THE BLACK MUSLIMS IN AMERICA

by C. Eric Lincoln ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 19, 1961

An intensive social study of a threatening thundercloud, the separatist, protest group which may be little known but today numbers 100,000 adherents and is claimed to be the fastest growing sect in America. Gordon Allport, in his introduction, points out the dangers of this frightening, rather Nietzschean faith, its dichotomy that white is evil- non-white good, and the rationale which makes any kind of integration inadmissible: the day of the white man has- or soon will have- passed. Lincoln's documented investigation of the Muslims show who they are- originally migrants from the South- now the ""dis-privileged"", young, male, ex-Christian, anti-Christian, and anti-Semitic. Their antecedents, earlier prophets (Garvey, primarily), teachings, tenets (complete separation- economic as well), forceful leader, Muhammad, publications and recruiting efforts: the tensions outside the group, and inside; and the goal- to be accepted as a legitimate sect of orthodox Islam; and finally the broader implications of a dynamic, racist organization such as this-is surveyed here and supported with extensive data.... Over and above occasional magazine material, this present-day phenomenon has received little attention- and a study such as this should have a real, cautionary value, while also providing needed background and evaluation.

Pub Date: April 19, 1961

ISBN: 0802807038

Page Count: -

Publisher: Beacon

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1961

Categories: NONFICTION