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Historical Spotlight - A Hajj Letter from Malcolm X

5/28/2025

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Picture
Malcolm X has his head shaved as part of the Hajj
In April of 1964, Malcolm X left the United States on his first extended trip aboard.  He visited Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Ghana,  Liberia, Senegal, Morocco and Algeria.

He made the pilgrimage or hajj to the Holy city of Makkah that every Muslim seeks to complete, which entitled him to the use of "El Hajj" in his name and he became known in the Muslim world as El Hajj Malik El Shabazz.
The Hajj solidified his journey towards traditional Islam and embracing a more inclusive and universal practice. It was a transformative experience that fundamentally shifted his worldview. The following excerpts are taken from letters written from abroad.

Jedda, Saudi Arabia 
April 20, 1964

    Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and the overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by the people of all colors and races here in this ancient holy land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the other prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week I have been utterly speechless and spellbound by the graciouness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors.

     Last night, April 19, I was blessed to visit the Holy City of Makkah, and complete the "Omra" part of my pilgrimage. Allah willing, I shall leave for Mina tomorrow, April 21, and be back in Mecca to say my prayers from Mt. Arafat on Tuesday, April 22. Mina is about twenty miles from Mecca.

     Last night I made my seven circuits around the Kaaba, led by a young Mutawif named Muhammad. I drank water from the well of Zam Zam, and then ran back and forth seven times between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al-Marwah.

     There were tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans, but were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe could never exist between the white and non-white. 

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Fellowship Feature - Dreams

5/18/2025

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​Dreams are often indications from beyond this place
Where life plays out confined in time n space
Intersecting with the mind yet flourishing from beyond thought
A tale told without restraint meanings found yet at times lost
Ever consider the entirety of That where they're from
Just look at The Eternal Energy pouring forth from the sun
This Fountain never falters and will never dry
It's the What for all to notice - not the How or Why
Dreams. Peaceful realities amongst this here show and prop
Have you ever absorbed the Ultimate Reality of the thought
Absolute is only One Source - Grand above all you hold dear
Open yourself to This warmth and absorb truly without fear
*
From the Author
​Assalamu alaikum. I am 48 years old and I'm going through this life and its blessings with challenges looking to solidify and ground myself with good company insha Allah. I've sent this in because my Lord gifted me this blessing and I hope to give and receive through this connection with the Sakina Literary Society of the Arts.
- Noorjahan Shaikh

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