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There is nothing in our book, the Qur'an, that teaches us to suffer peacefully. Our religion teaches us to be intelligent. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone lays a hand on you, send him to the cemetery. That's a good religion.

— Malcolm X Malcolm X Speaks (1965)

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Notes from Wikiquote

This was said before Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam and as he himself stated, before he truly understood Islam.

More quotes by Malcolm X

You can't separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.

Malcolm X Speaks (1965)

People don't realize how a man's whole life can be changed by one book.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965)

If you aren't careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.

Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.

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Concerning non-violence: it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Malcolm X (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.