As the academic year draws to a close, Muhammad University of Islam (M.U.I.) proudly congratulates the graduating classes of both high school and eighth grade. We celebrate not just their achievements, but their unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to their education.
We give thanks to Allah (God) for the foundation of our independent school system established through the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Muhammad University of Islam provides a unique environment where students receive a high-quality education rooted in Supreme Wisdom and the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. This exceptional educational path nurtures students into a world of righteousness, decency, self-respect, and high moral conduct, instilling in them the knowledge of their divine lineage as children of the Most High God.
Interim director, Brother Talib ul Hikmah Karriem, who also serves as the Islamic Studies instructor and the 2nd/3rd-grade history and science teacher, expressed his gratitude for the dedicated faculty, staff and parents. “We are deeply appreciative of their consistent efforts and daily work with our students. They are feeding the students the most essential mental and spiritual food that will help them grow according to their divine nature, which is the Life-Giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, given to us by God Himself!”
On witnessing the depth of wisdom in his young students, Brother Talib shared, “When I tell you that our babies are so deep in the wisdom of Allah at such a young age, it makes me so happy and proud to hear them. Our children are the hope of the nation with Allah’s guidance, and they are getting stronger every day as we continue to feed them what God gave us … period!”
Sister Talibah Karriem, a middle school instructor, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the graduates and their resilience through the adversities of this academic year. “I am hopeful for great things in the days to come from this wonderful group of students,” she said.
The commencement ceremonies for both graduating classes were marked with profound words of encouragement and wisdom. On July 14, 2023, Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad’s keynote address for the high school graduates imparted guiding principles for their next journey into higher education. His uplifting message served to inspire our graduates as they transition to the next phase of their lives.
Similarly, on July 27, Brother Dr. Abdullah Hassan Pratt, a M.U.I. alum, and currently an assistant professor and emergency medicine physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center, presented a thought-provoking message to the eighth-grade graduates. His passionate speech encouraged them to rise and prepare for their future now, reminding them that their journey of growth and discovery is just beginning. His words centered around identifying the needs of our community and working to solve them.
We celebrate the following graduates and their achievements:
2023 High School Graduates
Brother Berve Muhammad – Majoring in Construction Management at Indiana State University
Sister Kendi Freelain – Majoring in Early Childhood Education & Psychology at Governor’s State University
Sister Ahnyce Italia Vasquez – Majoring in Engineering at Prairie View A&M University
2023 8th Grade Graduates
Sister Amina Jones, Sister Mahasin Muhammad, Sister Nijah Muhammad, Sister Samaya Muhammad
Brother Cashmeer Brown, Brother Daniel Muhammad, Brother Rafiq Muhammad, Brother Saif Williams
In recognition of their accomplishments, the graduates enjoyed a fun-filled outing on a boat cruise along Lake Michigan and down the Chicago River. The celebration concluded with a delightful lunch and engaging activities at Chicago’s Navy Pier. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to boat captain Brother Matthew (F.O.I.) from Saffenah Charter’s, who made the outing a memorable experience along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.
These milestones serve as a testament to the fruit of hard work, discipline, faith, and dedication of our staff, students, and the community as a whole. We eagerly look forward to the amazing things our graduates will achieve, and we continue to pray for Allah’s blessings and guidance on their journey.
Muhammad University of Islam congratulates all the graduates once again and prays for their success in the years to come.
—Article and photos by Brother Talib ul Hikmah Karriem, Student Interim Director of Muhammad University of Islam, Chicago