The Nation of Islam announced Saturday that Khadijah Farrakhan—wife of Louis Farrakhan for 72 years and the organization’s First Lady—has died at age 90. Funeral details haven’t been released, and no cause of death was provided.
Louis Farrakhan’s wife of more than 70 years has died, and the Nation of Islam delivered the news Saturday in a statement marked by faith and remembrance.
Khadijah Farrakhan, the First Lady of the Nation of Islam, passed away at 90. The religious organization said she “has returned to Allah (may Allah be pleased),” using language that begins with a verse from the Quran.
In a social media post. Louis Farrakhan informed followers “with deep sadness yet with profound gratitude to Allah” that his beloved wife of 72 years—Mother Khadijah—had died. The post was shared alongside an image and attributed to the Nation of Islam’s official account. which also reposted the message.
The statement described Khadijah Farrakhan as a “loving wife, mother, a faithful devoted follower of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad.” Elijah Muhammad, who was a leader of the Nation of Islam before Farrakhan, is named as part of the organization’s remembrance of her devotion.
No funeral services have been announced. The Nation of Islam said it would keep the public updated, but it has not revealed any cause of death.
Khadijah and Louis Farrakhan married in 1953 and later converted to Islam two years afterward, after Louis learned about the organization’s teachings from a fellow musician, Rodney Smith.
She stood beside him as his role in the Nation of Islam grew over the years, eventually becoming the First Lady when Louis became its leader in the early 1980s. Khadijah Farrakhan also spoke at the Million Women March in 1997.
Louis and Khadijah Farrakhan share 9 children, 8 of whom are still living.
For now, the public record centers on the grief the announcement itself carries—and the quiet uncertainty that follows: funeral timing hasn’t been set, and no details about her passing have been provided.
Khadijah Farrakhan Louis Farrakhan Nation of Islam NOI First Lady Elijah Muhammad Million Women March Rodney Smith funeral services returned to Allah 1953 marriage