Khadijah Farrakhan, Wife of Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan, Dies at 90

Khadijah Farrakhan, the devoted wife of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, has passed away at the age of 90. The couple shared a marriage of 72 years.

The Executive Council of the Nation of Islam released a statement on Saturday, conveyed by Student Minister Ishmael R. Muhammad, announcing her death. The message expressed deep sadness while also acknowledging profound gratitude to Allah.

"The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan with deep sadness yet with 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)," the statement read. "We thank Allah for the precious life of a loving wife, mother, a faithful devoted follower of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Mother Khadijah will forever be cherished and remembered. May Allah give His unequaled comfort to the family as we mourn this tremendous loss and lift the family in our prayers and thoughts."

"Allah, there is no God but He, He gives life and to Him is our eventual return. Funeral (Janazah) services will be sent as soon as it's available," the statement concluded.

A Life Shared

Louis Farrakhan, who is 93 years old, survives his wife. Khadijah Farrakhan was born Betsy Ross and exchanged vows with her husband, then known as Louis Walcott, in Boston on September 12, 1953.

The Farrakhans were parents to nine children. Their sons, Louis Farrakhan Jr. and Joshua Farrakhan, both preceded their mother in death, passing away in 2018 and 2023, respectively.