Tribe of Shabazz

Lore & Background

According to the Nation of Islam, the Tribe of Shabazz was the sole survivor of thirteen tribes that existed on Earth 66 trillion years ago. After a rogue scientist destroyed the planet, splitting off the moon, the other tribes perished. The Tribe of Shabazz relocated to the Nile valley of Egypt and then to Mecca in Arabia. It was a technologically advanced society, but one faction moved into unoccupied areas of Central Africa to become hardened, evolving Negroid features over time. Malcolm X stated in a 1962 speech that Shabazz took his family into the African jungles, where living in a rough climate changed their appearance, making their hair stiff.

Reader's Guide

The Tribe of Shabazz holds significance within the Nation of Islam as a foundational myth explaining the origins of black people and the creation of the white race through a scientist named Yakub, a member of the Meccan branch of the tribe. The concept, found in the writings of Wallace Fard Muhammad and Elijah Muhammad, was popularized by Malcolm X, who adopted the surname Shabazz in 1949, believing himself a descendant. The name's etymology is uncertain, possibly related to Arabic words meaning 'a people' and 'to be mighty,' or to the Persian name Shahbaz meaning 'royal falcon.' Karl Evanzz has connected the name to locations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including a temple of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The tribe's legacy endures as a symbol of black identity and resistance within the movement.

Did You Know?

• The Tribe of Shabazz is said to have been the only survivor of thirteen tribes after a rogue scientist blew up the planet 66 trillion years ago.
• Malcolm X used the surname Shabazz from 1949 because he believed himself to be a descendant of the tribe.
• The name may be related to the Persian name Shahbaz, meaning 'royal falcon' or 'eagle.'
• Karl Evanzz has speculated that the name Shabazz is common in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and connected it to Fard's alleged places of birth.