Elijah Muhammad (Muhammad Elijah)

(1897-1975)
Under his leadership, Nation of Islam from a tiny sect into a nationwide organization with more than 60 churches and a weekly newspaper 'Muhammad Speaks' ( 'Muhammad Speaks').
Elijah Muhammad (Elijah Poole) was born October 10, 1897 in Sandersville (pc. Georgia), the son of a Baptist preacher. Worked on the farm, then at the car plant in Detroit (1923-1929). In 1930 took the name of Elijah Muhammad and became assistant chief Wali Fard Muhammad, who led an Islamic temple in Detroit. Fard disappeared in 1934, and Elijah Muhammad gradually became a leader. Black Muslims believe that Fard was the incarnation of God, Elijah Muhammad, who has chosen his prophet and messenger. A few years later Elijah Muhammad moved the headquarters of the sect in Chicago, where he founded the Temple of Islam? 2.

Nation of Islam, followers of Elijah Muhammad's envoy, profess faith in the Quran. Until 1975 a sect may enter only African-American. Elijah Muhammad taught that white - 'devils', oppressing the black race already 400 years. He opposed the integration and taught that 'it is time to separate [black] from whites in this nation'. Nation of Islam requires the earth 'was given black, to give them the opportunity to establish their own state'.

Elijah Muhammad also spoke out against 'mixed race', believing that whites are doomed because of its moral degeneration.

Elijah Muhammad died in Chicago on Feb. 25, 1975.