The Legacy of a Martyr

Described as one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history, February 21 2012 marked the 47th anniversary of Al Hajj Maalik Al Shabbaaz’s death, when he was shot to death in Harlem, New York, in 1965.

This man, eminently known as Malcolm X, represents the struggles our youth face everyday. That is,   the struggle to have their voice heard in an increasingly unequal and unjust world, and the struggle to seek the truth and implement it in their life without being looked down upon by society.

Malcolm X struggled for decades until he found himself. He lived and died in a struggle but was and still is an inspiration to millions worldwide.

This man witnessed it all... Born in 1925, he watched as his family home burned to the ground and at the age of 6 was orphaned when his father was murdered.

Malcolm X served six years in prison where he converted to the Nation of Islam and then became one of the Nation’s most influential ministers after his release. For so many years he advocated for the hatred of whites and was famously known for his slogan ‘black is beautiful’ as he promoted Black Nationalism and power.

But gone were the days where white people were considered evil by Malcolm when he made a trip to the Holy City of Makkah in 1964. It was here where he learnt and embraced the true essence and beauty of Islam and realised that no race or colour is superior to another. It is here where he discovered the meaning of equality, brotherhood and the solution to racism.

Malcolm X travelled through the East and West and finally found the peace of mind and heart he was looking for in Islam. He referred to Islam as “the fountain of truth, love, peace and brotherhood’.

He went on to spread the message of authentic Islam back home and ended up receiving one of the greatest forms of honour any American citizen could imagine obtaining; he was commemorated on a United States postal stamp. However, he was assassinated at the age of 40 as he delivered a speech in New York.

Indeed, if you were to become familiar with the history of this man, you will undoubtedly be touched and left in admiration. You will push aside any weakness you may have and, as he did, find strength to strive for the peace and equality our world and humanity so sadly lacks.

His message to us and future generations was clear. Stand firm for what you believe in and demand your rights for no man is superior to another.

His story resonates in the minds and hearts of historians, scholars, Muslims, non Muslims, the young and old. His life is a lesson to all.

He was a man with a profound legacy and he inspired a great number of people to leave a corrupt Nation of Islam belief system and believe in the foundations of the true Islam and the belief in the One True God. He went against the world even when he knew his life was at risk. His faith was unshakable.

This was the message of our dear Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In turn, it was the message spread by Malcolm and it is the message we should live by every day.