In Memoriam - Sister Mashala Muhammad (July 26, 1951 – May 3, 2008)

"Funny, but one week before my mom passed, she talked about writing her memoirs - and I guess that was my mother. She has a little better grasp on the subtleties and a little less grip on the way things worked in the real world. So, I sit here laughing and crying at the same time. And, I guess we'll all just have to write her memoirs for her with both the experiences we shared with her and the reflection of her in experiences to come. I love you ma." ~ James Muhammad


Dear Believers,
It is in the spirit of compassionate consideration and with the prayer that Allah's grace and mercy be extended to every believer in this time of trial that we inform you that Sister Mashala Muhammad, the wife of Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad, returned to Allah on May 3, 2008. May Allah be pleased with her. On December 28th 2007, Sis. Mashala checked into Provident Hospital for surgery to repair a recurring stomach ulcer. When complications with the surgery caused her to require another procedure, a cancer was detected. The complications from the initial two surgeries left no option for a third surgery to attempt to remove the cancer.
In mid-April of 2008, by the grace of Allah, she returned home in her final days to the care of her husband and family. On April 27th, she enjoyed her last full day with family and friends. She expressed her one fear – that some would worry as to whether she was at peace. She wants everyone to know that she is absolutely "at peace." Further, as a final message, on April 26th, she told me that she wanted all the believers (especially the sisters) to know that she is an advocate for the natural way – that is natural fibers for garments, natural hair care, and natural, whole foods. Sis. Mashala is survived by her husband, her father, nine children, nine grandchildren, as well as many, many other friends, family members, and loved ones. If it pleases Allah, her 10th grandchild Aaliyah Mashala Muhammad will be born later this month.

We thank Allah and appreciate the prayers and well wishes of each and every believer. For those who might want to know how they can help, please consider giving to help someone in need or contributing to the 3-Year Economic Program of the Nation of Islam. Sis. Mashala dedicated her life to the service of others and literally gave everything she had to help those in need and toward furthering the mission of the Nation of Islam. This is the legacy she wanted to leave – a legacy of service to others and faith that Allah's Promise is true. More information on funeral services and a memorial weblog will be forth-coming.
Remember, each moment spent with each believer is a precious gift. May Allah continue to bless and keep you and your families. (Surah 6, Verses 162-166)
Sincerely,

Bro. James M. Muhammad


Note: It's not that we wish to put Hallmark or American Greetings out of business, but they will not donate one cent toward establishing a safe and secure homeland for the Lost-Found Nation of Islam in the West, where we can provide for the needs of ourselves and our people. So, cards are wonderful, but I know what my mom would have wanted. Her primary concerns were the maintenance and care for her husband and home, the stability of her children and helping the Honorable Louis Farrakhan in this mission. She would smile to know that each person reading this paid a little bit more into the building of our Nation through one of the programs or that you took the time to consider the poor brother or sister in the street who doesn't know his or her place in the world.

Last Word:

"We may be sad for a moment, but let the more enduring emotion be one of quiet strength. Be possessed of an undying resolve to do God's will through all the trial and tribulation with faith in knowing that the righteous will be successful. Let her legacy of giving continue with you. And, let that be the way you honor Sister Mashala. She has returned to that Eternal Mind from which we all sprang and will one day return."
The Holy Qur'an says,

"He is the First and the Last and the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is Knower of all things. He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, and He is established on the Throne of Power. He knows that which goes down into the earth and that which comes forth out of it, and that which comes down from heaven and that which goes up to it. And, He is with you wherever you are. And Allah is Seer of what you do. His is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and to Allah are (all) affairs returned. He causes night to pass into day and day to pass into night. And He is Knower of what is in the hearts. Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and spend of that whereof He has made you heirs. So those of you who believe and spend - for them is a great reward. Surah 57, verse 3-7