Question 3
3a) In the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the reader is provided with insights into the teachings of the “Nation of Islam from the perspective of one of its most talented preachers. What are some of these teachings? In particular, describe aspects of “Yacub’s History” (in the chapter titled “Satan”) and the “code” (in the chapter titled “Minister Malcolm X”). What is the relationship between these teachings and the teachings of Sunni Islam?
The autobiography of Malcolm X presents yet another interesting perspective as regards the nation of Islam through several teachings that included encouraging Muslims to care for each other and promote an environment that is conducive for all. The view was generated from the perspective that the majority of the Americans did not believe in the necessity to protect Islam, given that the religion had been introduced into the land by slaves. However, in reference to the fact that Malcolm X, as seen in an autobiography of Malcolm X, wanted to see a changed society where Islamic principles guided the adherents and believers in Islam, he was ready to lead the society in a positive direction such that it would be practical for the people to live happily. In the interest to create a society that appreciates Muslim value s and culture, Malcolm X led a team that distributed newspapers across the country. This sought to create awareness and remind the followers that there was the need to stay united and fight for a common end. Of particular interest was the newspaper titled, Muhammad, Speaks. In reference to the stance that many readers finally accessed the newspaper, Malcolm X was now able to teach the audience about the natural evil that characterized the white supremacists and the inherent strength and power that black people possess.
The newspaper receives a negative review for the whites who felt that the teachings were negatively directed towards them. However, it is in view of these teachings that the Muslims came to appreciate that regardless of their plight, they have the capacity to change the society and make it most suited for their needs (Autobiography, p. 225). The one fundamental principle and teaching that can be seen in the autobiography of Malcolm X is brotherhood and unity. The author argues that the only future that he wanted for the society was a better tomorrow, where everyone is valued regardless of the roles that they play. When it comes to the history of Yacub, the autobiography of Malcolm X denotes that the white race was as a consequence of the invention of Yacub, who was a black scientist and expert. The author goes ahead to confirm that Allah had only allowed the whites to rule the world for a period not exceeding 6000 years (Autobiography, p. 225).
In this quest, the author reminded the blacks who were being oppressed by the whites that their time to lead and take charge of the world was approaching, hence, there was no need for them to quit or despair regardless of the magnitude of the tribulations that they underwent. In response to the teachings, the blacks were motivated to the extent that black-owned businesses started to mushroom all over America, creating an economic sufficiency stance that guided and led the people towards success and growth (Autobiography, p. 225). The other teaching that was encouraged following the Yacub stance was on the idea and real names of the people. Specifically, the blacks were encouraged to drop the names that the whites had given them white serving as their slaves, and pick their original Muslim names.
When it comes to the teachings of the code, it is indicative to note that Malcolm X reminded the people that the best way in which they could lead sustainable lives was through saying united and caring for each other as opposed to living as a divided nation. Although Malcolm X was not wholly against the dominance of the whites, he reminded the people that growth would only be attained if they were ready to inculcate change that advocates and pushes for the development of all. The teachings made by Malcolm X, as evidenced in his autobiography, are directly related to the viewpoints and believes that characterize the Sunnists given the fact that both perspectives underscore that Mohammed is the sole prophet of God and cannot be replaced. In addition, both the teachings state that Muslims ought to live by the expectations of Allah, and they should not let a thing deviate them from the course, as designed by their maker (Autobiography, p. 225). While Malcolm X reminded the black Muslims that they needed to draw inspiration from the Quran, research evidence confirms that Sunnists equally believe that every action and event, as inculcated by the Muslims, ought to be informed by the Quran. The other element that links the teachings made by Malcolm X to the belief of the Sunnists is the fact that faith is the epitome of all human actions; hence, each one of them needs to have faith that life will be better today and the future since Allah is with them.
3b) Why did Malcolm X leave the Nation of Islam? What organizations did he set up upon his departure? How long did Malcolm X live after breaking with the Nation of Islam?
Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam after he realized that the teachings being inculcated and encouraged were dividing the people further as opposed to creating a society that is favorable for all. Just before he left the Nation of Islam, he had called out the blacks to even create their own society where their interests will be met as opposed to coexisting with the white supremacists who did nothing me tan exploit them and take advantage of their vulnerable situations. In this respect, Malcolm X noticed that he was pushing for an agenda that would create rifts between Muslims and the other factions of believers, and this was not the whole basis of Islam. His earlier sentiments and stances of Islam were grounded in the Quran, and the Nation of Islam had extended the principles that are supposed to guide the people and included other new demands that created inequalities and wrangles across the land.
Before Malcolm X finally left the group, he had been identified as a seasoned rival to the suggestions and advancements that were made by Martin Luther King on American unity, the justice system, and equally (Autobiography, p. 225). Upon realizing that the viewpoints being inculcated by those who were allied to Martin Luther functionally wanted to have a better America as the case was, he opted to leave the camp, and later met with Martin Luther. Therefore, it can be summed up that he left the Nation of Islam to be part of the people who anticipated nothing but the best for the American people. It is also notable that Malcolm X’s departure from the Muslim grouping was fronted by the fact that he was dissatisfied by the approaches used by some of the leaders when addressing the issues concerning the Islamic religion.
At the time when Malcolm X was still working with the Nation of Islam, he commenced urban audiences that characterized his prose in speech as well as an inspirational style. Upon splitting with the Nation of Islam in the year 1963, he made a pilgrimage to Mecca. On leaving the Nation of Islam, set up the Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI), which sought to empower black Muslims on the real and true teachings of Islam. He also created the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU), a faction that was designed to push for the adoption of Pan-Africanism. After breaking up with the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X lived for two years as the Black Muslims who he had seceded from gunned him while at a public function.
Work Cited
Malcolm, X. The autobiography of Malcolm X. Ballantine Books, 2015.