“Brother, you are more valuable to me than all the wealth that is in the earth, because the wealth of the earth, I met when I came here and I shall leave it when I am gone. But through you, I will get all my people.”
—The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan
CHICAGO—Laughter echoed, memories were shared, and tributes rang out as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the National Representative of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam, marked his 92nd birth anniversary at the elegantly decorated Salaam Restaurant on May 11.
He was accompanied by his wife, Nation of Islam First Lady Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, and surrounded by family, friends, members of the Nation of Islam, community leaders, and artists whose lives have been forever touched by his life, his love, his commitment to uplifting humanity, and his enduring vision.
The gathering was was a heartfelt celebration of a legacy spanning generations, communities, and continents. What made the gathering even more special is that this year,
Minister Farrakhan’s birth anniversary and the observation of Mother’s Day were on the same day, giving attendees an opportunity to sing the praises of Mother Khadijah Farrakhan and honor her for her years of sacrifice.
Among those honoring Minister Farrakhan was legendary rapper Doug E. Fresh, who spoke candidly about Minister Farrakhan’s lasting influence and impact. “Being here with Minister Farrakhan on his birthday, especially as we celebrated Mother’s Day, reminded me how meaningful personal gestures from his family are,” he reflected.
“He’s transformed not just my life, but the lives of artists across hip hop and countless communities around the world,” the iconic hip-hop artist added.
Doug E. Fresh recounted iconic moments—from Minister Farrakhan uniting rappers for peace, to mentoring conversations with Ice Cube, to leading historic events like the historic 1995 Million Man March.
He pointed to Minister Farrakhan’s unwavering moral compass and integrity, qualities that resonate throughout the hip-hop community and beyond.
“The most powerful lessons I’ve taken from Minister Farrakhan are about living righteously, valuing health and personal growth, caring for others, and never letting money dictate my actions. Above all, he’s taught me to trust in God and face life’s challenges with honesty.”
For attendees like Nation of Islam Southwest Regional Student Minister Dr. Abdul Haleem Muhammad from Houston’s Mosque No. 45, whose first meeting with Minister Farrakhan in 1976 changed the trajectory of his life, the celebration was deeply personal.
“Because of him, I found direction, led a mosque, built a family, and grew as a man,” Student Min. Haleem shared. He described monumental moments such as the peaceful assembly of 35,000 men in Houston and the triumphant Million Man March as proof of Minister Farrakhan’s power to inspire unity on a massive scale.
Sister Linda Muhammad is a student in the ministry class and is based in Philadelphia at Mosque No. 12. She traveled to Chicago for the celebration.
Sister Linda spoke of gratitude for Minister Farrakhan’s unwavering dedication and for the enduring support and love of Mother Khadijah, the First Lady of the Nation of Islam.
“She is a rock beside Minister Farrakhan, nurturing and guiding our community. Their example encourages us all to embody compassion and commitment in our own lives.”
Washington, D.C.’s Sister Brenda Diana Muhammad serves as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Protocol Director for the Nation of Islam, based at Mosque No. 4. She told The Final Call that she has been and still is inspired by Minister Farrakhan’s uplifting message for women.
A message that led her to volunteer for the Million Man March. “His fidelity to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad is his greatest gift,” she said. She also praised Mother Khadijah as an essential role model.
Sister Helen Muhammad, of Houston, credits the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership, direction and example of Minister Farrakhan with turning her life “from death to life.” She notes that critics misunderstand his mission, saying, “He is committed to saving and uplifting people from all backgrounds, not the opposite.”
Minister Farrakhan is also a prophetic father figure, especially for those who may have grown up without one, shared Student Southern Regional M.G.T. Captain Dr. Nusaybah Muhammad of Mosque No. 15 in Atlanta.
“He makes us fearless, courageous, and united,” said Sister Dr. Nusaybah. She also praised the positive transformation of women through the Minister’s wisdom and guidance.
Student European Regional Minister Abdul Hakeem Muhammad flew in from the UK for the celebration. He was first introduced to the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad through audio cassettes of messages by Minister Farrakhan.
He recalled his first time meeting with Minister Farrakhan years ago as “the day I was given life.” He expressed confidence that Minister Farrakhan’s spiritual legacy will endure for generations, “resurrecting” individuals and communities wherever his name is known.
The celebration drew so many people, each with personal stories of transformation attributed to Minister Farrakhan over his 70 years of service and sacrifice.
Brother Kamal Muhammad is a son of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and son-in-law of Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah. He is the husband of their daughter, Sister Fatima.
He spoke of Minister Farrakhan’s “timeless” legacy, intertwined with the historic revival and strengthening of the Nation of Islam. For him also, the Million Man March remains a defining achievement, signaling unity and purpose for future generations.
Brother Leonard F. Muhammad is a member of the Nation of Islam Shura Executive Council and a longtime aide of Minister Farrakhan. He praised Minister Farrakhan’s unwavering consistency and faith, noting that trips to historic parts of the world, including Mecca, Saudi Arabia, only deepened his commitment to sharing wisdom across faiths.
From groundbreaking public events to quiet moments of personal guidance, Minister Farrakhan’s reach has spanned continents and cultures, providing leadership, compassion, and moral clarity for decades.
Those present for this special celebration stood not only to honor a man and his mission but to reaffirm their commitment to helping in his work toward unity, spiritual growth, and uplifting humanity.
At 92, Minister Farrakhan stands as a living testament to the enduring power of faith, resilience, and love. Based on the passionate voices heard at his celebration, the impact of his life’s work will echo for generations to come.
“He gave us hope, purpose, and a deeper understanding of Allah (God,)” noted Student Minister Jeffrey Muhammad.
Student Eastern Regional Minister Arthur Muhammad from New York’s Mosque No. 7 shared that Islam—as taught and modeled by Minister Farrakhan, not only elevates individuals but also brings peace to brotherhoods and families.
The devotion and support shown by Mother Khadijah Farrakhan were a recurring theme shared by those who recognized and celebrated her dedication as an example for women seeking to balance faith, family, and community.
Student National Secretary Sa’ad Alim Muhammad, who is also a member of the Shura Executive Council, credited Minister Louis Farrakhan with transforming his life and stated he owes his personal growth and development to Minister Farrakhan’s influence since hearing him in 1994.
Brother Sa’ad also said Minister Farrakhan’s legacy will endure for generations, and he compared the impact of what he teaches from the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad to light traveling infinitely across the universe, ensuring future generations will know his name and works.
Sister Dr. Safiyya Shabazz of Mosque No. 12 in Philadelphia agreed. “His fearless leadership and unshakeable faith have set a standard for all who follow, especially the next generation,” she said.