Every year in February, Canada and the United States celebrate Black History Month to commemorate both the achievements of Black people and their perseverance against prejudice. This month-long commemoration is an important moment for everyone to recognize accomplishments throughout history as well as reflect on past injustices still felt today.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most influential Black Muslims who have left their mark on recent history.
Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little) was an influential Black Muslim leader and social activist. His life story is one of the most inspiring examples of a Black man overcoming racism and oppression to become a powerful spokesperson for Black liberation.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925, Malcolm’s family experienced extreme racial discrimination during his childhood. After moving to New York City, he began associating with Black nationalist groups and adopted the surname X to symbolize his rejection of American slave-name conventions. He later joined the Nation of Islam, becoming one of its most prominent figures.
In 1964, Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam and embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca. There, he encountered Black Muslims from all over the world, leading him to embrace Orthodox Islam. This spiritual journey fundamentally changed his view of race relations and led him to publicly denounce racism and violence in favor of Black unity and self-determination through education.
Upon his return he made the following statement:
“America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white, but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all together, irrespective of their color.”
Malcolm was an outspoken civil rights activist who advocated for racial dignity and Black self-determination. His legacy lives on today through his teachings and inspiring speeches, and he remains a source of inspiration, not only for black people but also Muslims all around the world.
Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965.
Arguably the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali is a Black Muslim legend whose career spanned more than three decades. Born Cassius Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942, he adopted his new name upon converting to Islam at age 20 after meeting Black Muslim leader Malcolm X.
Ali’s boxing career was impressive, to say the least. He won his first heavyweight championship in 1964 and went on to win a total of three championships. His matches were some of the most watched events of the time, as he quickly became one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities.
In addition to his boxing career, Ali was a major civil rights leader. He was outspoken in his faith and beliefs, even going so far as to refuse to fight in the Vietnam War on religious grounds. This decision cost him dearly; he was stripped of his championship title and had his passport taken away. Despite these losses, Ali remained resilient and eventually became a role model for Black people around the world. He was an advocate for Black liberation, and his legacy is one of courage, resilience, and determination.
Ibtihaj Muhammad is an Olympic fencer and Black Muslim icon whose story of resilience and determination has inspired countless other Muslims. Born in New Jersey in 1985, she was the first female Muslim-American athlete to compete on Team USA at the 2016 Olympics – whilst wearing a Hijab, where she won a bronze medal.
Muhammad has used her platform to advocate for Black Muslims and has become an icon of Black Muslim success. She founded her own clothing company, Louella, and released a book “Proud” in 2018 about her journey as a Black Muslim athlete.
Muhammad remains focused on inspiring Muslims to pursue their dreams and speak out against injustice. She is a role model to Black people everywhere, and her courage and determination is an inspiration to us all. Her story serves as a reminder that Muslims can achieve greatness, no matter the odds. It’s a story of hope and strength of spirit.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most recognizable Black Muslim athletes in history. Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in 1947, he changed his name after converting to Islam at age 24, becoming the first high-profile athlete to do so.
A basketball superstar, Abdul-Jabbar won six National Basketball Association (NBA) championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a record six-time NBA MVP and two-time NCAA Champion at UCLA, where he also majored in history. His success on the court earned him induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.
Off the court, Abdul-Jabbar is an outspoken Black Muslim activist and social influence. He has written several books that focus on Black history, Black Muslims, and Black activism. He is a strong advocate for Black people’s rights, particularly when it comes to education, healthcare, and economics.
Abdul-Jabbar has been an inspiration to Black Muslim athletes around the world. His success has shown that Black Muslims can achieve greatness, despite facing adversity. He continues to advocate for Black Muslims and remains an important source of Black Muslim pride. Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy will be remembered forever.
Although not a figure of recent history, it is only right that we revisit the life and story of the first black man to accept Islam – Companion of the Messenger of God ﷺ, Bilal ibn Rabah.
Born into slavery, Bilal was the first Black man to accept Islam. He was an example of courage and resilience, standing up for his beliefs despite facing adversity from both his master and those around him. Although he had no material possessions, he remained strong in his faith, devoted to worshipping God alone.
-He was one of the first seven people to publicize their Islam
-He accompanied the Prophet ﷺ during Badr, Uhud, and all other military campaigns
-The Prophet ﷺ attested that he is from amongst the people of paradise
-He was the Muezzin (caller to prayer) in the Mosque of the Messenger of God ﷺ
-The Prophet ﷺ declared him as the best of the people of Habasha (Ethiopia)
After the passing of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Bilal could not remain in Madinah any longer as every corner stirred a memory of his beloved.
Eventually, he made his way to Syria and passed away there. As he lay on his deathbed his wife cried out in sorrow, “Oh, what an unbearable tragedy!”
To which he replied: “Rather what a joyous day, tomorrow I meet my beloved, Muhammad ﷺ and his people.”
We conclude with a Hadith from the Best of Creation ﷺ:
“There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, and no superiority of a white person over a black person or of a black person over a white person, except on the basis of personal piety and righteousness.”