Nation of Islam Leader's Wife Khadijah Farrakhan Passes Away at 90

Khadijah Farrakhan, the esteemed wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, has passed away at the age of 90. Known as "Mother Khadijah," she played a pivotal role in the organization's advocacy for Black self-reliance alongside her husband. Her death comes shortly after her 90th birthday celebration, and tributes have poured in, highlighting her legacy of faith and leadership. The Nation of Islam has not disclosed the cause of her passing, but her impact on the community and family will be remembered. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2026, 01:51 IST

Khadijah Farrakhan: A Legacy of Faith and Leadership

Khadijah Farrakhan, the beloved spouse of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by the organization on Saturday. Known affectionately as "Mother Khadijah," she dedicated many years to supporting her husband in guiding the Nation of Islam's religious and social initiatives, which promote Black self-sufficiency. The couple resided at Mosque Maryam, the organization's central hub located in Chicago's South Side.

In their announcement, the Shura Executive Council expressed their sorrow, stating: "The Honorable Minister @LouisFarrakhan, with deep sadness yet 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)." Her passing comes just seven months after her followers celebrated her milestone 90th birthday, with funeral details to be shared later.

Tributes poured in following the news of her death. Mosque Maryam honored her as "a devoted follower" with "a precious soul, a sweet heart." R&B artist ZaRio Son Rise also paid homage, referring to her as "a true queen, a righteous woman, and one of the greatest examples of dignity, faith, loyalty, and grace our generation has ever witnessed."

Family Background and Circumstances of Death

While the Nation of Islam confirmed Khadijah Farrakhan's death, they did not disclose the cause. Born Betsy Ross, she wed Louis Walcott, who later became known as Louis Farrakhan, in Boston on September 12, 1953. Throughout their 72 years of marriage, they welcomed nine children. Their eldest son, Louis Farrakhan Jr., passed away in 2018, and another son, Joshua Farrakhan, died in 2023.

Khadijah converted to Islam in 1955, the same year her husband joined the Nation of Islam in Chicago, inspired by Malcolm X. It was during this period that they adopted their new names. Following the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965, Louis Farrakhan ascended to leadership within the organization. While he is recognized for orchestrating the Million Man March in Washington in 1995, Khadijah also became a prominent figure. In 1997, she spoke at the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, emphasizing: "A nation can rise no higher than its women. We focus on women but cannot lose sight that we must rise as a family -- men, women, and children."