The Messenger: The Rise and Fall of Elijah Muhammad

by Karl Evanzz

Book Overview

Drawn from recently declassified FBI files, and interviews with family members and former apostles, The Messenger renders a daring portrait of one of African-American history's most controversial leaders. In this explosive biography, investigative journalist Karl Evanzz recounts the multidimensional life of a semiliterate refugee from the Jim Crow South who became the influential founder of the Nation of Islam. Considered the "Prophet" by his followers...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679774068
• ISBN13: 9780679774068
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 706 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Insightfull and well researched

Sometime ago, I decided to writte a book about the Black Muslims of America, but, being french, I knew little about Black nationalism in the United States. Reading Evanzz was a gold mine that provided many insights on the Black muslims ; It is also so wide ranging and alludes to so many aspects of Black nationalism it is the perfect entrance door for that political aspect of the US black community. During my own research for the FBI archives as well as with local US newspaper ranging from 1930 to 1975, I was able to cross check and verify many information he provides : they were allways accurate. While he sometimes only alluded to acts of anti-white racism that seemed very important to me (the Zebra Killings for instance) I give him credit for mentionning them. He left no stone unturned. Evanzz Book is a thick, dense read. It should not be read as a novel but rather as an encyclopedia. Maybe my only critic is that he's a bit too fond of Malcolm X

the truth

as a moslim from the east, i found this book very informative about the natur of the believes of the nation of islam. from this book i understood how NOI is different from the true islam as practiced by more than a billion muslim. the book exposed Elijah Muhammed and his undivine role in careating a very distored version of islam, with clearly helped him in ceating great wilth and power. the book is a must read for any individual who is confused about the true natur of NOI

Putting MAN in His Place

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful As a striving Orthodox Muslim, and an African-American, I read "The Messenger" with a great deal of interest. I was impressed with Mr. Evanzz' writing style and the depth of his research. His copious references would satisfy the most discerning scholar. And, despite the historical subject matter, the book is a page-turner. I confess that I read until dawn and finished the book in three days. As one of the earlier reviewers noted, however, I was wary of his frequent references to FBI files. They should definitely be taken with the proverbial 'grain of salt'. Although he does offer his own opinion in later chapters, it is with the force allowed by the evidence already presented. The murder of Hamaas Abdul Khaalis' family was particularly horrific. I was actually glad that Evanzz interjected his opinion at that point ("They had come to Washington in the name of Allah, or so they thought; they left, for certain, as the devil's advocates." pg. 389 ). It would have been dishonest for him to merely describe the massacre without comment. Evanzz is not a newscaster, forced to smile for the cameras while reporting disaster and mayhem. I must confess a bias in this regard, since my great uncle, Hajji Zafir El-Jamary, was murdered by Black Muslims in Chicago in 1975. He had dared, much like Hamaas Abdul Khaalis, to suggest that the NOI should practice true Islam. His reward was a beating so severe that his eye was dislodged before they threw him - still alive - into the river to drown. Abdul Khaalis' story and (of course) the story of Malcolm X, were the most touching vignettes for me in the book. I cried when I realized the loss that Orthodox Muslims in America suffered with Malcolm's demise. The information suggests that he was well on his way to establishing a strong Islamic movement that would have benefited all Americans and Muslims throughout the world. The true focus of Islam is not race at all, but the Oneness of God and respect for His creation. The word "Islam" is loosely translated as "submission to the Will of God." The most important and central belief of Muslims all over the world is that there is nothing worthy of worship except God. "The Messenger" shows the pitfalls of worshipping human beings instead of God. The Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad had its place as a socio-political organization. There is no denying that thousands of African-Americans were saved from drugs, prostitution, and self-hatred through his program. However, there is also no denying the theological deviance of any "Muslim" organization that believes that a human being is God. As Allah says in Qur'an:"Say: 'I am forbidden to worship those - others than Allah - whom ye call upon.' Say: 'I will not follow your vain desires: If I did, I would stray from the path, and be not of the company of those who receive guidance.'" [Holy Qur'an 6:56]

Learn to accept truth, or fail to grow

Like "The Judas Plot," this book - "The Messenger" - is an excellent book. I advise all interested readers who want to grow as conscientous individuals, regardless of complexion and religion,to read this book. Permit me to parrot a truth of the ages reflected in this book. Many people who: 1)wholly invest themselves in any belief or idealogy that is plagued with falsehood, and 2)venerate leaders who are later found to be hypocritical, find it very difficult to accept the truth. "The Messenger" is not good reading for anyone who is unwilling to accept the truth (good and bad)about Elijah Muhammad and the history of the NOI. Such a person (black, white, brown, red, or yellow)would rather hold fast to "truths" that sooth and delude, "truths" that reinforce the person's distortions.

Karl Evanzz tells it like it is

The book is a work of journalistic excellence and is required reading for anybody who wants to read about ther true origin of the Nation of Islam, Fard Muhammad, and Elijah Muhammads beleifs. Dont listen to the dogma. All the good deeds in the world aren't going to do you a pittance worth of good if you dont practice what you preach. Absolutely required reading. Do yourself a favour unlike another reviewer on this page and read the book and then make up your mind.