As we approach a new year, it is a time for reflection, introspection, and Insha’Allah (God-Willing), doing so affords us a blessed opportunity to continue our development and growth on various levels: spiritually, morally, and physically, not only for ourselves, but for our families and communities.
Reflecting on 2025 and its impact on Black America and the world, there are many areas to assess. As always, there were areas of positive news and progress along with areas of concern.
This year saw the swearing in of President Donald Trump for a second, though non-consecutive, term in office. Like his first term, the president has ushered in or championed policies that do not have the best interests of marginalized communities at heart. However, that should come as no surprise.
The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam, warned us in His book, “The Fall of America,” in the chapter, “The National Election,” that “either party that seeks the office of presidency is faced with the problem of saving the lives of the people of America.”
He continued, “If the present party (Democratic) remains in office, you know the answer. If the Republican party takes over, you should know the answer. There will be a lull before the storm. The storm can be delayed and every hour and day that it can be delayed is to your benefit.”
What is a “lull” and what storm is being delayed? According to dictionary.com, one of the definitions of “lull,” is: “to put to sleep or rest by soothing means.” Another definition is: “to give or lead to feel a false sense of safety; cause to be less alert, aware, or watchful.”
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, in referencing that same chapter written by his teacher in “The Fall of America,” explained that “you can’t put the storm off forever; that’s the point: it’s coming.” During that particular message, Minister Farrakhan was referring to the candidates ahead of the 2016 presidential election, including Mr. Trump.
In speaking about the “lull,” Minister Farrakhan explained: So one of these candidates will delay it—but nobody can put the storm off because there is nothing in their political platforms that will stop the storm from coming. Now what should be in their platform to stop the storm? And then, what is ‘the storm’? Understand that God is in the picture now: America is under Divine Judgment. And this is going to increase, now, because I’m standing in the place of The Messenger/Messiah—and my job is to warn you, and then get out of the way,” Minister Farrakhan said in his 2016 message titled, “If Satan Cast Out Satan He Is Divided Against Himself: How Then Will His Kingdom Stand?” based on the biblical scripture from Matthew 12:26.
Years later, the warnings by the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan are becoming increasingly clear regarding the lull and the storm.
This year saw the U.S. continue its misdeeds, both domestically and abroad, all of which affect us. Tactics from America’s errant foreign policy also made their way to American cities. The U.S. engaged in conflicts and wars abroad, including its continued unwavering support for Israel in its genocidal campaign in Gaza that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The U.S. waged conflicts in Syria, Iran, Venezuela and Nigeria, just to name a few other hot spots around the world.
However, here in America, cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, Memphis and Los Angeles saw the deployment of federal troops and agents from the National Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol on their streets. The deployments were under the guise of addressing crime and illegal immigration. The year saw reports of American citizens and legal immigrants being rounded up by troops, placed in detention facilities, or even deported to countries they were not even from.
What is happening abroad has made its way to America’s shores. And at the beginning of 2025, the world was given a collective chance to repent before the “lull” is up and the storm ensues.
On Feb. 23, Allah (God) gave a Divine, Life-Saving Command through His Servant, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, that was delivered by his National Assistant Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad during Saviours’ Day 2025, held in Chicago on the grounds of The National Center, headquarters of the Nation of Islam. That message was, “Repent, For The Kingdom of God is at Hand.”
Repentance is not just for America, Student Min. Ishmael Muhammad said, on behalf of Minister Farrakhan. The warning was to President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but that was not all. All of the nations of the earth and every citizen of every country will face collective and individual punishment for their evils and for ignoring the call from a divine man to “turn from your wicked ways,” he said.
Allah (God) gives the people a respite, which is a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, before He brings His chastisement. In other words, during the “lull,” there is calm and a “chance” before the eventual storm. Respites and lulls are temporary. In His Infinite Mercy, Allah (God) raises a warner among the people to deliver a life-saving message. He gives the people a chance.
During the 2025 Saviours’ Day message delivered by Student Min. Ishmael Muhammad, he gave the example of Jonah in the Bible. Jonah warned the king and the people of Nineveh to repent, and as a result, Nineveh was saved from God’s punishment.
Minister Farrakhan has called the people of the world, regardless of our station in life, to repentance before Almighty God Allah. All have fallen short of the Glory of God, but He gives us a chance at redemption through His servant.
For those of us who have been blessed to usher in this new year, we must not take it for granted. Allah (God), by whatever name you call Him, has granted us, through His Mercy, another opportunity to be of service to Him and to heed the warnings of repentance from His servant, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. We are in the lull before the storm.