Book Review: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley

Dr. Javanshir Gadimov

Over two decades ago, I watched a film titled “Malcolm X” (1992), an autobiographical depiction that introduced me to this influential American black leader. The movie detailed his life, his association with the Nation of Islam, his introduction to true Islam, and ultimately, his tragic assassination at the age of 40. Since then, I’ve been intrigued by Malcolm X’s life. A few years back, I discovered an autobiographical book about Malcolm X’s life and promptly added it to my reading list. Now, having finally read it, I’m ready to share my thoughts.

In this blog post, I will share my perspectives and review of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” written by journalist and author Alex Haley, and narrated by Malcolm X himself. Stay tuned as we delve into the life and times of this remarkable figure.

“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley: A Review and Summary

“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” is a compelling narrative of one of America’s most renowned black leaders, Malcolm X. This book, which is an autobiography, was written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, with the aim of chronicling Malcolm X’s life. The book was successfully published posthumously in 1965, following Malcolm X’s assassination.

The book spans the entirety of Malcolm X’s life, from his childhood right up to his untimely death. In an unusually lengthy Epilogue, approximately 100 pages long, Alex Haley provides a detailed account of the process of writing this book, the final days of Malcolm X’s life, the events that transpired immediately after his death, and his burial. This foreword, which comprises about one-sixth of the 600-page book, imparts crucial information about Malcolm X to the reader.

Before we delve deeper into this review and summary, let’s take a moment to address a pertinent question.

Related post: Must-read: 50 best nonfiction books that will broaden your worldview

Who is Malcolm X?

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in 1925, was a prominent American black activist who was assassinated in 1965. He emerged as a significant figure in the early 1960s, during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States, advocating for equal rights and justice for the black community.

In his youth, Malcolm X committed a crime and was subsequently incarcerated. It was during his time in prison that he developed an interest in Islam. Upon his release in 1952, he joined the Nation of Islam, a black movement that asserted the superiority of the black race and advocated for their economic and social independence.

Malcolm X quickly rose to prominence within the movement, becoming one of its most influential speakers. He adopted the surname "X" to symbolize his original African surname, replacing "Little," a surname that harkened back to the era of slavery. During a period of escalating racist attacks against the black community, Malcolm X frequently appeared in the media, staunchly defending the rights of blacks to protect themselves.

Malcolm X, his wife, children and his close friend, the famous boxer Muhammad Ali.

In 1964, Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam and embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he adopted the name Al-Hajj Malik Al-Shahbaz. Following this transformative journey, he began to embrace a more traditional form of Islam, characterized by moderate and integrationist views. He shifted his approach to emphasize the importance of cooperation between whites and blacks.

Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965 during a meeting in New York. His death sent shockwaves through both the black and white communities. His autobiography, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X," co-authored with Alex Haley, is considered a seminal work that provides a comprehensive account of his life and philosophy. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this remarkable autobiography.

Insights from the Epilogue of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley

Alex Haley commences the epilogue by recounting his initial encounter with Malcolm X and the genesis of the autobiography. He narrates the evolution of their friendship and the shaping of the autobiography. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the transformation of Malcolm X’s life. He severs ties with the Nation of Islam, an organization he had once staunchly defended and of which he was a member. Subsequently, he establishes his own organization and embarks on a journey to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and several Muslim and African countries, culminating in a pilgrimage to Mecca. This journey precipitates radical changes in Malcolm X.

In one of their meetings, Haley recalls a poignant statement made by Malcolm X about the Islamic Community and its leader, Elijah Muhammad:

“I was going downhill until he picked me up, but the more I think of it, we picked each other up. ” (Alex Haley, Epilogue, p. 467)

Haley’s Epilogue is replete with significant quotes that provide a deeper understanding of Malcolm X’s life and philosophy:

“Malcolm X said that he had increased the Nation of Islam membership from about 400 when he had joined to around 40,000. "I don't think there were more than 400 in the country when I joined, I really don't. They were mostly older people, and many of them couldn't even pronounce Mr. Muhammad's name, and he stayed mostly in the background. ” (Alex Haley, Epilogue, p. 472)

"You know," he said once, "why I have been able to have some effect is because I make a study of the weaknesses of this country and because the more the white man yelps, the more I know I have struck a nerve.” (Alex Haley, Epilogue, p. 477)

"Malcolm X Died Broke "-that headline in Harlem's Amsterdam News came as a shock to many in the community. Few had reflected that Malcolm X, upon becoming a Black Muslim minister, had signed an oath of poverty, so that for twelve years he never acquired anything in his own name. (Somewhere I have read that Malcolm X in his Black Muslim days received about $175 weekly to cover his living and other expenses exclusive of travel.) "He left his four daughters and pregnant wife with no insurance of any kind, no savings, and no income," the Amsterdam News story said (Alex Haley, Epilogue, pp. 511-512)

These insights from the Epilogue not only set the stage for the autobiography but also offer a glimpse into the complex and transformative journey of Malcolm X. Stay tuned as we delve further into this remarkable autobiography.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X: A Journey from Tragedy to Redemption

The autobiography of Malcolm X is a riveting narrative that begins with his childhood. He paints a vivid picture of the family environment he was raised in, and the subsequent events that perhaps shaped his path towards becoming a black activist. A poignant quote about his father reads:

"...he had seen four of his six brothers die by violence, three of them killed by white men, including one by lynching. What my father could not know then was that of the remaining three, including himself, only one, my Uncle Jim, would die in bed, of natural causes. Northern white police were later to shoot my Uncle Oscar. And my father was finally himself to die by the white man's hands.” (p.2)

Following his father's death, Malcolm's family was torn apart. His mother was declared insane, and the children were taken away from her. They were placed in different families and homes under state supervision. Malcolm describes this experience as follows:

"Judge McClellan in Lansing had authority over me and all of my brothers and sisters. We were "state children, ' ' court wards; he had the full say-so over us. A white man in charge of a black man's children! Nothing but legal, modern slavery-however kindly intentioned " (p. 25)

One of the most striking aspects of his childhood was when he expressed his ambition to become a lawyer to his school teacher. The teacher tried to persuade him to become a carpenter instead, as the profession of a lawyer was deemed unacceptable for a black person at that time. Even attending university was a significant challenge. However, becoming a carpenter was seen as a more achievable goal. This incident was one of the defining moments of his childhood.

As Malcolm matured, he found himself immersed in a world vastly different from his childhood. He led a life filled with crime, alcohol, drug addiction, and robbery. He even had a romantic relationship with a married white woman. Malcolm provides detailed accounts of his participation in dance parties and involvement in what he refers to as scams. Eventually, his actions led him to prison.

This autobiography is a testament to Malcolm X's journey, a narrative filled with tragedy, redemption, and profound insights into the experiences of a black man in America.

Prison and the Islamic Community: Malcolm X’s Transformation

Malcolm X’s autobiography emphasizes the profound impact of every life event and experience on the formation of our personality. For Malcolm X, prison was a pivotal turning point in his life. It was in prison that he encountered the Islamic Community through his brother, gradually learning about Islam. In a sense, prison served as a school for Malcolm X, where he read extensively and gained a wealth of knowledge. This period laid the foundation for his future role as a great orator addressing the masses. He shares a memory from his prison days:

“It made me very proud, in some odd way. One of the universal images of the Negro, in prison and out, was that he couldn't do without pork. It made me feel good to see that my not eating it had especially startled the white convicts.

Later I would learn, when I had read and studied Islam a good deal, that, unconsciously, my first pre-Islamic submission had been manifested. I had experienced, for the first time, the Muslim teaching, "If you will take one step toward Allah - Allah will take two steps toward you.” (p. 181)

In his book, Malcolm X states that joining the movement known as the Nation of Islam, led by Elijah Muhammad, brought about significant changes in him. At this point, it’s worth delving into what this movement or organization represented.

What is the Nation of Islam?

The Nation of Islam, is a black movement that originated in the United States. Established in Detroit, Michigan in the 1930s, it aimed to defend the social and religious freedoms of black Americans. However, despite its name, it’s crucial to note that the movement is an independent belief system, distinct from traditional Islam. It emerged as a new religion that, in many ways, diverged significantly from true Islam.

The Nation of Islam propagated a doctrine of black supremacy and the belief that whites are evil. According to this teaching, black people are God’s original chosen people, and white people are an inferior race created by the “evil sciences”. Under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam expanded its reach, especially in the early 1960s, with influential figures such as Malcolm X. Malcolm X became one of the organization’s most influential speakers but later broke away and embraced true Islam.

In the 1970s, following the death of Elijah Muhammad, the movement experienced leadership crises and divisions due to differences of opinion within the organization. As a result of this split, some members gravitated towards more traditional Islamic beliefs and practices, while others continued to uphold the racist teachings of the Nation of Islam. This period marked a significant shift in the trajectory of the movement.

Malcolm X’s Perspective on the Nation of Islam

What kind of movement was the Nation of Islam, and how did it influence Malcolm X? In his autobiography, Malcolm X provides insight into his experiences with the movement. Let’s delve into some excerpts.

“I never had seen any Christian-believing Negroes conduct themselves like the Muslims, the individuals and the families alike. The men were quietly, tastefully dressed. The women wore ankle-length gowns, no makeup, and scarves covered their heads. The neat children were mannerly not only to adults but to other children as well.” (p. 224)

“The salutations which we all exchanged were warm, filled with mutual respect and dignity: "Brother" . . . "Sister" . . . "Ma'am" . . . "Sir. " Even children speaking to other children used these terms. Beautiful!” (p. 224)

"...they would come to hear me, yet wouldn't join Mr. Muhammad. Any fornication was absolutely forbidden in the Nation of Islam. Any eating of the filthy pork, or other injurious or unhealthful foods; any use of tobacco, alcohol, or narcotics. No Muslim who followed Elijah Muhammad could dance, gamble, date, attend movies, or sports, or take long vacations from work. Muslims slept no more than health required. Any domestic quarreling, any discourtesy, especially to women, was not allowed. No lying or stealing, and no insubordination to civil authority, except on the grounds of religious obligation.

Our moral laws were policed by our Fruit of Islam-able, dedicated, and trained Muslim men. Infractions resulted in suspension by Mr. Muhammad, or isolation for various periods, or even expulsion for the worst offenses "from the only group that really cares about you."” (p. 255)

Although it was called the Nation of Islam, this organization had little in common with true Islam, apart from its name. For instance, they referred to their leader Elijah as the messenger of Allah. In Islam, the last messenger and prophet is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The beliefs of this organization were a blend of Islam and Christianity. When their leader Elijah took the stage, he held the Bible in one hand and the Quran in the other. Some of their beliefs are neither found in Islam nor would they be acceptable in Islam.

Malcolm X’s Realization: The Nation of Islam vs. True Islam

When news surfaced that Elijah, the leader of the Nation of Islam, had multiple secretaries and even fathered children with them, Malcolm X sought to justify his leader’s actions. He turned to the holy books, the Bible and the Qur’an, for this justification. However, his interpretations, as he admits in his autobiography, were misguided and stemmed from a distorted understanding of Islam:

“Wallace Muhammad helped me to review the Quran and the Bible for documentation. David's adultery with Bathsheba weighed less on history's scales, for instance, than the positive fact of David's killing Goliath. Thinking of Lot, we think not of incest, but of his saving the people from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Or, our image of Noah isn't of his getting drunk-but of his building the ark and teaching people to save themselves from the flood. We think of Moses leading the Hebrews from bondage, not of Moses' adultery with the Ethiopian women. In all of the cases I reviewed, the positive outweighed the negative.” (p. 343)

IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s important to note that these interpretations are based on misinformation and ignorance of Islamic institutions, and are influenced by a distorted interpretation of the Bible. 

Malcolm X’s understanding of the Nation of Islam’s divergence from true Islam became clear when he visited Islamic countries and Mecca. He confesses:

“Imagine, being a Muslim minister, a leader in Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam, and not knowing the prayer ritual.” (p. 375)

In Mecca, Malcolm X was received by King Faisal. Many were intrigued by the fact that a black American had become a Muslim and made the pilgrimage to Mecca. King Faisal shared his opinion about the Nation of Islam organization with Malcolm X:

“Prince Faisal had read Egyptian writers' articles about the American "Black Muslims. " "If what these writers say is true, the Black Muslims have the wrong Islam,'' he said.” (p.400)

The Rapid Growth of the Nation of Islam with Malcolm X

“During a conversational lull, I asked Mr. Muhammad how many Muslims were supposed to be in our Temple Number One in Detroit.

He said, “There are supposed to be thousands.”

"Yes, sir, "I said. "Sir, what is your opinion of the best way of getting thousands there?”

"Go after the young people, " he said. "Once you get them, the older ones will follow through shame.”

I made up my mind that we were going to follow that advice.” (p. 228)

Malcolm X also describes their method of recruiting new members, which they referred to as “fishing”:

"I had either originally established or organized for Mr. Mhammad most of the represented temples. Greeting each of these Temples' brother ministers would bring back into my mind images of “fishing" for converts along the streets and from door-to-door wherever the black people were congregated. I remembered the countless meetings in living rooms where maybe seven would be a crowd; the gradually building, building-on up to renting folding chairs for dingy little storefronts which Muslims scrubbed to spotlessness." (p. 287)

Malcolm X achieves what he set out to do. The Nation of Islam organization grows rapidly in membership. I took the following interesting quotes from the book about how much they grew:

"Our mass rallies, from their very beginning, were astounding successes. Where once Detroit's struggling little Temple One proudly sent a ten-automobile caravan to Chicago to hear Mr. Muhammad.” (p. 284)

"Hundreds more Muslims and curious Negroes drove their own cars. And Mr. Muhammad with his personal jet plane from Chicago. " (p. 285)

"America had never seen such fantastic all-black meetings! To hear Elijah Muhammad, up to ten thousand and more black people poured from public and private transportation to overflow the big halls we rented, such as the St. Nicholas Arena in New York City, Chicago's Coliseum, and Washington, D.C.'s Uline Arena." (p. 285)

"Many hundreds arrived too late for us to seat them. We always had to wire up outside loudspeakers. An electric atmosphere excited the great, shifting masses of black people. The long lines, three and four abreast, funneling to the meeting hall, were kept in strict order by Fruit of Islam men communicating by walkie-talkie. In anterooms just inside the halls, more Fruit of Islam men and white-gowned, veiled mature Muslim sisters thoroughly searched every man, woman, and child seeking to enter. Any alcohol and tobacco had to be checked, and any objects which could possibly be used to attempt to harm Mr. Muhammad. He always seemed deathly afraid that someone would harm him, and he insisted that everyone be searched to forestall this. Today I understand better, why." (pp. 285-286)

"For the first time, I truly understood something Mr. Muhammad had told me: he claimed that when he was going through the sacrificial trials of fleeing the black hypocrites from city to city, Allah had often sent him visions of great audiences who would one day hear the teachings; and Mr. Muhammad said the visions also buoyed him when he was locked up for years in the white man's prison." (p. 288)

"Mr. Muhammad would be rapidly moving along up a center aisle from the rear-as once he had entered our humble little mosques-this man whom we regarded as Islam's gentle, meek, brown-skinned Lamb. Stalwart, striding, close-cropped, hand picked Fruit of Islam guards were a circle surrounding him. He carried his Holy Bible, his holy Quran. The small, dark pillbox atop his head was gold-embroidered with Islam's flag, the sun, moon, and stars. The Muslims were crying out their adoration and their welcome. "Little Lamb! " "As-Salaam-Alaikum! " "Praise be to Allah!" (p. 290)

The Nation of Islam, as an organization, initiated its own newspaper, established schools and a university, and even began constructing its own living spaces. In many ways, it succeeded in creating a unique lifestyle for Black people in America. Of course, this required funding, and the primary purpose of their meetings was to raise funds.

“Standing up there, flailing my arms, finally I could quiet the audiences as Fruit of Islam ushers began to pass along the seating rows the large, waxed paper buckets we used to take up the collection. I would speak.” (p. 294)

“The white man would love to support Mr. Elijah Muham mad. Because if Mr. Muhammad had to rely on his support, he could advise Mr. Muhammad. My black brothers and sisters, it is only because your money, black money, supports Mr. Muhammad, that he can hold these all-black meetings from city to city, telling us black men the truth! That's why we are asking for your all-black support! ” (p. 295) 

Malcolm X narrates the following story about the school, the university, and the fundraising to build a multi-million dollar website. In essence, a congregation of 400 people evolves into an organization managing a multi-million dollar fortune.

“In 1961 , our Nation flourished. Our newspaper Muhammad Speaks ' full back page carried an architect's drawing of a $20 million Islamic Center proposed to be built in Chicago. Every Muslim was making personal financial contribution toward the Center. It would include a beautiful mosque, school, library, and hospital, and a museum documenting the black man's glorious history. Mr. Muhammad visited the Muslim countries, and upon his return he directed that we would begin calling our temples "mosques.””(pp. 302-303)

“In Detroit and Chicago, school-age Muslim children attended our two Universities of Islam-through high school in Chicago, and through junior high in Detroit. Starting from kindergarten, they learned of the black man's glorious history and from the third grade they studied the black man's original language, Arabic.” (p. 303)

How and by whom was the Nation of Islam founded?

The Nation of Islam, emerged so mysteriously that even today, it is not known who founded the organization or how it mysteriously disappeared. Malcolm X shares what he knows about the founder of this organization and its establishment.

"Among the Negroes whom he found most receptive, he began holding little meetings in their poor homes. The man taught both the Quran and the Bible, and his students included Elijah Poole.

This man said his name was W. D. Fard. He said that he was born in the Koreish tribe of Muhammad ibn Abdullah, the Arabian prophet Himself. This peddler of silks and yard goods, Mr. W. D. Fard, knew the Bible better than any of the Christian bred Negroes.

In the essence, Mr. W. D. Fard taught that God's true name was Allah, that His true religion was Islam, that the true name for that religion's people was Muslims." (p. 238)

“The black people, God's children, were Gods themselves, Master Fard taught. And he taught that among them was one, also a human being like the others, who was the God of Gods: The Most, Most High, The Supreme Being, supreme in wisdom and power-and His proper name was Allah.

Among his handful of first converts in 1931 in Detroit, Master W. D . Fard taught that every religion says that near the Last Day, or near the End of Time, God would come, to resurrect the Lost Sheep, to separate them from their enemies, and restore them to their own people. Master Fard taught that Prophecy referred to this Finder and Savior of the Lost Sheep as The Son of Man, or God in Person, or The Lifegiver, The Redeemer, or The Messiah, who would come as lightning from the East and appear in the West. 

He was the One to whom the Jews referred as The Messiah, the Christians as The Christ, and the Muslims as The Mahdi.(p. 239)

The rift between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad and his departure from the organization

Elijah Muhammed and Malcolm X

Over time, Malcolm X becomes so renowned for his statements, speeches, and outbursts that his fame surpasses the organization of which he is a member. Naturally, this bothers their leader, Elijah Muhammad, but he doesn’t show it. Malcolm X exhibits blind loyalty to him. The following words describe this situation more accurately:

"Mr. Muhammad-each time I 'd go to see him in Chicago, or in Phoenix-would warm me with his expressions of his approval and confidence in me. He left me in charge of the Nation of Islam's affairs when he made an Omra pilgrimage to the Holy City Mecca. I believed so strongly in Mr. Muhammad that I would have hurled myself between him and an assassin.” (p. 330)

"He was The Messenger of Allah. When I was a foul, vicious convict, so evil that other convicts had called me Satan, this man had rescued me. He was the man who had trained me, who had treated me as if I were his own flesh and blood. He was the man who had given me wings" (p. 344)

However, we then witness a drastic shift in these views, particularly after Elijah’s affairs with multiple women come to light. This revelation leads to a falling out between Malcolm X and Elijah. Subsequently, Malcolm X is expelled from the organization. There are even suggestions that Elijah or his organization may have been involved in Malcolm X’s assassination due to this conflict.

"But around 1963, if anyone had noticed, I spoke less and less of religion. I taught social doctrine to Muslims, and current events, and politics. I stayed wholly off the subject of morality. And the reason for this was that my faith had been shaken in a way that I can never fully describe. For I had discovered Muslims had been betrayed by Elijah Muhammad himself. (p. 339)

"I looked up, and I talked with three of the former secretaries to Mr. Muhammad. From their own mouths, I heard their stories of who had fathered their children. And from their own mouths I heard that Elijah Muhammad had told them I was the best, the greatest minister he ever had, but that someday I would leave him, turn against him-so I was "dangerous. " I learned from these former secretaries of Mr. Muhammad that while he was praising me to my face, he was tearing me apart behind my back." (pp. 342-343)

"I still struggled to persuade myself that Mr. Muhammad had been fulfilling prophecy. Because I actually had believed that if Mr. Muhammad was not God, then he surely stood next to God.

What began to break my faith was that, try as I might, I couldn't hide, I couldn't evade, that Mr. Muhammad, instead of facing what he had done before his followers, as a human weakness or as fulfillment of prophecy-which I sincerely believe that Muslims would have understood, or at least they would have accepted Mr. Muhammad had, instead, been willing to hide, to cover up what he had done. That was my major blow." (s. 353)

Malcolm X’s autobiography is interesting in many ways. First, it provides insight into the rights and situation of black people in the US during Malcolm X’s lifetime. Secondly, it discusses the establishment, growth, and development of an organization called the Nation of Islam, which was founded by black people and is unrelated to Islam. This is another intriguing topic. In addition to all this, the autobiography narrates the journey of a black US citizen who emerged from a life mired in drugs, crime, theft, and prostitution, endured imprisonment, joined an organization, and then discovered true Islam and visited Mecca. All these elements make it an autobiography worth reading.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X (As Told to Alex Haley)

Publisher: Ballantine Books

New York

1992

Pages: 527

“Finally, the trailer of the 1992 autobiographical movie ‘Malcolm X’, starring Denzel Washington, which I mentioned at the beginning of this article.