Why are black people turning to Islam?

You —

Black conversion or "reversion" to Islam is not new; it has been taking place in the African diaspora since time immemorial. However, I looked deeper into the phenomenon to find out why a growing number of Black Britons, especially younger ones, are embracing Islam. Although I am not a Muslim, I have always been interested in Islam – three of my all-time heroes, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X and Jamaican singer Prince Buster were Muslim converts, and I was intrigued by the way Islam inspired all three to transcend their respective vocations to become icons.

What surprised me at the start of my study was that very little of any substance had been written about a religious phenomenon which first came to public prominence in the dubious form of Michael de Freitas, a Trinidad-born, UK-based lapsed Catholic. As Michael X and then Michael Abdul Malik, he was at the forefront of the race equality struggle in Britain during the 1960s. It was this stark lack of information that encouraged me to write a book, something that involved painstaking research and innumerable interviews in cities and towns with a growing Black Muslim presence.

...

Black Muslims in Britain: Why are a growing Number of Young Black people are Converting to Islam? is published by Lion Hudson

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Zainab_buma — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 01:55

Firstly when you say Black, do you mean politically balck or african/carrabein black??

In my opinion, there are also many other colours reverting/converting to Islam although Black may possibly be the largest colour...

Islam is the religion of a muslim. It is a guide to life, (a way of life, one that the prophet led) teaches you right from wrogf, the good and bad, respect, morals, both wordly and religious knowledge, love, sicerity, virtues of being patient, to be humble and much much more. It is deep and we never know enough. Those that have the priviliage of being introduced to this religion or being taught or aware of it may god bless them as they are lucky people. It is unfortunate for those that are living in ignorance who do not seem to have a way of life.

Ya'qub — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 12:43

[quote=Zainab_buma]Firstly when you say Black, do you mean politically balck or african/carrabein black??
[/quote]

The article talks about the african diaspora, so quite clearly the second one.

CheapZen — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 13:01

I find it very ironic that it's a growing trend among African diaspora in Western countries seeing as Muhammad never condoned or abolished slavery and in fact owned slaves.

But Alhamdulillah that more are turning to Islam.

Ya'qub — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 13:14

[quote=CheapZen]I find it very ironic that it's a growing trend among African diaspora in Western countries seeing as Muhammad never condoned or abolished slavery and in fact owned slaves.

But Alhamdulillah that more are turning to Islam. [/quote]

Yep, because slavery is the only issue that affects black people :roll:

CheapZen — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 13:32

[quote=Ya'qub]

Yep, because slavery is the only issue that affects black people :roll:[/quote]

Would you not agree that emancipation, self determination and recognition of rights and freedom was a, if not THE key issues for Black activism ?

You — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 16:46

There be different types of slavery, innit. Some be worse and more degrading than others.

And having a right to a wage, to not be overworked and to buy yourself out of slavery are important rights that were granted to the slaves, which while not an abolishment, are a step towards allowing them to have decent lives.

RI_RS — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 20:21

[quote=Ya'qub][quote=CheapZen]I find it very ironic that it's a growing trend among African diaspora in Western countries seeing as Muhammad never condoned or abolished slavery and in fact owned slaves.

But Alhamdulillah that more are turning to Islam. [/quote]

Yep, because slavery is the only issue that affects black people :roll:[/quote]

😂

CheapZen — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 22:46

[quote=You]There be different types of slavery, innit. Some be worse and more degrading than others.

And having a right to a wage, to not be overworked and to buy yourself out of slavery are important rights that were granted to the slaves, which while not an abolishment, are a step towards allowing them to have decent lives.[/quote]

Agreed my good brother,

But I would think that the very existence of being "owned" by another person to do his or her bidding is the essence of slavery itself. There may be rights within it, but it's still slavery. And Islam effectively still has the go-ahead stance on it.

You — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 22:56

Or does it? There are some suggestions that during the reign of Umar (ra) it was more or less banned - acquisition was, but existing slaves were not freed, they instead had to earn their freedom.

Either way, people turning to Islam would probably not be because they felt that is what their past generations lost, but because they thought it was the truth (or that they had something to gain from it).

CheapZen — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 - 23:17

[quote=You]Or does it? There are some suggestions that during the reign of Umar (ra) it was more or less banned - acquisition was, but existing slaves were not freed, they instead had to earn their freedom.

Either way, people turning to Islam would probably not be because they felt that is what their past generations lost, but because they thought it was the truth (or that they had something to gain from it).[/quote]

What I'm saying is, if it was really an issue of ethics, mercy and rights then Muhammad s.a.w or Allah swt themselves might have done what maybe Umar did. I don't know, Allahu alim. Just a thought.

TPOS — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 - 18:25

[quote=wednesday]Do you think Beyonce would ever convert? Not only does it seem weird but also very scary.

[/quote]

But she's meant to be part of the Illuminati's, so she wouldnt! lol

YasminCullen — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 - 23:04

Im black myself and when i first saw the title i was like woah there. Many black people are muslims it just depends what type.
And beyonce would never convert her and her hubby Jay-z are way into freemasonry.

Hajjar — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 - 09:46

you mentioned slavery, this is something I can't accept. I'm not saying I don't believe in islam i do, but I find it hard to accept that within Islam slavery is permitted does this make me a disbeliever?.

Even with the best of restrictions, why is it allowed? there are different forms of slavery but the one that niggles at me the most as completely wrong is slavery of women, sexual slavery. I've often heard of muslim men joking about this light heartedly, about how many concubines they'd had if they got female slaves. It just makes me sick to think of.

I mean who here would want to be a slave?, you're effectively a prisoner, a subordinate.

CheapZen — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 - 11:15

[quote=Hajjar]you mentioned slavery, this is something I can't accept. I'm not saying I don't believe in islam i do, but I find it hard to accept that within Islam slavery is permitted does this make me a disbeliever?.

Even with the best of restrictions, why is it allowed? there are different forms of slavery but the one that niggles at me the most as completely wrong is slavery of women, sexual slavery. I've often heard of muslim men joking about this light heartedly, about how many concubines they'd had if they got female slaves. It just makes me sick to think of.

I mean who here would want to be a slave?, you're effectively a prisoner, a subordinate.[/quote]

I feel exactly the same way Hajjar.
I don't think it makes you a disbeliever at all. While it exists and has been a significant subject in Islamic history and jurisprudence I wouldn't think it to be something that nullifies or affirms your faith. In fact I think its healthy to question.

I couldn't tell you why it's allowed, I ask the same thing. I'm still uncomfortable with the idea that it's okay to "possess" another human being, and in possessing them being able to have sexual relations with them.