The Nation of Islam (NOI), was founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad. Established in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan as an African American group. Fard appointed Elijah Muhammad as an assistant in 1931 and trained him for future leadership in the organization. When Fard disappeared in 1933, Elijah Muhammad succeeded him. Elijah Muhammad’s coherent theology and good leadership strengthened the group’s original purpose.

Elijah Muhammad died in 1975 and his son, Warth Deen Muhammad, succeeded him and changed the group’s name. Louis Farrakhan opposed Deen Muhammad’s leadership and preferred the NOI’s original model.

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Why It Was Founded

• The NOI focused on developing the black community in all aspects.
• It has been advocating for African American business ventures.
• It was against involvement of African Americans in the U.S. military.
• Elijah Muhammad’s program proposed the establishment of a separate African- American nation, worshipping Allah, and regarding Blacks as Allah’s chosen people.
• It teaches traditional Islamic tenants and black nationalist ideals.
• It advocates for racial unity, individual discipline, and self-help.
• Upon Elijah Muhammad’s death, NOI’s principles were based on self-reliance and Black supremacy.
• Farrakhan’s new Nation of Islam continued the former programs of the group (training and educational). He urged members to study Dianetics.
• In 1995, the group was instrumental in organizing the Million Man March (MMM), which promoted black unity and family values. The MMM took place in Washington, DC.
• He was against the stereotyping of black males on crime.
• In addition to the USA, the NOI opened other branches abroad in places like Ghana, some Caribbean Islands, and London. Farrakhan forged relations with Muslim countries and later, with minority communities like the Native Americans.
• He put in much effort to reduce poverty and drug abuse.
• Its paramilitary wing the “Fruit of Islam” was created to guard against police attacks, brutality, and racial profiling of African American communities.
• In the 1950s, the civil rights movement and the resultant violent reactions led to increased membership.
• Economic self-sufficiency programs were emphasized; for example, NOI ventured into businesses like bakeries and restaurants.

Facts About NOI Today

• Under Farrakhan’s leadership, the group owns large tracts of land and restaurants.
• Its farmlands in Georgia and Michigan produce goods that are sold and caters for its members.
• The Nation of Islam has established the Historical Research Department and NOI Research Group.
• The group has continued to release numerous written works.
• Due to its great influence, its books, MP3s and DVDs are available for purchase in their website and other retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
• It continues to publish the NOI official newspaper: The Final Call.