As-Salaam-Alaikum:

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

I bear witness that there is no God but He and

Muhammad is His Messenger.

Dear Believers,

            Last year Brother Cedric answered a question from me and here is his response. “At your bedside you asked me, ‘Brother, did I do this to myself?’ I did not feel you had 100% done this to yourself but I knew how hard you had been pushing prior to going into the hospital, and knew this may have contributed to your health problems.  So I answered by saying ‘Well…’ while nodding my head and body from side to side to indicate the idea of ’sort of’, ‘maybe,’ or ‘yes and no.’ In addition, since I am not a doctor I knew I was not qualified to diagnose your condition or determine what impact you had on yourself.

“After I gave this answer you looked at me with a smirk or half smile - which showed you did not fully accept what I was telling you, and you said, ‘I did this to myself.’

“On the morning of Saturday, February 24, 2007 Brother Jabril was the best we had seen him.  He was joking, laughing and smiling.  He slept for six hours and recognized, for the first time, that he was no longer in ICU. We talked a bit some more, as we looked after him and in between tests, which included a walk down the hall by a physical therapist to a window overlooking downtown Phoenix.  He seemed to enjoy it (even laughing) when I showed him what aspects of the physical therapy he did not do so well on, and the basic questions he did not answer too well. 

“We practiced the right movements and the right answers together. 

For the first time, I saw that excited, inquisitive and curious look he normally gets on his face when he is learning something new.  He seemed fascinated (later on the morning of February 26th, Brother Jabril would actually use that word twice, telling the medical personnel that this entire experience was ‘fascinating to me,’ as he put it.)

“It was clear to me that you did not literally or intentionally harm yourself.  I knew you did not mean that by your question, ‘Brother, did I do this to myself?’ ”

Many months later, in a discussion with Brother Cedric he said, with reference to a comment, that I made, while I was in the hospital, “I knew that the great effort and energy that you placed into getting Closing The Gap and the final edition of Is It Possible That The Honorable Elijah Muhammad Is Still Physically Alive??? out, to the public, was extraordinary, very grueling, and physically taxing.  The word ‘arduous’ comes to mind which means (according to yourdictionary.com): difficult to do; laborious; onerous, using much energy; strenuous; steep; hard to climb.”

“So, in that context, the answer to your question to me, ‘Brother, did I do this to myself?‘ could have been yes.  Although I am not a doctor, I knew that the stress could have been a contributing factor.’ ”

What caused my hospitalization on February 18, 2007? What can be learned from my experience? First, the diagnosis of my condition was “Hemorrhagic Stroke; Hypertension and Conduction Aphasia.” More on this later.

I was determined to finish that book, Closing The Gap, in March 2006, by the help of Allah, and to complete it before the ending of 2006. I was obligated to take a rest for myself. I didn’t. As soon as possible I was determined, by Allah’s help, to put out the 4th edition, of Is It Possible That The Honorable Elijah Muhammad Is Still Physically Alive??? That printing contained the letter of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad pertaining to his future beyond 1975. It contained the response of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to that letter. I thought to add it at the end of “More Of The Vision.” I had mentioned this in previous articles. But I could not do it. I didn’t rest. I’ll explain. It may help others.

I was planning to make this book (Closing the Gap) available, by the help of Allah, containing the profound and insightful answers to critical questions, for the followers of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and others (the public) for several years.

I first thought of this book in the late eighties. Many events came up. Problems increased. A few were solved. Illness happened. But that thought persisted. The need was still there. My efforts were reduced from the time I was poisoned leading to a heart attack. That affected my effort to do what I could to help Minister Farrakhan in his efforts to carry out his mission.

My views are that of a follower of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad ever since 1955, and now under the leadership of Minister Farrakhan. By the start of 2006, I was reduced to working on two books, the weekly articles in The Final Call, responding to letters of Brothers in the prisons, and a few Believers.  That was the limit of what I could do, at that time.

I am of those who are aware that we all are living in that most dangerous time since time began. I have done my utmost to help my Brother, Minister Farrakhan, in his mission, and to help others to help him. Then one day four doctors told me that I was all but “out of here,” in December 2005. You may read the words of the doctors in my public statement at www.cuttingedgeknowledge.org.

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In 1960 I heard these words: “Whenever you want to do good in this old wicked world, you are always tried to see if you really want to do it.”

The above words were spoken by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, in what was then called, Muhammad Temple #2, Chicago, Illinois, in the spring of 1960. I was among those in the audience when he spoke these insightful words, forty-eight years ago. These words expresses a profound principle, rooted ultimately, in the law of the creation, of the first life and life since then.

One Sunday, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad came to teach on the subject: “The Lost Sheep.” At the outset, he told us not to respond to any points by clapping and the like since he was going to turn on his tape recorder at some point, for he intended that section of his speech to be aired later, on his radio program.

He got into it. It was deep, beautiful and inspiring. At a certain moment he reached down to turn on the tape recorder. Somehow the tape got tangled up. He looked so disgusted. Brother John Ali, the then National Secretary, came to his rescue. As he was fixing the problem, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad stated the words, I’d quoted from him, which I here repeat: “Whenever you want to do good in this old wicked world, you are always tried to see if you really want to do it.”

In Closing The Gap, and in countless other ways, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, day by day, follows that principle. We would do likewise, if we follow him, in the same spirit—the spirit of Allah.

In Closing The Gap here are a few of my words, that was part of a question I asked Minister Farrakhan: “In August 1961, we attended a Minister’s Conference, during which the Honorable Elijah Muhammad said: “Some come to believe only but for a short time.” You’ve covered many times how we can become un-stunted and really make real progress, after our misunderstanding, which is implied in your great assignment from God and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad to you.

Minister Farrakhan said, in part, that the Holy Qur’an says:

“And if good befalls them, they say: ‘This is from Allah’; and if a misfortune befalls them, they say: ‘This is from thee.’ Say: ‘All is from Allah. But what is the matter with these people that they make no effort to understand anything?’ ” (4:78)

“What is the matter with you that you help not one another?” (37:25)

This was on July 10, 2002.

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In March 2006 I had an experience that was more than a dream. It is stated in Closing The Gap, page 326, but a paragraph was cut out of it, that tells the reader what I did that led to the production of Closing The Gap.

I am touching what promoted my efforts to produce the first of two books in that year—2006.

             Jabril Muhammad: Dear Brother Minister, to reiterate, I don’t remember the exact date when you and your party were in Cuba when I had an experience that I have mentioned to you twice. It seemed like it was very short. I woke up in it. It was maybe 5:30am when I woke up; when I knew I had just seen the Honorable Elijah Muhammad as clear as day. In the scene he was more to my left. I saw you. You were somewhat less clear and a little below the middle of the scene and somewhat towards the right. Almost simultaneously I heard what seemed to me to be a contingent, I wouldn’t say troops, but a small contingent or body of troops coming from over towards the upper right. That’s where their sound came from.

Then the Honorable Elijah Muhammad said to me, “They are coming for me in him.” Immediately, I knew he was referring to you. I woke up and the scene was still there. I thought to call you, but I said no that would be very improper. Moreover, I probably couldn’t reach him anyway. But it had an impact on me and then of course, when I got a chance I shared it with you.

A few words later:

Now, Brother Minister, I would like for you to tell me what you think about that experience. “They are coming for me in him.”

 

Minister Farrakhan: First, it’s a very profound experience that answers many questions for me personally and probably for others as well.

I hope you will read the rest of his answer.

Minister Farrakhan made a talk in Phoenix, Arizona on June 30, 2006 based on that experience or vision? Lastly, in October 2008, I asked him a question that he answered which corresponded to what I saw in the hospital last year February 2007. I have tried to state it over the last two months. Be it the will of Allah we’ll get to that in Aphasia 5.

After Closing The Gap was printed, I saw that some of my words were cut from the final printing of the book. I put those words in The Final Call, Volume 28 Number 4. Be it the will of Allah it will be printed into the next edition.

It was my vision that makes clear what promoted my efforts, in March of 2006. It makes clear why I am using the word “promoted.”

Promoted or to promote, means to encourage the growth and development of something, to publicize a product so that people will buy or rent it, to further something by helping to arrange or introduce it.

Here is what I did and wrote: “About six days, based on this vision, I telephoned Brother Marlon, in New York City, who knew some of my physical problems, who contacted other Brothers and Sisters to get to work on aspects of the “Gap Book.” A day or so I telephoned Brother Steve (who lives in Phoenix) to please get a believer to get ready to make a translation of this book into Spanish. I asked for other help.”

Later, after the book was published, a few of Minister Farrakhan’s followers put the book into French. After I went into my present condition, in the hospital, I lost contact with them. I lost the ability to make emails, etc.

            I won’t get into the steps, or the stages, and the number of people, and the amount of time and money, that was needed to produce and ship 30,000 books of Closing The Gap to The Final Call building in Chicago.  It required much spiritual and physical energy to produce that work—and love for the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and for the Believers.

            At the end of the interview regarding his trials, Minister Farrakhan mentioned that he did not know what it would cost to print the book and he did not know if he had enough money to pay for the printing of the book. This shows his intention and his heart. He did not know that it was always my intention to produce and pay for it. Overtime, my health went down, so I wanted to find people who will pay for the printing of the book. Even as he was talking, I smiled because I already had a group of people willing to pay for the printing of the book.

            Later on, when we learned what it would cost to print and ship the books, the Believers stepped up to the plate and paid for it. At this moment, I don’t have the exact figure in my head, but I can say it was approximately $60,000. Later, the book was printed, the Minister wanted to know what it cost. I told him. He paid for it. He paid each person back. 

            Instead of taking a rest, I went right into the next book, even before Closing The Gap were shipped, A few other Believers and I went to work to prepare the book titled Is It Possible That The Honorable Elijah Muhammad Is Still Physical Alive???.

            That book has had a troublesome history. It continues to have one. Right up this moment. That was and is Allah’s will.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan recommended to me to publish the words that formed the heart of this book in 1982. He also recommended the titled of this material. I accepted. 

Read the answer by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan: On page 347 of Closing The Gap we read: Jabril Muhammad: Brother Minister, I would appreciate it, for myself, and everybody who reads this book, that you take us sequentially through your trials. What are trials?

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan: Well first, what is a trial? A trial is that which brings forth from the person being tried what is hidden of both good and evil.

Trials make manifest what is within. This is why Allah says that He will try the Believers at least once a year—severely. Trials make manifest. The manifestation of defects leads to the perfection of the human being.

            Please, study all of his answer. This has a bearing on what I hope that you will continue to read all of this statement and the next one (Aphasia 5).

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Earlier, I wrote: “What caused my hospitalization on February 18, 2007? What can be learned from my experience? First, the diagnosis of my condition was “Hemorrhagic Stroke; Hypertension and Conduction Aphasia.

            In the United States, approximately 700,000 strokes occur each year. I was one of them. Most people who suffered from a stroke understand very little about it. Generally many of their relatives and friends lack the understanding of it. The exception of course, is relatives or friends who are in the medical field especially if they are doctors.

            The level of facts or truths that the people involved in these situations varies. It depends on motives, levels of knowledge and where the knowledge came from. I suppose people have written books on this.

During a stroke, one or more areas of the brain can be damaged. Depending upon the area affected, a person may lose the ability to move one side of the body, the ability to speak, or a number of other functions. The damage may be temporary or permanent, and the function may be partially or completely lost. A person’s long-term outcome depends upon how much brain is damaged, how quickly treatment begins, and a number of other factors.

Hemorrhage is the medical term for bleeding. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain leak or rupture, causing bleeding in or around the brain. About 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes. Damage can occur quickly due to the pressure of increasing amounts of blood or because of the blood itself. Blood is irritating to the brain tissue, causing it to swell.

Bleeding around the brain is referred to as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and is often caused by rupture of an abnormal blood vessel (aneurysm) on the surface of the brain. Bleeding into the brain is called intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is often caused by high blood pressure.

            I had an intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. What was my condition before and after this stroke? I’m going to share a few facts. I have my own medical records. I’ve had the privilege of asking question of doctors. I’ve also had the “privilege” to learn from people who had varying levels of interest in my condition with different motives.

            I had the opportunity and privilege, over the last 10 years, since I was poison, to listen and ask questions of Dr. Patina Muhammad and a variety of people, mostly medical persons, and some of whom were not medical persons at all. I’ve learned much. My attitude is stated in my public statement—especially the closing paragraph.

            Among the varying experiences I’ve had, during the last 10 years, medically speaking, was being accused by a doctor that I was a drug addict. He based that on the fact that the medicines he had given me for high blood pressure was not working. This was in 2003. I’ve had other medical experiences that were the opposite of that kind of experience.

            After being discharged in February 2007, from the hospital, I was taken to a doctor for the purpose of controlling my high blood pressure. He was not successful in controlling my high blood pressure and my condition got worse. Several times, he told me that he would not refer me for Aphasia treatment until my blood pressure was under control. This doctor knew that I was to follow up with treatment for aphasia. The effect of his work was over medicated.

            Now, I don’t want to make this complicated. That will become very boring and too long. But I intend to uncomplicate it soon, be the will of Allah.

On July 4th 2007, I wrote a letter in which I informed my children that I changed doctors. I informed them I was being over-medicated. It was killing me. I contacted another doctor that I have not been in contact with for 21 years. The last time I saw him was in 1987. Before he became a doctor he had attended the Mosque in Phoenix.

In my public statement, I mentioned that I had to go into hospitals beyond the time I had the stroke in February 2007, in which I open this article with an aspect of a conversation with Brother Cedric. Please refer to my public statement for the context in which I was readmitted to the hospital in October 2007. It was for the fact that the blood pressure medicines, I was put on, was not working. This is now January 2009. A year ago I was rushed to a hospital. It was not for a stroke. It was for the effects of not having treatment for aphasia after being discharged in March 2007.

I am putting this here to drive home a major fact Minister Farrakhan taught in Closing The Gap and teaches time and again. This is essential if we are to get through this time.

It was, on January 2, 2008, to make it short, Dr. Patina Muhammad rushed me to a hospital. It was, the doctors said, for a form of worsening aphasia called Global Aphasia.  Global Aphasia is “almost a total reduction of all aspects of spoken and written language, in expression as well as comprehension.” There were other witnesses present with her in the hospital. I’m not going to get into the medical details except to say that a Neurologist, who was on call, at the hospital and taking calls for my regular Neurologist told Dr. Patina that, “He is not going to come out of this state.” This is verified in my medical records. That Neurologist wanted to send me to a Skilled Care Facility, which to me is a fancy name for a Nursing Home—that I call “jail.” Perhaps I will explain this in clearer terms. She thought she was right. But, based on what?

She did not know what I was able to do just the previous day and beyond.  She did not know me and never saw me in her life. At the moment, I could not for example make a phone call, write or say my name, touch my nose when they asked me etc. As a matter of fact they wondered if I spoke or understood English.

That was last January. If she was right, I would not be typing these words and you would not be reading these words.

Dr. Patina had to “fight” and overcome three doctors. Then she had to win over the three Therapists in the hospital to convince them that I would benefit from therapy.

Out of this “victory” I was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital, where I received intensive treatment for two weeks.  Then I was discharged. Since that time, by the help of Allah—I’m able to speak, but with difficulty. However, I am improving with ongoing treatments.

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My son, Elijah, told me few a days after I was discharged from the hospital in 2007 that one of the doctors told him, while I was unconscious, that I had a good chance to make it.  Elijah told me that the doctor told him that I was manifesting a strong will; determination; motivation. A few days later I “woke” up. When I woke up I asked three questions in front of three Brothers that is contained in my public statement. 

Months later, I learned from three doctors, one of which told my son, about those factors, in connection with my condition, and of other people suffering similar problems. It has much to do with whether or not you live or die.

Each time I think about those factors, I think of the words of Minister Farrakhan in Closing The Gap that must be understood and we must apply it, in order to get through this serious time.

I want to close with these questions. Is it possible that 99 percent, or more, of the medical professionals are overlooking the root problem of high blood pressure? What is the root reason why Black people in America suffer from high blood pressure more than any other group? Was it by design or from ignorance or from a combination of complexity of factors?

I learned something that is very profound about cancer and high blood pressure. Be it the will of Allah, I’ll get to this in Aphasia 5, which will be out shortly, be the will of Allah.

I started this writing approximately six weeks ago and finished it today January 17, 2009.   I hope you are benefitted from it. I’m about to end this series of writing.

As Salaam Alaikum,

Jabril Muhammad