Ruby Muhammad facts for kids

Ruby Macie Muhammad (born Grier) (around 1907 – March 2, 2011) was an amazing African American religious leader. She was known as the "Mother of the Nation of Islam." A centenarian is someone who lives to be 100 years old or more. Ruby Muhammad lived a very long life!

She was born on a farm in Sandersville, Georgia. She grew up in Americus. Her exact birth year is a bit of a mystery. Some reports said she was born in 1897. But later research suggests she was born in 1907. This was based on a census record from 1910.

Ruby's mother passed away when Ruby was very young. She was raised by a woman she called her aunt. She didn't meet her father until she was a teenager. Records from her hometown show that her father lived to be 107. Her great-grandfather lived to be 110!

Becoming the Mother of Islam

Ruby Muhammad worked in fields when she was young. In 1946, she joined the Nation of Islam. This is a religious and political organization. In 1986, Minister Louis Farrakhan gave her a special title. He named her the "Mother of the Nation of Islam." This was an honorary title. It meant she was highly respected. Ruby Muhammad was married twice. She was not married to Elijah Muhammad, who started the Nation of Islam.

In 2006, Ruby Muhammad moved to a senior center. This center was in Rancho Cordova, near Sacramento, California. In 2008, she was known as Ruby Pittman. This was her first husband's name. A scooter store gave her a motorized wheelchair. This helped her get around easily.

Ruby's Family Life

Ruby Muhammad was married to John Pittman. They had four children together. After John passed away, she married James Hyder in 1967.