by Abisayo Muhammad
“Surely I have rewarded them this day because they were patient, that they are the achievers.”—Holy Qur’an, Chapter 23: The Believers, verse 111
The headline of this article may suggest a bold statement to some, however, there are many religious followers like Christians and Muslims called by the name “believer.” In The Nation of Islam, the believer first enters the classroom of God as a “student” and begins the process of oneness with Allah (God). It is this journey toward knowledge, wisdom and understanding that ultimately strengthens belief.
According to the Google dictionary, “a believer is a person who believes that a specified thing is effective, proper or desirable.” Another definition is “an adherent of a particular religion; someone with religious faith.” From the female’s perspective, many challenges may have shaken that foundation even of those most committed. The ups and downs, trials and tribulations of a changing world have touched the lives of women worldwide.
In our effort to strive to live up to this noble title and as we enter a new year, let’s reflect on women and how striving in faith over this past year illustrates how the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Farrakhan have proven to be most effective in enlightening our belief and practices.
Earlier in the year, I was given an opportunity to return to my longtime passion of writing and submitting articles to best newspaper on the planet, The Final Call newspaper. As a “student” in Islam, an entrepreneur, mother and wife of a large family, contributing to this column has been an eye-opening and learning experience allowing me to meet and share stories of amazing women and followers of God. I would like to highlight a few stories that reflect our journey toward belief.
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago that left so many unsure of the future. We lost loved ones and friends. Others continue to struggle with health challenges. This pestilence also has created a necessity for women, in particular, to call on God for the survival of ourselves, our families and our future. Muslim and Christian prayer lines such as The Unity Fajr Morning Prayerline by Yreva Muhammad of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Prayer for the Nations, by Judith McCalister and Prayer is Better Than Sleep Prayline by Jacqueline X of Hartford, Connecticut, have become outlets for those seeking support and communication with Allah (God).
“Don’t you think that people who are under a burden don’t know how to pray?” Min. Farrakhan asked during his 2022 Saviours’ Day address titled “The Swan Song.” “We learned prayer the hard way because we didn’t come up the smooth side of the mountain. We came up the roughest side that a mountain could provide us. But we are here, the strongest of the strong,” he said.
“The Swan Song” started out the year by giving not just women but everyone the instruction to examine themselves and change wicked behavior to avoid death! “I’m singing a Swan Song because the God that is on scene today is a God of Truth and Righteousness. And if you play a game with God, He will leave you where you are,” the Minister said.
Marriage and family are other journeys that have tested our faith as women. We have become consumed with maintaining healthy relationships and coping with life’s uncertainties, and sometimes the family suffers. A strong marriage is the foundation of family and has been necessary to endure such hardship that we have faced mentally, spiritually and physically over the last year. Min. Farrakhan shares how we can never rebuild the family without starting where Allah (God) started in the beginning.
“The yardstick or criteria by which we measure good, it must first promote the development of the male and female in accord with the nature of their creation; it must promote marriage; and it must protect family,” Min. Farrakhan said. This quote and many others are compiled by John and Nadine Muhammad of nationsproducts.com in Houston in a free e-book “100 Principles of a Successful Marriage.” Using excerpts from Min. Farrakhan, they promote marriage and family to guide healthy relationships.
The summer of 2022 ended with young Muslim women gathering to attend the historic National M.G.T. and G.C.C. Vanguard Retreat in Chicago. The three-day event was filled with education, entertainment and fun. Concluding the conference at Mosque Maryam, the world was introduced to the women of the Nation of Islam with six powerful sisters speaking on the different aspects of our training as women and girls.
Sister Nneka Muhammad gave a fiery keynote address where she shared comments about Satan’s desire to destroy the Original Black woman. “We will even fight you with the power of our womb and produce children that will destroy all of God’s enemies!” she exclaimed. She also gave an emotional tribute to the late Student Minister Dr. Ava Muhammad.
Even in fashion, the Teachings introduce us to the beauty of femininity and modesty. Sister Carmen Muhammad of Al-Nisa Designs, Inc. and Women Working Together, Inc., continues to change the perception of modest attire worldwide, hosting the 2nd Annual International Arts Award Gala and her first U.S. Modest Fashion Week in Chicago last year. “I want the world to know that my personal anthem is: We are here and we have a voice,” she said.
The Bible says, “Behold, I make all things new. There will be a new heaven, a new earth and the former things shall pass away.” If it is our deep desire to be pleasing to Allah (God), belief is strengthened. The Minister says faith in God is the prerequisite to overcoming adversity.
Abisayo Muhammad, a former Final Call staffer, is an entrepreneur, a mother and first lady of Benton Harbor, Mich. Sister Space is devoted to amplifying the voices of women as well as telling their stories and highlighting their accomplishments. We welcome your ideas and submissions. Please send any material to [email protected].
