Origins of Black American Muslim Thought
Mahmoud Andrade Ibrahim
In the midst of the civil rights movement, a group of Black Americans, pioneers of the Dar ul Islam Movement, Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood and the Islamic Party, found solace and inspiration in their newfound connection to Islam. It was a religion that seemed to offer the promise of upliftment and social development, with its emphasis on self-reliance and personal discipline.
These individuals, many of whom were cultural, intellectual, and political activists, saw Islam as a tool to aid them in their individual struggles as well as the collective struggle for equality. The life example of Malcolm X had deeply impacted them, igniting within them a desire for change and empowerment.
With great enthusiasm, they delved into learning about this new way of life. However, what they experienced was far from what they had expected. Instead of finding support for their communities and their concerns about racial parity, education equality, acquiring technical skills for economic prosperity, and addressing police brutality against unarmed black individuals - they encountered a new set of leaders who cared little for their wellbeing or the wellbeing of their communities.
These so-called professionals held titles like doctor or sheikh but proved to be opportunistic managers who redirected the energies of these Black Americans away from issues that were important to them. Instead, they focused on distant lands that held no relevance to their collective experiences - places like Palestine, Pakistan Kashmir or Iraq became central themes in religious contemplation.
The spin doctors successfully substituted these distant political and social problems for the very real injustices faced by Black Americans on a daily basis. They convinced these earnest seekers that global concerns outweighed community concerns; that raising awareness about international conflicts was more vital than addressing domestic issues.
In this process of manipulation and deception masked under the guise of religious piety – these individuals were played. Their efforts towards racial parity lost importance in comparison to conflicts happening thousands of miles away. The focus shifted from uplifting themselves through education and gaining economic power within society to fighting battles beyond their reach or influence.
As time went on, complacency settled in. The once passionate and driven activists became satisfied with the knowledge that they were part of something "internationalist." But deep down, a sense of dissatisfaction festered. They had been led astray from the path they had set out on - a path of self-empowerment, community upliftment, and fighting for justice within their own neighborhoods.
It took time for these Black Americans to realize that their newfound religion had not failed them; rather, it was the individuals who claimed to lead them that had failed. The spark that had ignited their desire for change still burned within them, waiting to be reignited.
With this newfound clarity and determination, these Black Americans reclaimed their narrative. They refocused their energies on building strong communities, advocating for racial equality at home while also standing in solidarity with oppressed individuals worldwide.
The stage may have been set for confusion and manipulation by opportunistic leaders from our immigrant counterparts, and the only Black American remaining communities are the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, in New York and remnants of Dar ul Islam in Baltimore and Atlanta, through introspection and resilience, these earnest seekers are struggling to get back on track - using Islam as a tool to uplift themselves while also fighting for justice on multiple fronts. Even so, in the 21st Century, The Black American Muslim must come to terms with its role in combating racism at home and the racism of Arab-centered practices within their shared religious spaces.
The old soldiers of those early movements are beginning to understand that true Islam was not about neglecting one's own community in favor of distant conflicts or prioritizing global concerns over local struggles. It was about finding balance - recognizing the importance of addressing both internal and external injustices.
*********************
Addendum:
Ultimately early Black American activists understood that true Islam was not about neglecting one's own community in favor of distant conflicts or prioritizing global concerns over local struggles. It was about finding balance - recognizing the importance of addressing both internal and external injustices.
At first glance, it may seem noble to prioritize global concerns and contribute to resolving conflicts in far-off lands. Many Muslims have engaged in humanitarian efforts across borders, advocating for justice on an international scale. While this dedication deserves applause and admiration, it is vital not to disregard the significance of addressing local struggles as well.
Islam promotes a sense of unity within communities. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of helping those around us before venturing further afield. In fact, he stated that charity begins at home - highlighting the need to cater for our immediate surroundings before extending our help elsewhere.
Neglecting local problems can lead to dire consequences within a community. Poverty rates may increase; educational opportunities might diminish; healthcare systems could crumble under insufficient resources – all potentially leading to social unrest and discontentment amongst people living side by side.
It is essential for Black American Muslims today -- especially young people --to understand that there is no inherent contradiction or conflict between caring for their community's welfare while simultaneously advocating for justice on an national scale. In fact, these two facets are interconnected; addressing injustice globally can indirectly benefit local communities as well.
By focusing on local struggles and striving to uplift our communities, we create a strong foundation from which we can extend support to those across America. By empowering individuals within our neighborhoods, we equip them with the tools necessary to contribute positively on a national stage.
This approach not only fosters compassion and empathy but also encourages critical thinking. It allows Muslims to question the root causes of both local and global injustices, seeking sustainable solutions that address these issues at their core.
True Islam is not about neglecting one's own community in favor of distant conflicts or prioritizing global concerns over local struggles. It is about finding balance - recognizing the importance of addressing both internal and external injustices. By striking this equilibrium, Muslims can make meaningful contributions towards creating a more just society while simultaneously uplifting their local surroundings.