Contextualizes Elijah Muhammad and his religious approach within the larger Islamic tradition, exploring his use of the Qur'an, his interpretation of Islam, and his relationships with other Muslims

Elijah Muhammad is arguably the most significant figure in the history of Islam in the United States. Successor to W. D. Fard, the founder of the Nation of Islam, and a mentor to Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad led the Nation of Islam for over forty years.
In Elijah Muhammad and Islam, Herbert Berg focuses on Elijah Muhammad's religiosity, which is frequently brought into question as the authenticity of the Nation of Islam as "truly Islamic" remains hotly debated. To better comprehend this powerful and controversial figure, Berg contextualizes Elijah Muhammad and his religious approach within the larger Islamic tradition, exploring his use of the Qur’an, his interpretation of Islam, and his relationships with other Muslims. Above all, Berg seeks to understand—not define or label—Muhammad as a Muslim. To do otherwise, he argues, is to misunderstand and distort the man, his teachings, his movement, and his legacy.

"“Herbert Berg argues persuasively that Elijah Muhammad, the leader and the Messenger of the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975, is one of the most significant figures in the history of Islam in the United States... This is a well-written and innovative book with important and refreshing insights on Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam, and Islam in the United States." - American Historical Review

"Berg has written an excellent study on the influence and legacy of Elijah Muhammad, who led the Nation of Islam from 1934 to 1975. Highly recommended." - Choice

"A well-written book on the life and legacy of Elijah Muhammad...this book is highly recommended and a welcomed addition to the growing literature on the Nation of Islam and he central role of Elijah Muhammad in its leadership and history." - Studies in Religion