The Diary of Malcolm X: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, 1964

by Malcolm X

“It is evening; we have just finished the Asha [dinner] prayers here at the Prophet’s Mosque5 [?] in Medina. There is no city more peaceful, no mosque more beautiful—I felt the power of Allah’s Spirit & Presence more so here than anywhere else I’ve been. Perhaps it is because the push of the crowds & the very strenuous rituals participated [in] at Jeddah, Mecca, etc. are now over. Never have I felt more relaxed, more at peace, or nearer to God than here today at Medina. This feeling that I have right now is in itself worth my entire pilgrimage. I haven’t really felt like this since ‘my prison years’ when I would spend days upon days in solitude, hrs. upon hrs. studying and praying. There is no greater serenity of mind than when one can shut the hectic noise & pace of the materialistic outside world, & seek inner peace within one’s self.”