By Charles Abdul-Wali Muhammad
ST. LOUIS—An elegant evening of faith, unity, service and community was held Saturday, October 3, as Muhammad Mosque No. 28 in St. Louis hosted its 32nd Annual Saviours’ Day Banquet.
The banquet brought together religious leaders, business owners, educators, community servants, families and supporters from across the St. Louis area. The evening was more than a formal dinner. It was a time to honor people who have worked to improve their communities and to remind guests of the importance of faith, unity and preparation.
The evening began with a special V.I.P. meet-and-greet. Guests had the opportunity to meet Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad a son of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and a member of the Nation of Islam Shura Executive Council, greeted business leaders, clergy and community leaders. He shared the following words with those who gathered:
“Time and circumstances cause us to come together—we must come together,” he said. He also spoke about changing times and the importance of recognizing what is happening around the world. “The prophecy of Daniel is being fulfilled regarding signs of the times,” he stated.
Student Min. Ishmael further explained that the prophets of Allah (God) would have a role in bringing people together because they all faced the same enemy. “All of the prophets would be working together because they all struggled working against Satan,” he said.
As guests entered the banquet area, the atmosphere felt celebratory and full of fellowship.
The program opened with a Muslim prayer delivered by Student Assistant Minister Edwin Muhammad of Mosque No. 28. A Christian prayer followed, delivered by Bishop Oliver Williams of Kingdom Living Ministries of St. Louis.
As soft violin music filled the room, guests began enjoying their delicious meals. Belle Darris of St. Louis performed the music. While guests dined, attention turned to honoring people who have made a difference in the St. Louis community. Several individuals received awards for their service and work.
Brother Cornelius X and Brother Charles Abdul-Wali Muhammad (this writer), both of Mosque No. 28, received the Community Service Award. Farrakhan Shegog, founder of Black Wall Street 314, also received the Community Service Award. The Community Change Award was presented to Sister Precious Jones, founder of the Breaking Generational Poverty Foundation.
Brother Amir Brandy, founder of RealSTLNews, received the Al Haqqah, or The Sure Truth, Award. The Community Legacy Award was presented to Brother Talibden El-Amin, publisher of the Argus Newspaper. Dr. Latonia Collins-Smith, president of Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, received the Community Empowerment Award.
Then came a special surprise. Student Minister Donald Muhammad, Minister of Mosque No. 28, was surprised when he and his wife, Sister Helen, were honored. Student Minister Donald Muhammad received the Foundation Award, while Sister Helen received the Cornerstone Award.
After the awards were presented, Student Minister Donald introduced Student Minister Ishmael, who delivered the keynote address. Student Minister Ishmael began by thanking the staff of Mosque No. 28 for inviting him and expressed appreciation to everyone who came to support the banquet.
He then pointed to two important dates: October 7 and October 16. October 7 marks the birth of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, while October 16 marks the anniversary of the historic Million Man March held in Washington, D.C., called by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Student Minister Ishmael asked an important question: What did we learn, and what was the message 31 years ago?
He reminded the audience that the Million Man March was held on a Monday in Washington, D.C. Minister Farrakhan called on one million men to come together, and nearly two million showed up.
Student Minister Ishmael explained that the lesson remains important today.
He then turned toward what he described as “Mystery Babylon,” as referred to in the Bible. He explained that while America may not be named directly in certain prophetic passages, the characteristics described appear in America today.
The message then moved to the story of Prophet Job. Student Minister Ishmael explained how Job experienced great suffering and loss. Satan challenged God, saying that if the protection around Job was removed, Job would turn against Him. God allowed Satan to test Job but instructed Satan not to harm Job. The story became a lesson about faith during difficult times.
“The real test of faith is, we can praise God when we have, but we don’t give Him praise when we don’t have… see, that’s the real test of faith,” Student Minister Ishmael said.
The audience responded with applause, smiles and laughter throughout the evening. At different points, shouts of “Takbir!” (saying the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is greater” or “God is the greatest”) and “That’s right!” rang out across the room.
Student Minister Ishmael also stressed the need for people to unite around what they have in common instead of allowing religious differences to divide them. He called for cooperation and understanding among people of different faiths.
Student Minister Ishmael Muhammad closed by saying that as the U.S. prepares for the November midterm elections, he cautioned the audience to be ready for whatever political outcome takes place. The House and Senate could “flip or flop,” he said, but the people must remain prepared. He encouraged the audience to speak truth to power and have courage.
The evening ended with another important message: preparation. Student Minister Ishmael encouraged families to prepare their homes for natural disasters and other emergencies. He reminded the audience that being prepared can help protect families when unexpected events happen.
Banquet attendees enjoyed the evening. Carla M. of St. Louis said, “I’m glad I came to hear his message. We should be more together, but we have to get out of our own way in order to see any progress.” David W. of Florissant, Mo., said, “Leadership is the key, and right now we don’t have enough of it.
The message was clear, and we should all have our marching orders!” Stacy R. of Blackjack, Mo., said, “The message was clear and direct. Now the choice is on us to make the follow-through. He gave a good message this evening.”
The 32nd Annual Saviours’ Day Banquet was therefore more than an evening of dinner and awards. It became a night of remembrance, recognition, faith and a call for unity. For Muhammad Mosque No. 28, the celebration honored those who are serving today while reminding the community that the work must continue tomorrow.
