Sacred Activism Series: The Life, Meaning and Witness of Malcolm X For Muslim America 

CAIR-Chicago’s Research Coordinator Tauseef Akbar moderated the second event in the ongoing, virtual Sacred Activism Series entitled “The Life, Meaning and Witness of Malcolm X For Muslim America.” The Sacred Activism series was inspired by the work “Towards Understanding Sacred Activism” by the Executive Director of CAIR-Michigan, Imam Dawud Walid.  

What is Sacred Activism 

In the introduction to the book, Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the importance of a tawḥīdic consciousness and approach to activism for the “scholar-activist.” By scholar-activist he refers to the chasm that often exists between scholars and activists. He writes, “every activist must be a scholar in the realm of her activism” and a scholar must act on his or her knowledge. (p.13) The tawḥīd-centric approach means that one is aware that he or she operates within the blessed parameters of Divine law, and prioritizes the necessary spiritual nourishment required for social action and struggle for social justice. It is different from purely materialist methodologies that view the world as the only place to get justice. It provides a shield and healing against “burnout,” excess and mistakes that can result from unrealized expectations; ultimate, perfect justice is only on the Day of Judgement.  

The Life, Meaning, and Witness of Malcolm X 

The significance of February 21st lies in its being the 56th anniversary of Malcolm X’s (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) assasination. For Muslim Americans, Malcolm X needs no introduction. He is an international and revolutionary leader whose personal journey, image, oratory, thought and martyrdom influences millions across societies and cultures.  

His legacy continues to effect and be claimed by a diversity of groups and political orientations. Foremost was his struggle for the human dignity and rights of African Americans against the vicious, satanic, structural apartheid and oppression of White racism. In the last few years of his life, his care, concern and love for his people led to a break with the NOI, and an international solidarity that framed the Black struggle within the burgeoning anti-Colonial liberation struggles and revolutions. 

In light of the series, Malcolm X remains an “exemplar” of sacred activism, the “scholar-activist” par excellence. To discuss the topic Tauseef Akbar was joined by scholar activists in their own right, Northeastern University Professor Khalil Rasheed and Depaul University Chaplain Imam Abdul Malik Ryan.  

The night began with recitation by Scottish female qariʿa and law advocate Madinah Javed who recited and translated (Q 2:153-157): 

"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. 

You who believe, seek help through steadfastness and prayer, for God is with the steadfast. Do not say that those who are killed in God’s cause are dead; they are alive, though you do not realize it. We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger, and loss of property, lives, and crops. But [Prophet], give good news to those who are steadfast, those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’ Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided." (emphasis added) 

Setting the theme for the event, Tauseef Akbar mentioned that it was intended to be a dhikr or remembrance/reflection. In Islam dhikr is a means to connection with Allah. By remembering the prophets, saints, righteous and truthful witnesses to justice we learn lessons in organization, grow in faith, and store soul provisions in the struggle for civil and human rights at home and abroad. 

Prof. Khalil Rasheed began the night by sharing his own personal experience about how he encountered “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” in fifth grade while sharing the book with a classmate at McCorkle Elementary on the Southside of Chicago. It had a profound impact on his life and served as a catalyst in his conversion to Islam. His talk focused on the importance of “change” as a central theme of Malcolm’s life that remains vital for society to reflect on, and the courage with which he followed his convictions. Prof. Rasheed also reflected on the meaning of Malcolm’s relationship with Muhammad Ali, sharing lessons from the book “Blood Brothers” by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith; the role of mentorship on a community level, and “contentment with the qadr,” the outcomes of our choices.  

Chaplain Abdul Malik Ryan gave a rich talk on looking beyond the fetishization and tokenization of Malcolm X in our community. As an Irish American, “The Autobiography” played an important role in his identity formation, conversion to Islam and provided an impetus for his advocacy work. He noted numerous lessons for society and the Muslim community in particular. The importance of going beyond debate about his life and truly analyzing the qualities that made Malcolm X who he was.  

He noted for instance the: prodigious love for learning that Malcolm had, his ability and capacity to be a good “follower” which is the hallmark of a great leader, always being moved in his social activism by love, and the necessity for us, his heirs, to show that to the people. Chaplain Ryan also shared a suggestion for further reading, “The Dead Are Arising” by Les and Tamara Payne. It delves into the life of Malcolm and uncovers new details while probing areas that have previously received less attention such as the political dynamics at various temples while he was minister in NOI that contributed to his departure. 

In sum, the two hour event felt blessed, and was an evening of remembrance and inspiration for those who hold the legacy of Malcolm X near to their hearts and seek to apply it in the causes of justice today. Tauseef Akbar ended the night by mentioning another verse that reminded him about Malcolm X, “As for those who say, ‘Our Lord is God,’ and take the straight path towards Him, the angels come down to them and say, ‘Have no fear or grief, but rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised.” (Q 41:30)