The United States society in the 1960s was nothing short of draconian in its treatment of black people. Malcolm X was originally influenced greatly by Elijah Muhammad and his teachings regarding race and Islam, and I donβt believe that he was truly Muslim until he experienced his falling out with the Nation of Islam and went on Hajj. His teachings before his hajj were violent, agreeably so, yet he was committed to the idea that white men and black men were doomed to be eternal enemies solely because of the treatment that black men felt at the hands of whites. His constant referral to Elijah Muhammad as almost an apostle was frightening, as he seemed to have been led into a deep misunderstanding in regards to what Islam teaches, the unity of god, and the rejection of any praise or worship toward anyone but him. He preaches about how the teachings of Elijah Muhammad show us something, yet it is impossible to be influenced by any teachings other than those of the Quran as a Muslim; all prominent religious leaders in Islam are apparent in their guidance being derived solely and wholly from the Quran. However, Malcolm X’s effect in the United States cannot be discounted, and his return from Hajj marks a transformation in his name, preaching, and the overall effect felt by American Black Muslims. He begins to use language that once would have been aggressively defined, like “white” in a more neutral context, moving away from the belief that all white people are inherently evil and recognizing that the society of America has produced a system in which white people can treat blacks poorly with no repercussions. “Who would believe that such blessing could be heaped upon an American Negro!!! (But) in the Muslim World, when one accepts Islam and ceases to be white or Negro, Islam recognizes all men as Men because the people here in Arabia believe that God is One, they believe that all people are also One, and that all our brothers and sisters is One Human Family.” (Malcolm X’s Letter from Hajj)
Malcolm X’s beliefs were not shaped wholly by his experiences, but rather by his lack of experiences. He did not believe that all white people were inherently evil solely because of the terror he felt at their hands, but the lack of compassion and equality. It was only when he performed hajj did he realized that the racial issue was not a universal one, and that Islam provided a framework for equality, he could begin to work toward changing his ideas.
GainPeace. “Malcolm X’s Letter from Hajj.”Β GainPeace,Β www.gainpeace.com/answer-to-racism-and-injustice/malcolm-xs-letter-from-hajj. Accessed March 21 2025.
