Judge United Nation of Islam By Its Works
Commentary by Steve Nicely
The Kansas City Star
Crime and drugs still exist on Quindaro Boulevard, but not as much as before the United Nation of Islam began teaching central-city children and adults to "do right" and embrace a healthful, civilized way of life.
The lessons are taught in classrooms and learned by working in several businesses created from the shells of mostly vacant shops. No one gets paid at United Nation of Islam Establishments, as far as I know.
That's not the normal approach in this capitalistic, profit-oriented society. It causes some to wonder what motivated people to act that way. Is it to attract membership to a group founded by a man called Solomon, the spiritual leader who claims to be Allah, the Supreme Being?
Whatever its motivations, the United Nation of Islam, headquartered near Washington, D.C., appears to embrace society, not retreat from it.
Business operated by the United Nation of Islam are open to the public. Its members seek to become part of the community.
Solomon, Allah in Person
"Those skills and businesses are the means to a higher goal - the salvation of a distressed community and its people. Saved from what and for whom? From bigotry, poverty, drugs, crime, ignorance, apathy, unhealthy lifestyles - all those things. For whom? Solomon? Themselves? Who Knows, but who can argue with the results so far?" - Steve Nicely
The First Annual Independence Day Unity Festival last weekend was an example. With more than 30 booths and attractions, the festival was an attempt by members to reach out, not pullback.
Choosing a lifestyle of sacrifice and learning for the sake of others may seem extreme, but it's not uncommon, especially among religion. An example is the nursing ministry of the Sister Servants of Mary at 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kan.
It is questionable whether the United Nation of Islam is a religion at all. Its teachings seem more akin to practical guides for healthy living than religious doctrines.
For example, members don't use tobacco because it causes cancer. They avoid harmful chemical preservatives. They address others with courtesy to avoid conflict.
Their teachings are common-place lessons of life. Other skills are equally practical: United Nation of Islam volunteers learn how to grow wheat organically on a farm; how to harvest it and grind it into flour; package it, truck it to Wyandotte County; use it to bake bread and rolls and sell them.
Once learned, the skills will remain with the volunteers wherever they go. It's a good way to develop respect for the environment, for others and for themselves.
Does that sound like a religion? If so, it's different than most, and it certainly doesn't seem threatening.
Notice, I'm making ample use of the qualifier "seems" and have avoided making definitive statements. I am not an expert on the United Nation of Islam, but I've watched its members with curiosity, interviewed them and written about them.
There is an truism, "By their works you shall know them," that is a good yardstick for measuring motives.
For the past three or four years, the United Nation of Islam has produced its "works" in full public view.
They include a market and bakery, a diner, service station, thrift shop, variety store, TV repair service and building renovations.
Those skills and businesses are the means to a higher goal - the salvation of a distressed community and its people.
Saved from what and for whom? From bigotry, poverty, drugs, crime, ignorance, apathy, unhealthy lifestyles - all those things.
For whom? Solomon? Themselves?
Who Knows, but who can argue with the results so far?
