WASHINGTON, D.C.—The F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam, the men of the Nation of Islam), once again gathered in a city for a day of soldiering and service in the community. This time, the brothers convened on July 12 in Washington, D.C.
Before hitting the streets, the men were encouraged and thanked by the coordinators of the efforts and by Student Mid-Atlantic Regional Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad, Student Mid-Atlantic Regional F.O.I. Captain Aaron Muhammad and Student Minister Nuri Muhammad from Mosque No. 74 in Indianapolis.
Overall, as many of the men explained, the goal for the day of outreach was to pack the house for the Sunday lecture at Mosque No. 4 in D.C., with guests to hear the Life-Giving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad under the leadership, guidance and example of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Student F.O.I. Captain Aaron and Student Minister Nuri expressed their joy at the men gathering on the tour and shared why it was so important for them to do so.
Sharing words from Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan, son of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Student Regional Captain Aaron reminded the F.O.I. of an important duty and also the importance of unity.
“That’s where our strength lies—in unity. None of us are separate from one another. So let us do the work of resurrection and save our people,” Student Captain Aaron said in part.
Brother Nasser Muhammad of Mosque No. 4 also helped to coordinate the day’s efforts, which was to soldier in the Southeast part of the district.
Going door to door, the men made it their duty to spread love to the people in the form of gifting them with complimentary editions of The Final Call newspaper and inviting them to hear the Life-Giving and Life-Saving Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad on Sunday July 13.
The F.O.I. were well received by community residents.
Bro. Khalil Brody, 19, was inspired to further his engagement with the community upon seeing the men. “It feels great seeing Black brothers come into the community, coming together and spreading positive energy.”
The F.O.I. have convened in several cities this year, including Houston, Baltimore and Detroit.
Their efforts not only help connect them to the community, but it also helps to strengthen the bond among the men who travel to the cities for outreach efforts. F.O.I. from parts of Virginia, Atlanta, New York, Detroit, and many other areas are able to connect with and inspire one another.
Throughout their day of soldiering in D.C., the F.O.I. were also invited to perform a military drill demonstration in front of a large crowd of men, women, and children at a local event. Student Min. Khadir and Student Min. Nuri also shared encouraging and uplifting words with young men they encountered throughout the day.
Brother Phillip, 22, is in the processing class in Baltimore at Mosque No. 6. He has learned and grown through his experience in soldiering alongside the brothers. “I’m not really used to being outside and socializing with people in a positive way. I was a negative person out there, but now, going to different cities, it feels good,” he said.
Brother West Muhammad attends Mosque No. 6 in Baltimore. He is 15 years old, a student at Coppin State University and is a co-host on the weekly podcast WHID-FM, “What Has Islam Done For Me?”
