Pillars of the BLACK MOSQUE
In meditating on the social construction of an entity that I believe Black American Muslims can galvanize around, the idea of the BLACK MOSQUE is the concept of a safe space that we can freely express our unique identity in without apology. The BLACK MOSQUE is the House of Islam supported by the five Obligatory Pillars of Islam and the Five Major Principles of Black American Muslim Life. The totality of these components make up what we call Black Religion, in other words, the way we do what we do. The way we socialize, organize, resolve conflicts and understand the world around us that is absolutely informed by our shared historical past, i.e. 400yrs of slavery, Jim Crow, Segregation and 2nd class citizenship, events that we don’t expect our immigrant co-religionists to understand.
These Five Major Principles of Black American Muslim Life are:
Principle 1: Tawhid Principle 2: Justice and Equality Principle 3: Ethical Moral Conduct Principle 4: Solidarity and Unity Principle 5: Activism and Resistance
By incorporating these Islamic principles into our resistance efforts, Black Americans can effectively challenge hegemonic Islamic attitudes and white supremacy. HEGEMONIC ISLAM is the racist belief that the only legitimate expression of Islam is Middle Eastern or North African (MENA). By grounding ourselves in the principles of Tawhid, justice, equality, ethical conduct, solidarity, and activism, we can forge a path towards liberation and empowerment.
Tawhid reminds Black Americans that their worth and dignity come from our relationship with Allah, not from any external factors such as race or ethnicity. This belief can serve as a powerful antidote to the messages of racial superiority propagated by white supremacy. By understanding ourselves as equal in the eyes of Allah, Black Americans can reclaim agency over our identities and resist the dehumanizing effects that accompany hegemonic notions of Islamic practice and that of white supremacist ideology.
The principles of Justice and Equality guide Black Americans in our quest for social and racial justice. By demanding fair treatment and challenging systemic inequalities, we can disrupt the oppressive structures that uphold hegemonic attitudes in the American Muslim Community and white supremacy in society at large. Through advocacy, policy change, and community organizing, Black Americans can push back against the discriminatory practices that have marginalized their communities for generations.
Ethical and Moral Conduct provide Black Americans with a moral compass as we navigate the complexities of resistance. By upholding principles of compassion, humility, and forgiveness, we can maintain integrity in the face of adversity. This commitment to ethical behavior not only strengthens our resolve but also exposes the hypocrisy of white supremacist ideologies that rely on hatred and division.
Solidarity and Unity are essential for building a strong resistance movement against white supremacy and hegemonic impulses in our communal spaces. By forming alliances with other marginalized groups and cultivating a sense of community, Black American Muslims can amplify our voices and leverage collective power to challenge oppressive systems. Through mutual support and collaboration, we can dismantle the barriers that have kept us divided and marginalized for far too long.
Activism and Resistance are at the heart of our struggle against white supremacy. Inspired by the legacy of Muslim activists such as Malcolm X, Imam Jamil and Muhammad Ali, Black Americans can mobilize inside our communities, raise awareness, and push for change through peaceful protest and civil disobedience. By harnessing our collective strength and determination, we can confront systemic injustices and demand accountability from those in power.
Ultimately, principles derived from Islam can serve as a powerful tool for Muslim Black Americans to resist hegemonic practices and white supremacy. By grounding ourselves in the core values of Tawhid, justice, equality, ethical conduct, solidarity, and activism, we can challenge oppressive systems, advocate for change,in our American Muslim community and the larger society. Through a steadfast commitment to these principles, Black AmericanMuslims can reclaim our agency, demand our rights, and forge a path towards liberation and empowerment.