CHICAGO—This year’s class during Saviours’ Day for the Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.), the military training of the men that belong to Islam in North America, was held in the sanctuary of Mosque Maryam with overflow in the lower level musallah (prayer hall).
During this year’s special class, brothers from the various regions were recognized for their service and also presented awards of recognition for their accomplishments in the areas of Final Call newspaper distribution and “fishing” (bringing guests to mosques/study groups).
F.O.I. class usually meets in cities around the country on Mondays, however, during Saviours’ Day 2025, it was held on Saturday, Feb. 22.
The F.O.I. are constantly training and conditioning themselves to meet and overcome obstacles. According to the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the guidance and instruction of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the F.O.I. are instructed and taught on how to be the best examples of husbands, fathers and servants in their communities.
During the introduction of the top F.O.I., Student Regional F.O.I. Captains spoke highly of the character and strength of Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan, son of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah Farrakhan.
“I admire this man and every time I spend time with him, I want to be like him. In the sense (as an example) as he is the Supreme Captain,” said Student Western Regional Captain Halim Muhammad.
The mosque was filled with thousands of enthusiastic men dressed in military uniforms. Some wore brown ones trimmed with gold and others wore navy blue trimmed in white. Others wore suits with the signature bow ties.
Student Southern Regional Captain Oliver Muhammad also expressed his appreciation for Brother Mustapha. “I thank Almighty God Allah for giving us a clear example on our level, of our brother Supreme Captain.
He has no excuses; Allah (God) has taken away all of our excuses. He’s given us a clear example on how to be a man … and all he (Bro. Mustapha) says is, ‘I continue to try to do good.’”
The top F.O.I. of the year per region who demonstrated exemplary efforts in inviting guests, charity, Final Call sales, attendance, and other areas of the mission were awarded to:
- Delaware Valley Region: Student Regional Minister Rodney Muhammad
- Mid-Atlantic Region: Student Assistant Minister Scottie Muhammad
- Seventh Region: Brother James Muhammad
- Southern Region: Brother Wade Muhammad
- Eastern Region: Brother Ejas Muhammad
- Central Region: 2nd officer, Brother William Muhammad
- European Region: Brother Maurice Muhammad
- Southwest Region: Student 1st Officer Brother Dre’ X
- Western Region: Student Assistant Minister Landon Muhammad
Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan closed out the class with words of encouragement. “It is very humbling to be in a position like this standing before the men of God, knowing that this is God’s army and this is the kingdom of God on earth,” he said.
“It gives me great pleasure and honor to see the young ones coming in. I thank Allah for our youth, because it lets us know our Nation is alright,” he stated. “No one knows the time that Allah has for us … so cherish these moments that you have with one another, today.”
