60 Thil Hijjas ago, Malcolm Little, better known as Malcolm X, embarked on his first Hajj trip. This pilgrimage marked a pivotal transformation in his life, both spiritually and ideologically. Following his experience, Malcolm X wrote extensively about the profound impact Hajj had on him. He described the pilgrimage as a moment of true enlightenment, where he witnessed a level of unity and brotherhood among Muslims of all races and nationalities that deeply moved him. In his reflections, Malcolm X emphasized that during Hajj, he experienced a sense of equality and fraternity that transcended racial boundaries, a stark contrast to the racial injustices he had encountered in the United States.
He wrote, “There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white.” This experience led Malcolm X to reevaluate his views on race and racism, prompting him to advocate for a more inclusive approach to achieving civil rights and justice.
Malcolm’s Hajj journey became a cornerstone in his evolving philosophy, highlighting the potential for unity and understanding among people of different backgrounds through the practice of faith and the principles of Islam.
Dearborn Blog 