Khadijah Farrakhan, the longtime wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, passed away on Saturday at the age of 90, as confirmed by the Nation of Islam. Known affectionately as "Mother Khadijah," she spent decades alongside her influential husband, contributing significantly to their religious and sociopolitical movement, which champions Black self-reliance. Their primary base was Mosque Maryam, located on the south side of Chicago, where the couple resided.
In a statement released by the Shura Executive Council, it was expressed with deep sorrow yet gratitude to Allah that Louis Farrakhan announced the passing of his beloved wife of 72 years, referring to her as the first lady of the Nation of Islam. The announcement came just seven months after her 90th birthday celebration, with plans for funeral services to be disclosed later.
Mosque Maryam honored Khadijah Farrakhan, remembering her as "a devoted follower" with "a precious soul, a sweet heart." R&B artist ZaRio Son Rise paid tribute to her on Facebook, describing her as "a true queen, a righteous woman, and one of the greatest examples of dignity, faith, loyalty, and grace our generation has ever witnessed."
Khadijah Farrakhan was born Betsy Ross and married Louis Farrakhan, who was then known as Louis Walcott, in Boston on September 12, 1953. Together, they welcomed nine children into their family. Their eldest son, Louis Farrakhan Jr., passed away in 2018, while another son, Joshua Farrakhan, died earlier in 2023.
Khadijah converted to Islam in 1955, the same year that her husband became a member of the Chicago-based Nation of Islam. His commitment to the movement was significantly influenced by Malcolm X, a close friend from Boston. Around this time, both Khadijah and her husband adopted new names.
Following the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965, Louis Farrakhan stepped into the leadership role of the Nation of Islam, making a lasting impact with initiatives like the Million Man March held in Washington in 1995. In 1997, Khadijah gave a notable speech during the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, where she emphasized the importance of family in achieving progress. "A nation can rise no higher than its women,” she stated. “We focus on women but cannot lose sight that we must rise as a family—men, women, and children."
Khadijah Farrakhan's legacy, marked by her dedication to her family and community, continues to resonate within the Nation of Islam and beyond. Her contributions to both the religious and sociopolitical spheres were invaluable, underscoring her role as a pivotal figure alongside her husband, Louis Farrakhan.
