Wallace D. Fard
Etymology and Translations
- Etymology: The name “Fard” may have diverse linguistic origins, including Arabic where “farḍ” means “obligation.” However, his full background varies as different sources provide conflicting theories.
- Arabic: والاس دي فراد (Wālas Dī Farād)
- Turkish: Wallace D. Fard
Biography and Legacy
Wallace D. Fard, who mysteriously disappeared in 1934, is widely acknowledged as the original founder of the Nation of Islam (NOI). Born in 1877 (or 1891, data varies), Fard began his mission in Detroit in 1930, preaching that Islam was the true identity of African-Americans. He is often recognized by his followers as the Great Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islamic eschatology believed to bring justice and salvation.
Fard’s teachings emphasized that African-Americans were not true Americans, thus owing no allegiance to the United States government. This separatist ideology gained traction among disenfranchised African-Americans during the era of Jim Crow laws and excessive racial segregation. Fard’s message claimed divine dimensions as he was later considered by his adherents to be an incarnation of divine power or Allah himself.
Teachings and Influence
Key Teachings
- True Identity: Preached that African-Americans were originally Muslims.
- Divine Figure: Followers recognized him as the Mahdi and a divine incarnation.
- Separatism: Encouraged African-Americans to reject their American identity and seek solace in Islam.
Fard’s disappearance in 1934 remains shrouded in mystery. Despite his missing presence, his legacy continued to influence notable figures in the NOI, such as Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, who played significant roles in expanding his foundational teachings.
Books for Further Study
- “The Messenger: The Rise and Fall of Elijah Muhammad” by Karl Evanzz
- “The FBI and the Nation of Islam” by Chip Berlet
- “Islam in the African-American Experience” by Richard Brent Turner
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Wallace D. Fard is credited with founding the NOI, profoundly shaping African-American Islam.
- His teachings promoted the restoration of a perceived lost Islamic heritage among African-Americans.
- Considered the Great Mahdi by followers, he mingled religious fervor with socio-political activism.
- The enigmatic nature of his disappearance only heightened the mystique and impact of his figure in religious and cultural contexts.
Understanding Fard’s influence is crucial for comprehending the roots and evolution of the Nation of Islam and its longstanding social and religious impact.
