“Our young people represent the strongest and the best generation that we ever had. They’re not the wisest, but they are the best because they are fearless. … When you see fearless young men and women, that’s the generation that God’s Hand is on because that’s the generation that will fulfill the promise of the ancestors who died struggling for true freedom, justice and liberation. The young are the generation that will deliver on that promise—with the right leadership.”
~ The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, interview on “The Breakfast Club” in 2015
There is something to be said for those who go against the grain. For those who promote consciousness in a world that promotes degeneracy. For those who promote Islam in a world that promotes islamophobia. For those who stand with truth in a world built on lies.
These sorts may be few, but they are reaching many.
In the Nation of Islam, the younger generation is striving to be of those few. They are taking a stand on their college campuses, they are taking a stand on social media, and they are striving to be an example of righteousness. They are not perfect, however, they are doing their best to follow the leader —The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Joshua’s Truth Magazine is profiling a few of those fearless youth and getting their perspective on how we can cultivate ourselves and work together to build a future of righteousness.
Fatimah Muhammad is 24 years old and recently graduated with honors from Winston-Salem University’s nursing program. She currently works in the cardiology field. On her social media, she offers a look into her life as a nurse and shares productivity tips, fashion inspiration, and health facts.
Joshua’s Truth: How did you come across the Teachings of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad?
Fatimah Muhammad: I grew up in the Nation of Islam, so you can say my parents introduced me to it. However, my relationship with Allah when I was young was a precursor to becoming a registered member. In 2017, I accepted the Teachings for myself. One factor that influenced my decision is knowing I need a community to stay disciplined with my spiritual and career goals, which is only in the Nation. Another component is realizing my passion and gifts did not have to fit in the traditional NOI structure and will still benefit my Nation. What solidified my decision was hosting events and discussions with other youth in my mosque geared toward a younger audience. I fell in love with sharing the Teachings and knowing genuine connections were being made.
JT: As a Muslim, what is the goal of your content? What does it mean to you to stay true to your Islam while online? What/who inspires you?
FM: My goal is simply to show the Teachings in lifestyle application. I have always heard questions from peers within the Nation and among Lost-Found about what living righteously looks like, especially in high-peer-pressure spaces like college campuses. Seeing this need, I decided to chronicle my journey the best way I knew: By telling a story that reveals the beauty of Islamic life with an aesthetic lens.
Finding my unique relationship with Allah provided a foundation for me to genuinely express myself Islamically. By having this basis, how I presented myself and my Islam authentically in the real world naturally carried into social media. Staying true to my Islam is being true to myself. It’s a statement I think we as members hear a lot (accept your own and be yourself). I know finding the beauty in the process makes you fall in love not only with the Teachings but deeper in yourself. And what better way to share what you love on a broad stage like social media?
Many sisters and pioneers have and currently inspire me. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, Mother Tynnetta Muhammad (may Allah be pleased), Neelam, and lifestyle influencer Aysha Harun are the most pivotal and motivating individuals. My love for exhibiting the Black Experience and Life with elegance, and dignity is another source of inspiration.
JT: How do you think young people in the Nation can eliminate excuses and get to work?
FM: My great-grandmother always used to say you can’t complain about a problem you’re not going to fix. As youth, we have to realize our frustrations are valid but pointless if there is no action. As young members, we have some form of love for our Nation. However, if you truly love and care for something, you’re not going to wait for permission or let hindrance stop you from getting to your source of love. Though we may be younger members, we are still members of our Nation of Islam. Getting to work is the duty component of our love. Growing into this understanding will help eliminate excuses.
JT: For young members of the Nation who are still trying to find their place, what advice do you have for them?
FM: My best advice for young members is to sincerely ask Allah to guide their footsteps. Then, use their morals, life experience, gifts, discipline, passion, and love for your Nation to create their space within the Nation. Having a gift provides a starting point and modality of how to express the Teachings. Love and passion fuel and help maintain authenticity in your journey. Discipline is going to be needed when (and I emphasize when, smile), things “don’t work out” at first. Morals and life experience, and ultimately Allah, will create and protect the pathway to their space in the Nation.
Hassan Muhammad is a 20-year-old animator, videographer and editor from Waxahachie, Texas. He began a video production company called “2 Bro.’s Video Production, LLC” with his younger brother.
Joshua’s Truth: How did you come across the Teachings of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad?
Hassan Muhammad: I encountered the Teachings of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad through my parents who taught me of these Teachings. I was born and raised in the Nation of Islam, so I’ve known of these Teachings ever since I was a little boy, and I cannot thank Allah for my parents enough because they sacrificed a great deal to raise me and all my siblings. They wanted to produce righteous Muslims, and with that comes great sacrifices from both the mother and the father. I thank Allah for my parents.
I decided to become a registered member of the Nation of Islam from observing and watching my parents and the way they live their life. I watched them struggle to create a life for us that they didn’t have, but they always kept their faith in Allah, and every time He always came through for my family. And if you know a little about the Nation of Islam, you know that we operate on actual facts. When I would watch lectures of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and I heard him teaching on our origin, our history and how we must get to work and build the kingdom of heaven on earth. As I listened to him speak, it quite literally resonated with my entire being. Master Fard Muhammad, The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan gave me the best reason to live and a great purpose to die for. I cannot thank them enough for the work that they have done and those before me have done. The Teachings of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad is the TRUTH, and I intend to prove that to others by striving to make my entire life a bearing of witness to these Teachings and that God in fact came to us and visited us here in North America. There is no better way to prove what you are saying than to become the evidence of what you are talking about.
I joined the Nation of Islam when Covid-19 first started to spread around the world. I was excited to write my letter and send it off to National Headquarters in Chicago. My letter passed, and I received my acceptance letter, recited, and officially joined the Nation of Islam on May 27, 2020. Although there was nothing really going on in the Nation of Islam at that time because of the temporary shutdown, I still was very glad and honored to become a registered member of the Nation of Islam.
JT: As a Muslim, what is the goal of your content? What does it mean to you to stay true to your Islam while online? What/who inspires you?
HM: My goal when it comes to creating my content on social media is tied to our Mission that we have accepted as Muslims, which the first work, to resurrect the dead. When I am creating content, I think about how appealing my content is in the eyes of our lost-found brothers and sisters, and if I need to make an adjustment to my content then I make the adjustment. I strive to make content that is attractive to our people, so that my content may draw more lost-found brothers and sisters into the Nation so that they may ultimately be resurrected and have a chance to save themselves from this world. That is my whole purpose of being on social media.
It means everything because the power of these Teachings and the power of me striving to live Islam is the power that aids me immensely in drawing our people and our lost-found brothers and sisters to the Teachings of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. I would not be able to do what I am doing on social media and elsewhere without Allah (God) because He is the one that touches the people, not me. His light is the thing that draws our people in to accept their own and be themselves, not me. So, it is very imperative to me that I strive my best to not only tell others about Islam, but to live Islam myself in my daily life. And once I strive my best to live Islam, and my life prove and bear witnesses that Allah (God) came in the person of Master Fard Muhammad, then our people will recognize that these Teachings is the truth and flock to us that much more.
A few people who inspire me are:
- The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan
- Brother Malik Muhammad (my father)
JT: How do young people in the Nation eliminate excuses and get to work?
HM: I would say to shift their focus to these 4 points:
- Obey Allah (God)
- Consistently engage in the Self-Improvement process
- Embrace the mission (Resurrection of the Dead)
- Strive to be the best you that you can be
Because at our age we can become distracted and focus on the wrong thing in life, especially if we don’t heed proper guidance that will aid us in our development to become what Master Fard Muhammad came to make us. I think that if we shift our focus to doing these four things, then we will be alright. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan said at his 90th birth anniversary that
“You could change your life in the twinkling of an eye if you change your perspective on what is valuable.”
I think that we should actively strive to pattern our life after The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan because we have watched him develop from a man to a God right in front of our eyes. Remember that our success will come from our obedience to God and following His example.
JT: For young members of the Nation who are still trying to find their place, what advice do you have?
HM: I would advise them to discover themselves! The Minister said in his Swan Song (SD 2022 address) and I’m not quoting him perfectly (paraphrasing), he said
you cannot make a right contribution to your Nation until you know yourself.
When The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan first joined the Nation of Islam, after awhile, he strived to use all his gifts, skills, and talents to aid in the resurrection of the dead, but he had to know himself to be able do that. This is part of the patterning I mean when I say we should strive to pattern our life after The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
In our daily life we should look at our schedule and plan time that is devoted to learning more about yourself. Try to block out any distractions and sit with yourself. Ask yourself questions and talk to yourself.
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What inspires you the most?
- What are you naturally good at doing that takes the least amount of effort?
- What are your skills and talents?
I don’t want to make it seem like I am this big shot, because I am not, and I am going through this journey alongside you all.
But figure out what you like, figure out what you enjoy, figure out what you dislike, figure out the gift that God has blessed you to have, develop and nurture your gift, skills, and talents. And when you figure out what that gift is, do not use it for just any reason, but give the gift that God gave to you back to Him by using your gift to do His Will. Spend some time to really get to know yourself. No one can be you but you! There will only be one you. So, if you never spend time discovering yourself, then we will never be able to see the greatness that Allah has deposited in you, because every single one of us is great! We have to do the necessary work to bring out that greatness that Allah has deposited in each of us.
Joi X is a 20-year-old mechanical engineering major in South Florida. She is also a Vanguard and a steering committee member of the Official Youth Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Al Qur’an Workgroup.
Joshua’s Truth: How did you come across the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad? What made you decide to become a registered member? What year did you get registered?
Joi X: In 2018, my mother became a registered member of the Nation of Islam. Even though I was a teenager, one of the things that drew me closer to the Teachings at that time was the unity amongst the believers. I had never experienced or witnessed such a thing, and it genuinely touched my heart.
In 2020, I began to have a stronger desire to help my Nation. Allah presented an opportunity for me to join the Official Youth Committee members of the Nation of Islam, known as Healthy Relationships Initiative at the time, which drew me even closer to the Teachings. Being in an environment around a group of youth who were striving and following the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad really inspired me. Not only that, but I met some of my closest friends and cultivated some of the best friendships that were centered around Allah.
In 2021, I made the decision to get registered because of my love for the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and my love for helping our nation grow.
JT: How have your roles opened your eyes to the various components of building a Nation?
JX: There are just so many details that go into building a nation. I mean, wow. It’s mind-blowing. I’ve learned that it’s so much deeper than the surface. For example, we are taught that family is the cornerstone of building a nation. But if we think deeper about that statement, then it’s like, well, who are you giving birth to? How are you nurturing that mind so they can fulfill their purpose?
Then that person goes through life and gravitates toward their calling. They think of things that are needed, things that have never been done before. They start taking steps to accomplish those things. It’s like each little step is part of such a bigger goal. When you are working with a group of people and realizing just how much of an impact one person’s contribution can have in accomplishing the bigger goal of building a nation, it’s incredible.
That’s why no one should ever feel that their skills, talents, or whatever they have to offer is useless. It’s so much more than just the surface. We need everything. It’s a beautiful thing to be part of and witness people coming together, bringing their ideas, talents, and skills together to create a nation.
JT: How do young people in the Nation eliminate excuses and get to work?
JX: The best advice I can give is to just get started on something, and I also say this to myself. It can be something like showing up to the mosque for post, or maybe there is a particular area in our Nation that you gravitate toward. Or perhaps you have an idea that you’re nervous to act on.
Pray, have faith, and then get to work. The main thing is just getting started.
Sometimes we as youth get in our heads a little too much. We start thinking of the “what-ifs” and the “what-if-nots,” but none of that matters. We have the power to remove any mountain that stands before us, but we won’t be able to move anything if we don’t first believe that Allah has the power to get us through any obstacles we may face. As long as we keep Allah at the forefront, we will be successful.
We must also remember the time we are living in. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan titled his 2023 Saviours’ Day lecture, “The War of Armageddon Has Begun.” Which means we are literally in the War of Armageddon. We are in the valley of decision. We honestly don’t have time for excuses on why we shouldn’t do something that Allah wants us to do.
JT: For young members of the Nation who are still trying to find their place, what advice do you have?
JX: Honestly, I am still trying to find my place, so I would love an answer to this question myself. However, I would say start with being yourself. It’s not easy being yourself in a world that is in total opposition to it. When you are the person Allah desires for you to be, you will find that everything you are looking for (that is good for you) will eventually find you. You begin to draw in opportunities just by being your own self, and the Supreme Wisdom teaches us that our own self is a righteous Muslim.
There is also a stigma where people feel like they should know their place already, or by a certain time. Some may also compare themselves to others who seem like they have it all together. Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you do not know your place at this very moment, that’s okay. Trust and fall in love with the process and the journey that Allah is taking you on.
Abdul Karriem Muhammad, 26, is a 5th-year computer science major in Chicago. He is interested in software engineering. He is also a contributing photographer and layout designer for The Final Call newspaper.
Joshua’s Truth: How did you come across the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad? What made you decide to become a registered member? What year did you get registered?
Abdul Muhammad: I came across the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad when I was born into the Nation by my two beautiful parents, Student Minister Abdul Muhammad and Sister Niambi Muhammad. I decided to become a registered member because I felt it was my journey into manhood, and I knew becoming an F.O.I. (Fruit of Islam) would help to develop my character. I have always loved the Nation, and I wanted to be close and guarded by its community. I got registered in the year 2017.
JT: How did you begin working for The Final Call newspaper? What is your role at The Final Call? Why should younger members of our Nation read and promote the paper?
AM: I began working for The Final Call newspaper when I was 16 years old through photography and under the tutelage of Bro. Naba’a Muhammad. I would take pictures at various events, especially Saviours’ Day, the National Training Seminar, and Holy Day of Atonement. My role now at The Final Call is a layout designer as well as still being a photographer. I am blessed to be able to contribute my talents to be able to uphold such a mighty paper.
Younger members of the Nation should read and promote the paper because it contains real-world events that bear witness to the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and with this guidance, you can be well-informed of the time that we are in to not only warn and guard ourselves, but it also serves a greater purpose as a fishing tool and conversation starter when delivering the lamb of God.
JT: How do young people in the Nation eliminate excuses and get to work?
AM: Young people in the Nation can eliminate excuses and get to work by pursuing their purpose. On Oct. 12, 2016, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan tweeted,
Every believer has their own path and purpose, and it will be difficult! We should not run away from difficulty, but we should face it head on, as it will develop us into stronger Muslims and believers.
The Maulana Muhammad Ali English translation of the Holy Qur’an states in Chapter 103, The Time,
“By the Time! — Surely man is in loss, Except those who believe and do good, and exhort one another to Truth, and exhort one another to patience.”
If we do not wish to be lost, we must believe and do good, and that good first comes with self. As we develop ourselves and align our purpose with the will of Allah, you will surely find success. It will not be instant; it will be an arduous path, but it will cultivate the faith of Allah and will be worth the journey.
JT: For young members of the Nation who are still trying to find their place, what advice do you have?
A.M.: If you are still struggling to find your place, start by working. The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad states,
“A Muslim is nothing, he or she is nothing, he or she can achieve nothing, fulfill nothing, without working.”
He goes on to stress the importance of working through whatever ailments you have, physical or mental. If you follow this path and keep in mind the mission and the people we are here to save, you will not only save yourself, but you will help to save our people.
BeYOUtiFull!!!🤲🏾🫶🏾✌🏾