CIOGC Sets the Stage for the Malcolm X Courage Award

By ISNA Staff

September/October 2022

 In recognition of African American contributions toward advancing human dignity and social justice in a manner consistent with the prophetic mission, The CIOGC has established the “Malcolm X El Hajj Malik El Shabazz Courage Award.”

The inaugural award was presented to Dr. Farid Ilyas Muhammad (co-founder and CEO, the International Human Rights Association of American Minorities [IHRAAM]), an NGO in consultative status with the UN Economic & Social Council. By taking the case of African Americans’ human rights before the UN, Dr. Muhammad has fulfilled Malcolm Shabazz’s quest to do just that.

The American Islamic College (AIC) hosted the annual Malcolm X Day event on May 19, with the theme, “Honoring the Life and Lasting Legacy of Malcolm X El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.”

 AIC president Dr. Timothy Gianotti mentioned that the college “uphold[s] the Quranic teachings that we must stand for justice even when we ourselves are implicated.” He acknowledged “that [the AIC] campus sits on land originally entrusted to Indigenous Peoples … whose sovereignty, culture and very lives were violated by colonial policy — the same colonial policy that has enslaved, denigrated, oppressed and persecuted our African-American sisters and brothers for generations.”

 Dr. Jaleel Abdul-Adil (clinical psychologist, University of Illinois — Chicago), who spoke on “Righteous Resistance and Persistence in the Pre-Malcolm Era,” described how “Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is our best example in standing forth for justice.” He explained that embracing Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X) is embracing the fact that “he gave us a modern example of the application of the sunna of Prophet Muhammad.” Abdul-Adil also emphasized that “Muslims of African descent have a long and proud history of struggle and sacrifice for Islam [justice].”

 Imam Charles Muhammad (board member, CIOGC) talked about Malcolm’s origin story. He described the Lost-Found Nation of Islam as a Black liberation theology that borrowed from Islam to address the degradation, oppression and persecution of Black Americans. Imam Charles said, “The [NOI] presented a narrative that centered Blackamericans as god — the original man. This served as a sort of placeholder — a mythic substitute to wean Blackamericans away from false narratives being imposed upon them by others that rendered them spiritually and psychologically subjugated to others. But the goal was always Al-Islam.”

 Khair Sadrud-Din (senior diversity and inclusion specialist, Shure Incorporated) talked about the impact of Malcolm Shabazz’s life and legacy. He recounted numerous examples of how Malcolm’s life story and leadership left an indelible impression upon every generation. Brother Khair explained that Malcolm X’s impact not only helped shape history, but also influenced the culture, especially through literature and music.

 In his acceptance speech, Dr. Muhammad said he was doing so “on behalf of Malcolm Shabazz, the late Dr. Yussuf Naim Kly — the first chair and co-founder of IHRAAM — and those who continue to struggle for human rights and social justice for all.” He added, “The sociocultural impact of Malcolm’s life upon those of my generation is incalculable … The scope and depth of Malcolm’s contributions to the mission of Islam in the U.S., and particularly its impact among people of African descent everywhere, cannot be overstated.”

He also pointed out how just prior to his untimely death, Malcolm, along with John Henrik Clarke (and Dr. Kly as advisor), wrote the basic unity program for the Organization of Afro-American Unity. He said that IHRAAM has its roots in this historical and political context.


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