According to an article from the Final Call Newspaper, during the 2006 Saviours’ Day convention, themed “The Birth of a Nation,”
At the heart of the convention was the presentation of the Nine Ministries to Build a Nation—a comprehensive structure designed to address all human needs and guide the development of a strong, self-sustaining community. These ministries are part of the Commission for the Restructuring and Reorganization of the NOI, often referred to as the Atonement Commission. The ministries were developed from a conversation with Minister Farrakhan about the future of the NOI, as explained by Dr. Abdul Alim Muhammad, the former national spokesman for Minister Farrakhan and founder of the Abundant Life Clinic in Washington, D.C.”
The Nine Ministries
Each of these ministries represents a vital part of community development, similar to how the human body has multiple systems that must work together for full functionality. These ministries provide a framework that can be applied not only within the Nation of Islam but also in any organization, community, or movement seeking real, sustainable progress.
1. Health & Human Services – Focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, ensuring that individuals and families have the proper healthcare, guidance, and support they need.
2. Agriculture – Addresses the critical need for food security, land ownership, and self-sufficiency in growing and distributing healthy food.
3. Education – Develops a curriculum that teaches self-knowledge, cultural pride, critical thinking, and skills necessary for true independence.
4. Defense – Ensures the safety and security of the people, promoting discipline, training, and preparation for emergencies.
5. Art & Culture – Nurtures creative expression, storytelling, and the preservation of heritage through music, literature, visual arts, and performance.
6. Trade & Commerce – Develops economic stability through entrepreneurship, cooperative business models, and financial literacy.
7. Justice – Advocates for fairness, equality, and the establishment of legal and social structures that protect the community.
8. Information – Manages the dissemination of truth, ensuring that accurate knowledge reaches the people through media, technology, and communication networks.
9. Science & Technology – Advances the community’s growth through research, innovation, and the development of new solutions for modern challenges.
The Importance of Structure and Leadership
The Nine Ministries are not just ideas; they represent a necessary organizational structure for any successful nation, business, or movement. Without proper departments and leadership, an organization cannot function efficiently. Each ministry must have experts and experienced individuals at the helm—people who are qualified and committed to their roles.
To put the wrong people in charge of a ministry is like giving the wrong medication to a sick patient—it won’t solve the problem, and it could even make things worse. However, within our communities, we have brilliant and capable brothers and sisters who do qualify. It is our duty to identify them, support them, and bring them to the forefront so that our collective efforts can succeed.
If any of these ministries are not actively functioning within an organization, community, or nation, it is a sign that adjustments need to be made. Reviewing the Nine Ministries is like checking a report card—it shows us where we are excelling and where we need to improve.
A Call to Action: Putting in the Work
We have been given the blueprint. Not only do we have the Nine Ministries, but we also have the Economic Blueprint laid out by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, which provides financial and economic principles that, if followed, can lead to self-sufficiency and true independence.
Success requires organization, discipline, and standard operating procedures—just like in any successful business or corporation. When an organization has clear guidelines and procedures, it does not matter who is in charge—the next generation can step in and continue the work without confusion or disruption.
Now is the time to review, implement, and build. Whether you are part of the Nation of Islam, a church, a grassroots organization, or an independent movement, these Nine Ministries can serve as a foundation for success.
Let us take this moment to not only understand these principles but actively put them into practice. We must do more than talk about solutions—we must organize, build, and execute. The foundation has already been laid—it is now up to us to bring it to life.
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