#RememberMalcolm through art
Al-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz (hafidhullah), better known as Malcolm X, inspired me in many ways. Going through the countless documentaries, speeches, interview and articles I am mesmerized by his presence, his speech and his convinction. Though I don’t agree with everything he did, there are so many lessons Muslims can learn from him today. Here are three aspects of his life that are beneficial for all of us.
The truth
How he was reborn after his Hajj, and also initiated a change in his vision of Islam. How his pursuit for the ultimate Truth (Islam) and his conviction in it, led him to turn his back to those he considered to be his brothers (Nation of Islam) for a long time.
Fearless
His understanding of this life and the Afterlife to speak truth whenever wherever, which made him so fearless in his mission.
I am a man who believed that I died 20 years ago, and I live like a man who is dead already. I have no fear, whatsoever, of anybody or anything
—Malcolm X
Hope and purpose
And how his story reminds me that of the life of the companion of the Prophet ﷺ, Umar al-Farooq (ra). From hating Islam, to entering it, and ultimately becoming the Caliph, as one of the most prominent people in his respective times. An example for the Ummah of today that Allah (swt)’s ways are unimaginable. Never lose hope. Know that each one of us has a purpose, inshaAllah.
Call to artists worldwide
In a time where Malcolm X is limited to quotes and memes, this artwork is a humble tribute based on my own limited knowledge of a great 20th century role model for Muslims. I hope through this artwork I can contribute to people wanting to know more about Al-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz.
With the 50th anniversary of his assassination on the 21st of February 2015, Ummah Wide and I want to call artists to share their artworks about Malcolm X and how he has inspired them. Paintings, writing, spoken word, videos, digital designs, anything creative.
This way we hope to #RememberMalcolm
About the author
Qasim Arif is an artist under the name ILLM, whose work is inspired by the traditional Arabic styles of calligraphy and the art of graffiti. The street-art inspired work has also been published in the critically acclaimed Arabic Graffiti book, which was an international success and remains the standard work on the topic. His artworks have been exhibited in London, Detroit, Dubai, Rotterdam and Berlin amongst others. Visit: www.illm.co
He also runs Statiq Designs, a creative agency specialized in branding and print design. Some of his clients include Ministry of Commerce in Oman, Islamic Relief, Red Bull and Texas A&M at Qatar University.
Visit www.statiqdesigns.com
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