Qabeelah Ittihaad Hosts Record-Breaking Malcolm X Event in Dearborn

by Noor Salem

It was simply remarkable, an auditorium filled with more than 1100 people on a Friday night, all eager to learn more about the life of the honorable Malcolm X.

Qabeelah Ittihaad Michigan did it once again, a sold-out event, this time record-breaking for all of the AlMaghrib world.

What clearly made this Ilm Night particularly moving, however, was the passion of the speaker, none other than Shaykh Omar Suleiman. His passion and care were genuine; it can almost be heard with his words, as he went in-depth about the life and tragic death of Malcolm X.

“She was crying the entire IlmNight,” said one attendee at the end, as she pointed to her friend who was left in awe at the legendary legacy that Malcolm X has left behind.

The one-night seminar was hosted by Qabeelah Ittihaad Michigan, Al-Maghrib’s chapter of Southeast Michigan, which was founded in 2005. Respect, integrity, manners, optimism, and helpfulness are all qualities of Qabeelah Ittihaad volunteers. As of today, the Qabeelah has hosted more than 74 seminars and one-day seminars. Their mission is to help their communities by providing them with opportunities to seek Islamic knowledge in a fun, engaging, and extraordinary way. It’s more than just sitting in a classroom and taking notes- bonds are built, memories are made, and seeds of friendship are planted. They’ve had more than four students complete the Al-Maghrib degree audit to its entirety, two of which are now Al-Maghrib instructors themselves.

The Qabeelah hosts seminars on various topics, covering Qur’anic Tafseer, pillars of faith, beautiful patience, Fiqh of marriage, modesty and clothing, ethics and manners in Islam, history, and many more heart-warming courses. Other than hosting seminars several times a year, Qabeelah Ittihaad’s volunteers get together to put their knowledge into action: they give back to their community. Of the many projects conducted, they’ve made almost 300 personal hygiene packages, brought hot food to a homeless shelter, helped pack clothing for the needy, and much more. They work as a team, strive as a team, and experience the incredible fruit of their efforts as a team, alike. This recording breaking sold-out event put them down in AlMaghrib’s history.

One student’s testimony really hit home to the volunteers, who worked hard in putting this event together. It really couldn’t be summed up better than this:

“what a wonderful n(all-ight) presentation! Sk. Omar brought the goods to a sold out, Recording Breaking audience! The ‘lost’ and little known, details of the latter years of the life, as well as the tragic death of El Hajj Malik; had us riveted to our seats- for 5, yes, I said “5” hours! I was sleepy and hungry, and I was still so glad that I got to be there. P.S.: He gave a good list of reference materials too!”

Shaykh Omar Suleiman shared his thoughts on his experience to both New Jersey and Detroit thereafter:

“I’ve been off of social media for a week but wanted to take the time to thank everyone who attended the Malcolm after Makkah class in New Jersey and Detroit. Both were over capacity before the event even started. It was particularly humbling to teach in Detroit where so much of Malcolm’s history is present. I visited Masjid Wali Muhammad which was the historic Nation of Islam Temple number 1. There I was humbled to meet people who knew Malcolm personally. But the most special part of the day was when Imam Tauheed Rashad who is the present Imam of Masjid Wali addressed the class. The Imam said that he couldn’t recall a gathering of Muslims this large and this diverse studying Malcolm in Detroit. We had over 1100 people just 6 miles away from where Malcolm delivered a speech just one week before his assassination. That was special, to say the least. Please support this historic masjid and community (http://www.historicmwm.com), and make sure to attend Malcolm after Makkah if it comes to a city near you. Shout out to Qabeelah Ittihaad – Michigan and Qabeelat Durbah.”

The event was sold out and unfortunately many interested were unable to secure seats in time; AlMaghrib HQ was quite impressed with the turnout, and as one member mentioned, “Officially the largest Malcolm X event ever with 1100 people in the crowd mashaAllah.” The program ended a bit before midnight, yet many of the audience seemed eager to listen in for hours more. While the lecture on the life of Malcolm X quickly came to an end, his legacy walked away in the hearts of many that night.

For more information about Qabeelah Ittihaad Michigan, visit their website: almaghrib.org/Michigan