Minister Farrakhan's wife, Mother Khadijah, has died at 90

Photo/Nuri Muhammad via Instagram/@nurimuhammad

Mother Khadijah Farrakhan, the wife of Minister Louis Farrakhan, who leads the Nation of Islam, has passed away at the age of 90.

Mother Khadijah was often praised for her poise, humility, grace, and the beauty she radiated from within. She and Minister Farrakhan married in 1973 and shared nine children together.

In public, Minister Farrakhan was often openly affectionate towards her, even in their later years. He frequently expressed his love and appreciation for her unwavering support during his lectures on marriage and family.

Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah/photo/Instagram

Born Betsy Ross on November 26, 1935, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Mother Khadijah was also known for her outspoken nature. In 1997, after the Nation of Islam organized the Million Woman March, she attended and spoke to the participants, reminding them, “A nation can rise no higher than its women,” Khadijah said. “We focus on women but cannot lose sight that we must rise as a family — men, women and children.”

The Nation of Islam released a statement regarding her passing, which read: “The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, with deep sadness yet with profound gratitude to Allah, informs you that his beloved wife of 72 years, the First Lady of the Nation of Islam, Mother Khadijah, has returned to Allah (may Allah be pleased)."

The Farrakhans wedding photo (1953)

According to the Chicago Crusader, Minister Farrakhan and Mother Khadijah were still residing in the family’s Kenwood neighborhood in Chicago at the time of her death.

The Farrakhans led Mosque Maryam, also known as the NOI headquarters in Chicago for decades, approximately 45 years.

This story may be updated.

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