Malcolm Xs Ideologies Before Mecca Following... Essay

Historians have often divided the life of Malcolm X, also referred to as El-Hajj Malik Shabazz, into 3 periods. First, from 1948 to 1964, he was established in the Nation of Islam. Then, in 1964, he went through the Black Nationalist Period of his life. Lastly, prior to his assassination, from 1964 to 1965, Malcolm X evolved through the Universalist Islamic Period. I, however, have chosen to divide his life into two major periods from which his most poignant ideologies were formed. He demonstrated that reading, learning and reason were indispensable qualities for the economic and social development of the masses. Within these two distinctly opposing periods of Malcolm X’s life, his ideologies, prior to and following his holy pilgrimage to†¦show more content†¦He and his followers were strong willed and determined to reach justice, by any means necessary. Malcolm X had a goal, and this goal was to put an end to â€Å"giving birth to children who see no hope for the fu ture but to follow our miserable footsteps.† Every Muslim is commanded to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at a certain point in their lives. Once Malcolm X traveled to Mecca, letters sent to the states spoke of encounters with â€Å"such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races.† The brotherhood, justice and respect for each others rights, that he only dreamed and spoke of in the past was finally becoming a pleasant reality. Amongst tens of thousands of pilgrims, Malcolm X saw brotherhood and unity exemplified by all, regardless of race or color. It became evident that such an uplifting and enlightening experience would shape the rest of his life as well as guide his actions towards justice as well. It is clear that Hajj guided Malcolm X towards righteousness, equalitarian justice and a retreat from his hatred of whites. This newfound ideology following his pilgrimage to Mecca allowed him the opportunity to enhance his knowledge of other worlds, and hence, other value systems.