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eae ats, a be one Tok 24 in a $: E t Fy) Sgt ei H¥ 10 «0999 NATION OF ISLAM {NoT) also knewn as Muslim Cult of Islam, Muhammad's Temples of Islam In January, 1957, a source advised that ELIJAR MUHAMMAD had described his organization on a nationwide basis as the "Nation of Islam" and “Muhammad's Temples of Islam.’ On May 11, 1959, another source advised that the NOI is an all-Negro organization which was originally organized in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, MUHAMMAD, ites present national leader, claims to have been selected by ALLAH, the Supreme Being, to lead the so-called Negro race out of slavery in the wilderness of North America by establishing an independent black nation in the United States. Members following MUHAMMAD'S teachings and his interpretation of the “Koran” believe there is no such thing / as a Negro; that the so-called Negroes are slaves of the white race, referred to aa "white devils," in the United States; and that the white race, because of its exploitation ef the so-called Negroes, must and will be destroyed in the approaching “War of Armageddon." In the past, officials and members of the NOT, including MUHAMMAD, have refused to register under the provisions of the Selective Service Acts and have declared that members owe no allegiance te the United States, On May 5, 1958, the first source related that MUHAMMAD, upon advise of legal counsel], had tempered his personal etatementa and instructions to hie ministers concerning the principles of his organization in order to avoid possible prosecution by the United States Government. However, he did not indicate any fundamental changes in the teachings of his organization, ; On May 8, 1959, another source reported that MUHAMMAD early in July, 1958, had decided to de-emphasize the religious aspects of the teachings of Islam and to stress the economic benefits to be derived by the NegroeB whe joined the NOI. This policy change, according to MUHAMMAD, would help him to acquire additional follewers and create more interest in his programs. qu 2 5 « re Rh oes er i i a