The End of an Era?

But recently, Farrakhan returned to anti-Semitic statements. During a speech at the group's Savior's Day ceremony in February, he was quoted as saying that "false Jews promote the filth of Hollywood," including homosexuality. "You may not like me," he said, "but I don't give a damn. I'm throwing down the gauntlet today."

Such comments by the Nation of Islam leader are "offensive not only to Jews, but it hurts their credibility as an organization trying to lift up blacks," said Deborah Lauter, director of civil rights for the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organization. "Promoting hatred of Jews and whites diminishes the positive messages they're trying to send. The Jewish people will not sit at the table with hate groups, whether they are black or white."

Earlier this year, Farrakhan began experiencing pain that he says was a result of the radiation treatment he received for his bout with prostate cancer in 1998.

"As you know, I have been suffering from the after-effects of an extremely high dose of radiated seed," Farrakhan wrote in a statement last month. "Over time, these seeds have done severe internal damage."

He continued, "I am postponing indefinitely all engagements, meetings and appointments so that I can concentrate, with Allah's (God's) Help, to bring myself back to a state where I may be able to continue to serve the rise of our people."

Speaking more directly to his followers, he wrote, "I know that you (the Believers) will accept the challenge to move our Nation forward, being ever watchful for any smart, crooked deceiver and hypocrite who would create confusion over my present condition."

In Washington, Abdul-Alim Muhammad said the Nation of Islam will thrive with or without Farrakhan. "As we go forward, it will not be wise to think that we are going to produce someone like him," he said.

Although Farrakhan vowed to come back strong, "so that I can continue to serve because I do not believe that my earthly work is done," some followers, in private conversations, seemed uncertain about his future.

Benjamin Muhammad, who once ran the NAACP under the name Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., wished Farrakhan well and said he is in his prayers. But he said the illness is a difficult challenge to overcome.

Ishmael Muhammad said speculation about life without Farrakhan "is premature when the man is still yet present among us." He said the Nation of Islam would continue to fight oppression through its members worldwide.

"We never discuss actual membership," he said. Critics have said the number of Nation of Islam followers has fallen greatly as black Americans convert to orthodox Islam.

Others outside the organization wondered whether it could last without Farrakhan's charismatic influence.

"My guess is that the NOI will be around in some form for the indefinite future," said Ibrahim Abdil-Mu'id Ramey, director of human and civil rights for the Muslim American Society's Freedom Foundation.

"It will not in my opinion be as large or vital as it is now. I think an analogy that might be appropriate is the analogy of the Garvey Movement."

When Marcus Garvey died in 1940, his Universal Negro Improvement Association faded almost to nothing. There are people today who keep its memory alive, Ramey said, "but it is no longer an organization at the forefront of the African American struggle."