DETROIT—Under the glittering chandeliers of the grand ballroom at the Huntington Place, history and legacy intertwined for an evening of reverent celebration. Draped in elegance, the space had metamorphosized into a fine dining oasis, honoring the stalwarts of conviction and commitment.
As the Nation of Islam’s 2024 Saviours’ Day Convention painted Detroit with its rich heritage, it was the pioneers and luminaries who stood radiant in the spotlight. Their tireless dedication and fervent service, etched in the annals of time, were lauded amidst standing ovations and heartfelt gratitude.
Brother Jeffery Muhammad of Mosque Maryam in Chicago served as the emcee for the evening.
National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad commenced the program held Feb. 23 by acknowledging the legacy of early pioneers and their families. He honored four companions of Minister Farrakhan who have passed away: Student Minister Dr. Ava Muhammad, Minister Jabril Muhammad, Student Minister Abdul Rahman Muhammad, and Mother Tynnetta Muhammad. Their contributions will forever be remembered in the history of the Nation of Islam.
In a ceremony that stirred the soul, individuals were honored with the coveted Outstanding Service award, a tribute akin to offering flowers to those we cherish while they yet breathe. The venerable Dr. Darnita Muhammad and Dr. Safiyya Shabazz received accolades for their exemplary medical contributions to the Nation of Islam; while Sister Helen Muhammad was celebrated for her unparalleled dedication as a regional protocol director over three decades.
Fruit of Islam Captain Halim Muhammad, revered as the longest-serving regional captain from Los Angeles stood alongside Abdul Aziz Muhammad, the esteemed assistant Supreme Captain. The night shimmered with recognition for the faithful service of Regional Student Captains Johnna Muhammad, and Maalikah Muhammad, whose 34 years of service have been a beacon of commitment.
Fatima Farrakhan, the daughter and nurse to Minister Farrakhan, along with his Executive Assistant Aminah Bayyinah Muhammad who is also a member of the Shura Executive Council were both lauded for their unwavering support and service, threading together the fabric of loyalty and devotion that defines the very essence of the Nation of Islam’s brother and sisterhood.
Amidst the beautiful gathering, the air thrummed with the weight of history and dedication as the Lifetime Achievement awards found their bearers, each a luminary whose light was honed through service and sacrifice. Student Minister Abdullah Muhammad, recognized for his transformative prison ministry work, stood with a humility that belied the depth of his impact.
Alongside him, Student Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad, with the steadfastness that has been his since 1979, accepted his recognition not as a culmination, but as a milestone in his enduring labor. Boston’s dedicated secretary, Sister Virginia Muhammad, her name synonymous with unwavering support and diligence, shared in the accolades.
From the southern heartland of Holly Springs, Mississippi, Student Minister Patricia Muhammad’s grace resonated in the space, her presence a testament to the undying spirit of service. Brother Abdul Wahid Muhammad, a longtime N.O.I. pioneer and notable as the Nation’s first secretary in the rebuilding efforts was honored. Student Minister Abdul Bey Muhammad, who once teetered close to losing his life in the righteous path of Islam, was celebrated, his survival and subsequent contributions a narrative of resilience.
Sister Claudette Marie Muhammad, who once orchestrated the cadences of elegance as Chief Protocol Director, was feted for her chapters of service that continue to inspire. Leonard Farrakhan Muhammad of the Shura Executive Council and Minister Abdul Akbar Muhammad, the illustrious international representative of Minister Farrakhan, both wear their recognitions with the grace of the learned, their journeys etched into the very fabric of the community they serve.
Each recipient, a tapestry of perseverance and faith, uplifted not just by an award, but enshrined in the collective memory as pillars upon which progress is built and sustained.
Beneath the glow of a grand hall, the audience sat in rapt attention, as the air quivered with the promise of an unprecedented performance. The stage was set for a cultural tapestry to unfold; one that would marry the rich heritage of the Nation of Islam with the classical strains of Western music.
The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as the first notes of J.S. Bach’s Sonata No. 1 in G Minor – Adagio caressed the strings of Naseem Shakir-Muhammad’s violin, his young fingers weaving an intricate narrative of resilience and elegance.
Each performance that followed was a declaration of cultural identity and artistic excellence: Khalilah Muhammad on her cello murmured a conversation with history itself, while the piano under Maryam Muhammad’s deft touch scaled the lofty heights of Beethoven’s ingenuity. Together, the Advanced Players Ensemble brought to life the soul-stirring Concerto for Two Violins, a testament to the power of harmony and collective aspiration.
The evening’s tapestry glowed with the vivid hues of musical mastery—from the Chopin’s haunting Nocturne in E Minor by the poised fingers of Jamilah Shakir-Muhammad to the emotive strains of Amirah H. Muhammad’s violin, serenading the spellbound audience with Elgar’s Salut D’Amour.
For eight magnificent minutes, the epic chorus and orchestra render the ageless notes arranged by Farrad Muhammad, breathing new life into a composition that has moved hearts for centuries. Then, seamlessly transitioning to the contemporary resonance of “The Fight Song,” masterfully arranged by Muhammad, the orchestra engages every listener in an impassioned call to resilience.
The three-minute powerhouse performance became not just a listening experience, but an interactive triumph as the audience, invited to rise in solidarity, found themselves becoming part of the music—an unforgettable crescendo of courage and harmony.
“The banquet was phenomenal,” Sister Maalikah Muhammad shared with The Final Call. “It’s always wonderful to be around the believers and have the opportunity to mingle in an upscale setting. I was surprised, humbled, and tremendously honored to be considered, let alone awarded, such an honor.”
Brother Abdul Rahman from Augusta, Georgia, expressed his admiration for the event, describing it as “absolutely beautiful” and emphasizing the importance of Muslims coming together in a dignified manner. He highlighted that such events showcase the true nature of the Muslim community and dispel negative stereotypes. Brother Rahman viewed this gathering as a significant symbol within the Nation, calling it “a truly magnificent occasion.”
Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad, in an exclusive interview with The Final Call, shared his profound appreciation for the performance. “I got chills when they first started to perform,” he said.
Observing the nation’s youth united in a musical showcase filled him with inspiration and he envisioned the potential of these young talents forming a comprehensive orchestra.
“Well, this, this was a gala event for sure,” Brother Sa’ad said. “And it’s so very important to honor and recognize those who helped pave the way for you. And that’s exactly what happened tonight. We showed our gratitude to Allah for blessing us with these pillars of our community. And so we’re grateful to have the opportunity to recognize them.”
