Muslims in North Carolina: An Inextricable Past by Amienata Fatajo
On Thursday, September 19th, a profound event, Muslim History in North Carolina: A Public Conversation, took place, co-hosted by the Duke Center for Muslim Life, the UNC Muslim Student Association, and various academic departments at the University of North Carolina (UNC) including the Department of History, American Studies, and Religious Studies. The conversation was led by Abdul Bassith Basheer, a second-year history PhD student and Center for Public Humanities fellow, alongside Imam Abdul Waheed from the Duke Center for Muslim Life.
A Rich History of Islam in North Carolina
Islam has been in the United States since the 15th century, and its roots in North Carolina stretch back to the times of slavery. The conversation began with an expansive exploration of Muslims in the U.S. and specifically North Carolina, with a special focus on the early Muslim communities in the state. One of the key points discussed was the role of the Nation of Islam (NOI) in shaping African American Muslim communities. While NOI was not strictly a religious movement, it used Islamic themes to address the social, moral, and economic challenges faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. The NOI's foundational philosophy emphasized self-determination, empowerment, and dignity, especially in a time when African Americans were fighting oppression, rejection, and the remnants of slavery under Jim Crow laws.
As Islam grew in North Carolina, so did the importance of interfaith relationships. In the early years, some Muslims were hesitant about engaging with other religious communities, fearing it would compromise their faith. However, as Muslim communities became more established, interfaith dialogue became a crucial way to foster understanding and dispel misconceptions about Islam.
Today, North Carolina has thriving Muslim communities actively participating in interfaith initiatives, civic engagement, and social justice movements.
Despite challenges, including persistent stereotypes and political rhetoric that misrepresents Islam, North Carolina has become a key site for the growth and development of Muslim communities. Much like the early Muslims who sought refuge in Abyssinia or Medina not to convert others but to establish a space where Islam could thrive, Muslims in North Carolina have worked to build a strong foundation for future generations. Their efforts have contributed not only to the religious diversity of the state but also to broader conversations about justice, equity, and inclusion in the U.S.
Image Caption: Bassith Basheer (left) and Imam Abdul Waheed (right), side by side after the discussion. (Source: Amienata Fatajo)
The Nation of Islam and its Cultural Influence
The conversation dove deeper into how the Nation of Islam sought to uplift African Americans by reinterpreting Islamic concepts. For example, the notion of monotheism was used to challenge the prevailing religious and societal structures, and dietary laws were incorporated to promote Black empowerment while offering separation from White domination.
The NOI leader, Elijah Muhammad, along with figures like Malcolm X, played pivotal roles in fostering this movement. Imam WDMuhammad, son of Elijah Muhammad, is credited with bridging the gap between traditional Islam and thevunique needs of African Americans in the United States.Imam WD Muhammad’s leadership marked a transformation of the Nation of Islam into a more traditional Islamic community.
One of his most significant changes was the introduction of Ramadan, which was first observed in September 1975, after Imam WD Muhammad took leadership following his father’s passing. This shift exemplified the broader change from a socio-political movement to a faith-based community centered around core Islamic practices.
This discussion highlighted the long-standing and complex relationship between Islam and North Carolina, demonstrating that the Muslim community in the state has a rich history of resilience and growth. By cultivating interfaith relationships and educating the public about Islam, North Carolina’s Muslim community continues to play a vital role in both local and global contexts.
The event was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the intersection of religion, history, and community, showing how Muslim communities in North Carolina have navigated their past and present to carve a space of understanding and respect for the future.
The event was open to all, fostering a greater understanding of the Muslim experience in North Carolina and across the U.S., and was an inspiring reminder of the contributions that Muslim communities have made to the cultural fabric of the state.
A Note from the Author
I’m Amienata Fatajo, a writer and researcher focused on the intersections of history, religion, and community. I wrote this piece to explore the often-overlooked history of Muslims in North Carolina, with a focus on Durham and the Nation of Islam’s influence in the region. By highlighting these stories, I hope to shed light on the deep-rooted presence of Black Muslim communities and their impact on the social and cultural fabric of the state altogether.
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