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What was the relationship between Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X?

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Malcolm X was a key lieutenant of Elijah Muhammad after Malcolm converted while in prison, but their relationship soured, and Muhammad suspended Malcolm after controversial comments surrounding the assassination of U.S. Pres. John F. Kennedy. Malcolm came to believe that he was being targeted by Muhammad and his followers, and Malcolm was assassinated in February 1965. Muhammad always disavowed any involvement in Malcolm’s death.