The Nation of Islam is an American form of Islam that encourages black nationalism and is considered heretical by traditional Muslims. Many of its beliefs tie to black racial supremacy.
Wallace Fard, who became Wali Farad Muhammad, began the Nation of Islam in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. He was frustrated with racial discrimination and created an expression of Islam to counter what he believed was the religion of "the white man"—Christianity. He adopted an altered form of Sunni Islam and then added his own ideas before disappearing in 1934.
Elijah Muhammad (born Elijah Poole) then led the Nation of Islam until he died in 1975. He claimed a revelation from Allah to build temples or mosques and oppose integration with white people, whom he called "devils." The most prominent member of the Nation of Islam is Malcom X who joined in the 1950s, but later converted to traditional Sunni Islam.
Louis Farrakhan began leading the Nation of Islam in 1977 and continues in 2017. In 2010 he mixed in some aspects of Dianetics from Scientology.
In 1998, the Nation of Islam was the subject of a fatwa issued by the Italian Muslim Association for its heresy against Islam.
One goal of the Nation of Islam is to create a one-race state run by black people without interference from anyone from any other race. It promotes segregation, calling for African-Americans to establish their own schools, places of worship, and businesses. Additionally, the Nation of Islam is anti-Semitic, saying that Jacob from the Old Testament (whom they call "Yakub") created the white race using eugenics. Farrakhan says Jews control the United States to corrupt society.
Of course, the Nation of Islam is not biblical. Its association with Islam and Scientology make it a false religion. Its teachings about racial superiority are dangerous. The Bible teaches the value and worth of all human life; no race is superior to another and racism is anti-biblical.
Christians are called to love people (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12; John 13:34). All people, of every race, are invited to respond to God's offer of grace through belief in Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18). It is only through Jesus that we are saved (Acts 4:12).
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