was associated with white oppression, while Islam appeared to be an authentic and liberating alternative. Therefore, Malcolm X, who embodied the fight for social justice and emancipation, encouraged many African Americans to explore Islam.
On the other hand, the Nation of Islam is clearly in opposition to traditional Islam. Firstly, it proposes a racialized perspective of Islam, arguing that the black race is superior to the white race. Then, it says that the white race is evil and was born from genetic manipulation. This doctrine, illustrated by the story of ‘Yacub’s History’, is a radical departure from the teachings of Islam, which advocates the equality of all human beings before God. Therefore, maybe the idea of a black race being superior to any race also sparked the interest of many black people.