Humility Is A Gift From Allah
Student In The Ministry Zebulon X begins the service with prayer, expressing gratitude to Allah for His mercy and the guidance received through the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He speaks on the comfort and security found in Muhammad’s mosque due to Allah’s teachings on handling affairs and highlights the crucial need for humility to stay on the right path, warning that thinking one is “big as the message and the messenger and the sender” leads to problems.
He introduces Student In The Ministry Joseph Muhammad as the day’s keynote presenter. Zebulon X touches on acknowledging Father’s Day and Mother’s Day daily, not just as corrupted holidays, and emphasizes the balanced role of men and women in the Nation of Islam, describing it as flying with “two wings” like an eagle, the highest flying bird. He explains that women are placed in the back for protection, not because they are second-class citizens, as they hold the future and salvation of the nation. Reading from scripture, he discusses the first command given to the Holy Prophet to read (Iqra), highlighting the importance of reading material like The Final Call newspaper, which offers “guidance in a time of trouble” from Minister Farrakhan.
He references Isaiah chapters 50 and 49 concerning divorcing wicked captors and the delivery of the captives from the mighty and terrible prey. He speaks of Allah coming “without observation,” like a “thief in the night,” to save a people who have been stolen, identifying the one taken as the Christ or Messiah, anointed with the power of truth to crush wicked liars. He cites Romans 8 and 2 Thessalonians 2, discussing God coming in sinful flesh and the revealing of the man of sin. Quoting Holy Quran 17:94, he addresses the human tendency to question a mortal messenger. Referencing John chapter 16,
Zebulon X shares Jesus’ prophecy about a future “he” who would guide into all truth after his departure, identifying this figure as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, who speaks not of himself but what he hears, embodying humility by calling himself a “little helper.” He concludes the service with community announcements, including youth accomplishments, saving for Savior’s Day, a Final Call radio fundraiser, marriage workshops, a bowling event, a hygiene products giveaway, and a fundraiser for a headstone for a deceased brother, before leading the closing prayer.
Student In The Ministry Joseph Muhammad delivers the main lecture, centering on the profound teaching that humility is a gift from Allah. He praises Allah for sending messengers throughout history but emphasizes that due to the “wretched and horrible condition” of the people, Allah Himself came in the person of Master Fard Muhammad in Detroit, recognizing that more than a messenger was needed for their upliftment. He thanks Master Fard Muhammad for setting up classes that led to finding the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who was tasked with the “most difficult job of any man in the annals of history” – to raise a “dead black man and woman” (mentally, socially, politically, economically, and spiritually). Joseph Muhammad then powerfully states that although he did not meet Master Fard Muhammad or the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is on the scene today as the embodiment of them both, and even of every prophet in scripture. He thanks the Minister for his “love, labor, sacrifice” and credits him with saving his own life, identifying him as the most influential person he has ever known.
Drawing from Study Guide 15, Joseph Muhammad defines humility as a “quality or characteristic of the heart that causes one to see oneself in true perspective.” He presents it as essential for creating a better world and becoming redeemers of self and others. In stark contrast, pride is defined as a “disease of the heart” that causes one to see oneself “totally out of focus,” leading to blindness and “fatal mistakes” in dealing with others and the Creator. He asserts that a proper relationship with Allah is the only way to gain true perspective.
Joseph Muhammad explains that Allah may force humility upon those who do not acquire it willingly, using the story of Jonah as an example of divine correction. He states that prayer keeps us from being “abased” or brought low. Humility is a “sure means of salvation,” necessary for following life-saving instruction. He highlights the deep humility of Minister Farrakhan, who attributes all accomplishments to God and maintains perspective by remembering mortality (ashes). He quotes the Minister saying, “pride makes us artificial, but humility makes us real.“
The lecture touches on the importance of being a good student, obedient to the teacher, citing Minister Farrakhan as the best example. It also discusses the importance of “taking plenty” (patience and tolerance) with fellow believers, not the enemy, because we are all in transition and need correction. Joseph Muhammad emphasizes that one cannot redeem a people unless they feel the people they serve are greater than themselves, calling for compassion for suffering individuals. He notes that through self-examination, self-analysis, and self-correction, one can move towards oneness with Allah.
Referencing the humility of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who called himself a “filthy worm” compared to Allah, he underscores the depth of this quality. He shares that the teachings received are not just tailored, but “custom made” for each individual’s unique journey. He uses the examples of the submission of mountains and the Earth as lessons in obedience. Joseph Muhammad powerfully invites newcomers to learn about themselves and God, describing the Nation of Islam as the “ark in the desert” in these critical times.
This lecture provides deep spiritual and practical guidance, emphasizing the indispensable role of humility in personal and community development, all rooted in the divine teachings brought by Master Fard Muhammad, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and exemplified by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
