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Founding of Moorish science temple of america
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The Beginning
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Moorish Science Temple of America Expands
The movement began to spread to other parts of the United States, particularly to cities like Chicago and Detroit. It emphasized the importance of racial pride, the revival of the Moorish identity, and the practice of Islam in a distinct form. -
Growth and Development
During the 1920s, the Moorish Science Temple continued to expand, establishing mosques and temples in various cities. The teachings of Noble Drew Ali included elements of Islam, Christianity, and other esoteric philosophies, blending them into a unique religious identity for African Americans. -
Noble Drew Ali's Death
Noble Drew Ali passed away, and his death led to internal disputes within the movement. Despite the challenges, the Temple continued to influence African American religious and cultural movements. -
Present: Continuing Influence
While the Moorish Science Temple of America declined in influence after Noble Drew Ali’s death, it laid the groundwork for future religious movements within the African American community, particularly those centered on Islamic identity. -
Founding of the Nation of Islam
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Elijah Muhammad Becomes Leader
After the mysterious disappearance of Wallace Fard Muhammad in 1934, Elijah Muhammad became the leader of the Nation of Islam. He expanded the teachings of the movement, claiming that Fard Muhammad was the manifestation of God on Earth and that African Americans were the true descendants of the original people of the earth. -
Growth and Expansion
Under Elijah Muhammad’s leadership, the Nation of Islam grew rapidly. It established mosques in cities across the United States, particularly in urban centers like Chicago, Detroit, and New York. The movement’s focus on Black self-sufficiency, economic independence, and a strong sense of racial pride attracted many African Americans. -
Malcolm X and Public Awareness
Malcolm X, a prominent minister in the Nation of Islam, became a national spokesperson during the 1960s. His fiery speeches advocating for Black empowerment and criticizing racism in America brought widespread attention to the movement. In 1964, Malcolm X made a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he embraced traditional Islam, leading to tensions with the Nation of Islam. -
Malcolm X's Assassination
Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965, likely due to tensions between him and the leadership of the Nation of Islam. His death was a turning point in the movement, leading to changes in its direction. -
Elijah Muhammad’s Death
After Elijah Muhammad's death in 1975, his son, Wallace D. Muhammad, took over the leadership of the Nation of Islam. Wallace Muhammad moved the movement toward more traditional Sunni Islam, distancing it from the teachings of his father. -
Transformation and Contemporary Influence
Under the leadership of Louis Farrakhan, who re-established the Nation of Islam in the late 1970s, the movement saw a resurgence. Farrakhan revived many of the original teachings of Elijah Muhammad and continues to lead the Nation of Islam today, emphasizing Black empowerment, social justice, and Islamic principles.