The following is the text of a letter to Commandante Fidel Castro from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan as published in the Final Call Newspaper, Vol 25 No. 45. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL. August 14, 2006 Commandante Fidel Castro Leader of the Cuban Revolution As-Salaam Alaikum. (Peace Be Unto You) Dear Commandante Castro, On behalf of my family, the members of the Nation of Islam and myself, we pray that Allah (God) will grant you a full and speedy recovery that you may resume your duty to the people of Cuba and the world. Also, on behalf of my family, the members of the Nation of Islam and myself, we wish you a happy belated birthday, and we pray that Allah (God) will bless you with many, many more. Dear Commandante Castro, the idea of servicing the needs of the people rather than the idea of gaining material wealth is the essence of the revolution. This idea of service is the driving force in the Cuban Revolution that represents the seminal stage of what religious people of Christianity, Judaism and Islam call the Kingdom of God. I firmly believe that Allah (God) has chosen you and the Cuban people to begin this process of servicing human needs, thus setting the stage for all people of goodwill to emulate this mode of service to others. Jesus said, "He who would be the greatest among you let him be your servant." In this regard, you are one of the greatest leaders to emerge in the 20th Century, setting the foundation of a true example of service for all who will lead in the 21st Century. In closing, you and the revolution you inspired have angered many people of wealth and status who have enriched themselves at the expense of the poor. I believe this is why Jesus told the people of His day: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." Please remember what I said to you in our last meeting, that there is no such thing as death for Fidel Castro, for you are an idea whose time has arrived; and that idea is deep in the souls of most of the Cuban people and now in the hearts of many throughout the world. This idea will continue to grow and you will continue to grow with it from beyond the grave. May Allah (God) continue to shower His Blessings on you and those who help you in the service of others. Sincerely, and with much love and great respect, I Am Your Brother and Servant, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan Servant to the Lost-Found Nation of Islam in the West
--------------------- Michael A. Lebowitz Professor Emeritus Economics Department Simon Fraser University Burnaby, B.C., Canada V5A 1S6 Office Fax: (604) 291-5944 Home: Phone (604) 689-9510
