THE NATION OF ISLAM
Understanding the 'Black Muslims'
by Steven Tsoukalas
P&R Publishing, 211 pages, $14.99

As the Nation of Islam continues to grow rapidly, it is imperative for Christians to know and understand the workings of this group. Steve Tsoukalas has definitely done his homework to bring to believers a clear picture of the movement of new found identity and pride from three perspectives; political, social, and religious.

This explicit study is meticulously documented. The first chapter alone has 102 endnotes. The seven page index is also helpful in retrieving information. A summary at the end of each chapter is an added enhancement to the publication.

The first six chapters deal with the history of the movement, which makes a fascinating read. The fathers of black nationalism, Marcus Garvey and Noble Drew Ali affected the life of W.D. Fard, who "started a massive black nationalist movement from humble beginnings of a silk peddler." His successor, Elijah Muhammad, believed "that Fard was and is God in the flesh" and led the movement until his death in 1975. The two other more recent and highly visible leaders are Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan, both of whom "were groomed to succeed Elijah Muhammad."

The Nation of Islam is not to be confused with traditional Islam. Tsoukalas explains, "There are significant differences between the doctrines of the NOI [Nation of Islam] and those of traditional Islam ... First and foremost is that Islam considers it blasphemy to call any man Allah in the flesh" (pg. 70).

The NOI's holy book is the Qur'an. Although the Bible is considered to be a book of poison, "both can teach truth if interpreted by Elijah Muhammad, who in turn received proper interpretation from Allah (Fard)" (pg. 111). The white race is looked upon as being the devil. The NOI teaches the white race was "made (grafted) from the original black race by the will of Allah, who desired to test his people and then destroy the wicked whites" (pg. 118). It claims that "Christianity is the religion of whites and not the true religion of Allah" (pg. 124).

The last chapter, "A Christian Answer to the Nation of Islam," gives helpful, practical advice on how to knowledgably respond with understanding and truth. This work is a must read for those seeking to reveal God's Word effectively to people involved with or interested in the Nation of Islam.

-- AMG

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