The Foundation Years of Elijah Muhammad 1958-1962 (Vol. 1 & 2)

It has been approximately 40 years since these articles have been written. Many of the truths in them are not being taught today. You will find some of them in certain books compiled by Elijah Muhammad and then others may surface every now and then in photocopy or a citing here and there.

In any case, these articles represent those submitted to various new organs of the early 50's and 60's. Some of these newspapers are no longer in business and others have simply gone through economic and social change prompting them to change their name and management.

In the early days, when there was no Muhammad Speaks newspaper, which had become the official newspaper of the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammad submitted articles to various local papers for publication. Some of these newspapers were the Herald Dispatch, Amsterdam News, The Crusader and the Pittsburgh Courier.

In various instances, after submitting articles, the Brotherhood of the Fruit of Islam (FOI) would begin distributing the papers in an effort to get the articles in Black people's hand. The sharp increase in distribution produced leverage with the paper that gave an "insurance" that the Messenger would be published. It was due to the Nation of Islam's distribution of many of these papers that pushed it into the status of mainstream in the black community. Previously, these tabloids were no more than nickel and dime shopper guides.

Some of these articles are included in parts of Elijah Muhammad's books, as pointed out in their respective acknowledgements, making it clear that all of his books are actual compilations of previous speeches, articles and lectures. Considering the Messenger is one of the most prolific writers of our time, many of his articles were not included in his standard books. This work fell to those of us who understand that the guidance we need in his absence is in his literature. This is nothing new to those who mind.

Our motivation for publishing these articles is simple. There are many truths that Messenger Elijah Muhammad taught that are not available today. We, therefore, are rising to the occasion to satisfy this vacuum. "In the absence of the Trainer, the training will rise up and meet the occasion."

We trust that if the reader reads something he or she has read before, it will only enhance their knowledge base. There, however, are many items that will be fairly new to you. We hope that whatever experience one has, it will be one that benefits our nation and in this way, regardless of when or if you have read it, you will act upon the principle contained herein. For as Elijah Muhammad, Messenger of Allah, said, "Mere belief counts for nothing, unless carried into practice."

~ Nasir Makr Hakim
Minister of Elijah Muhammad,
Messenger of Allah