The Final Call

Munir Muhammad - ‘He proved his love for his teacher’

By Starla Muhammad -Managing Editor- | Last updated: Jul 23, 2019 - 9:11:07 AM

What's your opinion on this article?

Community honors a friend, brother and trailblazer

Munir Muhammad’s daughter Aginah, wife Aminah, and son Jamil at memorial service held July 15 at the House of Hope in Chicago. Photos: Haroon Rajaee

“What is with you passes away and what is with Allah is enduring. And We shall certainly give to those who are patient their reward for the best of what they did. Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We shall certainly make him live a good life, and We shall certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.”    —Holy Qur’an, Surah 16 (Al-Nahl: The Bee) Versus 96-97

Min. Farrakhan speaks at memorial for Munir Muhammad July 15 in Chicago.

CHICAGO—The public memorial and homegoing service for Munir Muhammad was a fitting reflection of what he represented in life—family, community and friendships in all walks of life. Hundreds gathered at House of Hope to share reflections on the life of Muhammad, co-founder and business manager of the Coalition for the Remembrance of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad (CROE), an educational and media repository and institution dedicated to the legacy and teachings of the Nation of Islam patriarch. (See Final Call Vol. 38, No. 42)

Though the sadness at the loss of a great community leader, powerful Black voice and friend was evident, there were moments of laughter and levity as mourners shared stories of Munir Muhammad’s blunt talk, affable demeanor and wise-cracking humor at the July 15 service. He passed away July 9 at age 69.

Those that came to pay honor and respects included Rev. Jesse Jackson, former Cook County Board President and former Chicago Alderman Todd Stroger, actor Harry Lennix, activist and former Chicago Alderman Dorothy Tillman, Prince Asiel Ben Israel of the Hebrew Israelite Community, Wasim Muhammad and Muslims of Muhammad’s Temple No. 12 in Camden, New Jersey, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and members of the Nation of Islam and members of CROE.

Dr. Aginah Muhammad shared reflections on learning much from her father including effectively negotiating business deals and the rich history of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and Nation of Islam. “My father always tried to teach me with every interaction. Now I will admit that there were times that I didn’t think that he understood me, but he would often say, ‘Aginah, I know you better than you know yourself,’” she shared.

(CW from left) Jamil Muhammad; Prince Asiel Ben Israel was among speakers who paid tribute to Munir Muhammad; Rev. Jesse Jackson; CROE co-founders Halif Muhammad and Shahid Muslim at memorial service.

Munir Muhammad with his sons Carlos Muhammad (left) and Jamil Muhammad (right). Photo: Courtesy of CROE