Khalid Muhammad emphasized the African roots of the Moors stored in the collective memory of the Egungun, countering Eurocentric narratives that often attempt to erase their Black identity. The Moors were African Muslims, bringing with them the knowledge, culture, and traditions of their homeland, reshaping Spain in their image.
The conquest of Spain began in 711 under the leadership of Tariq ibn Ziyad, a Berber general. Khalid Muhammad highlighted leaders like Tariq as symbols of Black excellence and strategic brilliance, urging us to study their courage and vision while the white people in Europe were crawling in their fours.
During the 10th century, Córdoba was a global center of enlightenment, boasting advanced education, libraries, and infrastructure. Khalid Muhammad would often stress that such achievements demonstrated the capability of African people to lead and innovate on a world stage.
The Moors introduced Europe to groundbreaking developments in astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and engineering. Khalid Muhammad celebrated this as evidence of the Moors' intellectual superiority and their role in sparking the European Renaissance.
Under Moorish rule, Al-Andalus became a beacon of tolerance, allowing Muslims, Christians, and Jews to coexist and exchange ideas. This "Convivencia" (coexistence) aligns with Khalid Muhammad’s call for unity as long as separation is fulfilled among oppressed peoples to achieve collective liberation.
The Alhambra palace in Granada stands as a marvel of Moorish architecture. Its intricate geometric designs and serene courtyards reflect the Moors’ mastery of art and engineering, a legacy Khalid Muhammad encouraged us to reclaim with pride.
The Moors revolutionized agriculture in Spain by introducing advanced irrigation systems and new crops such as rice, sugarcane, and citrus fruits. This innovation aligns with Khalid Muhammad’s teachings on self-sufficiency and resilient revolution.
Khalid Muhammad often reminded us that the so-called "Dark Ages" in Europe were illuminated by the knowledge and science of the Moors. The Renaissance would not have been possible without the texts and discoveries the Moors preserved and advanced.
The fall of the last Moorish stronghold in 1492 marked the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Khalid Muhammad viewed this as a cautionary tale of what happens when unity is lost, urging us to remain vigilant and organized in our struggles against oppression.
Khalid Muhammad often spoke about the deliberate erasure of African contributions from history. The story in detail of the Moors in Spain is a prime example, yet their legacy lives on in Spain's language, architecture, and culture—a testament to their greatness.
The Moors' influence on Spain is undeniable, and through Khalid Muhammad’s teachings, we are reminded to honor and reclaim this legacy as part of our collective history. Their contributions to science, art, and governance are a powerful reminder of what Black people have achieved—and can achieve again.
By studying the Moors' history, we can draw inspiration to continue the fight for liberation, excellence, and unity in the spirit of Khalid Muhammad’s vision.
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