Detroit's UNIVERSITY of  ISLAM

Reprinted from Salaam, July, 1960 edition

EDUCATION occupies a very high and important place in the religion of the Muslim followers of Mr. Elijah Muhammad. And anyone who has ever visited the University of Islam at Detroit, or in Chicago, readily understands that Mr. Muhammad spares no expense in providing the best of physical plant and working facilities for the education of Muslim children.

   Big, roomy, modern-lighted hallways and classrooms are a must in the University of Islam, where many of the future ministers of Islam receive their early training. Libraries are well-stocked with books, periodicals and other educational tools from all parts of the world.

    Detroit's University of Islam is typical of the standards of education that are insisted upon by Elijah Muhammad. The Muslim leader says, "The education and training of our children must not be limited to the "Three R's" (reading, 'riting and 'righmetic) only. It should instead include the history of the black nation, the knowledge of civilizations of man and the universe, and all sciences. It is necessary that the young people of our Nation (Islam) learn all they can. Learning is a great virtue and I would like to see all the children of my followers become possessors of it. It will make us an even greater people tomorrow."

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ISLAM strong emphasis is placed upon the daily Muslims duties, the teaching of Arabic, the observance of strict dietary laws, and the development of character. Muslim students learn a great deal about their own history (something that public schools have failed to teach), and other great cultural heritage of their past.

    They soon learn to become proud of being black, and this personal self-esteem can be noticed quickly by an outsider observing the behavior of an adult Muslim.

     At the Detroit university, future leaders of Islam attend classes 50 weeks a year, and students start learning Arabic while in the third grade.

WHILE MUSLIM students are in school 50 weeks a year, they get a vacation during the last week in June, and again toward the end of February -- which is the time of annual convention of Muhammad's Temples of Islam. Promotions come in June and February of each year.

HIGH SCHOOL students talk about everyday teenage topics after lunch in Temple No. 1 Luncheonette next-door to school.

STUDENT'S LUNCHEONETTE, operated by  Muslims, is a favorite meeting place for Muslim and non-Muslim high school students

DETROIT SCHOOL goes to 10th grade and is accredited to 12th. They get same national holidays as public school.

VISUAL TOOLS are generously used by instructors to get lessons across to pupils at the Detroit Muslim school.

MUSLIM-OWNED BUSES provide transportation to and from the University of Islam. Vehicles are clearly identified as school buses, carry safety slogans, and huge letters saying "Muhammad's University of Islam" on the sides.

"YOU MUST TEACH and train your boys and girls in your own schools and colleges," Mr. Muhammad has said. "And keep your children, especially, your little girls, from mixing with white children. When you do this, then  your own people who are the 'original people' of the 'Human Family' will respect you as a Nation."

   Critics of Elijah Muhammad's teachings usually remain silent when a yardstick is taken to measure the effectiveness of a Muslim school, as compared to any other school attended by so-called Negro children. The silence is understood when it is noted that public schools are "blackboard jungles" over-ridden with juvenile delinquents who smoke cigarettes, marijuana chew tobacco, drink alcoholics, curse, fight and murder.

   These  problems are conspicuously missing from the Detroit and Chicago University of Islam -- or any other phase of Muhammad's religious movement.

   However, the enemies of Muhammad's work purposely omit these startling facts when appraising the Muslim leader's activities. Only a few bold editors have been brave enough to tell the truth about the universities' education and character-building program.

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Muhammad Speaks Newspaper
P.O Box 44261
Detroit, MI 48244
Phone: 313-371-7033
E-mail: MhmdSpeaks@aol.com

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