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FinalCall.com News
National News
A critical time for America and the World
By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Asst. Editor-
Updated Feb 8, 2012 - 1:25:53 PM
Saviours’ Day 2012 has arrived!
CHICAGO (FinalCall.com) - Anticipation and excitement is growing as final preparations are being made for Saviours’ Day 2012 marking 82 years of the Nation of Islam’s existence in North America.
Each year, to commemorate the birth of its founder Master W. Fard Muhammad, members from around the world make the journey to Chicago, Illinois during the last week of February for a time of fellowship, networking, information dissemination and spiritual renewal.
The keynote address by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is always the highlight of Saviours’ Day weekend. This year, Minister Farrakhan’s subject: “What Will 2012 Bring to America, The World, and Black and Oppressed People” is scheduled to be delivered February 26 at the United Center, the multimillion-dollar arena, which seats over 20,000.
Student Minister Ishmael R. Muhammad, Min. Farrakhan’s assistant at Mosque Maryam, the international headquarters of the Nation of Islam, said everything the Minister said would happen in 2011 came to pass, and “sets the stage for something even bigger to manifest in 2012.”
On the domestic front, racially tinged rhetoric is escalating as President Barack Obama seeks a second-term in office, and the wealth gap between the “haves and the have nots” is growing. Despite nice-sounding reassurances from the country’s financial leaders, Black people are slipping further behind.
“For Black people, we recognize now that we have to take a different direction. The direction that we have taken and the hope that was raised in having a Black man as president has not addressed the needs of our community and we are slipping further and further behind. So the economic program and blueprint of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad that the Minister will present Saviours’ Day is important for us as a people to examine and to look at because our survival is at stake,” said Mr. Muhammad.
Mr. Muhammad described 2012 as a “critical year” on the international front as well. Israel’s desire to obtain Western backing to attack the Islamic Republic of Iran has generated global concern, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains unresolved, American-led drone wars targeting Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia have continued as well as unrest in several Muslim countries. Minister Farrakhan is valuable to humanity because he is the only leader offering divine guidance boldly telling the world what God has revealed through scripture and what is prophesied to come, he said.
“When you are divinely guided, that is Minister Farrakhan’s value to Black people, to America and to the world who want to get a better perspective on what is happening, because of all of the world religious leaders or spiritual leaders and teachers—if you listen to them—they are not telling the people what is happening based upon the books that they teach the people from,” said Mr. Muhammad. “If you are not helping the people to see that what is written in The Gospels is being fulfilled, what is written in the Qur’an is being fulfilled, then of course, how can you expect them to show the people that the Book is actually alive and that what was prophesied is being fulfilled if they can’t see and understand the Scripture? That’s the value of a Louis Farrakhan.”
Student Minister Ava Muhammad, said she is looking forward to participating in this year’s workshops and plenary sessions. She is scheduled to be a panelist for the major plenary session titled “Business is Warfare: The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews.” Mrs. Muhammad said the Nation of Islam’s growth and development is measured by the tone of Minister Farrakhan’s messages, and the approach to the subjects examined by those participating in the workshops and sessions.
“We are now moving in a phase of the Nation of Islam’s growth where we are being able to utilize scientific methodology. Now that we know what is wrong with this world, now that we have been introduced to ‘God’ and introduced to ‘Self,’ Minister Farrakhan has now moved from a teacher to commander,” Ava Muhammad continued. “He is no longer—if we pay attention—dealing with persuading us to accept the Theology of the Teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.”
Mrs. Muhammad said the Minister has delivered the word so clearly that no one—especially Black people—at this point can say that they do not understand.
“So now it is a conscious choice that every individual will make as to whether they will accept their identity as ‘The Children of Israel,’ as the ‘Asiatic Black Man,’ the ‘Lost Members of the Tribe of Shabazz,” said Mrs. Muhammad. “We can either accept our identity now as the real Children of Israel or, we can reject that, and meet the fate of our slave masters and their children.”
Scheduling
Ademah Muhammad, Saviours’ Day 2012 Convention coordinator said he has worked with the members of the Nation of Islam’s executive council to make sure this year’s convention will be memorable for all who make the journey. The plenary sessions and workshops cover a variety of topics and will be held Feb. 24th and 25th at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, he added.
“The major plenary sessions during Saviours’ Day 2012 are going to be streamed live via the internet,” said Ademah Muhammad. “The workshops and plenary sessions are going to be awesome because of their relevance and the time we are living in,” he added.
One major plenary session titled “9/11:What Really Happened and Why?” will examine all angles of the events which took place on that day in 2001 and all that followed. America and its allies have invaded several countries using the events of 9/11 as a cover to curtail civil liberties at home and abroad. The recently signed 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by President Obama, opens the door to crackdown on political dissent. Islamophobia in America and Europe has reached dangerous levels. Members of Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth will be present to deliver their technical knowledge and experience to those at Saviours’ Day and watching throughout the world.
Last year, many enjoyed the Historic Bus Tour, which takes riders on a citywide sightseeing journey highlighting the Nation of Islam’s historical landmarks located throughout the city, including the opulent Mosque Maryam and the National House, where the leader of the Nation of Islam resides. Last year, there were two buses taking the tour, this year, four buses will be utilized for the sightseeing tour, and the seats are already sold out.
An annual favorite is Mother Khadijah Farrakhan’s Children’s Village, which is free for all children who register during Saviours’ Day. As always, those children who attend will have an opportunity to have their pictures taken with the First Lady of the Nation of Islam.
Additionally, dozens of entries from all across the United States are expected for the 2nd Annual Saviours’ Day Essay and Art Competition. This year’s theme for the competition is “My Idea of Heaven on Earth.” The first place winner of the essay contest will receive a Kindle reader and the winner of the art contest will receive a $200 cash prize. The winners will be announced during the Saviours’ Day weekend, and their work will appear in The Final Call.
Another very popular presentation at Saviours’ Day is the Nation of Islam’s Historical Exhibit containing documents, clothing and photos providing a rare glimpse into the storied history of the NOI. New “Table Talks” featuring recorded words directly from the mouth of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad will also be available during the weekend. The Table Talks Project is an oral history initiative to preserve and promote community-led research, preservation, and documentation of the Nation of Islam’s rich cultural legacy.
Last year, Minister Farrakhan announced to the world that he found something in the technology of auditing developed by Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Minister said, he believed auditing could be of use to the members of Nation of Islam in their efforts to become better Muslims while at the same time, increasing their ability to improve existing conditions within their communities. Hundreds of Nation of Islam members have become Certified Dianetics Auditors and many others have embarked on the journey to study other beneficial aspects of Scientology. National Student Auditing Department coordinator A’ishah Muhammad announced that on Feb. 24 a large graduation ceremony is planned for those who have completed the study course to become auditors.
Also on Feb. 24, later that evening, the stars come out as Newell Apparel presents “A Rising Woman: Giving Birth to a New Way of Life” fashion extravaganza. Seating is limited and tickets are available for $100, $65 and $35. The event takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom.
This year’s Drill Competition promises to be exciting as elite teams covering a variety of age groups engage in righteous competition displaying the discipline and precision that has for decades been the hallmark of the Nation of Islam’s Fruit of Islam and Muslim Girls’ Training and General Civilization Class. The drill competition will take place Feb. 25 at the Rosemont Theater, just a short walk from the Stephens Convention Center.
As always, the Vending Expo will be available throughout the entire conference with friendly hours and affordable deals on many goods and services that can only be found during Saviours’ Day.
(For more information including hotels, schedule, registration and tickets visit http://www.NOI.org/SD2012/)
