Table Talks: An Introduction to High-Level Conversations
- VirtueToday Magazine
- May 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
By Dr. Audrey Muhammad
Have you ever wondered how Muhammad Ali was taught by Elijah Muhammad? One of the ways he was taught the teachings was through recordings. He was given recordings of The Messenger’s table talks with guests at his dinner table. If Muhammad Ali learned from the Table Talks of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, think of what we could learn? We learned this interesting fact and much more at Houston’s amazing Table Talks event over the weekend of May 23 - 25th. The event was hosted by Student Minister Dr. Abdul Haleem Muhammad, along with the wonderful laborers and believers of Muhammad’s Mosque #45.
The weekend began with Jumu'ah prayer where the Student Imam Sultan Rahman Muhammad shared an uplifting khutbah (sermon) explaining how the teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad is a universal message because it calls on the God inside of you. He reminded us that the 'remembrance of Allah is the greatest force' and that saying “Allahu Akbar” during Jumu'ah is the best way to acknowledge our gratitude for what is being shared.
On Friday, he shared with us some of the wonderful history of the Nation of Islam and the importance of us being rooted in the teachings, so when the winds of the enemy come, we won’t get blown away. He reminded us that our “righteousness will sustain us.” If we discuss the teachings during our dinners, we can gain not only nutrients from good food, but also more enlightenment. We will learn how to value revelation and history because the Messenger is a fountain of truth.
In one recording we listened to, the Messenger said he would supply Minister Louis Farrakhan the truth. During the Saviours’ Day 2024 address, we witnessed this truth as the Minister shared the message entitled, “What Does Allah, The Great Mahdi, and The Great Messiah Have To Say About the War In The Middle East." The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan is an example of what we can become when we are in total submission. Brother Imam Sultan shared that one of the most powerful ways of attracting people to the message is ourselves. Remember the saying, "the best teacher is a good example." (Hint: Read p. 195 in Volume 2 of the Table Talks book, which will cause us to take a long, hard look at ourselves and our actions).
The Student Imam also encouraged those in attendance to record their own history and “table talks.” During our discussions at the table, we must keep the conversation on a high, positive level and not focus on dull or mundane things. In the book, Closing the Gap, the Minister said that “the highest form of communication is to speak on, ask questions about, argue over what God has revealed to His servant” (p. 321).
At the Saturday dinner, a recording of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad saying the opening prayer was played as we were at HIS table. Participants were given the opportunity to practice high-level conversations by asking those at the table what inspired them to attend the event and what aspects of the event impacted them.
Finally, we were given encouragement to practice the “table talks” at home and move at a faster pace in sharing the teachings, which Brother Abdul Qiyam Muhammad also echoed during his powerful presentation on the origin of the books entitled, The Teachings 2.0: The Twitter Sayings of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
What are some practical steps that you can take today to gain more information?
Visit tabletalks.org
Support noi.org
Pray and go to work
Why do we need to go to work? Why is talking not enough? In Closing the Gap, it also discusses high-level activity. It says, “Hearing it, knowing it, and believing it, is one level, but understanding it and applying it, is the highest level of activity” (p. 321).
Let’s get active at a faster pace and go to work!
(Virtue Today Magazine is dedicated to sharing good news to readers around the world. If you have an event you would like us to cover, please send details to virtuetoday@gmail.com)
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, Dr. Audrey Muhammad, for writing such an insightful and thought-provoking article. Your words resonated deeply with me and served as a powerful reminder of the strength and transformative potential found within these Teachings. Reading your work has truly reignited my determination to strive even harder to embody and exemplify the principles and values that these Teachings represent. Once again, thank you for your dedication and the light you continue to share through your writing. May Allah (God) continue to bless, guide, and elevate you in all your endeavors.