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The Nation adhered to a strict policy of frisking or searching the person of all visitors and spectators who attended its mosques, rallies and other functions to ensure that they were not carrying weapons, alcohol or other inappropriate items. Elijah Muhammad's emphasis on safety largely inspired these security measures. The convention of searching those who attended Nation affairs added to the military atmosphere and mystique of the organization. Muslim women posted at the entrances to the programs would search female attendees, while Muslim men were responsible for frisking the males. Any prohibited items were collected and held for the attendee at the entrance until after the program. The practice helped decrease the ever-present risk of assassination.
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