Posted by Fahim Al-Basir on December 29, 2000 at 16:51:47:
In Reply to: To Brother Fahim Regarding Clarence 13X posted by SEVENTHFAM on December 29, 2000 at 06:11:20:
Peace,
Brother Seventhfam, thank you for your words of knowledge. I deal with facts, brother, and what you just bombed me with was a fact; that is, that prayer is intended towards Master Fard Muhammad, to whom all praises are due. That is all I asked for.
However, I do remember The Honorable Elijah Muhammad saying something about us striving to fulfill our own prayers, and being self-saviors. This is what I meant by praying to Self, even if I misphrased it. I hope you accept my apologies for this grammatical flaw.
I am open to whatever facts you brothers and sisters have for me regarding Clarence 13X. That is, recorded tapes, quotes or public speeches, etc. As I said before I am no follower of Clarence, I am a student of Islam and yes, the LIFE-GIVING TEACHINGS of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad. As far as I know though, and I understand that many of you will see this as Allah placing a seal over my heart, as far as I know, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad never "rebuked" Clarence during the height of his group's influence, the late 60's. Keep in mind that Clarence's organization spread all the way through upstate New York, and he had built a fairly large community of followers all throughout Uptown. This is a large chunk of Lost-Founds for the Messenger to be avoiding if they are not "right and exact" about the teachings.
Bring me his (The Messenger's) words about not teaching Islam if you are not in the Temple. I know you will say that he told his followers to refer interested parties to the Temple, but what of those who were exiled from the temple? Were they not allowed to teach Islam? What about the white man (Muslim Sons)? As I said, I am welcome to any answers to these questions; I am not assuming I know the answers, but it seems logical to me that The Honorable Elijah Muhammad would welcome knowledge from whatever source it may flow.
One more time then: I don't know that much about Clarence 13X save what he brought to the streets, and that is what I see as a different perspective to the same knowledge as presented by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Is it a weak argument? Maybe. But then again, so is the notion that Clarence taught us not to pray, taught us not to fast, taught that we weren't Muslims, taught that there was ANYTHING WRONG with the Muslim program or civilization, Muslim Girls' Training or Fruit of Islam courses, without substantial evidence (words from Clarence himself) backing it. Not as weak as the argument that The Honorable Elijah Muhammad condemned anyone who spread his knowledge outside the Temple. At least in my eyes.
Please build on this, and in the best of currents, please.
As-Salaam Alaikum