GILBERT, Ariz., March 17, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- - The Nation of Islam was an instrumental group in the 1960s, along with one of their leaders, Malcolm X, in bringing about change in society "by any means necessary." However, behind this movement, there was another man, a spiritual rock known as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The new book, Dear Holy Apostle: Experiences and Letters of Guidance with the Honorable Elijah Muhammad (now available through 1stBooks), by his former secretary, Betty Muhammad, is a collection of his personal writings and words of inspiration.
Compiled from his more than 40 years of work, this book contains letters of guidance and reflections from the man who established the Nation of Islam in America as "the premiere organization for progress of African Americans." In addition to sharing his guidance, Muhammad also details her numerous experiences she had as one of his secretaries. From her introduction to the teachings of Islam to many of his dictated letters, the book covers her life and times with this holy leader that has inspired millions and was chastised by millions more.
"I have read so many negative writings from various people about the Honorable Elijah Muhammad that was due to misunderstanding of him or an undeserved fear of the empowerment of African Americans that he represented. I wanted to share my positive experiences as a secretary," she writes.
Dear Holy Apostle offers a number of his "Letters of Guidance." Muhammad details the holy leader's thoughts and instructions on diabetics, slave names, answers for children who believe, striking a believer, husbands leaving for other women, teaching in prison, prayer, insubordination, "Sisters" working at night, war on vicious attacks on "Sisters" and much more. Both clear and concise, these letters from "The Dear Apostle," offer a glimpse inside the man revered by millions.
"History will be kind to all of you who help the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and help me to help him. May Allah bless your book to be a source of inspiration," Minister Louis Farrakhan writes in the foreword.
Born in Louisiana, Muhammad relocated when she was 2 with her mother and grandmother to San Francisco. As a child she enjoyed music and all styles of dance. As a teenager she became a member of the Ruth Beckford Dance Company. She embraced Islam in 1961 and was taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. She spent two years as a secretary for him and currently works for the Honorable Minister Farrakhan. Dear Holy Apostle is her first book.
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