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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Salaam my brother: This is an amazing article. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for all you do.
Hotep.
Hotep Brother JayPowetic:
Thank you for visiting my site and thank you for the comment. I know the piece was very long, but there is so much to be said relative to Freemasonry. We have an obligation to put forth the truth and this is my only objective.
Hotep Shem,
Fahim A. Knight-El
It's me brother. JT! I'm the guy that emailed you about my issue. My mom passed in December. Remember me now? :) I'm a lifetime member of The New Florence Lodge #583 (PHA F&AM) Florence, AL
Peace and Love my brother. You are an inspiration to me. I'm working on the readings you suggested to me. :)
Okay good brother. Yes, Sir, I will never forget you. Your Handle threw me. It is always a good thing to build with someone who you know that understands a large aspect of knowledge. Let's keep shaking them PHA brothers until we wake them up. Thus, the ritual is one thing, but the acquisition of the knowledge is the key to our total understanding of our past, present and future role within the Masonic paradigm.
Hotep Shem,
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El
ALL HAIL
HER MOST HIGH EXCELLENCY & SUPREME GODDESS OF THE UNIVERSE, HER ROYAL MAJESTY & CROWN MONARCHESS, SOVEREIGN QUEEN MISSHAKI MUHAMMAD OF THE LOST-FOUND NATION OF ISLAM.
When the Most Hon Elijah Muhammad (PBUH) came on the scene, Prince Hall masons of the F&AM went to find fault in him. But they could find no fault because The Last & Greatest Messenger of Allah had A LIGHT about himself that let anyone who looked at him know that God, whose proper name is Allah, was with him. Upon this realization, many of the Prince Hall F&AM masons who came to find fault began practicing ISLAM openly in the mosques. This is where the FOI got its masonic knowledge.
Did you know that the mosque of The Most Hon Silis Muhammad in Atlanta, Georgia was at one time a masonic lodge??? They would'nt sell that property to JUST ANYONE. I'm sure you must realize this.
Now then, lets talk about Ya'kub for a minute because I don't think you really give the knowledge about him any real credibility. It is about ORIGINS, and Free masonary bears witness to the story of Ya'kub in three distinct places. When Ya'kub left Mecca for the Island of Phelan (Patmos in the bible), he went to graft his made race. Why is the Isle of Patmos significant here??? Because IT IS THE FIRST PLACE WHERE FREE MASONARY BEARS WITNESS TO YA'KUB. In the book of Revelations,1:9 it is written: "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation,and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, [Six miles squared] for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." Now, I'm not trying to tell you that Im something that I'm not, but TRUTH IS TRUTH WHEREVER ONE FINDS IT. The second and third places Free Masonary bears witness to Ya'kub arise when his made (White) race went to Mecca. They caused so much confusion and chaos that the King of Mecca ordered them stripped of the Meccan costume and marched across the deserts of Arabia to the caves and hillsides of the Caucas Mountains of Europe. EU (caves and hillsides). ROPE (a people bound in). They were given a covering for their genitalia (the Masonic apron) and they preserved the MARCH ACROSS THE BURNING SANDS in ritual. They used to bind an entered apprentice hand and foot and require him to walk around in a sandbox. Today, they still bind one hand and foot, but they pour water on his feet and require him to walk around on an electric blanket. In spite of the truth of thus, The Lost-Found Nation of Islam is REJECTED by our educated Black brothers and sisters who are traveling because they want favor from the OPEN ENEMIES of the Black man, Woman and Child here in the wilderness hell of North America. Fact of the matter, America is like the Titanic. It hit an iceberg with its gross MISTREATMENT of the so-called negro here in the wilderness hell of North America, and it is sinking. You and others like yourself and Mr. Ferguson are doomed to go down with the ship if you continue to dismiss us as LOSERS. The Most Hon. Silis Muhammad teaches that THERE IS NO GOD (ALLAH) BESIDES THE HUMAN BEING MAN. If you are into your Masonic knowledge, you know that in the 3rd Degree MAN IS GOD. Moreover, you should know that upon reaching the 18th Degree you begin to PRACTICE ISLAM IN SECRET AND READ THE QURAN. Beyond this, you should know that THE TOMBS OF MECCA are not a fairytale. When the Devil comes up for his honorary 1/3rd to 33 he makes the pilgrimage there. When the Black Man comes up for the same thing the White one says: " Just give me the $10,000 and I'll tell you about it." What is it that the imposter Jews don't want you to see???
ALL HAIL
HER MOST HIGH EXCELLENCY & SUPREME GODDESS OF THE UNIVERSE, HER ROYAL MAJESTY & CROWN MONARCHESS, SOVEREIGN QUEEN MISSHAKI MUHAMMAD OF THE LOST-FOUND NATION OF ISLAM
If you are wise, then you know that Free Masonry resides on the hidden side of Christianity. And all Christianity has its roots in the Catholic Church. If you are wise, you know that this religion is referred to as Judeo-Christianity because the impostor Jews are Masters of the Lodges. IF YOU ARE TRULY WISE, then you know THE LAST MYSTERY ATOP THE MASONIC PYRAMID, and if you know this it is not remiss to call the White man the Devil.
Do you choose the God of Righteousness, whose proper name is Allah, or do you choose Lucifer in this critical time of ARMEGEDDON???
Post a Comment