What significant change did Malcolm X undergo during his life regarding his views on Islam?

Malcolm X underwent a profound transformation in his views on Islam, particularly after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964. Initially, he was closely associated with the Nation of Islam, which espoused a doctrine of racial separatism and promoted a distinctive interpretation of Islam that emphasized Black nationalism. However, his experience during the pilgrimage exposed him to a broader understanding of Islam, where he met Muslims of different races and backgrounds, which shifted his perspective significantly.

This newfound understanding led him to believe that Islam could embrace integration and promote unity among all people, regardless of race. He began to advocate for a more inclusive approach to racial issues and expressed the possibility of working together with individuals from diverse backgrounds for social justice. This marked a critical development in his philosophy, moving away from the segregationist views he had previously held.

In contrast to the other options, he did not renounce Islam altogether, nor did he fully embrace nonviolence as a strategy for social change. While he did grow more open to the idea of integration, he maintained that self-defense was still necessary in the fight against systemic racism. Furthermore, although he was a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam, he eventually broke away from the organization and adopted a more universal approach to the religion.