FREEMASONRY: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

By FAHIM A. KNIGHT-El

This article came about based on an overwhelmingly number of correspondence that I have received from the public relative to various questions that many have had on the topic of Freemasonry. This writer also believe that many in the cyberspace community, perhaps view me as an authority on certain aspects of Masonic philosophy and scholarship; thus, this writer is humbled by their opinions of me, as well as their desire to consult me and most of all, I have always received their compliments graciously in which I am honored to be viewed in such high regard and esteem by so many enlightened minds and truth seekers (this writer has made it a practice to respond to everyone that has contacted me with a question). I will always do my best to remain true to the principles of truth and to give all honor and praise to the Supreme Being and strive diligently to impart proper and unconventional knowledge to the black community, as well as to all people of good will. This writer will work equally to protect and defend our ancient Kemetic knowledge and principles and will make every attempt not to waver at the hands of the enemies of truth.

This writer does believe that some of the questions that have been posed to me over the months and years by various persons exceeded the scope and intent of a private conversation (I will always honor messages deemed private and sensitive and those conversations will never appear on my Blog Page); but this writer knows that there are others who may have similar questions pertaining to Freemasonry and could stand to benefit from a more in depth discussion and/or explanation (this is what make publishing these various dialog so valuable to the broader audiences that are tuned into our work and writings). Perhaps there are others who have not gotten the opportunity to ask what has been intriguing them relative to Masonry, but deep down inside their curiosity about certain aspects of Freemasonry have gone unresolved (in which their questions might be asked and answered in this dialog). Some of the dialog has been edited for clarity to fit into this format but I did not change or alter the words of those who posed these various questions to me.

This writer met, a Masonic brother on-line named Joseph Ferguson (33rd degree Mason), he is the Worshipful Master of an Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic lodge named King Solomon Lodge #514 in Dallas, Texas. I consider him to be a true brother and friend. This writer also considers himself an honorary member of King Solomon Lodge #514 Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic brotherhood because of the many teachable and learnable moments that Brother Ferguson and I have shared relative to Speculative Masonry over the last year. This writer for the most part, has found the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic brotherhood more open to knowledge and have been more intellectually engaging than many of my Prince Hall Masonic brothers. This writer truly could appreciate their quest and thirst for knowledge, it makes my efforts as a researcher that much more rewarding and fulfilling

Our relationship evolved out of brother Ferguson finding my work and research on the Internet and although, he was fully aware of my affiliations with Prince Hall Masonry, it did not deter his interest in my research and nor did he and I allow our, Masonic differences and the political and social tension that have existed between the oldest Black Masonic Order of Prince Hall and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic (AF&AM) to discourage our reaching out and communicating. We both understood the antagonistic history between the Masonic three-lettered and four-lettered organizations and the Masonic divisions that have kept American Freemasons at odds.

Although, Brother Ferguson is an African American AF&AM brother, however, the question of who should be considered “regular” or “irregular” in the United States was driven more by Masonic racism than anything else in which white Masons of the AF&AM order for over 200 years did not recognized the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons as an official and legitimate Masonic entity. This division was rooted more in white racism as opposed to disqualifying Prince Hall Masonry as a “clandestine” organization who was in violation of the twenty-five Masonic Landmarks and was operating outside of Masonic jurisprudence edict; thus, this was not the case.

Yet, this writer has argued that Prince Hall Masonry declared themselves Masons in 1784, and/or there about, which rendered them independent of white Masonic institutions. It has been a sad and reactionary chapter in our history that for over 200 years we have been quasi seeking formal Masonic recognition from our former slave master’s children (what many do not understand about me, is that my Masonic position is rooted in Pan Africanism and Black Nationalism) and this writer can give damn about our being accepted under the Masonic umbrella of the United Grand Lodge of England (this has never been my desire nor quest). Although, this issue was resolved in early 1990s, it is still being debated by Prince Hall Masonic critics who have argued that Prince Hall lodges have only received partial recognition, as though that is the determining factor in our right to exist. This writer and many other African Centered Freemasons do not seek Masonic direction from white Masonic authorities and however the United Grand Lodge of England view Prince Hall Freemasonry, it is an aberration of how we should see ourselves. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has never been in a moral position to confirm or approve whether or not the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was a body of “regular” Masons.

This writer agreed with two of Dr. Malachi Z. York-El followers Brother Michael Berkley and Brother Kedar Griffo whom I have debated about the legality of Prince Hall Masons to function after being discriminated and prohibited from being admitted into white New England lodges in the late 1700s. Grand Master Prince Hall established African Lodge # 459, which transitioned into African Lodge # 1, but Brother Berkley and Brother Griffo overall argument lacked Masonic merit in which this writer took both of them to task. If they and Dr. York-El claimed the Most Worshipful Zoser Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M as a regular body of Freemasons, then present the proof. Thus, provide the authenticity of a charter (even if the charter is self-proclaimed), but essentially what gives us as PHA or UGLE to have the sovereign right to determine if York’s lodges are “regular” or “irregular”. Their argument from this perspective is valid because it would be no different than the United Grand Lodge of England thinking that unless a Masonic entity has their legal confirmation or approval then you can not consider yourself a “regular” body of Masons. This has been Prince Masonry predicament and I find such position arrogant and absurd. (Reference: Kedar Griffo and Michael Berkley; “African Origin Found in Religion and Freemasonry”).

However, if the Most Worshipful Zoser Grand Lodge is rooted in a legal “regular body” of Masonic authority, then provide us with the proper Masonic documentation where as we can verify Dr. York’s Freemasonic claims. But instead, they seek to justify their right to exist by attacking Prince Hall Masonry so-called illegitimate claims and ties to United Grand Lodge of England, in particular they maintain that Prince Hall claims of receiving full Masonic recognition from UGLE is not totally accurate (whether their argument is valid or not, it is not important to me, but for the Masonic record their argument is not valid). Brother Kedar and Brother Berkley are arguing against a Masonic entity that had declared itself over 200 years ago as a sovereign and separate Masonic entity from white America’s Masonic Institutions.

This writer would not oppose Dr. York’s right to function as Grand Master over Worshipful Zoser Grand Lodge, but what is in question is his Masonic credentials and lets they prove otherwise, Worshipful Zoser Grand Lodge would be considered a bogus and clandestine Masonic entity. Brother Ralph McNeal Jr. of the Prince Hall Phylaxis Society also was engaged in a debate with Brother Kedar Griffo in which this debate was posted on Zoser Research Society, but this writer has had two or three extensive debates with these followers of Dr. Malachi Z. York-El and neither was posted on the site, I wonder why?

I believe that I had met their arguments with history and research documentation and I dismantled their false Masonic claims. This writer has never met Brother Ezekiel-Bey or Brother Ralph McNeil, but I do share in their passion to defend the history and legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry. This writer applauds any black Freemasons who are engaged in research and writing and interpreting Speculative Masonic history from our perspective. This is a very serious void and we have settled for taking our Masonic instructions and teachings from Caucasian Masonic historians and writers. The Nubians of Kemet (ancient Egypt) were practicing progressive steps of learning in the Egyptian Mystery Schools long before European exited the Caucasus Mountains. (Reference: Michael Berkley; “Freemasonry: A Nubian View”).

Let me end my introduction with a well written and spoken quote from Brother SGM Zachary Gremillion El and author of the “African Origins of Freemasonry” and founder of the Imperial Cushite Order, Ancient Grand Lodge of Khamet who stated: “Fahim A. Knight El, Greetings to you. I have finally gotten a chance to read your article. This is great information. And I am glad you wrote it. It brings forth challenges to the Black man claim Anglo Saxon Freemasonry. I bear you witness and can attest and have taught the things you have written in your essay. I myself have received the 33rd degree and also degrees of Masonry up to the 95th that many have never heard of. These orders in essence are about us all!”

“I am with Elijah and Ali in teaching the truth of our history. You are right about the Shrine Masonry, and there are also other orders that have our info that are just like the shrine. For instance the Tall Cedars of Lebanon (In the George Washington Masonic Museum in the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Room there are Images of Black Sidonians on the wall...) and Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. Islam plays a big part in the craft. Not just in the shrine but in the Scottish rite as well as you know in the 29th degree of the AASR. Bro. Salhudin is a character who the Christian knights learns from and shares in his mysteries. In fact the Chap. in the 29th degree represents the court of Salahudin.LOL. This brings us to the Question that Mr. Fard asked Mr. Elijah Kariem(Muhammad) "WHY DID WE TAKE JERUSALEM FROM THE DEVIL?" This question is tied up in the history of Salhudin who the
Scottish Rite Masons revere in the 29th degree.”

“In fact Bro. Fahim I am still working on my next book which will be an analysis of Masonry on another level... This will be undeniable by them or any negro flunky that follow them.” Thanks for the article it is good to be put back in prospective

I love you.
SGM Zachary Gremillion El, 9th

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: “Bro. Knight, I hope all is well. I'm getting ready to read two books. One by Robert Lomas, “Turning the Hiram Key” and one covering the teachings of Noble Drew Ali. I just got it but the title slips my memory. Hit me up when you can.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Yes, Robert Lomas, “Turning the Hiram Key”, it is a very good book because without given up what you oath to conceal and never reveal; he was still able to talk about the internal Masonic experience without violating his obligation. The book quietly takes you through the first three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) and it gives us a better understanding of the ritual work and the Dramatization of the rituals with the intent to teach and convey moral lessons. I learned a lot from Lomas’ work and I considered it to be one of the better interpretations of the Blue Lodge work in particular the meaning of bringing a candidate from darkness to light.”

“Prophet Noble Drew Ali the founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA) and the first African American leader to introduced Islam as a formalize religion in the United States in 1913, in the city of Newark, New Jersey was huge giant in our historical experience. Some believe that he had risen to become a 33rd Degree Mason and we know that Prince Hall Shriners began in about 1893 (however, some of the Prince Hall Phylaxis Society researchers are working on a book that will prove that Prophet Noble Drew Ali was member of the Odd Fellows. Let us read the research before passing judgment, but I must admit that I have never heard this contention. There is no doubt that Ali's group borrowed from Freemasonry and Shriners in which there is striking similarity amongst the two groups (they both wear the tall burgundy colored Fez) and both groups have incorporated some aspects of Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad who lived 1,400 years ago. The Shrine use the Qur'an (which it borrowed from Islam) and Ali wrote a book titled, "The Circle 7 Holy Koran" which does not resemble the original Qur’an that was revealed to Muhammad Ibn Abdullah of 1,400 years ago, but it delves into the mystical and mythical teachings of Jesus Christ or Jesus the son of Joseph. Ali according to the legend visited Egypt and received special teachings within the Egyptian Mystery Schools and he received a commission from the Moorish Nation of Morocco to so-called come back to North America and teach the Asiatic Black man (African American) Islam. There is a serious connection between Freemasonry and Prophet Ali who died in 1929. Some believe that the Honorable Elijah Muhammad (who admitted that he was once a Mason)also was a follower of MSTA and that the Nation of Islam borrowed from the Masons and from Ali's Moorish Science Temple of America (some believe that Wallace Fard Muhammad and Elijah Poole-Bey were active members in the Chicago or Detroit Chapters of the MSTA). One of Prophet Ali’s most important gift to us, is that he gave blacks a legitimate nationality, which was Moorish American. President Woodrow Wilson granted the Moors a U.S. Government sanction of recognition and declared this group with certain rights to sovereignty (The nation of Morocco was the first nation to recognized the newly sovereignty of the United States of America in the 1700s). These are my thoughts and is not the official position of the MSTA, but this a very good group to study because somewhere in the discourse of your life and in your travels of Freemasonry, the name Prophet Noble Drew Ali is going to come up. My brother, if you have any more questions just hit me back, thus both topics are of deep interest to me.”

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: “ Bro. Knight, I hope all is well. On Saturday evening my Lodge had an interesting discussion on the Masonic GOAT. We discussed Pan the God of mischief and the change from him to being the devil we now supposedly ride. Plus, we talked about the Lion's Paw. Tell me what you think.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I think Freemasonry owes a lot of its rituals to old Pagan myths and Folk Lore. The Greek God Pan that appears in Greek Mythology was actually borrowed from Ancient Kemet (Egypt). It is essentially connected to the winter and summer solstice, the rise and fall of the physical sun. (in ancient times the Sun during the winter months was presumed dead). For example, around Dec 21 or December 22, it becomes very noticeable that the days get shorter and the nights get longer and on June 22 we receive equal day and night relative to light (Vernal Equinox). Some social scientist believed that the physical Sun was strategically and deceptively replaced by the worship of the Son (Jesus Christ) December 25 the so-called birth of the Son of God. However, the Biblical tale of his birth, death, resurrection and ascension arrived its origins from more ancient civilizations where by man studying the Sun (and Sun Deities) and its movements appeared almost in every culture and society of renown. Most theologians have ascertained that Jesus was perhaps born in late September or October and many believe that Nimrod was born on December 25 as opposed to Yeshua Ben Yosef (Jesus the son of Joseph). This is why the Worshipful Master sit in the East because the Sun rises in the East (energy which equates to light and wisdom) and the Senior Warden in the West because the Sun declines in the West (without the declining of the Sun, we could not have a birth every 24 hours—remember the tide ebbs and flow every 24 hour cycle). Pan according to Greek Mythology was a God of fertility (fertility is defined as new life and regeneration) the celebration of Easter is connected to Pan and represents springtime (also Phallic worship), in which the Greeks copied the story of Osiris, the Sun God (Christianity borrowed the trinity—the father, son and the holy spirit) and we as Freemasons also borrowed the Sun God Rite and renamed the allegorical character Hiram Abiff (who suffered a horrid death at the hands of three would be conspirators, but King Solomon was able raise him from a dead level to a living perpendicular on the Square). The ritual symbolizes the resurrection of Yeshua Ben Yosef (Jesus the son of Joseph) and more so than that, it was first told in ancient Kemet. All the world religions owes a debt of gratitude to Kemet (Egypt) and this includes Freemasonry”. (Reference: Gerald Massey; “The Natural Genesis”).

Fahim A. Knight-El continued: “Remember Michael Jackson saw himself as Peter Pan symbolizing youthful spirit and child like energy never getting old (youth correlates to life and new beginning). The Third Degree of Master Mason was rooted in the symbolism of death and life. The Goat symbolically is to remind us of the tough and rugged road that life can be; the earth rotates on her axis and the Sun moves in a position in order to impose its will on earth by given a source of energy designed to sustain all life. But as the earth rotates and the Sun moves (or better yet as the earth rotates) a distance itself away from the sun, vegetation temporarily dies (darkness) and as it comes full circle, nature comes back to life. Pan is depicted as being half-beast and half man, but the ancient people of Kemet (Egypt) had always taught ancient lessons by showing figures and symbols of half man and half animal life. The Sphinx is the best example of the power of the lion head and the body of a man (signifying that there is no breaks in creation—all of creation is part of the circle of life). The Lion is considered the king of the jungle and the Masonic lions paw represents the strongest grip (token) and its to teach us as Masons that we took an obligation to hold on to our brother and never let him go, in particular during time of distress and destitute (you must pull him up with the strong grip that will not slip and this is greater than the symbolic cable-tow that temporarily connected us as one symbolic unit being led from darkness into the Light). We as Christians were taught as children that the devil wore a red suit, had horns and possessed a pitch fork (similar to the image on the hot sauce bottle; LOL). This image has led Christians to believe that Masons in general, worship the devil (Pan depicted with Horns and huffs). Okay good brother that's my Speculative Masonic take. Yes, Sir this should have been a good and lively discussion and I am quite sure you gave the Craft something to think about. My teacher told me to study in order to show yourself approved and this is what we must get the Craft to understand on all levels of Masonry”. (Reference: Gerald Massey; “Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Ancient Mysteries of Amenta”

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: “Great article. Me being a 33rd degree, I understand that the search for knowledge must not stop. In my jurisdiction that incident where a person is made a Mason would never have happened. As a Worshipful, I try to make sure I'm teaching at all the meetings. You are right, though as a group we higher degree Masons are failing in teaching our brother Masons. I know I try, but even in my jurisdiction I have found the teachings in various lodges spotty at best. To be a Mason is important to me and I try to impart that to my initiates and my other lodge brothers. We can only follow your steps one brother at a time, one lodge at a time. I will forward this to my brothers. Once again, that was a powerful thought provoking article.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you Brother Ferguson, I thought you would be able to appreciate the knowledge; I try to take the various Masonic steps and experiences, which to offer the Craft further interpretation of Speculative Masonry. "The Poor Blind Candidate" in my opinion, was one of my better articles; it challenges and teaches simultaneously. I appreciate you always looking to teach the Craft in your lodge and jurisdiction. I joined Masonry because I was initially impressed with the knowledge that surrounded the Order and if there is no teachings, the lodge or shrine temple (I am not against having a beer, but there so much we can be doing other than having fun in the Fun House)becomes stagnated and it eventually dies in spirit. Thus, what gives the lodge life is good Masonic instructions. We can only do what we can do, but lets keep teaching out front because I have witness to many Masonic Brothers after being raised disappeared, we have to focus on retention and I am of the belief that knowledge could be the best tool to keep Masons tied to their lodge and not just become inactive dues payers.”

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: “Bro. Knight just letting you know my lecture series on 357 is continuing. We just finished the number 5. I stressed as Masons we are smart but should understand we need to always should look for knowledge. I also pointed out that if we think that we know it all we are treading close to the number 6 the satanic number. Anyway, catch you later”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you for sharing, it is always good to hear from you. The science of numbers and numerology. There is so much written in the numbers that is viewed by Esoteric, Gnostic, and the Occult. Freemasonry still has much to learn from the Numbers and it can be a beautiful Speculative Masonic discourse. The 357 powerful physical and spiritual Masonic (human) steps; thus, the building blocks to understanding the seventh (7) letter of the alphabet, which tells us that our mathematical code is tied to the language code of the letter G and this tells us that Geometry and the Great Architect is synonymous. We all have the potential to be God under the most High God. The numbers tells us so”.

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: “Bro. Knight the streets is talking'. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback from your debates. I did let the brothers know that there is a question about Dr. York's validity as a Mason. However, the response has been positive because of all the knowledge that was given. Just giving you a heads up. You are truly an asset to all Masons”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you brother, I am just glad I can make a Masonic contribution because there is so much to learn in the science of Speculative Masonry and we have to continue to break down the artificial barriers that keeps the Masonic family divided. I feel very comfortable with my brothers of the AF&AM lodges and I am equally comfortable with the Craft of PHA. I consider myself student of Masonry and as black Masons, we meaning PHA has to move beyond this organizational arrogance and give respect and acceptability to other African American Masons in spite of our historical differences”.

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: “Me and Mrs. Ferguson are having a good time. I because you told me of an occasion when the White Grand Master was invited your one of your meetings but the favor has not been returned. But I'm tired of our race as a whole when we look for our validation through our oppressors. The 'crib' mentality as described in the book "The Isis Papers" is what we have to combat. I will say this to you because I've said it in my meetings in Dallas. The White Masons should be begging you guys for recognition because (1) you are the original African American Masonic Group, (2) As pointed out by Ashura Kwesi they are aware that the concept of Masonry is Egyptian and definitely established by our ancestors and not the Templars, as they are trying to brainwash us with now. Sorry so long winded but it does make me mad to see it happening. It makes me madder when after all this time we still fall for the same “tricknology”. This is us and MUST be maintained.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: "Perhaps we have talked about this or may be not. I think you and I talked about North Carolina relative to the Black PHA and the white Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Nevertheless, North Carolina Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF&AM predominately white body of Masons and North Carolina Prince Hall Masons the predominately Black Masonic body—Free and Accepted Masons (F&AM) did pass a resolution of fraternal recognition in November 2008, after over 200 years of Masonic segregation. There are still eleven (11) states, which racism and segregation still exist between the two Masonic entities. I would rather see our order find ways to break the Masonic barriers that exist between other Black Masonic groups in which to establish recognition and brotherhood amongst ourselves. I do not want other Black Masons and/or non-Prince Hall Masons to think or feel like we as Prince Hall Masons are discriminating against our own kind. My brother this plank is more important to me personally than how our white Masonic brothers perceives us. Now, that is my personal thinking, but many PHA brothers thinks that the white's man ice is more colder than the black man's ice. Yes, brother Ashura Kwesi is right and I consider him as one of my teachers. Now, I am happy to hear that you and Mrs. Ferguson are in Sin City together (smile) give your wife my best regards. You see you AF&AM brothers got all the money and can take these lavish trips and us PHA can not even travel to the next city in NC".

Bro. Joseph Ferguson: "Bro. Knight, I'm currently in a national Shriners Meeting in Las Vegas. During our instructional period we heard that the white Grand Masonic Council said that racism is wrong, said they still would not recognize you Masonically, Is that True?"

Fahim A. Knight-El: "No, I have not heard this and it is news to me. But brother you know for some of us, white Masonic approval is not even on our agenda; perhaps there might be others who think they are not going to get into heaven, if white folk do not sanction them within the eyesight of God. Brother, I hope you have a good Shrine convention in the "sin city" and do not party and gamble to much. Take care brother".

Dr. Michael Fain: (note: not this is important Dr. Fain is a white Masonic brother) “Hello Brother Fahim! My name is Michael Fain - and I am a Master Mason in Kings of Israel No. 19 in Houston, TX. I am a white mason who in a lodge composed of myself, one Hispanic Master Mason, and sixteen black masons. I am also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - having pledged on the undergraduate level in 1980. Ours is one of the newest - and arguably the youngest - lodges in Texas (with the avg. age being 25). At 48, I am clearly the oldest Master Mason in this lodge.”

“Sadly, there is a great amount of truth in your article. When I became a Master Mason on July 25, 2007, my worshipful master took me aside five weeks later and told me he expected that I would join a part of the Grand Lodge of Texas, the predominately white grand lodge in Texas. At that time, I did not know the racial distinctions between the different Texas grand lodges. Our own lodge is a part of United Most Worshipful Scottish Rite Grand Lodge - which was founded by two Hispanic Master Masons in the late 1870's”.

“Suffice to say, I was not looking for a black lodge, but am VERY proud to be a part of the lodge to which I will belong until death - the Kings of Israel No. 19. While there are still Southern states - including Texas - where white lodges do not officially recognize black lodges, it is only time that prevents a 2/3 vote from granting this recognition”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Brother Fain: Thank you for your kind words and your evaluation of my article on Freemasonry. I wrote the article because of the hypocrisy that was associated with Masonry foundation claiming to rest upon the principles of Brotherly Love, Morality and Friendship, these are universal principles that have no room for racism and institutionalize bigotry. Thus, race was/is serving as an antagonistic contradiction between black and white Masons, which was a betrayal to the concept of brotherhood (how could Caucasian Masonry embrace the said principles and at the same time deny their African American Brothers who oath themselves and committed to the same Masonic Obligations?

“I think most southern states have been affected by the dynamic of race, which has had an everlasting affect on the White Craft and Black Craft and their developing certain social attitudes. But the white Masons are hiding behind Black Masons being "irregular" and "clandestine"; although these allegations have been proving false, but it is a good enough reason to hide the other social attitude which is based on historical racism. These social attitudes are changing as a new generation of white Masons are joining AF&AM Lodges, as well as other traditional white Masonic bodies and they are not holding on to those old arcade racist ideas of their fathers. This represent the greatest hope for Freemasonry in the United States of America to becoming just a body of Masons recognized by one another as such regardless of the artificial barriers we create (With the Masonic Alphabets and letters—International, FA&M, AF&AM, etc.); if you are apart of a duly constituted and regulated lodge there should not be any divisions amongst us as Masons. We are taught to know one another in darkness and in light—if you can give the word, token and sign as we have been taught then that is good enough for me to call you BROTHER. You were taught on the First Degree Entered Apprentice that one must believe in Deity (Supreme Being). No, one told me that race determined whether or not one is classified as a brother Mason”.

Dr. Michael Fain: “Brother Fahim, thanks so much for taking time to respond to my note. I will print your note and give to my Worshipful Master tonight at our bi-weekly meeting. Ironically, my/our WM became a Master Mason in a Prince Hall lodge located near the home in which I was raised in Houston. Both of my parents are/were blind . . .so color was never an issue in my home. I look forward to our continued communication!”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “You Are Welcome Brother Fain: Anytime I can be of assistance to a fellow brother, I am willing; I am aware we should always meet on the level and depart upon the square. My brother thank you and please give my fraternal greeting to the Worshipful Masters and all the brothers of Kings of Israel Lodge No. 19”.

Dr. Michael Fain: “Brother Knight! I wanted to follow-up on our communication of yesterday! Last night, I summarized your/my set of e-mails for my own lodge - Kings of Israel No. 19. This summary occurred at our regularly-scheduled bi-weekly meeting. From an optimistic perspective, I told the lodge what I already believe - that the majority of Masons in this country do not want racially-segregated lodges in the 13 states that still officially have such division. I believe that a 2/3 vote which abolishes such segregation will pass in the next 20 years - if not sooner. Brothers which have voted to maintain such segregation will need to be replaced with younger, more accepting brothers (not necessarily needing my own background). Once time has passed, I believe the archaic practices will become obsolete. Some 28 years ago, when I pledged (publicly) the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I learned that racism exists on both black and white sides of 'the railroad track.' Only when older brothers are replaced with those of us with faint recollections of past racial injustices will the past be resolved”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Bro. Fain: Thank you for valuing our dialogue that we had and sharing within your regular Masonic Communication meeting. Thus, I am fully aware of the 2/3 vote rule we or AF&AM (the majority white lodges in North Carolina) had that same rule within their code book, but I have to give the African American Prince Hall Grand Master some real credit. Thus, in 2004 he began to reach out to the AF&AM Grand Master and started a positive dialogue with the White Masonic body. He even invited the white Grand Master to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge session held in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The white Grand Master accepted the invitation and in return Prince Hall Grand Master put a motion on the floor to fully recognize AF&AM as our Masonic brothers and extended full Masonic recognition.”

“But shortly after this meeting, the white AF&AM held their Grand Lodge Session and voted to continue segregation because they did not attain the 2/3 vote requirement to end over 200 years of Masonic racism. So, African American Masons in North Carolina was dismayed and disappointed in the voting rules of the AF&AM. Moreover, each year the "Raleigh News and Observer" would publish the vote and year after year Prince Hall Masonic recognition was denied. This had far reaching implications because it meant in theory that black Masons were not legitimate Masons and we sub-consciously wore the label "irregular" and "clandestine."

“Although, many of us knew that Prince Hall had received a legitimate charter from the Grand Lodge of England and was a duly constituted entity and in that sense we did not give two cents worth of credibility to a negative vote coming from our brothers of the AF&AM lodge. Our Grand Master Milton "Toby" Fitch (NC Superior Court Judge) kept a good public relation campaign going and just continued to reach out the white AF&AM. So when I wrote my article (2007), it was written to socially agitate both the white Masons and the black Masons and I made sure that each entity received a hardcopy and an email version of the article. I would like to believe that in a small way my article help to prick each leader’s consciousness. Thus, in November of 2008 the AF&AM voted to change their 2/3 rule and went to a majority vote rule and a resolution was passed after 200 years to extend full Masonic recognition to Prince Hall Masons”.

“We do not have 20-30 years to continue to tolerate Masonic racism, it is wrong and reprehensible and my advice is start a campaign and dialogue of reaching out and even asking the Grand Lodge bodies in Texas to review what North Carolina did and consider taking a progressive step even if it means changing the rules”.

“If our nation can elect an African American to the highest office in the land; surely we as Masons should be able to move beyond divisive racial politics. I know Texas may have a uniqueness as far as the social, political, and economic structure, but we have a divine obligation to stand on MORALITY, FRIENDSHIP and BROTHERLY LOVE. Someone have to take a stance and work to correct the wrong. Thank you for sharing this dialogue with the Craft at Kings of Israel Lodge # 19. I remain open to further dialogue”.

Dr. Michael Fain: “Bro. Knight, I do believe the chance
of the 2/3 vote being passed in Texas is great . . .and will not take the 20 years I have estimated. There are already a number of black members of the Grand Lodge of Texas. However, the strong perception is that these are among the most elite and successful of black business owners. I truly hope the two of us can maintain an ongoing dialogue . . .so that we have a chance to enhance this process. On a related note, I am blessed with the opportunity to influence hundreds if not thousands of young(er) adult minds in a position I took with the University of Houston this past Sept. 2. I am currently the Director of Forensics (i.e. the Speech/Debate Coach) of the University of Houston Main Campus. However, our UH Forensic Society currently has 200+ members and is growing. A majority of our members engage in volunteer work in orphanages, homeless shelters, etc., and roughly one-third host the app. dozen contests we hold on our campus each year. The last part of our membership does what is expected - they compete in speech/debate throughout the U.S. It does sound like 2/3 of our organization is already doing work related to what is expected of the Masons . . .and with me as the Director, it makes sense”.

Khepra Ptah: “Hotep Bro Fahim Knight. As you have seen I am an individual who is attracted to the culture of the Nile Valley Civilization. I am also concerned about the welfare of Black People world wide. I came across your site while surfing the net. I believe that's Dark Lore. Because of the esoteric information and you having a keeping it real think tank I felt the need to contact you. A little bit of info about me is first and foremost I live in Seattle Wash. I have been affiliated with many organizations dedicated to the mental, physical and spiritual liberation of oppressed people manly those of African descent. I am a leader, a scholar, a Reiki teacher, and an initiate of the Rocky Mountain Mystery School. I have been told that I am a keeper of records as well as a teacher since I was very young now I am 34 and I am attempting to share and receive more knowledge, wisdom and understanding right at this point my Queen and I have set up ASCAC Northwest with the blessings of the Elders in Seattle and Tacoma who use to run ASCAC study groups before. Right now I am working on a book called the Solerization papers. Based on my on theories as well as wisdom drawn from the exoteric and esoteric wisdom great teachers like Marcus Garvey, Noble Drew Ali, Elijah Muhammad, Baba Heru and many others. Thank you for responding Shem-hotep”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I am always inspired, when I hear about a young brother or sister who is seeking to organize our people in any capacity. This is a noble calling and I too believe in freedom, justice and equality and have been blessed to sit under some master teachers. Leadership not only requires the ability to impart knowledge, but it requires a tremendous amount of patience and commitment and most of all we have to be good examples”.

“People will be attracted to your LIGHT and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the wisdom and knowledge that we have acquired by the permission of the Creator. One of my teachers was the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and he said my teachings can be summed up in six words "Accept your own and be yourself" and he of also said of all the knowledge one can acquire there is no knowledge more beneficial to the black man in America than the knowledge of self”.

“It was this knowledge that sprung me into Kush and Kemet and led me to Dr. Yosef Ben A.A. Jochannan, Chancellor Williams, John G. Jackson, Cheik Anta Diop, Ivan VanSertima, Marimba Ani, Asa Hilliard, etc. These warrior intellectuals helped to expanded my thinking and quest for knowledge even further”.

“I often tell brothers and sisters to brainstorm and determine what type of study group do you desire to have. Some chose to just to meet once or twice a week to study and do nothing else (I consider this type of study group as being ineffective). I have always believed that knowledge should create a will in a people to become social and political activist in the African community and begin to make community changes and not just create armchair revolutionaries who do nothing but quote books”.

“Preparation, meaning having all your reading and learning materials at your disposal and each week you are prepared to facilitate the group. For example, you may do slide show presentations (visual arts) of a trip that you or someone has taking to Kemet and you desire to visually show the group our living culture”.

“Some time you may play a DVD or CD lecture of one of our revolutionary warriors. I love playing Brother Kwame Ture and/or Dr. Khalid Abdul Muhammad because you normally get an immediate reaction from brothers and sisters (preparation is important)”.

“No one should dominate the study group; other people should able to lead discussions and facilitate other than yourself. Also, staying connected to the community and being visible when dealing with issues that are relevant to the community. Supporting black institutions and building black institutions in the Seattle, Washington area”.

“It is important to establish alliances with other conscious groups and organizations in which to share strategies and tactics relative to securing our liberation. I do think study groups that get large lose their effectiveness”.

“My brother it is also important to include programs that cater to women and children”.

“Lastly, I invite you to web joining a group of brothers and sisters whom I am connected to on the website (some serious BUILDING take place on this site). There is a brother who authored a book titled, "African Origins of Freemasonry" his name is Bro. Zachary Gremilllion (he is the owner of the site and a good brother) and head a serious web group called Imperial Cushite Order, Ancient Grand Lodge of Khamet just follow the link; some serious building and knowledge is being dispensed on the site and I personally would advise that you follow the link and become a part of the group”.

“There are brothers who are Moors, Freemasons, Hebrew Israelites, Kemetic Science, Muslims, Pan-Africanist and nationalist, etc. If you decide to join just let them know on the site that I brother Fahim A. Knight-EL recommended you. Here is the link and my brother let me know if I can be of further assistance, I am open and I truly mean it you can just shoot me an email at any time and I will be gladly to assist in this cause. Let us continue to BUILD: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CushiteMasterBuilders/”

Brother Kendrick Smith: “Brother Knight: Your piece, “Let There Be Light”, was a very profound piece. I have had the opportunity to read your work, “Freemasonry and Islam, What Do They Share”, as well as Elijah Mohammed's, Secrets of Freemasonry. I am total agreement with you. I am native Greensboro, NC. I currently live in Maryland outside of Baltimore. I joined the lodge this past November. I was initiated Nov. 13, 2008, passed February 12, 2009, and I will be raised this Saturday April 18, 2008 at the Grand Lodge in Baltimore. I find myself questioning much of what the brothers take pride. They often pride themselves in having a charter from " The Grand Lodge of England", not understanding that these are the same people who enslaved our people. Not only that, if a man doesn't treat you right, then what makes you think that he will teach you right. When they ask us in the first degree, what important right or benefit do we expect to gain from this important privilege, we respond , being a man freeborn, of lawful age and well recommended. However this language didn't not include nor was it meant for us. We were dealing with chattel slavery. It seems to me that much of our brothers lack a knowledge of self. It seems that we are following western freemasonry or the Johnny-come-lately.

“They stole our knowledge and here we are, giving " three distinct knocks" passively asking for it back. These brothers don't realize how the theft of our knowledge lies in the story of Hiram Abiff. The ruffians being, the 3 western versions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The Arab was the first to enslave us, the Jew paid for the ships and taxed on the money they allowed the people to borrow, and the Christian used our ancestors to build their empire here in America for four hundred years. They took us on the westerly course on the slave ship. When they took us down to the Caribbean for " seasoning " that's where we stripped. We were hit in the throat when they took our native tongues. We were hit in the chest (heart), when they made us hate ourselves and become cold and compassionless like our oppressor. They hit us in the head, when they robbed us our knowledge of self and God, Now many of our brothers still lay a coma from Jubelum's setting maul, from being struck in the head at "high noon". Brother Knight, I commend you for bringing the truth, which are the true wages of mason and master builder. I would love to sit and build with you sometime when I come home to North Carolina. I have family in Durham also. Keep up the great work. May the Creator continue to bless you Brother Knight! Hotep, Brother Kendrick Smith.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you for your kind words and I truly appreciate you reading my Blog on Freemasonry and giving me some feed back. I wrote the article titled,” There was No Brotherly Love Between Black Masons and White Masons" sub-titled, "Let There be Light" perhaps last years early 2008”.

“Let me first congratulate you on your travel in Masonry and definitely congratulations on your Raising scheduled for this coming Saturday. You will be receiving the third degree or the sublime degree of Master Mason (the last and final degree in Masonry). My brother do not let this end your Masonic travels (meaning the acquisition of knowledge) and continue to study and research because Speculative Masonry is a never ending journey and it definitely does not end once we are raised from a so-called dead level to a living perpendicular on the square”.

“You seem to have a good grasp on outside the box knowledge and we need brothers like yourself who understand Masonry from an in depth perspective. I constantly advocate to the Craft that we need more African American Masons who are Masonic writers in order to intellectually weigh in on the philosophy and getting involved in Masonic research. We need a bigger voice within the broader Masonic discussion and we can not continue to allow white Masons to write and interpreted Freemasonic history for us”.

“The article was written because as a Prince Hall Mason and one who had truly committed myself to becoming a student of Masonry and going far beyond the established reading list to research and study the historical and philosophical principles of Freemasonry. I saw hypocrisy and racism as being in contradiction to the tenets of Freemasonry”.

“Thus, I was not just satisfied after being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason (third and final degree in Masonry) and thought at that point that I had arrived to some great place within the Divine Scheme of things and there was no need to continue my search for knowledge”.

“I as an African American had some understanding that all this knowledge I was acquiring had a root much deeper than the symbolic introduction I had received in my Masonic training”.

“I had read great Caucasian scholars such as Albert Churchward, Gerald Massey, Sir Godfrey Higgins, George Frazer, etc., who pointed to Kemet (Egypt) as being the cradle of civilization from which all knowledge sprung. I had also, read a book written in 1954 by George G.M. James titled, "Stolen Legacy" in which James attributes Greek Philosophy as being stolen Egyptian philosophy and since Freemasonry is built on these scientific and mathematical principles this led me to investigate Kemet (Egypt) further and this is where I found the root of all Masonic teachings”.

“Manly P. Hall and Albert G. Mackey and all the great Masonic writers pointed us to Kemet (Egypt) where this great craft received its origin. On the walls of the great pyramids is was inscribed "Man Know Thyself" and as a people of African descendant we had been made blind to the knowledge of self and Freemasonry or Speculative (philosophical) Masonry had enough in its teachings to verify that this society had an ancient origin that went further back than 1717. The origin gave us a black reality and all the Masonic schools of thought came from African people”.

“My brother thank you again and once you are raised send me another email; so we can continue to build. I am open to my brothers and if there is anything that I can be of assistance just shoot me an email. At your raising just listen and pay attention there is going to be a lot going on, but you will be just fine (trust in the Creator) and the guide will not be allow to pray for you, but you will have to pray for yourself”.

Bro. Terrance L. Blackledge: “Hotep Brethren Knight, I just wanted to thank you for writing such a enlightening and truthful article. I am currently a F.C. within Mount Olive Lodge #25 located in Baltimore, MD and will be receiving my 3rd degree this Saturday April 18, 2009”.

“I've been doing a lot of research and studying on the historical genre of Freemasonry, and through my research I have discovered a lot of disturbing and enlightening facts; most of them you covered in your article "Let There Be Light." It upsets me to know that the "original founding fathers" of the practice of Speculative and Operative Masonry, the Ancient Kemetic brothers receive NO recognition from White as well as African Masons. Many brothers in the Craft state that Masonry started in Africa with the Ancient Mystery system, but still seem to implement "massa" rituals, myths and beliefs up to this very day. There needs to be a complete restructuring/reorganizing of the Brotherhood, so that we can pay more homage to our ancestors and get back to the true African Belief/Moral System!! Once this overhaul is complete we will not have to worry about gaining acceptance from our white brothers anymore, but it will be them that will seek our acceptance and acknowledgement”.

“Maybe this is why we are not accepted and recognized from our white brethren today, because they know we received our charter or dispensation from them so without them there would be know us. We give them the POWER.Thanks again for your LIGHT”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Hotep Brother Blackledge: Thank you for your kind words and insightful analysis and evaluation. and I want to thank you for taking the time to read the article I wrote titled, "There is No Brotherly Love Between Black Masons and White Masons" subtitled, "Is There No Help For the Poor Widow's Son? Let There Be Light". Let me first congratulate you on your Masonic travels and most of all congratulations on reaching your third degree, which is the sublime degree of Master Mason”.

“My brother you are absolutely right and on target with everything you said. I could not have said it any better, but let respond and expounded a little more upon your bold and insightful dialog. Yes, the Egyptian Mystery Schools (Kemet) they actually stole our knowledge and now we have to acquire it back from a cultural alien and bandit (pursuant to traveling the Scottish Rite and York Rite Latters). My brother do not get me started in that direction. But let me share with you what was on my heart”.

“My brother, my writings are often very uncomfortable for my Masonic brothers because I DO NOT MINE TAKING POSITIONS and many of our brothers joined Freemasonry as a social outlet, in one sense no different than a college fraternity. But white Masons as you will come to know uses Masonry as an inter-organizational network system, which to alter the power dynamics and to factor into the political, economic and social equation, in which to determine how these variables will affect their immediate future and the future of their off springs”.

“They internalize the principles and began to work on some level to impact the Paradigm Shift (as it relates to power) and place themselves in a position to be the beneficiaries. They study the scientific course of the Operative Masons of old and then apply this school of thought to Speculative Freemason to acquire good homes, money and friendship in all walks of life”.

“Many of us are so-called raised from a dead level in our Master Mason ritual and naively think this process alone has moved them to the pinnacle of understanding and the ritual somehow has assured him that there is no more need to "travel". The travel in search of knowledge and wisdom never ends (it is infinite). You said a lot in your discourse and explanation; there is no doubt the majority of these various paths that we are on had their root inception in Kemet (Ancient Egypt) and other parts of Africa. My research has always acknowledged these truths”.

“The said article relative to black Masons and white Masons were written to agitate and exposed the hypocrisy and to get both Masonic entities out of their comfort zones. There is a war going on for the hearts and minds of humanity—right now the enemy of truth is winning. I feel that God has giving me a purpose and talent, which is the pen, to be use in the cause of helping to liberate our minds and always be reminded to submit my will, to do his will”.

Bro. Wayne T. Muhammad: “As-Salaam Aliakum, Bro. Fahim, Will you send or direct me to a copy of your article about Freemasonry and Islam. I am an ACTIVE Brother in the Masonic Order (Prince Hall), and have traveled on both sides of the compass. In addition, I am an ACTIVE member of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Noble Mystic Shrine and a Registered and ACTIVE Member of the Nation of Islam under the Leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. I would like to read your article in order to gain more knowledge in my travels”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Wa-Alaikum Salaam Bro. Muhammad: I first would like to thank you for showing interest in my work on Islam and Freemasonry. I believe that we as African American Masons just do not do enough on the research side of Freemasonry and going after the Speculative Masonic Jewels. I am always curious how someone found me. Thus, could you please email be backing letting me know, how you were led to me? Here is one of the links relative to the article and works you requested: http://www.totse.com/en/religion/islam/f... I hope this is sufficient; but please shoot me a line back relating to my question. Thus, if you have any further questions relating to the article, I am open to share my opinion”.

Bro. Wayne T. Muhammad: ”As-Salaam Alaikum Bro. Knight, I found your writing from this site: http://www.wakeupfromyourslumber.com/nod... I didn't realize until after I emailed you that you was the author of the article. I also found some dialogue between yourself and others. According to the writings, you are a supporter of our Leaders, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, however their were some that did not share that same type of support. According to what I've read, the ones that did not show strong support lack understanding of Minister Farrakhan and The Honorable Elijah Muhammad”.

“I notice in your article you focus more on Muslim Sons (Shriners) instead of Masons (the first 3 degrees), do you have any writings relating Islam to the first 3 degrees? The reason I'm asking these questions, is I'm in the process of doing research on the linkage between "Black people" and Hiram A. The research question is, Is there a relationship between the path we as Black men and women from Africa (East) to America (West) and the path the body of Hiram took, if so what is the connection and what was God's purpose? Brother Knight if you have any light to shine on is topic please do so. Thanks for dialoguing with me.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Wa-Alaikum Salaam Bro. Muhammad: Yes. I have a lot of respect for the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. I have been doing Masonic Research for some time now and there is very little information relative to the first three Blue House Degrees and Islam. I do think Mustafa EL-Amin in some of his Masonic writings touches on the subject. You are going to have to be real creative with this subject and a trailblazer. However, there is no doubt there is a direct parallel between the black man and black woman in America and history given in the symbolic history in the early degree work; we are that Hiram Abiff that was hit in the head and brought on a Westerly course-- North America . I actually started a piece some time ago and just did not complete the thoughts. This is going to require the history and theology of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad to examined and tying it into African History and showing how the Conspirators (the three Ruffians are in deed representative of a historical symbolic Nations and people). I just might pull out what I had started some time ago relative to this. My brother, I wish the best in your research and please let me know, if I can be of assistance. I am not just saying this to be polite, but I mean what I say. I am available and do not mind sharing what I know.”

Bro. Wayne T. Muhammad: “Thanks Brother, Will you share your thoughts on this questions? Why would anyone knowingly leave the East and travel West?”

Bro. Wayne T. Muhammad: “Bro. Knight-EL, I have two books by Mustafa El-Amin, and he links Muslim-Sons to Freemasonry but fail to give a clear picture on how the first three steps relates to Islam. I also have a book by The Honorable Elijah Muhammad on Freemasonry, which He discusses the relationship between
Hiram and the Blackman as you mention in your respond. You stated " the Conspirators (the three Ruffians are in deed representative of a historical symbolic Nations and people)", In my research so far, I believe the three Ruffians refer to the three major religion (Christian, Jewish, and Islam) that benefitted from slavery. Let me know what do you think”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I am assuming you are going to go after this subject from the basis of the teaching of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Thus, if we start from that premises, Mr. Muhammad taught that Freemasonry was for Caucasians and not the Asiatic Black man. He taught that of all the knowledge one could acquire; thus there was none greater than attaining the knowledge of self. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad then stated my teachings can be summed up in six words "accept your own and be yourself." We are the true originators of knowledge based on the Egyptian Mystery Schools—architect, mathematics, medicine, and the Seven Liberal Arts originated in Kemet ( Egypt ). The Black man was robbed of the knowledge of self and he doesn't know that he is the mother and father of civilization, he was from the East and he answers that Masonic question from a standpoint of historical ignorance. The Messenger equated this hitting in the head with the European Nations of France, England and America . So the first three degrees is a re-enactment of the Caucasian man’s history. Yes. We allowed him to come amongst us, but when he started causing confusing; we ran him out the Holy Land 2,200 miles across the hot Arabian Desert . Thus, for him he did traveled from East to West and when we join the Lodge it is history and culture that we adopt. In all reality, Masonry was not meant for us. We are the originators of the knowledge”.

Bro. Wayne T. Muhammad: “As-Salaam Alaikum Bro. Fahim, Thank you for the article, I believe your article is the scholarly support I've been looking for. Allow me time to study aspects of your article and I will get back with you”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Wa-Alaikum Salaam: Bro. Muhammad, I appreciate you taking the time to read the piece and it was your correspondences that got me rethinking about this topic. I actually had gathered notes over ten years ago and just did not complete my thoughts until yesterday. It is an interesting subject relative to the black man and the collective experience of African people in the United States. The Black Freemason Orders often lack the knowledge of self because of mis-education and many of them are not even aware that ritual of Hiram Abiff is talking about him”.

Bro. Wayne T. Muhammad: “Bro. Fahim, You are absolutely correct. After I went through the creation ceremony of the Shrine and I sat in my first meeting as a Noble, I asked the older Nobles questions relating to the ritual. Not one Noble in the Temple knew the answer. One Brother was wise enough to email another Muslim that was also in the Shrine the question I asked for the answer. Once he got the answer, he share what he had received. I told the Brothers that my reason for asking the questions wasn't because I didn't know the answer, it was because I wanted to know if they knew the answer. Most of our Brothers (Masons and Shriners), especially Shriners do not study. All of the Black Shriners I know say "This is the fun house" and they are allowing knowledge to pass them by. On the other hand, the White Shriners are actually studying the purpose of the Black Stone and why the Holy Quran is open to the Surah. My question to you is, Why are we looking to "have fun" and the White's are looking to gain knowledge”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Freemasonry, as far as black Masons involvement could be a serious institution because the order has a wealth of knowledge that one could find and evolve themselves. But after most brothers are raised. They do not pick-up another book and it is such a waste. For example, you could spend a life time dissecting "Stolen Legacy" and dealing with Kemet ( Egypt ) and how our Craft is connected to these theories and philosophy. There is a wealth of knowledge—other than wasting time drinking, partying, chasing women and being social butterflies at 50 and 60 years of age. Knowledge should be our pursuit. The Shrine, Play House to evoke the name of Allah, Prophet Muhammad and read scriptures from the Holy Qur'an is unacceptable. This is why I respect and appreciate El-Amin's books. I have a very extensive library on Masonic materials and you could never exhaust the depth and magnitude of the subject. But we are more interested in having a good time than studying and developing ourselves as human beings”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: “Keep up the good work Bro. It's strong. I read three today; the one about what Islam and freemasonry have in common, the one about Farrakhan and the noi going in a "new" direction, and the one about barack and who he serves. I've been exposed to various schools of thought also, so I appreciate the way you weave the various schools of thought together and the cross-referencing is definitely on point. Oh, I read the one about the NGE as well. I'm glad you're doing better Bro. Keep fighting to get over the obstacles. You're a real brother and we need all the real soldiers to be in the best condition possible. I see the "El" on the end of your name now. Is that from a membership in the Moorish Science Temple?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Bro. Kwame Saba: You caught that (huh). Let me explain it this way: Yes: the "El" (I have always had the "El" for a very long time and was giving the surname Muhammad thereafter) It was done out of recognition and historical understanding of the so-called African American lineage and our connection to the blackmoor lineage of North Africa and there are legal grievances and rights that could be addressed under this title of sovereignty. The name addition identifies that I am a "Moor"; thus, not in the narrow since of following or a part of a formal Moorish religious group or sect, but in the broader sense of accepting a recognized nationality. However, I have always loved and respected the work of one of my teachers Prophet Noble Drew Ali (Abdul Sharrief Ali) who raised the question of nationality in early 1900s relative to Africans (Asiatics) living in America who were stolen and kidnapped from their native home of Africa. The name addition is an indication of a personal evolution. I hope my response answers your question. Also, thank you brother for your response and clarity relative to the articles. Thus, by the Creators permission I will stay the course. I have a lot out there on the Internet and I hope you find my work resourceful and useful. I know some of it is preaching to the choir because I know you too have traveled the road of knowledge”.

Bro. Kwame Saba:: “I have heard much of what you're communicating, but I commend you for documenting and articulating the many points and issues that you address. It's not only needed, but it's on time. Keep doing your work Bro. As for the addition of the "El" component to your name, I see the truth in that. I too acknowledge that we are Moors, however I have never been one for joining an organization. I am however affiliated with brothers from various organizations; NOI, NGE, Moorish Science Temple, Shia, Sunni, Sufi, Rasta, etc. and I have studied from said systems of knowledge and incorporate common truths from each into my daily living. Though I'm considered "Muslim" by those who lack knowledge and need to label someone, my approach is esoteric and I'm not limited by the parameters of orthodoxy. In other words I know my history. Regarding the sovereign citizenship, have you found it to stand up to "legal" scrutiny?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Kwame Saba: Those are some serious schools of thought and paths that you have incorporated. I know there is much wisdom that you have attained from each of them. It is something though, how truth is like a circle; it will all connect at some point. I have had experiences of acquiring a piece of knowledge early on and it might have been years later that I made the connection with some previous knowledge that I may have attained and it brought it all together. I have used perhaps every iota of knowledge and wisdom that had been revealed to me somewhere in my mental travels and physical travels. I must say what I acquired at the Know Book Store and Brother Bruce has been invaluable; I do not think he even knows the positive impact his knowledge and store has had on so many brothers and sisters. I have learned to overlook my brother's negative energy and thank him for the positive energy he has given me and the African community.”

“I think there is still a lot of legal ground work to be done. Thus, Dr. Malachi Z. York (prior to his incarceration) was doing some good research with the "Moor" from a legal perspective, but I must say I did not agree with some his over-all theories; however, he knew something about the necessity and the sovereign right that was given to the Moors (in particular Noble Drew Ali) in the early 1920s by President Woodrow Wilson”.

“I think there are pockets of brothers and sisters around the country who recognize the legality of this nationality argument, but none have been able to push it forward on a national and international level, perhaps because of the lack of financial resources and there are schisms within MSTA movement:”

“I read a piece awhile back written by Minister Silis Muhammad of the Lost-Found Nation of Islam in the West (separate group from Minister Farrakhan's group) and he had been pushing in the United Nations as far as a legal petition in order to be heard with in the Human Rights Division of the UN relative to African Slavery and Reparations”.

“His petition was turned down because there was no agreed ethnic or nationality name upon the descendants of Diaspora African slaves in order to allow the petition to be heard and filed in the international courts of law, which to bring war crimes (slavery was a human rights violation) at the Hague in Netherland”s.

“Nationality is perhaps one of the essential questions and I think Minister Muhammad probably was rather shocked by the reality he found on the United Nations level. This was the impetus that led me to re-place the 'El" back on my name. It serves as an act of rebellion and in recognition of nationality; perhaps your son and/or my daughter might recognize this and they may take it to the next level. There are some Moorish Americans and Sheiks who are in a better position to answer this question that you have raised”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: “Yeah, I've heard many brothers intellectualize it. Some have even taken it as far as carrying nationality cards in their wallet. When questioned about whether or not it holds up in court, they give a song and dance that I've seen far too often. York claimed sovereignty in his court case. The "judge" laughed when York asserted that they had no "jurisdiction" over him because he was "sovereign". The judge retorted, "You're in our custody, Sir." See that's the thing with these people it's not about right and wrong with them. It's about weak and strong. Peace is maintained by strength; or sovereignty in this particular case. I'm familiar with Bro. Silis {Muhammad}. He's the first to rebuild after the "fall". He has the "Exodus" Program as well. I attended a service at his mosque in Atlanta some years back. Good Brother. If nationality is the only thing preventing that petition from being realized that's an easy fix. That's when it comes back to integrity being the foundation upon which leadership is built. Brothers should be willing to put aside petty divisions and doctrinal differences to accomplish a common goal. I respect the fact that you placed the "El" there for that purpose. May the Creator reward your efforts. That's something that needs to be taken to another level in word and deed by our people collectively, and it needs to go much further than a "nationality card" and a song and dance.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I agree with your assessment wholeheartedly”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: “We need to build further on how the issue of nationality can be further implemented so that the grand goal of land, reparations, or repatriation can be realized”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I agree and there is some studying that I am doing in that area, but it is so much that I am trying to do and I know research is one of my callings. Yes, we need to continue to build in this area because it is of vital importance to us all as African (original people) people. Let’s continue this dialog. I am engulfed in doing a couple pieces on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for the Blog, but there is a brother in Philadelphia who has made the most sense on the "Moor" nationality question and I am not suggesting that there aren’t others. I am going to try to reach out to him and see where that takes me. Yes, open for building (giving and receiving). Lastly, the brothers from another Nation of Islam group in Detroit want me to write a column for their "Muhammad Speaks" but I am an outside the box thinker and often time that can get you in trouble as far as religious based groups. I do not prescribe to one dogma and I was explaining this to those brothers. I write the truth not persuaded by religious sectarianism. It might work between them and I or it might not work. We will see”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: “Greetings Bro. Fahim. I hope this email finds you well. I'm aware that you are a student of the Moorish Science Teachings I am interested in getting some literature. If you could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. I already have the Circle Seven Koran; I've had that for about 15 years. Any other books that you recommend?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you for your correspondence; I appreciate you contacting me relative to the Moorish Science Temple. Let me refer you to Brother Sheik Robert Stone-El, he is one of the Moorish Science Temple leader's in North Carolina and he is probably more qualified than myself to assist you in all of your inquiries. Brother Stone-El email address is sheik_stone_el@yahoo.com. Thus just tell him that, I Brother Fahim A. Knight-El referred you. Okay good brother take care”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: ‘Thank you Brother. Peace”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: “One more thing- I ask this because I trust your judgment and know you to be a man of integrity. Would you say that the MST in this area is "on-point", or is there another organization that has esoteric knowledge as its foundation that would be more beneficial?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I think Prophet Noble Drew Ali gave us a model in which to claim a nationality. He understood back in the early 1900s that African people were robbed of the knowledge of self—we were systematically stripped of a homeland, religion, language, names and culture. Thus, Prophet Noble Drew Ali established the Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA) to address these unique issues facing our people. Ali gave us a nationality—Moorish American and received a legitimate charter from the U.S. Government recognizing MSTA as a sovereign nation with certain legal rights and privileges (this legal sovereign status could benefit our cause in North America). Prophet Ali felt an oriental style mystic Islam was the original religion of the Asiatic black man. It is believed that he traveled to North Africa where he was initiated into Kemetic mystery systems of so-called Egypt and received support from Morocco to go back to America to teach those who were cut off from their nationality and religion”.

“However, some would argue that Prophet Ali was initiated into high degree Freemasonry, in particular joining the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (better known as the Shriners) and this was where he delved into esoteric, Gnostic, occult, etc. But many members of the Moorish Science Temple would refute this argument (they would argue that their theological and philosophical foundation predates the Masonic reality). But I believe there is enough historical evidence to suggest and support that Prophet Ali had some involvement and association with Freemasonry. But I also believe that he borrowed from other worldviews. For example, from Sufi Islam, Kaballah, Shia Islam, Christianity, Torah and the teachings of the Egyptian Mysteries. He appeared to have been a student of many disciplines and he incorporated all this within Moorish Science philosophical paradigm. He was the first Islamic leader to formalize an Islamic movement in America in 1913. There are some who believe that Prophet Ali plagiarized the Holy Koran-Circle-7 from an older source titled, "The Aquarium Gospel". Okay good brother these are just some of my thoughts and opinions they do not represent MSTA”.

Bro. Kwame Saba: “I'm aware of much of what you write and I agree. My search is for that organization that can help to catapult me to the next level in terms of study, application, and networking and ultimately empowerment. From my observation we have many organizations, but very little in the way of functional brotherhood that gives the knowledge, networking, and opportunity to take back what was taken from us. I know you wrote a book on masonry. How did that organization serve you? Would you recommend that as a path? If so, why?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Yes sir, I know you were very familiar with most of what I had written, but I never like to take anything for granted. I was thinking so much about answering the MSTA part of your question, that I unintentionally overlooked the other part of your question. I do not know in all honesty if I could recommend one African organization over another. I do think there are quite a few doing some good work amongst our people and they deserve our support. I have always been partial to the Nation of Islam and I think Minister Farrakhan has the ability to articulate our plight better than most so-called black leaders and they (NOI) have a proving track record that goes back to the work of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in 1930s. The NOI has had a continuum of high profile work and visibility within the black community for a very long time. They have always been sensitive to grassroots people and issues”.

“However, some would argue that in the last 10-20 years it has become somewhat an elitist hierarchy organization and that it is Minister Farrakhan's charisma that is the glue that holds this fragile organization together. I do believe that Minister Farrakhan has always been forced to deal with two opposing forces, the internal theological politics of the NOI and the external broader community—national and international agendas and at times it has been difficult to mesh the two together in order to synthesize one uniform ideology. He understands that he can not stray too much from the original theology base (meaning the original message given by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad better known as the “Life Giving Teachings”) as giving and taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, because the NOI loyalist expects him to stand on that immovable and un-comprised foundation. This stringent organizational requirements in my opinion, has hindered him from being even a more effective leader. I have always admired his courage to speak truth to power and hasn't compromised his position with the oppressor. I also believe that Islam is here to stay and what every religion or version of Islam we choose, it should reflect the tradition and heritage of black people—in imagery and tradition (we should be able to see ourselves in the organization and the faith tradition and we must come to realize that we are not Arabs and this is the issue that this writer has had with traditional Sunni Islam and Shia Islam). Black specific Islamic organizations have always been sensitive to those cultural aspirations; this in turn has made me very partial to the teachings of the most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Prophet Noble Drew Ali, Father Allah (Clarence 13 X), etc.”

“Yet, I do no think we need to be looking for mass led organizations to be our hope or beacon of light, the days of mass organizations are over. Our focus should be on linking up with various conscious based cells and rally around those common denominators that we all may share, although we may be from different persuasions. Why can't we work together as Moors, Nation of Gods and Earths, NOI, Asar Aset, Hebrew Israelites, Sunni Muslims, Garveyites, Kemetic Science, Black Christian Liberation theologians, Black Intellectuals, All African People's Revolutionary Party, New Black Panther Party, etc., drop these artificial labels and barriers in order that we can draw the good in which to further our cause towards liberation. Lastly, I think the Freemasons do not know what they have before them relative to the Speculative Masonic lessons and it keeps them from becoming empowered as individuals and as an organization (many after even acquiring the 33rd degree still lack the knowledge of self and kind). They put much emphasis on ritual work and negate the importance of internalizing the beautiful wisdom that is associated with the order. Okay good brother that is my perspective”.

Brother Sheik Robert Stone-El: "Peace Bro. Fahim, That was a most interesting post and exchange. I would love to get some information on the proof that Noble Drew Ali was a member of the Odd Fellows. The history in Moorish Science has it that Noble Drew Ali was exposed to esoteric Islam through the Ikhwan As-Safa and not Masonry. The reason that he chose to develop the Circle Seven as he did was because it expressed best the teachings of that of the Ikhwan As-Safa and could be produced easily for the Moors".

"I have studied Masonry as a non-member for years. While the M.S.T. of A., I believe compliments Masonry and offers a "final abode," if you will for Masons, I cannot say that Drew Ali really borrowed from it as much as it is assumed that he did. There were other orders that existed that made "adepts" and promoted Kemit, like the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor. It was in existence prior to the founding of the Shrine (John G. Jones) and mentioned the red fez etc. Its teachings are actually more similar to M.S.T. of A. than the Masonic lodge".

"Now, I do acknowledge John G. Jones's writings on Morocco and the Fez. The Prophet Noble Drew Ali is reported to have told a brother that came to the temple with a Shriner's fez, "Brother, you do not need that now that I the Prophet am here." Then Noble Drew Ali took that fez off and gave him the plain red fez".

"There are a lot of variations in the M.S.T. of A. Some temples function using rules of order that may heavily resemble the Masonic lodge. Other temples do not. There is just variance in that regard. But one thing is for sure there has been a constant sharing and relationship between Moors and African American Masonry. As your writings show and I fully agree, it is important to keep the relationship productive as we have much more wisdom to learn in these last days".

Fahim A. Knight-El: Hotep Bro. Stone-El: "Thank you for this wisdom; I am a student of knowledge and I respect your perspective and I am very much open to learning. I love and respect the work of Prophet Noble Drew Ali and there is so much to be learned (I will never intentionally disrespect his honor). The Prince Hall Phylaxis Research Society in which Brother Ralph McNeil, Jr., mentioned that he has a new book coming out documenting that Prophet Drew Ali was member of the Odd Fellows organization. I personally had never heard of this in the Prophet's biographical history. Hence, I did not want to past judgment until the book comes out and I have had an opportunity to read the research. But thank you for reading the piece and giving me this constructive feedback".

Dr. Alonzo L. Gaskill (PH.D Brigham Young University): “Mr. Knight, I read your article on “Freemasonry and Islam” today. Thanks for your work. Very interesting. I’m looking for information on seemingly Masonic elements in Islam, and wonder if you could point me to one or two good published sources I could read. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Again, thanks for your research”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Dr. Gaskill: “Thank you kindly, for reading my work and sending me a notation. The topic of Islam and Freemasonry, is a very sensitive and complex topic, in particular for Muslims, but there is no doubt that higher degree Freemasonry (Orders of the Mystic Shrine) has a direct link and connection to Islam. Shrine Masonry could not exist without the overwhelmingly Islamic historical themes and history”.

“Many scholars and social scientist have overlooked this topic and scholarly research in this area is almost non-existent. There are many scattered pieces of research and it becomes like putting a puzzle together. The Nation of Islam for many years has always known this connection between Islam and Freemasonry and has always taught it publicly”.

“Moreover, since the Freemasons are an oath based organization, it is prohibited for them to reveal their theories to non-Masons and, therefore there is not much written by Masonic scholars relative to Masonry and Islam. Perhaps the pioneer on the subject of Islam and Freemasonry is Mustafa El-Amin who authored two of the best books on the subject: "Freemasonry: Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny" and "Al-Islam, Christianity and Freemasonry." El-Amin, I believe was once a Prince Hall Mason and he is now an Imam for the late Warith Deen Mohammed (son of Elijah Muhammad) Islamic organization. He resides in Newark, New Jersey. I am always open for further discussion".

Dr. Alonzo L. Gaskill: “A million thanks for your help, and for your research. And thanks for your gracious reply”.

Fahim A. Knight-El Chief Researcher for KEEPING IT REAL THINK TANK located in Durham, NC; our mission is to inform African Americans and all people of goodwill, of the pending dangers that lie ahead; as well as decode the symbolism and reinterpreted the hidden meanings behind those who operate as invisible forces, but covertly rules the world. We are of the belief that an enlightened world will be better prepared to throw off the shackles of ignorance and not be willing participants for the slaughter. Our MOTTO is speaking truth to power. Fahim A. Knight-EL can be reached at fahimknight@ yahoo.com.

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El

FREEMASONRY AND ISLAM: WHAT DO THEY SHARE?

FREEMASONRY AND ISLAM: WHAT DO THEY SHARE?

By FAHIM A. KNIGHT-El

INTRODUCTION

The topic of Freemasonry is a vast and complex subject, it encroaches on the history and culture of every past, present society and undoubtedly it will even impact future civilizations to come. One could spend an entire life time researching and delving into the inner mysteries, symbolism and rituals of this ancient order; moreover, and never exhaust the traveling path of constantly acquiring wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment that Freemasonry seems to lead the serious minded scholar and researchers toward.

Most non-Masons whom have engaged me in conversation, relative to Masonry seemed overly infatuated with this so-called idea of Masonry being a "covert brotherhood" that operates behind a cloak of secrecy and communicate in a language of symbolism that is un-discernible to the uninitiated.

However, there is a false contention that Masons wield a lot of power and influence throughout society, in which some will argue for the worst or betterment of humanity, it depends on one's perspective of this controversial fraternal brotherhood. Freemasonry in modern terms had its inception in Europe from local trade Guilds that functioned as Operative Masons in the early 1700's, but Speculative Masonry can be traced back to Ancient Egypt (Kemit) where spiritual schools of thought were developed that evolved around understanding the mysteries of Deity and enhancing moral principles.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN IN KEMET (EGYPT)

The esteemed scholar and researcher Dr. George G.M. James in his monumental book titled, "Stolen Legacy" that was written in 1954, wrote about the Egyptian Mystery Schools, which he maintained that a complex system of neophyte initiations were developed and worked in Kemet (Egypt).

But more importantly, this sophisticated system of learning was of an African origin and not indigenous to Greece and Rome as traditional Eurocentric scholars have falsely maintained, but Plato, Aristotle and Socrates sat directly or indirectly, at the foot of African Sages who inspired them to enlighten Europe.

This small article is offered as a challenge to Prince Hall Masons from the Blue Lodge, concordant bodies, appendant adoptive bodies and auxiliary bodies to began to research, write, debate, document, etc., Masonic philosophy and stop relying on other scholars to interpret this ancient craft for them. Many believe the beauty in Masonry lies in one's ability to work and recite ritual, but what good has this, if we have very little understanding of truly why the Worshipful Master sits in the East, the Senior Warden in the West and Junior Warden in the South. We then only have symbol without real substance.

Many have never heard of Heru, Isis, Aset and the countless myths of resurrection fables that existed long before Jesus Christ and the Hiram Abiff mythical resurrection advents. They fail to know that the Masonic ritual has a basis of duality (macrocosm and microcosm), which is steeped in nature and cosmological mythology and correlated to human spirituality. How can they know, unless they have a teacher, and how can they have a teacher, unless one be sent. "Freemasonry (Moslem Sons) and Islam: What do they share?" This research evolved simply out of my wanting to know, if there was truly an Islamic and Masonic connection and if it was, how was these two entities related?;

Thus, there is very little written on the subject of Masonry and Islam and I was not going to wait on a Blue lodge, Consistory, Shrine, Royal Arch, Worshipful Grand Lodge, United Supreme Council, Nation of Islam, etc ... to sanction me with the permission to do this investigation. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad often stated we must get up and do something for ourselves.

SHIA ISLAM AND SHRINERS ORIGIN

The topic of Islam and Freemasonry is a very sensitive topic for Muslims because Shrine Masonry in particular, employs Islamic symbolism, philosophy and the entire general theme of Shrindom evolves around so-called aspects of Islamic history and the Islamic religion. The Shriners (Moslem Sons) perhaps will argue that their ritual represents the highest aspect of Speculative Masonry, it is designed to teach moral lessons and further define principles of spirituality, as well as their ever quest to know Deity by all his attributes.

This writer does not believe that Shrine Masonry places Islam on a higher echelon than it does Christianity, Judaism, Kabala, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, etc., nor is the Shrine Temple propagating Islam per se. But this is not to suggest that Islamic terminology such as: Allah, Mohammed, Holy Qur'an, Kaaba, Mecca, Medina, Moslem, Mosque, Ali, Hajj, Shahadah, Hegira, Islam, etc., aren't being drawn on by Shrine Masonry to reflect both the sacred and secular, as well as many more Islamic jargons.

The Mystic Shrine legend so-called had its inception in 644 A. D. in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, relative to Shia Islam in particular, and Caliph Ali Ibn Ibi Talib in general, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace and Blesses of Allah be upon him --570-632), the founder of the Islamic religion.

Shia Islam teaches that Ali was the first person to convert to Muhammad's religion of Islam and that Muhammad hand picked him as his true and only successor; thus, this belief nullifies the legitimacy of the other three Caliphs (Ali in Sunni Islamic doctrine is the fourth and final Caliph), Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman known as the "Rightly Guided Ones", and the successors to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is accepted by the dominant and mainstream Sunni Islam.

However, it is perfectly logical to reason that perhaps Shia Islam had to develop on the lines of "secrecy" because its "unorthodox" theology of only recognizing Ali as Muhammad's true successor, which went contrary to Sunni beliefs. Furthermore, Sunni Islam rejects the claim of the only legitimate bloodline is through Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) daughter and the wife of Ali, but according to Shia Islam this represents the so-called true heir apparent to Islam's right to succession.

Nevertheless, from this perspective came the belief in the Twelve Imams (blood descendants from Muhammad Ibn Abdullah through the linage of Ali and Fatima) leadership would only be recognized and accepted by Shia Islam. Historically Shia Muslims were persecuted by Sunni Muslims for deviating from "mainstream" Islamic theology and had to evolve clandestinely due to Sunni Islamic opposition. Some historians maintain that "passwords", "tokens" and "signs" were developed by Shia Clerics in order to properly identify a Shia believer, from a non Shia and this allowed the Shia Muslims Sect to quietly coexist alongside Sunni Islam and go undetected.

This controversial "Sect" survived from being extinguished by Sunni Muslims due to the concealment of its theology. Perhaps Shrine Masonry affix itself to the tradition of Islam because of the mystique and the aura, associated with Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. And with the majesty and valor of Ancient Egypt (Kemit), but Freemasonry will argue that these societies became illuminated because of their direct involvement with Masonic "Free Thinkers" who advocated a doctrine of liberal arts, e.g., Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. These sciences evolved out of humanities ability to activate and exalt our dormant natural senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting, which led to certain societies progressing politically, socially, economically, culturally, spiritually, etc.

NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE

There is a contemporary belief in Shrindom teachings that acknowledge that the ritual (the Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) was compiled, arranged and issued at Aleppo, Saudi Arabia, by Louis Maracci, the great Latin Translator of Muhammad's AI-Koran. In 1871 the ritual was brought to America by transient foreign members and representatives and placed in the hands of Dr. Walter M. Flemings 33rd degree, Sovereign Inspector General A and A. Rite, and Eminent Commander of Columbia Commandry No.1. Knights Templar of New York. Dr. Fleming and eleven other members had complete sovereignty, Mecca Temple No.1, remained inactive until December, 1875, when W. J. Florence came from Europe bringing with him the Oriental Ritual of the order, as it was worked in foreign countries. 1876 W. J. Florence called together such of the original members of the organization of 1871 as were living and constituted in December 1876 Mecca Temple No.1 as head of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Caucasian Shrine Order) III America.

There is some belief that Caucasian Shriners do practice Islam in secrecy, but African American Shriners who belong to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine founded in 1893, has a romanticized ritual and view of Islam, that lack the seriousness, in which Caucasian Shriners truly observe Islam as the final Masonic step in their traveling from west to east in search of more light in Masonry.

Islam is one of the world's three great religions, it translate to mean surrender, obedience and peace. Those who adhere to the religion are called Muslims, thus, this Arabic term is defined as on who submits his/her will in order to do the will of Allah (God).

Muslims in general, view Shrine Masonry as profane, heretical and blasphemous. However, the majority of African-American Islam had its roots in Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; moreover, Noble Abdul Sharrief Ali (Noble Drew Ali) the founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America in 1913 formalized the first Islamic organization in America in Newark, New Jersey, he himself was 33rd degree Mason.

THE FIVE PERCENTERS: THE POOR RIGHTEOUS TEACHERS

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad who admitted that he was once a Mason and if one objectively looked at his Supreme Wisdom Lessons, Supreme Mathematical Lessons, English Lesson C-l and English Lessons C-2, etc., it is very similar to the Masonic Catechism. I know many Nation of Islam members that received their X (And can wear the attribute of Muhammad) and was recorded in the book of life. They had to verbally recite their "Student Enrollment" and "Actual "Facts lessons". This writer had the opportunity to visit at Muhammad's Mosque #25 (Newark, New Jersey) where newly made members had to recite their "Student Enrollment" at that time in front of Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad and the mosque captain, brother Sterling Muhammad (may God be pleased with him) and before they could move on to said lesson number one. The recitation had to be 100% correct according to the Department of Supreme Wisdom and Rules of Islam.

This writer interviewed some African American Prince Hall Masons that were Initiated, Passed and Raised in a Prince Hall lodges and they shared with me that each degree required study and recitation of ritual, which other than the subject matter was no different than the experiences of many Muslims whom I interviewed in the Nation of Islam.

ELIJAH MUHAMMAD SAYS MASONRY WAS NOT MEANT FOR THE BLACK MAN

Elijah Muhammad depicts Freemasonry as a true rendition of the Caucasian man's history whom blacks permitted to come amongst them in the Holy Land, but once they started causing trouble and confusion, according to Muhammad, they were stripped of everything (interpreted to mean the Islamic Supreme Wisdom), other than the original man's language, e.g., of the royal garments and gave him an apron to hide his shame, hoodwinked and cable towed him and ran him 2200 miles across the hot Arabian Desert. Muhammad teaches that the Asiatic Black man chased him back to the hills and cave sides of Europe (a place of darkness and un-enlightenment).

THE SHRINERS RECOGNITION TEST

Muhammad also maintains that when the black Shriners crosses over the hot burning sands, it is an indication that he lacks the knowledge of self and history (the black man's original home is the East but he has been made blind, deaf and dumb to the knowledge of self). The Caucasian man who is originally from the West, it is he who must TRAVEL East in search of attaing those higher lessons of knowledge.

In the Shriners recognition test, it is formatted in a Question and Answer sequence it reads: Are you a Noble of the Mystic Shrine?" ANSWER: "I am so accepted by all men of noble birth." QUESTION: "Have you traveled any?" ANSWER: "I Have." QUESTION: "From where to what place have you traveled?" ANSWER: "Traveled east over the hot burning sands of the desert." QUESTION: "Where were you stopped at?" ANSWER: "At the Devils Pass." QUESTION: What were you requested to do?" ANSWER: "I was requested to give a few drops of urine." QUESTION: "Why were you requested to do this?" ANSWER: "As a token of my renouncing the wiles and evils of this world, and be granted permission to worship at the shrine" QUESTION: "At what shrine did you worship?" ANSWER: "At the Shrine of Islam." QUESTION: "Did you ride?" ANSWER: "Yes I rode the camel, until I was caused to dismount." QUESTION: "Then what you do with your camel?" ANSWER: "I tied him." QUESTION: "Where did you tie him?" ANSWER: "I tied him to a date tree where all true and good Shriners so do."

POTENTATES NOW HAVE A COMPASS TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAM'S ROLE IN SHRINE MASONRY

This article was written with the intent of fostering better communication and understanding between Shriners (Moslem Sons) and those who profess the religion of Islam, but also, to lay a foundation for the serious minded Masonic scholars, researchers and free thinker who was just curious to know and had no idea where to start.

Islam is a religion and Freemasonry is a fraternity and the standards for the former are greater than the standards for the latter because of the sensitivity most religions ordinarily generate. Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols and taught in away to make good men better.

This article will, perhaps assist those who are member of Shrine Masonry and hold offices such as: Potentates, Chief Rabbans, Assistant Rabbans, Oriental Guides and High Priest and Prophets, etc., as well as Masons in general, to get a brief understanding of Islam and Moslem (Sons) and their historical, theological, and ritualistic roots.

This small article was not written with an anti- Masonic slant nor was it written as a defender of the Islamic religion. The author's intent was to add something to the field of Masonic scholarship (discussion) because often my brothers of Prince Hall Masonry are time and again, left to depend upon other Masonic scholars to interpret, research and write Masonic scholarship for them. Lastly, there is very little comparative research relative to Islam and Freemasonry (Mystic Shrine Masonry), yet the similarities are astounding and the differences are obviously viewed by Muslims as heresy.

Mustafa El-Amin in his book titled, Freemasonry: Ancient Egypt and The Islamic Destiny, is one of the few scholars who has giving us a starting point, as it pertains to this subject, but his research is overly dogmatic with the teachings of Imam Warithuddean Mohammed and it takes away from his objectivity. This article will represent more of an impartial approach to this subject minus the emotionalism.

THE MEANING OF ISLAM

The religion of Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world (second largest to Christianity), it claims a membership to over one billion adherents. Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace Be Upon Him) in 610 A.D. on the Arabian Peninsula.
It is believed that Allah (God) commissioned the Angel Gabriel to deliver Muhammad (PBUH) divine revelations,1 which would later be translated into the Holy Qu'ran, a process that took twenty- three (23) years. This is the holy book of the Muslims and serves as the spiritual guide for all Muslims. The Qu'ran is divided into 114 Suras (chapters); thus, some extensively long and others blatantly short. Islam is defined as complete surrender and obedience and most of all, the religion of peace.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

A Muslim is defined as one who surrenders his/her will, in order to do the will of Allah (God).2 The religion of Islam is based on "Five Principles of Pillars", which are a). Shahadah (Arabic term meaning confession of faith) each Muslim must utter in the presence of at least three witnesses that he/she "bears witness that there is no God, but Allah and that Muhammad Ibn Abdullah is his Messenger". b). Salat (Arabic term for prayer), prayer is prescribed five times daily, in which Muslims turn east towards Mecca. c). Zakat (Arabic term for almsgiving charity) each Muslim has an obligation to give and assist the poor and downtrodden. d). Ramadan (Arabic term for fasting), the Muslims subscribe to the lunar calendar and each year, which is based on the setting of the moon, Ramadan is observed throughout the Islamic World.

Thus, in recognition of Allah revealing the Holy Qur'an, which fasting (Muslims do not consume food nor drink and abstain from sex and other worldly activities are prohibited between sunrise and sunset during this holy month of Ramadan), prayer and offer supplication to Allah (God) takes place for approximately thirty (30) days and thanking God for the glorious Qur'an. Ramadan is Islam's most sacred holiday. e). Hajj (Arabic term for pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims that are physically and financially able, are required to at least once in a lifetime to make the holy pilgrimage to Mecca where they circumambulate the Kaaba and pray at the Kaaba. 3

ISLAM'S QUEST FOR SURVIVAL: AFRICANS FACTORED IN TO ISLAM REMAINING AS A FAITH

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) very seldom ventured outside the Arabian Peninsula, but as he attempted to proselytize this new found faith in the seventh (7th) century, it was met with opposition; thus, Muhammad (PBUH) had to flee for his life and some historians' record that he sent his followers to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Africa where the new found Islamic religion sought refuge and protection from the persecutors of newly converted Muslims and in which they were giving temporary asylum under the strong militarily of the Coptic Christians. The Abyssinian Christians of the Negroid race were sympathetic Muhammad's fleeing Arab companions and found that Muhammad's Islamic teachings of monotheism resembled and mirrored their own Coptic faith tradition. And therefore refused to release Muhammad's followers to their would- be persecutors and tormentors whom were seeking to kill them. The religion of Islam survived due to the mercy and compassion that were rendered by these black Nubian Africans. 4

ABRAHAM, ISSAC, AND ISHMAEL

The Muslims believe that the Kaaba (Islam's most sacred Mosque) was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael (two so-called Prophets of Islam) who was the progeny (Ishmael) of the slave woman Hagar and the son that God instructed Abraham to sacrifice and is considered the beloved of God by Muslims.5

The Christians believe just the opposite and that Isaac was the one up for sacrifice and it is he, who is the beloved of God and he received God's favor6; thus, it is this theological controversy that has divided the Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions and its peoples for over 4000 years, which has led to the present day political, social, economic, cultural and ethical disputes over land and sacred edifices, in particular in the Middle East between the so-called Jew and the Arab. Abraham is considered the father of nations, yet two nations of people, Muslims and Jews claim to share one father but have never been able to peacefully coexist. 7

9-11 CHANGED ISLAM FOREVER

The religion of Islam was placed at the center of the world stage after September 11, 2001 bombing of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, in which sixteen of (16) of the nineteen (19) allege hijackers were Saudi Arabian nationals (a so-called U.S. Allied Nation), as well as Muslims.8

This incident as a consequence created hostility in the United States between Muslims and non-Muslims, but it also mandated scholars and layman alike, in America to judiciously investigate Islam and the political viewpoints of this controversial faith, conceivably for the first time on such a large scale. 9

Islam is one of the three major world religions and yet, prior to 9- 11 most Americans were oblivious to its tenets, customs, political diversity, beliefs, factions, etc., furthermore, after this incident, the western media, both electronic and print (the 'Talking Heads') were creating fear, as well as, inciting paranoia by declaring Islam as a "mean-spirited" and a "terrorist based faith."10

Most Americans concurred that for any civilized human beings that would systematically carryout such a barbaric act of murdering over 3000 innocent human beings had to be the embodiment of evil, and perhaps it was not by coincidence that these allege perpetrators happened to be fundamentalist Muslims who had declared Jihad (Holy War) against the United States of America and its allies. 11

ISRAEL AND ARABS: FIGHTING OVER KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE SITE

The United States Government had unconditionally backed the Israeli Government since the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and many Arabs in the Middle Eastern region both conservative and liberal, sympathized with the Palestinians quest for a .11 homeland, it has been this issue that consistently serves as an international powder keg and it appears to have no political solution insight.

Elijah Muhammad in the Student Enrollment lessons which was giving to registered Muslims only after passing an exmination (test) 100 percent correctly; they are asked theQUESTION: Why Did We take Jerusalem from the Devil? How long ago: "Because one of our righteous brothers, was a prophet by the name of Jesus, was buried there. He uses his name to shild his dirty religion, which is called Christianity. also to deceive the people so they would believe in him. Jesus teachings was not Christianity. It was freedom, Justice and equality. Jerusalem is in Palestine, Asia Minor. Jerusalem is a name given by the Jews which means foundedin peace' and was first built by the Original man called Rebus, Salem, and Ariel. We took the city from the devils about 750 years ago."

The 9-11 incident single-handedly has goaded Americans to begin to read and research Islam, because not since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 that America was on the defensive and this act of domestic terrorism in many ways exposed our vulnerability as a nation. Americans wanted to know, why were there sectors of the Islamic World so angry with the west? This crucial question fostered debate and caused Islam to receive serious evaluation within the American populace. 12

The United States Intelligence Community held Osama Bin Laden (Saudi national) responsible and his Al-Qaeda movement for carrying out the 9-11 attack and the United States Arm Forces invaded Afghanistan in anticipation of bringing Bin Laden to Justice (U.S. Government put a twenty-five million dollar bounty over Bin Laden's head), but this offensive action only furthered strained the United States relations with international Islam. 13. Moreover, in 2003, Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi Government was accused of having weapons of mass destruction, although the United Nations Weapons Inspectors could not substantiate this claim but President George Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell used undocumented propaganda to justify invading Iraq. 14

This war continues to intensify the polarization between Islam and the United States. The so-called 'War on Terror' has only infuriated Muslim Nations who have witnessed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi casualties and better than a few thousand or so United States Troop being killed on foreign soil. Some believe the motivational factor for this war was Oil and the multinationals, in particular the energy sector instigated this unjust conflict.

PRINCE HALL MASONS SPEAKS

This writer has conversed with many Muslims and Prince Hall Masons in order to gather an understanding of both organizations perspectives, but to the Muslim this topic would sound like an oxymoron and most of all, as a religious, social, and political contradiction, because they would unequivocally deny and reject any association with Freemasonry .

This writer was well aware of the controversy and the antagonistic relationship that exist between Freemasonry and Islam. He had objectively read what most of the Islamic pundits had written about Freemasonry, but he wanted to hear from those that had been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and traveled through the different houses of Scottish Rite and York Rite and eventually gained membership in to the Shrine.

Many who chose membership in this ancient order had little knowledge and understanding of Islam. Nevertheless, their decision to become Masons and not Muslims have unfortunately led to this involuntarily antagonism which continues to lead to religious ignorance, misconceptions and most of all suspicion. The Muslims did not understand that Masonry was a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. It is a fraternal brotherhood designed to make good men, better. 15

MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS: MIS-CHARACTERIZE FREEMASONRY

However, there is a false presupposition advocated by both Christian and Muslim that erroneously claim Freemasonry to be a religion 16 and some of the Muslims that this writer spoke with believed that you cannot be a Freemasons and belong to the religion Islam. But this is not to suggest that Freemasonry does not make use of religion (all theological faiths and philosophies are incorporated) in its philosophical and ritualistic orientation, it is (religion) employed in a non-secular and non sectarian manner, which allows the Masons discern out of Speculative Masonry those inner principles, which reinforce spirituality and the greater quest for philosophical understanding. 17

MUSTAFA EL-AMIN, IS A PIONEER

This writer, had thoroughly read Mustafa EI-Amin's books titled, AI- Islam, Christianity and Freemasonry,  Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny and  African-American Freemasons: Why They Should Accept AI-Islam. EI-Amin stated: "When you read the history of Freemasonry among the African- American, you will find no where, a conscious, determined effort on their part to reconnect our people with our lost heritage, AI-Islam or any of the positive teachings of our ancient fathers. What you will find is a selfish attempt to keep knowledge among themselves and to receive benefits from the white establishment. Yet there ritual tells them to 'travel from west to east in search of light and that which is lost. ' The Caucasian travels to the east, Africa, Arabia, Asia, China, Russia, etc., but the African-American Freemasons and others don't travel beyond their lodge. Why? Because we were made too blind to see the wisdom. You African? American Freemasons and Shriners are supposed to accept AI-Islam, the religion of your ancestors" 19

EI-Amin in all of his writings was very clear about his belief in the religion of Islam and was unapologetic in his analysis of the allege Masonic distortions aimed at Islam by Freemasons and he was most critical of high degree Masonry (Shrine Masonry) whom EI-Amin accused of using the religion of Islam in a profane manner and their teachings were rooted in anti-Islam. He considered this to be heretical, which in his opinion has led to some gross misunderstanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.20

EI-Amin is an Orthodox Sunni Muslim and a devout student of Imam Warithhuddeen Mohammed, the leader of the Muslim American Society and the son, of the late Elijah Muhammad. Warithuddeen Mohammed succeeded his father in 1975 as the leader of the Nation of Islam and he transformed and transitioned the Nation of Islam from a Black Nationalist organization into an Orthodox Sunni Islamic movement that embraced racial universalism, where as his father Elijah Muhammad taught separation of the races and taught religious Black Nationalism. 21

The younger Mohammed religious restructured the Nation of Islam and while doing so was openly critical of his father's teachings and theology, the late Elijah Muhammad accusing him of being sacrilegious and blasphemous. Mohammed condemned his father for not teaching "true Islam" and it was his duty to offer the correct teachings of Islam as advocated by Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) 1,400 years ago. 22

EI-Amin and I, are both from Newark, New Jersey and within the last two years upon visiting Newark, I was hearing whispers within the Islamic community that EI-Amin was seeking to become the national leader of the American Muslim Society due to the untimely resignation of Imam Warithuddeen Mohammed. El-Amin's critics, although respected him as an Islamic intellectual and as a credible Muslim Imam, but he did not have the leadership experience on the national level, which was needed to keep this fragile organization solidified, in particular if he was going to succeed, a charismatic (Mohammed is not an electrifying orator but his charisma is seen in his uncanny ability to interpret Qur'an) leader like Imam Mohammed. 23

El-Amin shares the opinions of his leader Mohammed who depicted the Nation of Islam as structured by his father, Elijah Muhammad as a 'sect and a cult', 24 which any group or organization such as Masonry that is considered "oath takers" and operate so-called behind a cloak of "secrecy" will also be viewed by mainstream Islam and Muslim Clerics as a 'cult and anti-Islam'.

Shrine Masonry in particular, and Masonry in general, have not been completely honest about the role Islam have in its philosophy and ritual; even if that role is considered allegorical, metaphorical, figurative, emblematic, symbolic, mythological and if the believe that the Islamic mystic teachings has no greater reverence in its relations to Freemasonry, than Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroasterism, etc. It will, perhaps be this divulgence that would possibly open up meaningful dialogue and establish critical and much needed communications between Masons and Muslims in order to remove the stigmas and suspicion.

ELIJAH MUHAMMAD WAS A MASON

Elijah Muhammad stated: "To all of you that have remained in here that are not really followers of Islam and have not accepted the religion which is your own religion. It was the religion of Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus.There is no religion by the name of no prophet in the Bible, the white man knew this as well as I , that the religion of the prophets was Islam but he didn't want the so-called Negro to know that religion by the name of Islam. Islam has been practiced in secrecy call Higher Masonry, Shriner, that is a small degree of his knowledge of Islam taught in secrecy by that society".

Muhammd further states:"You don't need to join Masonry to be a Muslim. It is free and why would you buy that or spend money for that which brings you know gain? Regardless to how high you go in Masonry, you are still a Negro. And you are not treated as equal to white masons. But if you accept Islam, you are forcing all to recognize you". "If you come and follow me (Elijah Muhammad), I will give to you the meaning of all those degrees and your ritual. I will show that is only a history of you and the fall of you among them. That is all it is. I will prove it. You must be directed to look eastward again toward your people. Your God, like there's and toward that holy temple back there which have no roof on it and that is the Temple of Islam in the near east and the far east". "The temple of Mecca has no roof And hundreds of other temples there in the east where Muslims go and get in the courtyard and bow to Allah and prostrate have no roof on it. I say to you my friend that is a secret of your history, own history here practiced.

Muhammad goes on to state, "I reckon you're saying now, we'll get you now for that! But that is true. And I must tell the truth. That is the truth. Don't go and buy anymore Masonry, come and accept free Islam. I've been waiting on the Masons to come over and join me for years and now I'm going to tell on you if you don 'to You won't get anymore members if I start telling the truth as I know it. I know your First Degree to the Thirty Third Degrees. I know exactly what it means but you don't know what it means. I also have a few more degrees than that." 25

Elijah Muhammad appeared to have been initiated into Freemasonry via his own testimony and as a religious critic of Masonry went to great lengths to interpret the ritual and its symbolism, which he maintained that Masonry was set-up for Caucasian people whom the Asiatic Black man (believers in Islam) chased out of the Holy Land because of immoral behavior. Muhammad taught that the Asiatic Black man stripped the Caucasian of everything other than the original man's language, including their original garments; moreover, hoodwinked, cable-towed and gave him an apron to hide his shame and walked him 2200 hundred miles across the hot Arabian Desert (this is perhaps consistent with ritual aspects of the Blue Lodge and definitely with the Shrine ritual). Muhammad said when the black man crosses the hot burning sands, he in essence lack knowledge of self and history. 26

Moreover, they are acting out the history of Caucasian people. Muhammad stated: "I will not go into the history of the Masons since I was a Mason myself once and I swore, too, not reveal the secrets. Masons who have reached such degrees as 32nd and 33,d are not called Masons. They are called Moslem Shriners. They are reaching up to us. When you take the 33rd degree you are taught to greet each other; 'As- Salaam Alaikum '. You are taught Islam from then on because you become a Muslim when that degree is conferred on you. At least you are supposed to be a believer in Islam. They teach you, almost from the start, to turn your face to the east." 27

AN ORIGINAL MAN

Claude Clegg a former Professor of History at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, authored the book titled, "An Original Man: The Life and Times of Elijah Muhammad", which was considered the first scholarly biography on Elijah Muhammad. Clegg contacted me via telephone in 1995, he and I, had various conversations during this time period about the Nation of Islam during the research stage of this project. Clegg had received a copy of my book titled, In Defense of the Defender: The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, (published in1994) and he thought I would be a good resource to assist him with making contact with former followers of Elijah Muhammad prior to 1976. 28

Clegg's perspective on the Nation of Islam sums up their view of admitting the unorthodox correlation of Islam and Freemasonry but the Nation of Islam teaches that Islam offers a "superior" theology" and one could transition from a "pseudo Islamic" organization like Freemasonry (Shrine Masonry aka in Islam as Moslem Sons) into the "Supreme Wisdom" as taught by the Nation of Islam. Clegg stated:

"At least for some Masons, membership in the Nation of Islam represented a spiritual graduation to a new level of knowledge even more intriguing and coveted than the thirty-three degrees of Masonic secrets. The Muslims believe that their gnosis was superior to the knowledge of the Masons in philosophical breadth and practical utility. It was not so much that they felt that the Nation's theology was radically different from Masonic doctrines, though it was in many ways, but instead, that the beliefs of the Muslims were 'original' formulations from which Freemasonry flowed as a sort of doctrinal distributary. Both the Muslims and the Masons shared an affinity for mystical symbolism, biblical allegories, and numerology, but the former considered themselves superior custodians of arcane knowledge. Whatever their ultimate motives for becoming Muslims, Masons did number among the early converts of the Nation of Islam". 29

ISLAM'S KNOWLEDGE IS 360 DEGREES A COMPLETE CIRCLE

Islam claim to represent 360 degrees of knowledge, which is a complete circle and the Masons who reaches the apex of becoming a thirty-third degree only have attained partial knowledge. It is this so-called incompleteness of the acquisition of knowledge, which often draws the un-daunting criticism from Muslims. However, I do not think Masonry was intending for thirty-third degrees to freeze or terminate its devotees ability to continue this infinite quest to study, research, analyze and to acquire wisdom, etc. Masonry is both a science and a social science and this journey (or traveling path) could lead you in various philosophical directions.

For example, Masonry can led you to Madam H.P. Blavatsky who is a master in the field of Theosophy and authored two monumental works, The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Religion and Philosophy and  Isis Unveiled and you could spend a lifetime deciphering Manley P. Hall's book titled,  Secret Teachings of all Ages. Moreover, and never exhaust the boundless wisdom, because the ancients intended for it to be never ending and to suggest that our Masonic travel ends at the United Supreme Council, 33rd Ancient Accepted Scottish Rites of Freemasonry conferring the honorary 33rd degree in a formalized way, completes our knowledge goal is ludicrous. This false contention is arguably the fuel that breeds so many misconceptions between the two entities as well.

Elijah Muhammad stated" "Only in higher freemasonry is there a little teachings at the top, mostly of this particular order that mentions the teachings of Almighty God Allah, but ( you have to pay a lot of money to become a 33'rd degree Mason. .. A Mason cannot be a good Mason unless he knows the Holy Qur'an and follow its teachings ... " 30
The secret to Freemasonry, is that there is no secret, and anyone who is willing to take the time to investigate this subject could get a working knowledge of the order from the first degree (Entered Apprentice) to the thirty-third (Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry) and/or the York Rite Side.

ALI IBN TALIB THE FOUNDER OF SHIA ISLAM

Dr. Malachi Z. York, formerly known as Imam As Sayyid Issa Al Haddi AI Mahdi who at on time headed the Ansaar Allah Community (aka the Nubian Islamic Hebrews), who perhaps borrowed a sizable amount of his Masonic philosophy from Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. But Dr. York adds some historical rationale to when and how Islam and Freemasonry perhaps got intertwined. Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (PBUH 570-632 AD.), the founder of the Islamic religion and at the death of the prophet, questions of succession arose and a Caliphate system called the "Rightly Guide Ones" was enacted and some of the closes companions to the Prophet Muhammad would be the ones ordained to continue promoting Islam after the prophet's death. This leadership came from four men: Abu Baker (632-634 AD.), Umar Ibn AI-Khattab (634-644 AD.), Abdullah Ibn Uthman (644-656 AD.), and Ali Ibn Abi Talib (656-661 AD.). 31

Caliph Ali Ibn Abi Talib (the fourth and final successor) rein of leaderships was perhaps the most controversial of all the proceeding Caliphs, he was Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. Some Islamic scholars maintain that Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (PBUH) had chosen Ali as his successor and he should have been ordained as the first Caliph of Islam and the succession of leadership would have been past down through the seed of Ali and his wife Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, which would have secured a bloodline succession. 32

Shia Islam believes that Ali was the first person to convert to Muhammad's new Islamic religion and was so-called handpicked by Muhammad to serve as his only legitimate successor and this belief brings into the question the credibility of the other said three Caliphs that has found legitimacy within the Sunni Islamic doctrine.

This belief is being taught within Shia Islam even today in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. etc., as well as other dominant Shia Islamic countries, nevertheless this is one of the ideological and theological discrepancies, which separates Shia Islam from the dominant majority Sunni Islam. Sunni Islam is very clear about its criteria, e.g., one must accept the Prophet hood of Muhammad as the last Messenger of Allah, the Holy Qur'an as Allah (God's) revealed word and lastly the Sunnah (the sayings of the prophet Muhammad) which was recorded and complied in book known as Hadiths. 33

However, there has been questions of some Hadiths authenticity and Muslims generally speaking are partial to those Hadiths compiled and translated by scholars Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. If one uses deductive reasoning, it is logical to ascertain that Shia Islam as a minority sect, in its early inception had to survive in covert secrecy due to the opposition held by the dominant Sunni sect.

Freemasonry (Shrine Masonry) may have latched on to this historical conflict between Sunni Islam and Shia Islam. The Shriners use the 644 A.D. as a date of origin for the Order and as a way to romanticize Islamic history and validate mystical rituals with an objective of teaching secular moral canon and at the same time assigning it-self to legitimate Islamic historical events.

Albert Mackey in his monumental work titled, The History of Freemasonry. alludes to the fact that there was a Freemason like sect under the guise of shia Islam adhering to Ali Ibn Ibi Talib in a mystical like manner he stated: "Externally they practice the duties of Islamism, although they internally renounce them; they believed in the divinity of Ali, in uncreated light as the principles of all created things, and in Sheikh Ras-ed-dia, the Grand Prior of the Order in Syria, and contemporary with the Grand Master Hassan I., as the last representative of Deity on earth. The Rev. Mr. Lyde, who traveled among the remains of the sect in 1852, says that they professed to believe in all the prophets, but had a chief respect for Mohammed and his son-in-law Ali, and speaks of their secret prayers and rites ... " 34

PROPHET MUHAMMAD OF ARABIA

Islam as a religion didn't start to geographically expand itself beyond the Arabian Peninsula until approximately 640 A.D. some eight years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). There is a historical misnomer that Prophet Muhammad was this great conquer, that colonized huge foreign territories by way of the sword. Islam's expansion beyond its boarder must be attributed Ali Ibn Abi Talib two sons, Hasan Ibn Ali and his brother, Husayn Ibn Ali.

Dr. York stated: "The Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of Mystic Shrine began exactly one hundred years before the opening of the Seventh Seal in 1970.Shriners falsely claim the Son-in-law and cousin of Noble Prophet Mustafa Muhammad Al-Amin (aka Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, Amiyrul Mu 'Miniyn Ali (Ali Ibn Abi Talib), the commander of the faithful, founded this secret society in 644 A.D.

He goes on to state, "the Shrine Rituals were concocted for the amusement of American Masons. The Shriners bear such titles as High Priest, Rabban, Oriental Guide, Worshipful Master, Warden, and Imperial Deputy. Incorporated within their studies are the basic precepts of AI-Islam. The laws of the Mystic Shrine are not to be broken. They are to be kept secret and never let out or passed on to anyone. A Shriner supposedly is devoted to the cause of justice, truth and mercy. Justice is the sword which is their symbol".

"Truth is AI-Islam and the mercy is shown by the Arabs allowing the Christians to enter into their Holy City, Jerusalem. These teachings were gifts granted by the mercy of the Arabs. The Muslim Sons (Shriners) were allowed to serve as guides-to the Christian pilgrims to the city of Mecca".

"The Christians and the Arabs made a covenant by crossing swords, whereby the Arabs permitted the Christians to enter this city because the Christians believed in the Messiah, Jesus. The sword was there as an emblem of justice and it was used by the original man in the Prophet Mustafa Muhammad Al-Amin 's time (570-632 A.D.). It was placed on the upper part of the flag so that the Devil could be constant~ reminded that if he revealed any secrets, his head would be taken by this sword." 35

Whether one views Dr. York's explanation as being plausible or not, he does make an attempt to introduce some historical events and dates that loosely connects Islam and Freemasonry, which gives it some chronological rationale.

DID FREEMASONRY INSPIRE THE AFROCENTRIC MOVEMENT

In the mid 1990's the Afrocentric Movement in America came under attack mainly by white academia and Zionist Jews, as a result of Black scholars making a serious scholarly and intellectual attempt, to reclaim the contributions Black Africans made to Egypt and to all of humanity.

It was Moleif Kete Asante, a Temple University African American Studies professor who authored the book, Afrocentricity that took the brunt of this attack, but other black scholars such as Yosef A. A. Ben-Jochannan, Leonard Jefferies, Asa Hillard, John Henrik Clarke, Amos Wilson, Na'im Akbar, Tony Martin, Frances Cress Welsing, Khallid Abdul Muhammad, etc., were not spared by this counter on-slaught.

Mary Lefkowitz was one of the Zionist scholars who led this counter movement against Afrocentric scholars; she is an Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Wellesley College who authored the book, titled, Not Out of Africa: How Afrocentrism Became an Excuse to Teach Myth as History.

Lefkowitz accused the African-Centered thinkers of concocting fantasies and myths and claim it to be history, but more interesting she attributes these so-called fictional tales that were being advocated by African-Centered thinkers to be nothing more than glorified Masonic history. Leftkowitz's in a chapter titled, "How Did the Myth of an Egyptian Mystery Come to be Preserved in Freemasonry". 36

She stated,"In reality, the Freemasonic movement in its present form is relatively modern, and has its origin in the seventeenth century A.D. But it is an article of faith in the Freemasons' own histories of their movement that there were freemasons in earliest antiquity. Their rites and mythology preserve the essence of 'Egyptian' mysteries and philosophy prevalent in late antiquity ... A striking quality of Freemasonry is its 'imaginative attachment to the religion and symbolism of the Egyptians". 37

Lefkowitz's contention is of important because as the same way she describes how Freemasonry had so-called attached itself to the origin and the development of ancient Egyptian civilization, Muslims and Islam would argue a similar point of how Freemasonry has connected itself to the religion of Islam in a like manner.

If Freemasonry claims of antiquity is factual (this author believe that it is), then there is no other civilization that could compare to the majesty and valor of Egypt and on the other hand, Islam (interpreted to referring to Mecca and Medina) with all its religious mystique would have been two perfect mythical and historical societies for Freemasonry to affix itself to, but Freemasons would argue that these nations aspired and flourished because of Masonic enlightenment and not the other away around.

MIDDLE EAST FREEMASONRY AND ISLAM

In a book titled, Freemasonry authored by Muhammad SafWat al- Saqqa Amin and co-authored by Sa'di Abu Habib which was published by the Muslim World League in 1980. These two authors are Muslims and quite naturally they are apologist for Islam, but there was a segment in this book I found intriguing, in subchapter titled, 'A New Lodge: Christian-Muslim Freemasonry,' that in: 37

"Beirut, a new Freemasonic lodge named, Christian-Muslim Freemasonry , is affiliated with the Oriental Lodge, or the Grand Arab Orient. The Master of the Grand Arab Orient claims that he is the awaited Mahdi, as he is a direct descendant of the Prophet Daud (the biblical David, father of biblical Solomon) on the one side, and of Muhammad, on the other. Muslims of both sexes gather at the Oriental Lodge to hear 'worldly' principles expounded by their founder. .. As to the consecration, at it the applicant repeats constantly: The covenant of Muhammadan? Christian guidance, laid down by the Mahdi, is legal since whoever obeys the Mahdi obeys God and whoever defies him defies God ... The Prophet Muhammad asked God to complete his spiritual glory through a person whose sobriquet is Nur. Muhammad is a Christian, his father is a Christian and the origin of the word 'Muhammad' is Mu' ammad. Muhammad has come forth with a new religion, nay, rather with a Christian Arab way like the Orthodox and the Protestant." 38

The Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (white Shriners) and there is some debate whether white Masons and black Masons have different study guides and Masonic ritual criteria, it may vary from jurisdictions, but the fundamentals of Masonic ritual and teachings are closely similar.

SHRINERS SPEAK THE SAME AS MUSLIMS

Here is another example of a Shriner's traveling card explicitly using Islamic vernacular that reads: "In the name of Allah, Merciful, and Compassionate. I desire to visit a Temple or Shrine in many cities. He is a good man, patient, cultural of sterling worth. There is no conqueror but Allah. Authorized with power by the Imperial Council Ancient Arabic Order Lodges of The Mystic Shrine. Witness the deputy and representative of temples in the East. Mohammed traveled from Mecca in the South to the North in Medina. Please Allah, we shall travel every where in safety. Small things influence great. Do not travel in the heat of the day. Travel with your eyes and ears open. By the grace if Allah, we have found repentance. Politeness is small solver. Action is power. Everything is from Allah. There is no deity, but Allah". 39

However, once again I do not think there is any intent to proselytize the religion of Islam with in the Shrine Temple nor is the Masonic Order by placing Islam on a higher plateau in relations to other faiths. But Shriners have created a mythological Islam that is full of mysticism in order to further teach the importance of deity and justify ritual and enhance moral lessons. I learned that in the Masonic Lodge there was supposedly two subjects, that were considered off limits--religion and politics, yet these subjects consistently dominate lodge discussions.

THE VICTORY CEREMONY, DIRECTLY FROM THE HOLY QURAN

Muslims will never accept Freemasonry (Shrine Masonry) ritual concept of an allegorical Islam that is steeped in legendary fairy-tales. My research revealed that the Holy Qur'an is used in the Shrine Temple, in fact the first Quranic chapter titled, "Al-Fatihah" (the opening) is recited. This is the language used by the Shriners: "Assalamo Aleikum was rahmatullah " which the Shriners translate from Arabic to English interpret as "Be Our Salutations and God's Blessing on You". 40
It is further stated in broken Arabic: Alhamdo-Lilahi Rabbil A 'lamen Arrahman Irrahim Malik -I Youmiddin. Iyyaka Na ' Buda- Iyyaka Nasta' In Ehdinnassiraim Ustabin Sinatallazina An ' Amta Ailaihim Ghairil Maghzubilalahim Walazzalin Aamin. 41

This Arabic Islamic prayer is translated by the Shriners in the English language as such, "All possible amount of praises and thankfulness goes to God who is the creator and cherisher of all the worlds. He is most kind, most merciful. He is the only King of the day of judgment. 0' Allah! Only thee do we worship and only thee do we beg assistance (in all our needs). Guide us the right wiry; the way of those to whom you been gracious and bountiful; not those who go astray, Aamin! (Grant my prayers)." 42

This above broken Arabic phraseology is the identical Quranic verses that are often recited in Islamic Mosques and Masjids as one of the majestic prayers of Islam, with the exception to the poor Arabic as cited by the Shriners. If nothing else, Muslims could assist Shrine Masonry as lecturers, which will alleviate some of the ignorance toward at least understanding Islam from the secular and offer Arabic language classes to refine the beauty in this language.

Robert McCoy who authored the book titled, A Dictionary of Freemasonry, stated that the : "Alcoran (AI-Koran). The sacred book of the Mahommedans, or rather a sacred book; for they recognize the old Hebrew Scriptures as of greater authority. The Alcoran (AI-Koran) contains the revelation made to Mahommed, his doctrines and precepts. In a Masonic Lodge of Mahommedans it should lay on the alter as the Bible does in a Lodge of Christians" 43

The Shrine Obligation explicitly uses Islamic terminology " ... On my voluntary desire, uninfluenced and of free accord do hereby assume, without reserve, the Obligations of the Nobility of the Mystic Shrine, as did the elect of the Temple of Mecca, the Moslem and the Mohammedan. I do hereby, upon the Bible, and mysterious legend of the Koran, and its dedication to the Mohammedan faith, promise and swear and vow on the faith and honor of an upright man, come weal or woe, adversity or success, that I will never reveal any secret part or portion whatsoever of the ceremonies I have received ." 44

How many Shriners would know and understand that the term Mohammedan is highly offensive to Muslims, because it suggest that Muslims worship Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, as opposed to Allah (God). The Shrine Obligation goes on "In willful violations where of I may incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the center with a three-edged blade, my fleet flayed and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming Sun shall strike me with a livid plague, and may Allah, the God of Arab Moslem and Mohammedan, the God of our fathers, support me the entire fulfillment of the same Amen. Amen. Amen". 45

This penalty (Shrine Obligation) gives credibility to Elijah Muhammad's explanation in his Lost-Found Muslim Lesson, Number 1, which reads like the Masonic Catechism. Muhammad in his 'Supreme Wisdom' lesson asked the Question: "Why does Muhammad make the devil study from thirty-five to fifty years before he can call himself a Moslem son? And he must add a sword on the upper part of the Holy and Greatest Universe flag of Islam".

Muhammad provides us with the answer to this riddle like question, "So that he could clean himself up. A Moslem does not love the devil regardless to how long he studies. After he has devoted thirty-five or fifty years trying to learn and do like the original man, he could come and do trading among us and we not kill him as quick as we would the other devils, that is who have not gone under this study. After he goes through with this labor from thirty- five to fifty years, we permit him to wear our Holy Flag which is the Sun, Moon, and Stars. He must add the sword on the upper part. The sword is the emblem of Justice and it was used by the original man in Muhammad's time".

Muhammad continues "thus, it was placed on the upper part of the flag so that the devil can always see it, so he will keep in mind that anytime he reveals the secrets, his head would be taken off by the sword. We give him this chance so that he could clean himself up and come among us. The Holy Flag of Islam is the greatest and only flag known ... " 46

FARRAKHAN'S MINISTER MAKES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ISLAM AND SHRINE

Tynnetta Muhammad, a scholar in the Nation of Islam, as headed by Minister Louis Farrakhan, she has an affinity toward numerology, esoteric, metaphysical science and her writings often reflect the philosophical insight of a Sufi Islamic Imam and/or an Eastern Religious Sage who had mastered the lessons in the, "Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greece".

Tynneta Muhammad stated that she visited the George Washington Masonic Memorial Museum in Alexandra, Virginia she stated: "On the sixth floor of the towering ten (10)-story edifices is the Shriner's Temples and Hospitals as they are numbered throughout North America. In a glass showcase one may view a display of various Shriner's fezzes adorned with Arabic names."

She cotinues "Above these names is placed the emblem of a Crescent-like scimitar with a star, symbolizing their oath of secrecy ... Within this room there are several portraits of at least four Presidents of the United States who were Shriners. There are also portraits of at least four Mexican Presidents and the last reigning Monarch of Hawaii. In the Imperial Throne Room, there is a mural on the walls depicting the gathering of Pilgrims in the Holy City of Mecca, Arabia. "Centered in the mural is a replica of the Kabah. Directly in front of this mural is a slightly elevated center platform around which are placed thirteen chairs. On the center table facing these chairs is placed a miniature copy of the Kabah and a copy of the Holy Qur 'an. We learned in our investigations that the use of the Islamic symbols was introduced a little over one hundred years ago between 1876 and 1877. It is only after a Mason or Moslem Son attains the 32nd degree that he can be admitted as a shriner" 47

THERE IS A LACK OF SCHOLARSHIP RELATIVE TO SHRINE MASONRY AND ISLAM

What this writer found to be astonishing is that other than the literary works of Mustafa EI-Amin who dedicated a body of work to understanding the relationship between Islam and Freemasonry, it is for the most a part a virgin subject. I applaud El-Amin for being a pioneer on this controversial subject Islam and its connections to Freemasonry.

There need to be more scholarship in this area and an in depth comparative study done on Islam and Freemasonry. There is no deniability that Shrine Masonry and the religion of Islam shares some commonalities, which the former perhaps view as inconsequential, but the latter is a lot more passionate about any "pseudo sect" using Islam in an incorrect manner. This is not surprising because most religions and their parishioners are not taught to be tolerant nor is it permissible to deviate from the original theological intent. So why should I think any different about El-Amin's position and the religion of Islam position as it relates to Freemasonry in general. The Shriners philosophy continues to evoke sentiments of Islamic History throughout the Mystic Shrine, but perhaps not out of any Islamic convictions, rather to instill the value of moral principles.

SHRINE POINTS US TO THE EAST

"Our alliance or the Rite of our Mystic Shrine is ancient, honorable, benevolent and secret. It is devoted to the cause of justice, truth and mercy. It is ancient as the corner-stone of Mohammed's Temple of Mecca; as secret as the Moslem that bound the tribes of Arabia to Allah or their God; as honorable as the Christian, and the tenets to which it is dedicated when once assumed cannot be eschewed or cast aloof. We Know no retrogression; justice is our escutcheon; charity beyond reason we do not expect; virtue must be regarded for its peerless worth and morality observed for the general good of all. We require absolute secrecy and desire all our disciples an interest in our noble cause and a just observance of the tenets of our faith. Let these preliminary teachings be deeply graven upon your hearts. They are priceless when well observed and attributes that cannot be bought with paltry, sordid gold. By the existence of Allah and the creed of Mohammed; by the legendary sanctity of our Tabernacle at Mecca, we greet you, and in commemoration of the Arab's faith in purity and innocence.48

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO DO THIS RESEARCH?

What inspired me to write this article, I was giving a copy of the Phylaxis, Fall 2003 magazine by a Past Master named Ben Taylor of Doric Lodge # 28 Prince Hall Affiliated in Durham, North Carolina. Brother Taylor is an older brother, perhaps in mid-seventies, but he has always struck me to be a serious student of Masonry.

He was aware that I was doing research on Islam (Muslims) and Shrine Masonry and there was an article in this particular issue titled, "The Moorish Science Temple: A Religion Influenced by Prince Hall Freemasonry", authored by Reverend Dr. Robert L. Uzzel that he thought, I could appreciate. 49

I was very intrigued by brother Uzzel's scholarship, which his investigation uncovers the root connections between the Moorish Science Temple and the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. I believe Brother Uzzel is a Christian and a Mason and this writer considers himself a free thinker thus, this is not to suggest that objectivity can not be giving to an Islamic topic when covered by a Christian scholar.

Brother Uzzel does an extremely excellent job with this topic, he gave a great deal of attention to the Moorish Science Temple point of view, but did not expound upon what Freemasonry has in their body of liturgy, teachings, philosophy, dogma, ritual, etc., relative to the Islamic Religion. This is what will separate my research from Brother Uzzel and I too will cover some aspects of the Moorish Science Temple and its enigmatic leader Nobel Drew Ali.

A few years ago prior to his death, I had the opportunity to visited with Dr. C. Eric Lincoln who was a professor Emeritus at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He lived about two miles from my home and we discussed the plight of Islam in America and consequently he had written the first scholarly sociological study on "Black Muslims" in 1961 titled, Black Muslims in America . Dr. Lincoln also was a 33rd degree Mason and he and I spent over two hours talking about Noble Drew Ali, I still value that discussion .

NOBLE DREW ALl: MUSLIM OR MOSLEM SON

Noble Drew Ali was born Timothy Drew on January 8, 1886, in the state of North Carolina in the rural mountain town of Cherokee. Ali incorporated Shriners philosophy, literature, Masonic regalia, etc., as part of his mystic Islamic teachings. In the Shriners 'Recognition Test', the question is asked, "Then I presume you are a Noble?" Answer: "I am so accepted by all men of Noble birth". 50

Thus, it is clear that the title 'Noble' was used by the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (the Caucasian side of the Mystic Shrine) years before the Moorish Science Temple of America was formulated. I stated earlier that the Mystic Shrine claimed an origin that dates back to 644 A.D. to the Grand Sheik of Mecca, but history gives the Mystic Shriners origin as being June 6, 1876. 51

There is no doubt in my mind and I am in agreement with Brother Uzzel that Ali had some involvement in Freemasonry. Noble Drew Ali's full and complete attribute was Sharieff Abdul Ali (name translates to mean: Honorable, Servant, Exalted). Some scholars claim that Ali came out of the Marcus Garvey Movement of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). However, in truth and reality Garvey did not teach Islam, although, his mentor Duce Muhammad Ali was an Egyptian-Sudanese Muslim, but Marcus Garvey taught a Pan-Nationalist view of Christianity and not Islam. 52

SHRINE MASONRY IS THE ROOT OF BLACK ISLAM IN AMERICA

Noble Drew Ali perhaps became affiliated with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (the African American side of Shrine Masonry), which was founded in Chicago in 1893. Ali may have even discovered a distorted view of Islam via his initiation into the 33of Masonry and the Mystic Shrine. 53

The Shriners in a subtle way, perhaps pointed Ali to investigate Egypt, Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Morocco, etc., because the Order in theory does understand that the root of civilization and knowledge originated in the east. Ali borrowed the tall burgundy fez with the tassel from the Shriners, who borrowed it from the Muslims in the east. The symbolic clasped hands in Moorish Science regalia, in particular the position of the right thumb depicts a Masonic Hand shake(Masonic Token). This is the symbol of unity in Moorish doctrines. 54

It is alleged that Ali traveled to Egypt, where he was initiated into the Lesser Mystery Systems of the great pyramids and also traveled to Morocco where he studied Islam under some of the top Imams of North Africa. It is believed that the Imams commissioned Sharrieff Abdul Ali (Noble Drew Ali) to come back to North America and teach the African descendants the true religion of Islam. 55

Sharrieff Abdul Ali (Noble Drew Ali) claimed a so-called bloodline lineage to Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal AI-Saud (1876- 1953). He was passionately called King Abdul Aziz. Al-Saud took the country of Hijaz, the Arabian Peninsula in 1926 A.D., and renamed it 'Saudi Arabia' after himself. Al-Saud rule's marked the beginning of an anti-Islamic Monarchy in the Holy Land. He had 43 sons including King Fahd. Surely Allah will reveal and distinguish truth from falsehood. 56

Ali required his followers to relinquish their United States Citizenship; moreover, he issued them 'Nationality Cards', which stated, "This is your nationality and identification card for the Moorish Science Temple of America, and birthrights for the Moorish Americans, etc. We honor all of the Divine Prophets: Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, and Confucius. May the blessings of the God of our father Allah, be upon you that carry this card. I do hereby declare that you are a Moslem under the Divine Laws of the Holy Koran of Mecca. Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice. I am a citizen of the USA" 57 Note the spelling of Muslim is 'Moslem', which is typically the way that the Shriners pronounce and spell it, the terms Holy Qur'an is spelled 'Holy Koran,' and Prophet Muhammad is spelled Mohammed the exact ways the Shriners use this lexicon. A1i could never from an ideological standpoint distance his teachings and Islamic philosophy from the essentials of the Mystic Shrine, even after visiting the east and witnessing the theology of Islam being taught by some of the wisest Imams and Sheiks.

His movement remained interdependent on shrinedom evidence of Islamic mysticism that existed in an oriental illusion. However, A1i's efforts must be applauded, because he was the first African American (Asiatic Black man) and Muslim leader in 1913 in the city of Newark, New Jersey to formalize an Islamic movement in America. There is a loose theory that maintains Master Wali Fard Muhammad who was born February 26, 1877 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and was in and out America, for twenty years prior to making his identity known; moreover, he personally taught five men, Drew A1i, Father Divine, Marcus Garvey, Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah's Witnesses Founder) and Elijah Muhammad and with the exception to Muhammad, it is believed by some, that the other four leaders corrupted his original teachings. Whether the latter taught the former or visa versa, it is without a doubt that the greatest influence on "black Islam" in America has been its unconventional relationship to Shrine Masonry.

Professor Ravanna Bey states, "Moorish Americans are required to master the Holy Koran, a text written in 1926 by the prophet Nobel Drew A1i. It is not to be confused with the Orthodox Qur'an inspired by the Arabian Prophet Muhammad. Drew A1i's Holy Koran is an abbreviated version of a Tibetan Text written in the Pali Language before being translated into English. The more complete version of the Tibetan Text is the Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ. (written by Levi H. Dowling 1844-1911). Some of A1i's critics state that as far doctrines are concern, he did not bring anything new. In fact he plagiarized the foundations of his teachings from The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. 58

The author Peter Lamborn Wilson, who authored the book titled, Sacred Drifts: Essay on the Margins of Islam had this to say about Moorish Symbols: "The mystic circle-seven appears at the front of Noble Drew Ali's Circle Seven Koran. It relates to the Elohim, the angles or 'gods' called by him 'the Seven Eyes of Allah.' The handshake, used as a symbol by many groups, may be Masonic in origin. According to Isa Al- Mahdi, the handclasp represents Divine Unity. The Fez may also be adopted from the Black Shriners, although in Drew Ali's time it was common in the Islamic world, and the shape here is distinctly Moroccan ...Nobel Drew Ali was initiated in several branches of Masonry---a movement which has translated certain elements of Islamic into occidental culture. One possible link with Islam might have risen from the meeting between 'Assassins' and Knights Templar during the Crusades; Rosicrucian's also claim an Eastern origin (in Yemen). From the point of view of 'heretical' Westerners, Islam represents a source of esoteric knowledge. From Xerox Moorish Science Temple text, 1973. 59

Noble Drew Ali stated in his Holy Koran in a chapter titled, "After the Feast----the Homeward Journey-- The Missing Jesus--- The Search for Him---His Parents Find Him in the Temple----He goes with them to Nazareth----Symbolic Meaning of Carpenter's Tools. Ali stated: "One day as he was bringing forth the tools for work he said: These tools remind me of the ones we handle in the workshop of the mind where things are made of thought and where we build up character. We use the square to measure all our lines, to straighten out the crooked places of the wiry and make the corners of our conduct square. We use the compass to draw the circles around our passions and desires and keep them in the bounds of righteous. We use the ax to cut wiry the knotty, useless, ungainly parts and to make character symmetrical. We use the hammer to drive home the truth, and pound it in until it is a part of every part. We use the plane to smooth the rough, uneven surface of joint and block and board that go to build the temples for the truth. The chisel, line, the plummet and saw all have their uses in the workshop of the mind And then this ladder with its trinity of steps, faith, hope and love; on it we climb up to the dome of purity in life. And on the twelve step ladder, we ascend until we reach the pinnacle of that which life is spent to build the Temple of Perfected Man. 60

This above quotation by Noble Drew Ali is classical Masonic philosophy in each degree in Masonry the candidate is provide a set of working tools, but we as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to use them for the more noble and glorious purpose.61

This is what separate Operative Masonry from Speculative Masonry, the former used artistic trades to beautify the external, and the latter Speculative Masonry teaches how to subdue one's passion and improve themselves in Masonry by instilling the principles of God, friendship and brotherly love. The sublime teachings of right angles, perpendiculars and horizontals, etc., it is also designed to inculcate moral edification and spiritual values. The construction tools have a meaning of duality in Masonry that can only be interpreted from it rites and sacrament.

Arthur H. Fauset, in his pamphlet, Moorish Science Temple of America supports the contention that of Peter Wilson and Robert Uzzel who maintained that Ali's Islamic movement was heavily influenced by the Mystic Shrine and he indeed borrowed their philosophy, lingo, ritual and the Masonic world view; Fauset states, "Note the extensive use of ritual regalia reminiscent of the 'Ancient Arabic Egyptian Arabic Orders of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdiction, 'known as 'Black Shriners'. The 'Black Shriners', consisting of 32 and 33 degree Masons were incorporated as an organization in 1893 in Chicago. They used such titles as 'Noble' (Sharif) and 'Sheik'; called their meeting places 'Temples' claimed an ancient origin in Islamic countries and wore fezzes on ceremonial occasions. The Moorish Science Temple utilize the symbols of the symbols of the star and crescent, the' All -Seeing-Eye' and two hands shaking (in a Masonic grip) their letterhead. The wearing of the red fezzes was mandatory for male members. 62

The Freemasonry critic Ed Decker in his book titled, The Dark Side of Freemasonry, in which he gives a reasonable explanation relative to how the fez was introduced into Shrine Masonry, Decker states, " ... I did a little study on the Fez. The Fez comes from the name of the City of Fez, a city in Morocco, in northwest Africa. In the early eight century, the city was overrun by Islamic Hordes. They came into the Christian City of Fez and demanded they convert to Islam ... 63

In conclusion, this study could have focused a little more on the Master Wali Fard Muhammad (1877-1933), *the founder of the Nation of Islam who mysteriously disappeared in 1933 and Elijah Muhammad (1897- 1975). However, there is little doubt that the Moorish Science Temple, Nation of Islam, the Five Percent Nations of Gods and Earths, the Tabernacle Temple (Dr. York's Organization), Hebrew Israelite Nation (headed by Yahweh Ben Yahweh), the EI-Rukns, etc., have been influenced by Black Freemasonry in America. Yet, in an uncanny way, international Islam may have sparked Shrine Masonry in to existence in 644 AD. But there is very little research in this area to fully answer all the questions of how, when, where, what, who and why the six questions that allows social scientist and historians to objectively answer and substantiate the facts based on empirical findings.

SHRINE MASONRY HAS THE LEGAL RIGHT TO PRACTICE ITS CRAFT

This article will perhaps challenge Prince Hall Masonry scholars, in particular and Shrine Masonry in general, to delve deeper in their ritual and Islamic roots in order understand the sensitivity of Muslims; however, both Freemasonry and Islam have a moral obligation to ease the suspicion, misconceptions and enhance better communications between the two entities. Islam as a religion is here to stay and the Black order of Freemasonry is here to stay and Freemasonry in general. In the early 1900,s Caucasian Masons took Prince Hall Masons and Shriners to court claiming that Prince Hall Masonry was 'clandestine' " ... the White Masonic Order lost their legal battle to the Black Masons and on June 23, 1929, the United Supreme Court handed down the decision that guaranteed that Prince Hall Masons and Shriners had all the rights as a fraternity to appear in public and in private to practice the time honored traditions of Masonry" .

Fahim A. Knight is located in Durham, North Carolina United States of America and is the Chief Researcher for KEEPING IT REAL BLACK THINK THANK. Our objective is to inform, educate and re-train the thinking of black people and all people of goodwill. Fahim Knight is a Prince Hall Mason of Doric Masonic Lodge # 28 in Durham, NC and has been engaged in Masonic research for over ten years. Fahim can be contacted at fahimknight@yahoo.com.

STAY AWAKE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
FAHIM A. KNIGHT-El

ENDNOTES

1 R.F. Dibbles, Mohammed. (New York: Viking Press, 1926), pp. 55-56.

2 Khurshid Ahmad, Islam, Its Meaning and Message, (London Islamic Foundation, 1980), p. 28.

3 Understanding Islam and the Muslim, (Washington, DC: The Islamic Affairs Dept., The Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 1989). p. 9.

4 Muhammad Husayn Haykak, The Life of Muhammad, (New York: North American Trust Publication 8th Edition, 1976), pp. 97, 98, 100, 101, 105.

5 Muhammad Ali, The Holy Quran, (Illinois : Specialty Promotions Co., originally published in Lahore, Pakistan, translated in Arabic Text and the said English translation was publishedin 1985 .This Quranic Translation was perhaps offered to Wali Fard Muhammad (the Founder of Nation of Islam) in the early 1900's by the Ahmaadiyyah Muslims (Mizra Ghulam Ahmed) of Pakistan that were in America during this timeframe propagating Islam in the blackcommunity) Quranic Foot Note # 2116 and 2116a reference Ishmael whom Abraham was ordered by God to be sacrificed.

6 King James, Holy Bible , (Kansas: Heirloom Bible Publishers, 1991) , the Book of Genesis the 22"• Chapter; Verses 1-17 depicts Prophet Abraham's called to sacrifice his son Isaac and this is Theologically accepted by the Judo-Christian as the son that God showed favored upon. However, the Islamic World believe that Ishmael was the one ordered by Allah (God) to be sacrificed.

7 Malachi Z. York; aka As Sayyid Issa AI-Haadi AI Mahdi, 360 Questions to Ask the Orthodox Sunni Muslims, (New York: Tents of Kedar, 1989), pp. 30-31. Dr. York is the controversial former leader Of the Ansaar Allah Community who came under attack in New York by Orthodox Sunni Muslims in the late 1980's and early 1990's accusing him of teaching a perverted religion under the banner of AI-Islam. His most recognizable critic was Abu Ameenah Bilal Phillips that authored a book titled, "The Ansar Cult in America". York's book represented the antithesis to the entire negative his Islamic critics spewed against him. York moved his headquarters to Eatonton, Georgia, which he disavowed his former Islamic teachings and set up a Freemasonry type organization where he served as Grand Master of the Ancient Mystic Order of Melchizedek. He also claimed Moorish American Heritage and Native American linage. York has Perhaps authored thousands of manuscripts on philosophy, occult, esoteric, metaphysical science, Egyptology, history, religion, science, etc., and he stands unmatched on the amount of research credited to his name. Dr. York is presently serving various life sentences for so-called molestation of children at his compound.

8 Gary Bunt, "Studying Islam after 9-11: Reflections and Resources";November 2001, http://www/. Prs-ltns.leads. ac,uk/relig_ studies/islam/bunt. html .

9 Ibid. 1-2.

10 lbid., 1-2 .

11 Daniels Pipes, and Wladyslaw Pleszczynski; ed, "A New Round of Anger and Humiliation: Islam After 9/11"; 2002, http://www/. Danielpipes.org/articles/ 417; also published in Our Brave New World Essay on the Impact of September 11; Stanford: Hoover Institute Press, 2002, pp. 41-61.

12 AIi Nawaz Memon, "The Islamic Nation: Status and Future of Muslims in the New World Order", (Maryland: Writers' Inc. International, 1995), p. 9.
--- Daniel Pipes., lbid. (also drew from Pipes article in a manner of paraphrasing that made up this Reference notation).

13 lbid., Daniel Pipes.

14Jerry 'Politex' Barrett, "Big Bush Lies: 20 Essays and a list of the 50 Most Telling Lies of George Bush", (Oregon: River Wood Books, 2004); thus the Web page http://.www.bushwatch.com/ Gave an article titled, "29 Bush Lies About Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction" , pp. 5-9.

15 Robert Lomas, "Turning The Hiram Key: Rituals of Freemasonry Revealed", (Massachusetts: Fair Winds Press, 2005), p. 213 •
• Allen E. Roberts. "The Craft and its Symbols: Opening the Door of Masonic Symbolism", (Virginia: MaCoyPublishing and Masonic Supply Company, Inc.,1974), p. 8.

16 Ibid.,8.

17 Albert Pike, "Morals and Dogmas of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry" , (Virginia: L.B. Jenkins, Inc. reprint 1927; originally prepared for The Supreme Council Of the Southern Jurisdiction, A.A.S.R., U.S.A., 1871), pp. 195-197.

18 Derrick Burgman, Worshipful Master; Doric Lodge Number 28 Prince Hall Affiliated; Durham, North Carolina; permits Master Mason candidates who are Muslims to take their Masonic Obligations on the Holy Qur'an and are allowed to be raised from a dead level to a living perpendicular on the square. Thus reciting the Master Mason Obligation with one's right hand placed on the Holy Qur'an.

19 Mustafa EI-Amin, "Last Written Appeal! African-American Freemasons: Why They Should Accept AI-Islam", (New Jersey: New Mind Productions, 1990), p. 11.

20 EI-Amin, "Freemasonry: Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny", (New Mind Productions, 1988), pp.133-134,141- 142.

21 Matthias Gardell, "In the Name of Elijah Muhammad: Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam", (North Carolina: Duke UniversityPress, 1996), 102-118.

• Clifton E. Marsh, "From Black Muslim to Muslim: The Transition from Separation to Islam. 1930--1980", (New Jersey: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1984), pp. 89-101.

22 Wallace D. Muhammad (aka Warithuddean Mohammed), As the Light Shineth From the East, (Illinois: WDM Publishing, 1980), pp. 31-32.

NOTE: Minister Louis Farrakhan in September 1977 severed his relationship at that time with the World Community of AI-Islam in the West (formerly the Nation of Islam) and Elijah Muhammad's son, Imam Mohammed because of theological disagreements. Minister Farrakhan went back to the Nation of Islam's theology as taught by Elijah Muhammad and began to rebuild the original organization based the principles of black religious nationalism. However, it was Minister Silas Muhammad who was the first to initially raise public and private opposition to Imam Mohammed's dismantling Elijah Muhammad's program and theology.

23 Geneive Abdo, "New Leader Steps Forward to Revive Islamic Group", 2003, http://www.religion/newsblog.com; Chicago Tribune USA. Sub-titled, "N.J. Cleric Vows to Unite Blacks, other Muslims".

24 EI-Amin, The Religion of Islam and the Nation of Islam: What is the Difference?, (New Jersey: El¬-Amin Productions, 1991), pp. 39-40.

25 Elijah Muhammad, Birth of a Savior, (Chicago: The Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah, 1993), pp. 45-46.

26 Malachi Z. York, The Problem Book, (this work represents a compilations of "Supreme Wisdom, Supreme Mathematical lesson, Actual Facts lessons, Student Enrollment" etc., this body of Knowledge (information) was taught by Elijah Muhammad and given to register Muslims Only. The Five Percent Nation of Gods and Earths was founded by Clarence 13X Smith who was known as 'Allah'. Clarence 13X was murdered in 1969, but the Five Percenters fully understand the science of etymology and epistemology. I really like this group because their body of knowledge do not allow Freemasonry to remain stagnated. The Five Percenters attacked Dr. York's teachings and Dr. York wrote the said book in order to expose their teachings. Thus, many Five Percenters do not accept "The Problem Book", yet this is the first book that has taken a body of scattered Five Percent lessons and systematically arranged them in book form), p. 103.

27 Adlib Rashad, Elijah Muhammad and the Ideological Foundation of the Nation of Islam, (Virginia: U.B. & U.S. Communications, 1993), p. 84.

28 Claude Clegg, (December 12, 1995) Interview with author in reference to him establishing contacts with former followers of Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam from 1930-1975. Clegg was in the process of writing his biography on Elijah Muhammad titled, "An Original Man; The life and Times of Elijah Muhammad", however, I was disappointed that the Nation of Islam as headed by Minister Louis Farrakhan and his Chicago officials were not accommodating to Clegg, but gave free access to the Swiss Caucasian Theologian Mattis Gardell who was writing his book titled, "In the Name of Elijah Muhammad: Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam", at same time Clegg was doing his research. The Nation of Islam chose to offer no assistance to Clegg.

29 Claude Clegg, "An Original Man: The Life and Times of Elijah Muhammad". (New York: St.Martin's Press, 1997), p. 72.

30 Nasir Makr Hakim, The True History of Master Fard Muhammad, (Georgia: Messenger Elijah Muhammad Propagating Society, 1996), p. 31. Note: Mr. Hakim has edited numerous of Elijah Muhammad's original writings and/or tape recorded speeches and placed them in book form, then strangely applies the authorship to Muhammad who has been dead since 1975.

31 Hussein Abdulwaheed Amin, "The Origin of the Sunni/Shia Split"; http://www.islamtoday.com/p.1.

31 Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad and Jane Idleman Smith, "Mission to America: Five Islamic Sectarian Communities in North America", (Florida: University Press of Florida, 1993), pp. 2-4.

32 Ibid, 2.

33 Ezzeddin Ibraham and Denys Johnson-Davies, Forty Hadiths: An Anthology of the Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, (The Holy Koran Publishing House), pp. 7-8.

34 Albert Mackey, "The History of Freemasonry: The Legends of the Craft", (New York: Originally Published in 1898 by the Masonic History Company. Presently being published by Barnes And Noble Books, 1998), pp. 237 and 238.

35 As-Sayyid Issa AI-Haddi AI-Mahdi (aka Dr. Malchi Z. York), "The Paleman", (New York: The Original Tents of Kedar, 1990), pp. 220-221.

36 Mary Lefkowitz, "Not Out of Africa: How Afrocentrism Became an Excuse to Teach Myth as History", (New York: A New Republic Book, Basic Book, 1996), pp. 110.

37 Ibid, 106.

38 Muhammad Safwat AL-Saqqa Amini & Sa'di Abu Habib, Freemasonry, (Iowa: Printed by Ingram Press and published by Muslim World League, 1980), pp. 68-69.

39 As-Sayyid Issa Al-Haddi Al-Mahdi (aka Dr. Malchi Z. York), Our Symbol, (New York: Tents of Kedar, 5th Edition, no published date recorded), p. 70.

40 The Pyramid", a horn of the Price Hall Family of Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South Americaand its Jurisdiction, Inc. (Fourth Quarter Vol. Number 52-Issue No. 196, 1993), p. 6.

41 lbid.,6.

42 Walter M. Fleming, The Mystic Shrine illustrated, (New York: The Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine was established at Mecca,Arabia, in the year 5459 (in the year of the our Lord 1608) The ritual was complied, arranged and issue as Aleppo, Arabia, by Louis Maracci, the great Latin translator of Mohammed's AL-Koran. In 1871 the ritual was brought to America by one transient foreign members and representatives and placed in the hands of Dr. Walter M. Fleming, 33'" degree, Sovereign Grand Inspector General A and A. Rite, and Eminent Commander of Columbia Commandry No. I., Knights Templar of New York. Fleming and eleven other members had complete sovereignty. Mecca Temple No.1. remained inactive until December, 1875, when W. J. Florence came from Europe bringing with him the Oriental Ritual of the order, as it was worked in foreign countries. In 1876 W. J. Florence called together such of the original members of the organization of 1871 as were living and constituted in December 1876 Mecca Temple No. I, as the head of the Order in America. P. 21 and said Shrine history pages 5-7. Re-published by Kessinger Publishing Company. No published date was offered.

43 Robert MaCoy, "A Dictionary of Freemasonry" , (New York: Gramercy Books and Random House Value Publishing, 2000), pp. 81.

44 E. M. Storm, Should A Christian Be A Mason?, (New Jersey: American Heritage Publishing Company, 1994), p. 65.

45 Fleming, The Mystic Shrine Illustrated, pp. 22-23.

46 Elijah Muhammad, "Lost-Found Muslim Lesson No.1," (Chicago: Muhammad's Temple No., 2).p. 22.

47 Tynnetta Muhammad, Beverly Muhammad, Nisa Islam Muhammad, Hakima Muhammad, Arealia X. Denby, Banetta X. Williams, Rashida Muhammad, Minion Man March: Women in Support of the Million Man March. (Chicago: FCN Publishing Company and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad Educational Foundation, 1995), pp.21-22.

48 Fleming, The Mystic Shrine Illustrated, pp. 17-18.

49 Robert L. Uzzel, "The Moorish Science Temple: A Religion Influenced by Prince Hall Masonry",(Washington: The Phylaxis Society, "The Phylaxis", Fall, 2003). It was this article that sparked me to write "Freemasonry and Islam: Religion and A Fraternity, What Do They have in Common? Uzzel's work focused specifically on the cultural dependency of the Moorish Science Temple of America on the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (African-American Prince Hall Masonry Appendent body) for its philosophy, Ritual, And mysticism. However, this writer saw a need to expand this Freemasonry and Islamic research not just inclusive to Noble Drew AIi, but to evaluate historical data that shows a relationship between the broader Islamic society and Freemasonry that extends back to at least 644 A. D. In addition, this writer sought out to determine what Shrine Masonry teaches about Islam and so unlike Uzzel my research looked at Shrine Masonry philosophy to understand the perplexities, as well as the un-conventional correlations, it shares with its distant cousin, the religion of Islam.

50 EL-Amin, "Freemasonry Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny", pp. 28.

51 Fleming, "The Mystic Shrine Illustrated" , p. 7.

52 Edmund David Cronon, "The Black Moses: The Story of Marcus Garvey and the Negro Improvement Association" , (Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1968), pp. 178-182.

53 Prince A. Farad, "Moorish Science History" this article appeared in publication titled, "The Universal Truth" Vol. 2, No.3: I purchased it in Newark, New Jersey in 1998: pp. 12-13.

54 Arthur B. Fauset, "Moorish Science Temple of America": New Jersey: Published by Universal Research Associates, 1994. Originallypublished in 1944.

55. Ibid.

56 As-Sayyid Issa A1-Haadi A1-Mahdi (aka Dr. Malachi Z. York), "360 Questions to Ask the Sunni Orthodox Muslims", (New York: The Original Tents of Kedar, 1989), pp. 42~24.

57 Fauset, "Moorish Science Temple of America", p. 2.

●Charles Eric Lincoln, "The Black Muslims in America", (Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; third Edition, 1994), pp. 47-52.

58 Ravanna Bey, "Moorish American Prophet Drew A1i". This article also appeared in the "Universal Truth", a possible horn of a 'sect of the Moorish Science Temple' and/or a sect of the Five Percent Nations of Gods and Earths. Thus, this author was unclear about these brothers and sister's organizational affiliations. The editor of the magazine was Prince Cuba, Vol. No.3, p.6.

59 Peter Lamborn Wilson, "Sacred Drifts: Essays on the Margins of Islam", (California: City Lights Book, 1993), p. 20.

60 Drew Ali, "Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America", (Chicago: 1928), Chapter V, Verses 12-21. Noble Drew A1i's Koran should not be mistaken for the Holy Qur'an revealed to Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (PBUH) of 1400 years ago. Thus, they are two distinct Books with very little similarities.

61 A. Nizzardini, "The Masonic Ritual Ecci Oriente) for the use of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons". (New York: Masonic Supply Company, reprinted 1999), p. 57. This is the Blue Lodge Masonic Ritual guide, which was authorized by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina. Doric Lodge # 28 Masonic Instructor A. O. Grady who was the Senior Warden in the West during this writing, he was very careful not give me the entire Ecci Monitor during these discussion, but carefully explained that each prospective candidate were given lessons according to their degree level. For example, the Entered Apprentice (first degree) lessons was tailored for the first Masonic step and until an individual/class had demonstrated suitable proficiency in that degree, in order to move to the next degree of Fellow Craft (second degree of Masonry) and then meeting all the study requirements that qualified an individual to move to the Third and final degree in Masonry, the Master Mason degree. Senior Warden Grady explained to me that there was no degree higher than the Master Mason Degree. The Worshipful Master at the conclusion of most third degree ceremony (work and lecture) almost always present each newly made Mason with a Ecci Orienti (the ritual book) but unlike most that decide to investigate Masonry, I had already read," Duncan Rituals" and "Lester's Look to the East" and I had considered myself a student of Masonry prior to coming in contact with these various gentlemen that had been raised from a 'dead level to a living perpendicular on the square'. My study orientation was perhaps a direct result of my involvement with doing research on the Nation of Islam, in which there was very little room for ignorance. I expected this same study disposition from my Prince Hall Lodge brothers and after being 'raised' the majority thought this was the pinnacle of all they needed to know about this ancient fraternity, which truly has no beginning or ending.

62 Fauset, "Moorish Science Temple of America"

63 J. Edward Decker, The Dark Side of Freemasonry, (Louisiana:Huntington House Publishers, 1994), p. 25.

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