A Starry Crown: Making of a Fez - Paperback

by Shakeela Z. Hassan (Author)

The FEZ is complicated in origin, beautiful on the head, unpopular in modern times, but has seen more glorious days. Worn by the Moroccans during protests against French invasion to the period when men in Libya and Egypt were jailed for wearing them, the FEZ has moved with revolutions and has become popular or unpopular, in relation to those in power. Well, history has its place. Journey with me as I take you back 60 years to a special moment where me and my husband Zia created our own brand of history.Is there any way to predict how a dining table conversation would materialize into designing a FEZ, "A Starry Crown"? The head gear referred to as a FEZ, became a historic iconic symbol and personal defining mark of distinction for The Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the leader of The Nation of Islam. Not only was this a mark of distinction, it personified his message. In hindsight, Brother Muhammad wanted to refresh his image and that's exactly what happened.After all, every iconic image has its beginning. In 1961, he contemplated adding a special touch to his appearance. As the story unfolds, we learned the value of communication, forthright interactions and volunteer participation. These traits were instrumental as a precursor for teamwork and the realization of a dream. A vision, an answer to questions, producing results, all because of a man who desired change. Amazing grace I gratefully refer to it as "God's Will," the fruition of a purposeful encounter and the result of working together to formulate and produce results. The noteworthy simplicity, unpredicted chance encounters, and human interactions complement and set the stage for a FEZ in the making. Perhaps, it is fair to say, "Yes, it was meant to be "Writing about the beginning stages of development of the FEZ, drew my attention to how swift and serene this journey has been for me. With all due respect and rationale, the term "FEZ" will be used in sharing my story. Brother Elijah flashed his signature smile every time he called it a FEZ, and each time he wore it, doing what he loved to do, leading his community to faith and righteousness for common good, faith and responsibility.The FEZ, as Brother Muhammad wished to call it, is a story about a hat that was created as a result of a chance encounter that took place between my husband, Dr. Zia Hassan and myself at the dinner table of Brother Elijah Muhammad and Sister Clara Muhammad.He wore the FEZ on regular and special occasions while meeting and greeting dignitaries, local, national and international leaders and visitors. It was specially a part of his presence on stage while addressing his audience. The annual Savior's Day convention, which was held each February, attracted massive amounts of Nation of Islam followers, eager to meet the Leader and pay him respect. There he was, wearing the specially designed FEZ, an embroidered embellished velvet cap. Remarkably, it was not commissioned, requested or even discussed in any prior conversation or interaction. Until, of course, I came along.The cap - the FEZ, reached its historic and iconic presence over the past fifty years, as a hallmark of the leadership brand of the Nation of Islam's leader, The Honorable Elijah Muhammad. In my recollection, to the best of my knowledge, a spontaneous, unexpected turn of events defined a chance encounter and an inadvertent conversation from the heart turned an ordinary moment into an extraordinary historic milestone. This is etched in my memory. It gives me a sense of humbling pride and blessed joy to say, Zia and I became part and parcel of the evolving strength, and Mark of Distinction of the Leadership of Honorable Elijah Muhammad for six decades. All Praise Be to God I did not dwell on how and why these events occurred. I am convinced, whatever happens, happens for a reason. It's God's Will after all. In life, we must capture each moment, listen attentively and do the best with what we have.