Malik El-Shabazz, more widely known as Malcolm X before his pilgrimage to Mecca, remains one of the most influential figures in American history, particularly in the context of Islam in the West. His journey from a life of crime and racial bitterness to a profound spiritual awakening rooted in the teachings of Islam serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. His adoption of Islam not only reshaped his worldview but also redefined his approach to activism, justice, and humanity.
This article delves into the life of Malik El-Shabazz through the lens of Islam, exploring his transition from the Nation of Islam (NOI) to Sunni Islam, his Hajj experience, and the lasting impact of his Islamic legacy.
Early Religious Awakening: Nation of Islam and Identity
Introduction to the Nation of Islam
While imprisoned in the late 1940s for burglary, Malcolm Little was introduced to the teachings of the Nation of Islam (NOI), a religious movement founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad and led by Elijah Muhammad. The NOI promoted black self-reliance, separation from white society, and a distinctive interpretation of Islam that was more racialized and nationalistic than orthodox Islam.
Malcolm’s conversion to the NOI was both a personal and political awakening. He abandoned his former name, “Malcolm Little,” which he regarded as a slave name, and adopted the letter “X” to signify the loss of his African ancestral identity. As Malcolm X, he quickly rose to prominence as one of the most articulate and charismatic ministers of the NOI.
Islamic Influence in the NOI
Although the Nation of Islam uses Islamic terminology and draws inspiration from Islamic culture, its theology differs significantly from mainstream Sunni and Shia Islam. The NOI portrayed Elijah Muhammad as a prophet—contrary to the Islamic belief that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger—and introduced racial ideologies inconsistent with the universal teachings of Islam.
Despite these theological departures, the discipline, prayer, modest dress, dietary laws, and call for self-purification in the NOI laid a foundation for Malcolm’s deeper engagement with Islam.
The Break from the Nation of Islam
Disillusionment and Search for Authenticity
By the early 1960s, Malcolm X became increasingly disillusioned with the leadership of Elijah Muhammad, particularly upon discovering the moral contradictions between his teachings and personal conduct. At the same time, Malcolm began to question the theological tenets of the NOI, particularly its racial exclusivism and its portrayal of white people as inherently evil.
In March 1964, Malcolm X publicly announced his departure from the Nation of Islam. He founded the Muslim Mosque, Inc., an organization that aimed to practice Islam in a more orthodox fashion and to engage politically with broader civil rights struggles.
Embracing Orthodox Islam
After leaving the NOI, Malcolm began studying Sunni Islam. His studies introduced him to the Qur’an, the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), and Islamic jurisprudence. This marked a turning point in his spiritual journey, where faith began to guide not just his rhetoric but also his heart.
Hajj: A Transformative Spiritual Journey
The Pilgrimage to Mecca
In April 1964, Malcolm X performed Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. This pilgrimage was transformative. For the first time, he experienced the global brotherhood of Islam—worshipping alongside Muslims of all races, colors, and nationalities.
In letters from Mecca, Malcolm wrote about being deeply moved by the unity and peace he witnessed among Muslims. He was astonished at the sight of Muslims from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas praying side by side, united in their worship of one God.
The Name “Malik El-Shabazz”
During or shortly after his Hajj, Malcolm adopted the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, signifying his new Islamic identity. “El-Hajj” refers to one who has completed the pilgrimage to Mecca, and “Malik” means “king” in Arabic, while “Shabazz” was believed to be linked to an African tribal name, symbolizing a connection to his roots.
This name change symbolized not only a religious transformation but also a departure from racial exclusivism. Malik El-Shabazz now embraced a global vision of equality and justice, grounded in the teachings of Islam.
Islamic Principles in His Later Teachings
Tawhid and Unity of Humanity
One of the central tenets of Islam is Tawhid, the oneness of God. Malik El-Shabazz extended this concept to the oneness of humanity. He began to see the struggle for racial justice as part of a larger moral and spiritual framework. In Islam, no race holds superiority over another; all are equal in the sight of Allah except by piety and good conduct.
Malik’s speeches after Hajj reflected this more universal approach. He no longer described white people as devils but rather as individuals who, like all others, are capable of both good and evil.
Justice as a Divine Mandate
In Islam, justice (adl) is a divine imperative. Malik El-Shabazz’s post-Hajj activism was firmly rooted in the Quranic injunction to stand firmly for justice even if it is against oneself or one’s kin (Qur’an 4:135). He began advocating for human rights on a global scale and sought to bring the plight of African Americans before the United Nations, framing it not just as a civil rights issue, but as a matter of human dignity and divine justice.
Brotherhood and Solidarity
The Islamic concept of ummah, or global Muslim community, deeply resonated with Malik El-Shabazz. His speeches and writings began to emphasize global solidarity among oppressed peoples. He saw Islam as a bridge between Black Americans and the broader Third World struggle against colonialism, racism, and imperialism.
The Legacy of Malik El-Shabazz in Islam
A Martyr for Truth
Malik El-Shabazz was assassinated on February 21, 1965, but his legacy endures. Among Muslims in the United States and around the world, he is remembered as a martyr (shaheed)—a man who died upholding the truth. His transformation from Malcolm X to Malik El-Shabazz is seen as an embodiment of Islamic teachings on repentance, reform, and moral courage.
A Source of Inspiration for Muslim Converts
His story continues to resonate with countless converts to Islam, especially in the West. Many find inspiration in his spiritual journey—from misguidance to faith, from racial anger to universal compassion. Malik El-Shabazz remains a symbol of how Islam can uplift the downtrodden and provide a framework for resistance against injustice.
Influence on Islamic Movements
His commitment to Islamic principles, social justice, and global solidarity has influenced various Muslim organizations in the U.S. and abroad. He helped to pave the way for a more authentic understanding of Islam in the African American community, shifting the focus from separatism to global unity under the banner of Islam.
Conclusion
Malik El-Shabazz’s life is a vivid tapestry of transformation, conviction, and faith. From his early days as a militant minister in the Nation of Islam to his later years as a global ambassador for Islam and human rights, he exemplified the transformative power of belief.
His spiritual rebirth through Islam allowed him to transcend the racialized confines of his earlier activism and embrace a universalist vision rooted in divine justice, compassion, and brotherhood. As Malik El-Shabazz, he stood not only as a freedom fighter but as a devout Muslim—dedicated to the principles of submission to God, equality of all people, and unwavering justice.
In remembering Malik El-Shabazz, we remember not just a man who changed the world, but a man who let Islam change him first.