The Autobiography of Malcolm X Lesson Plan

What is the significance of Yacub's history to the Nation of Islam?

Student responses should draw from the "Satan" chapter. Overall, students should note that "Yacub's history" is Elijah Muhammad's teaching that charts out how he believes white men came to be on Earth. While Blacks were the first human, the first white man, "Mr. Yacub," was born to "break the peace, and to kill." He went against the teachings of Allah and sought to convert others to his belief system. The story of Yacub also includes themes of eugenics and genocide.

This story serves as a foundational teaching for many followers of the Nation of Islam. It is their version of a creationist/origin story.