CHICAGO—A subdued air of excitement and anticipation exploded into rousing applause and cheers as the Muhammad University of Islam (M.U.I.) 2025 Senior Class graduation got underway July 10 at Mosque Maryam.
The esteemed K-12th grade institution was celebrating its 36th year since the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan re-established it in a 1989 ceremony rededicating the Nation of Islam mosque and school to the re-education and re-training of the Black man and woman of America.
Eighteen students received their diplomas and prepared to enter the next stage of their lives at colleges, universities or to pursue a profession in the trades.
Student Minister Daniel Muhammad, the event’s keynote speaker, began his message with a quote from Minister Farrakhan: “He who gives you the diameter of your knowledge prescribes the circumference of your activity.”
“What makes Muhammad University of Islam so special is at the root of the education being given is the knowledge of God Himself. The diameter of the knowledge of God is infinite. As you move out into the world, always remember the base that was laid for you right here at M.U.I.,” he said.
Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, the National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, stressed that students must always honor and thank their parents, particularly their mother, for their support and sacrifice. He asked the graduates to stand, face the audience and bow to those who brought them this far.
“We have very high expectations of each of you. You are so special. You have the love and undying support of M.U.I. and the Nation of Islam as you enter your journey in life,” he said, stressing, “Have fun. Have righteous fun.” A cello musical selection was given by Sister Sajdah Muhammad during the event.
M.U.I. Student Interim Director Talib Ul Hikmah Karriem explained to The Final Call that the 2025 graduating class consisted of 12th and 11th graders. He said that going forward, all students will graduate after completing the 11th grade, just as the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad did in establishing of Muhammad University of Islam.
Sister Hana Lee Muhammad was Senior Class Salutatorian and Senior Class Valedictorian was Brother Faheem Muhammad. There were two Junior Class Salutatorians due to a tie in Grade Point Average—Sister Hanan Muhammad and Sister Nia Thomas. Sister Najah Amirah Muhammad was the Junior Class Valedictorian.
This year’s male graduates also included Bro. Jihad-Nafs Muhammad, a student from Birmingham, Alabama. Bro. Talib explained that any graduating student in the M.U.I. structure across the country can participate in either the Chicago ceremony or the ceremony in their city.
He also noted that Chicago M.U.I. graduate Bro. Malik A. Muhammad was unable to attend because he was at a camp preparing to audition for acceptance in a college or university majoring in music composition and viola performance.
Calling graduates to receive their diplomas, Sis. Lisa R. Muhammad, Executive Assistant to the Interim Director, noted the range of professions graduates would pursue included Neuroscience, Nursing, Aviation Flight Technology, Journalism, Law and Architecture, among other degrees.
Four male students were awarded $1,000 scholarships from the Elite 50 Plus squad during the ceremony (see related article) and it was announced that 6 students had been awarded $1,000 scholarships from the Mother Tynnetta Muhammad Scholarship fund.
Those students were: Sis. Hana Lee Muhammad, Sis. Aaminah Muhammad, Sis. Amilah Muhammad, Sis. Hanan Muhammad, Sis. Najah Amirah Muhammad and Sis. Sajidah Muhammad.
Student Dean of Boys, Bro. Dwayne Muhammad, who also serves as F.O.I. Central Region Captain, reflected on how quickly students are joining and accepting leadership positions.
He was impressed that some students would consistently sell The Final Call newspaper (called soldiering) many mornings prior to coming to school and many had become registered members of the Nation of Islam.
“This class is totally different from any other class,” he said. “On their own they decided to become F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam, registered men in the N.O.I.).
—James G. Muhammad,