FREEMASONIC DIALOGUE: CONVERSATIONS AND THE SCIENCE OF SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY

Freemasonic Dialogue: Conversations and the Science of Speculative Freemasonry

By Fahim A. Knight-El

This is perhaps my fifth or six Blog article that this writer has written relative to various Internet Masonic dialogs that he has had with Freemasons and non-Masons alike. This writer over the years has found some of these conversations intriguing and provocative and worthy of publishing and presenting to the broader cyberspace community in order to provoke further discussion. This article is considered part 2 to a recent article that this writer published on May 20, 2010 titled, “Freemasonry: Questions and Answers”. The topic of Freemasonry seems to always generate a sizable amount of sidebar conversation (perhaps because of the mystique and allege secrecy associated with the order) where as Freemasons and laypersons who have read my many articles and writings on Masonry have from time to time sent me email correspondences approving or disapproving certain historical or Masonic contentions that I have made relative to Speculative Masonry (the study and science of philosophical Masonry).

This writer views critique and critical assessment of ideas as being a healthy practice and often real truth is found somewhere in the middle of the proponent of an idea and the antithesis of that idea. Critical analysis challenges us to be better scholars and intellectuals and it is this objective process that holds the conveyor of ideas accountable; in particular if those ideas are made available for public consumption and evaluation. Scholarship requires a higher level of intellectual due diligence and it should be met with equal scrutiny. This writer is constantly looking for effective ways to communicate ideas and to maximize the intent of his Keeping it Real Think Tank forum, which is foremost designed to teach and educate those who were made blind, deaf and dumb to the knowledge of self (the so-called African American and all people of good will).

This writer make no apology for being an African Centered scholar and fully understand his duty to teach civilization to the uncivilized; in particular to those of humanity who have become the footstool and cannon fodder for the 10% (bloodsuckers of the poor), the hidden culprits who are responsible for manipulating and deceiving the 85% (masses of the people). Freemasonry is such a comprehensive and complex topic that it never can become an exhaustive subject of discussion and the hundreds of emails that I have received is evidence of this contention.

This article as stated above like some of the past Masonic dialog evolved from various email interactions, which this writer has had with a wide spectrum of people. He has chosen to Blog publish some of these conversations to share with his Blog audiences. This writer doesn’t mine teaching and sharing this ancient knowledge one on one, but we live in a global society where we can used various mediums which to present our knowledge and wisdom to an expansive audience. This writer has received comments and questions from every sector of the world and has in the past taking on some of the best intellectuals in academia and laypersons when it comes to the topic of Freemasonry, as well as other topics. This writer also has also come to realize that many of my email conversations could be used to further reach and teach those who are perhaps looking to learn more about this mysterious fraternity known as the brotherhood of Freemasons.

However, this writer, make no claim as being an authority on this subject, but what this writer does bring to these discussions is a wealth of research and personal experience in which these two variables affords me the opportunity to engage others and feel comfortable offering a scholarly opinion on the subject of Freemasonry. My specialty is African history, and there is no doubt that the origin of civilization is in Kush (Ethiopia) and Kemet (Egypt) and to make this contention is to also accept that Freemasonry had its origins in that part of world (the home of the Master Builders); this is what distinguishes me and my writings from many mainstream Masonic writers and historians.

I have never accepted that Freemasonry had its origin and beginnings in England in 1717; how could it have been? When the Great Pyramids is historical evidence and proof positive that the Nubians understood the science of Operative Masonry long before the Europeans exited the Dark Ages in which there was ancient enlightenment and illumination coming out of Kush and Kemet, thus that set Greece and Rome (these two nation represents the pinnacle of European society) into motion.

There would not have been a science called Geometry (which is the philosophical foundation of Speculative Masonry if it were not for Imhotep, the builder of the first step pyramid and father of medicine). There would not have been a Pythagorean theorem, if it were not for those Kemites who introduced the Greek Sages to the science of numbers and mathematics—A square + B square = C square which forms the leg of a right Triangle (the greatest representation of this mathematical reality is in Kemet). The greatest evidence of this science could be seen by observing how the pyramids and temples were constructed based on physical and metaphysical principles used to erect these houses of God (I am not referring to that mystery God that does not exist). This writer years ago read a book written by Al Dickens titled, “Uncle Yah Yah: 21st Century Man of Wisdom” which led me to these great truths.

Hippocrates was not the father of medicine (the Eurocentric manipulators have lied and distorted the facts of history), but the Greeks and Romans stole Kemetic (Egyptian) culture and falsely proclaimed that they gave civilization to the world (just as the western world bought into this lie, so has the institution of Freemasonry). Dr. George G.M. James book titled, “Stolen Legacy” should be prerequisite reading for all black Freemasons, in particular and all Freemasons in general, from the 1st degree to the 33rd degree because without this understanding Black Craft Masonry will forever linger in historical limbo and will always think of itself as a subordinate and asterisk ensign order, as opposed to being the mothers and fathers of all civilization (let there be light).

They even hired a Zionist academician named Mary R. Lefkowitz who authored the book titled, “Not Out of Africa” to assess aspects of Freemasonry and its so-called historical correlation to the Afrocentric led movement. Lefkowitz research on Masonry was shoddy and it was clear that she lacked a sizable amount of knowledge relative to properly analyzing the evolution of Freemasonry and historical implications Kemet had on this institution. All of Freemasonry has to be re-taught because the truth does not lie in the ritual, the ritual is only a symbolic enactment of two people’s history (the original man and the Caucasian), in which the Original man was hit in the head (he is the true Hiram Abiff that was brought on a westerly course and was slain at high noon) and does not know that he was the true Master Builder—his legacy predates the building of King Solomon’s Temple and only if he knew his history could he adequately be invited into the Inner Chamber and know that his history exceed 6,000 years—the Masonic journey only makes them Moslem Sons.

This writer perhaps most celebrated article was titled, “Freemasonry (Moslem Sons) and Islam: What Do They Share?” First published in 2004 and this writer has been in many debates with grafted Arabs and even some of their “Negro” flunkies who professed Sunni Islam. We as a people of African descendent are not Arabs and we have allowed these imposters to impose their religious will on the most ancient of people. We allowed them to study for 35-50 years in order to be called Moslem Sons and wear the greatest and holiest flag of the Uni-Verse—sun, moon and star. Question: What is the birth record of the said, Nation of Islam?” Most of my Muslim critics try to critique Freemasonry from an Islamic theological paradigm and fail to understand that religion is to shallow and it lacks objectivity, it is more concern with protecting and defending dogmatic patterns of thought more so than offering critical evaluation.

Brother Carlos-El: “Bro Knight, I've just read the email conversation you had with Bro. Kedar. It is interesting to say the least the extent to which you both researched your points. My name is Bro. Carlos Z. Shows. James O. Dogan Lodge No. 38 IF&AMM.”

“In my short time travelling, the importance of being properly Chartered never comes up in a random meeting of a brother, PHA or other. I myself being recently raised IF&AMM, have not experienced this acceptance or lack thereof by a brother chartered differently. Be that because of a lack of knowledge of the weight that being under a charter recognized by the UGLE holds, or just neither brother being apart of a lodge that has one is unknown”.

“My question is simply this in the eyes of a white mason am I considered to be a clandestine due to the fact that I am an IF&AMM? I'm asking in general. I'm sure that it may differ from brother to brother. Yet I can help but to wonder if I were to go to a European/Caucasian Lodge with the proper signs, tokens or what have you would I be granted entrance even if completely being tested and passing?”

“Bro Kedar referred to some as being "book masons". Though I feel without at least being knowledgeable of the rituals, lectures, symbols and so forth how is it that you can know yourself to be a mason? Shifting ones concerns to what charter it is under or what GL recognizes your lodge is maybe something a more tenured mason would do”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Brother Carlos-El: I pray and hope all is well with you. I did tell you that would give you a more complete response to your email and question upon touching back home. My Blog/article with Brother Kedar was very interesting on many levels. He had read my article titled, "Let There Be Light: There is no Brotherly Love Between Black Masons and White Masons"; I do not think Brother Kedar overly disagreed with the content and approach I presented in the article, but he as a Black Ancient Free and Accepted Mason (AF&AM) felt that Prince Hall Masons (F&AM) were some how practicing reverse discrimination and a form of intra-racism against Black non-Prince Hall Masons. Thus, Brother Kedar maintained that I had intentionally overlooked this problem, which in his mind was just as systemic as white Freemasons discriminating against so-called African American Masons and it deserved the same level of attention, as well as criticism. My position was that many Prince Hall Masons, perhaps are motivated not by racial exclusion of other Black Freemasons (I personal do not think race in this matter plays little to no part in how the Black order of Prince Hall Masons treats other black non-Prince Hall Masons). But the questions of Grand Lodge recognition perhaps has been the fuel that was driving this allege dispute between Prince Hall Masons and non-Prince Hall Masons”.

“Prince Hall Freemasonry evolved out of a history of American racism and white supremacy and in some white Masonic quarters were denied the rights to fellowship and to be recognized as "true" Masons until approximately 1991. I as a Prince Hall Mason have always felt it was our mis-education that led us to think that we needed white Masonic approval in order to feel whole and complete and for almost two centuries Prince Hall Masons have been on this campaign seeking white Grand Lodges recognition. We have bought into this mentality that other Black non-Prince Hall Masons must be "irregular" or "clandestine" if they do not belong to the now "recognized" Prince Hall order. However, I do believe that all Masons have a responsibility to protect Freemasonry from fly by night clandestine Masons who give all Freemasonry a bad name and who uses Freemasonry to exploit gullible persons who desire to share in the rights and privileges of being a Mason. You are a member of International Free & Accepted Modern Mason (IF&AMM) and there are many white Grand Lodge jurisdictions that you would not be allowed to sit in their monthly communications and would be denied a Masonic welcoming. Moreover, in some of the deep southern states your non-recognition could be twofold--race if you are black and if these white Masonic jurisdictions view IF&AMM as being an "irregular" body of Masons; however, both instances could affect how you would be received as IF&AMM brother. Now, on the other hand Prince Hall Masons in some jurisdictions still do not recognize IF&AMM as a legitimate body of Masons and have raised questions about its charter. But I think we as Black Masons have to find respectful ways to overcome these artificial barriers that create disunity and find agreeable ways that we can work together as Masonic brothers in spite of our disagreements. My brother, I pray and hope that I have somewhat answered your question and have given you a reasonable explanation. I remain open to further conversation and is always willing to share the knowledge that the Creator has blessed me with”.

Bro. Michael Berkley: (so-called Former Prince Hall Mason who relinquished his membership and joined a clandestine Masonic order headed by Dr. Malachi Z. York-El and administrator of Internet site called Zoser Research Society). “So you purposely slander. As we already know PHA is clandestine. So stop stating unknowns as if they are empirical evidence. This is called defamation. In fact, UGLE just recognized yall on their webpage after President Obama got in office. Why? Are you truly a researcher or slander?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Bro. Berkley, perhaps you have not read my post that I linked you to; I am not concern about what the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) perceptions of Prince Hall Masonry is or isn't; thus, that is the precise point that you and brother Griffo missed in our initial debates (Reference Fahim A. Knight-El blog postings titled, “Table Talk With an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason: My Views on Dr. Malachi Z. York and Black Freemasonry" and "My Rebuttal: To an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason and My views on Dr. Malachi Z. York-El PART 3"). White Masonic approval has never been on my agenda. Now, since you know this insignificant information relative UGLE and PHA may be you will look at PHA a little more favorably since you viewed UGLE as the criteria which to determine, if PHA was a "regular" Masonic entity. This was your argument and now since that argument has rendered itself as being legally invalid and in reality the core of your argument has been deconstructed based on that decision”.

E.P. Grondine: Fahim – “Once again for you it is always black/white, when in the real world people come in all flavors. While focusing on the minutae of Masonry, you loose sight of the universal goals (from Wikipedia) :Despite the organisation's great diversity, Freemasonry's central preoccupations remain CHARITABLE WORK within a local or wider community, MORAL UPRIGHTNESS (in most cases requiring a belief in a Supreme Being) as well as the development and maintenance of FRATERNAL FRIENDSHIP – as James Anderson's Constitutions originally urged – amongst BRETHREN [those working on CHARITABLE WORK and MORAL UPRIGHTNESS]. As far as religious belief and masonry goes (once again from Wikipedia): Candidates for regular Freemasonry are required to declare a belief in a Supreme Being.[28] However, the candidate is not asked to expand on, or explain, his interpretation of Supreme Being. The discussion of politics and religion is forbidden within a Masonic Lodge, in part so a Mason will not be placed in the situation of having to justify his personal interpretation.[29] Thus, reference to the Supreme Being will mean the Christian Trinity to a Christian Mason, Allah to a Muslim Mason, Para Brahman to a Hindu Mason, etc. And while most Freemasons would take the view that the term Supreme Being equates to God, others may hold a more complex or philosophical interpretation of the term”.
“In closing, I think that you may find charitable works to be particularly rewarding for yourself, and I hope you find your path to them”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Good evening E.P. Let me at least address a few of the comments that you have made relative to my article on Freemasonry. I believe that as human beings, we are mere products of our environment and the experiences that we have gathered along the way helped shaped and mold us into who we have become”.

“My experience, in America and my ancestors’ experiences were inextricable tied to race. I am a social critic and I see nothing wrong with discussing the topic of race and/or racism; thus, for to long this discussion has being socially off limits and even taboo to discuss; yes the topic of race is one of those painful chapters in the history of the United States and I do not think we should continue to be in denial and rob ourselves of entering into and engaging in a civil debate and discussion relative to race”.

“We need an open and honest national discussion on the topic of race because there still exist so many cultural bias and serotypes that creates societal misunderstandings about people (and it is still unresolved), who may differ from ourselves in ethnicity, skin color, religion, gender, nationality, etc. It creates a healthier environment when people who differ from each other open themselves up for communication and dialog”.

“I have written many different type of articles on The Daily Grail internet website (TDG) and even if a particular article may not appeal to you; you must understand the World Wide Web (Internet) is a without boundaries medium that can be accessed by billions of people throughout the globe and I do not take this reality for granted. There is an audience for us all and I read many Blogs on TDG where other Bloggers have written Threads germane to their region of the world and talked openly about their cultures and heritages and yet I do not see the same type of criticism aimed at them’.

“I think if our subject matters are within the rules and guidelines of The Daily Grail internet website (TDG) and we are not being offensive to others; it should be considered fair game and if I enjoy critiquing and analyzing American style racism, why not have that type of conversation on the forum? It might bring some understanding to other people who may share those similar experiences or may introduce to others a view of America that they did not have”.

“The next point; this particular article was more about Freemasonry than the topic of race; race was a mere subplot in my analysis, but the intent of the article was designed to expose Freemasons, both Black and White to some knowledge relative to Speculative Masonry that has been overlooked and discarded by even mainstream Masonic intellectuals”.

“I thank you for the Wikipedia assessment of Freemasonry, but I consider Wikipedia the lazy man way out of doing stringent and empirical (counted and measured) research where as one have taking the time to investigate what the Masonic authorities have written and said about certain Masonic philosophy and tenets (I would find that approach a little more plausible)”.

“Wikipedia often is comprised of the masses giving their input on this web based educational Internet site and it’s not information that is gathered by scholars that has been tried and test by academic instruments. So often the information about Freemasonry attained on the Internet, is shoddy research and is often giving by people who think they know what Order stands for and is guessing (doesn’t it make better sense to gather primary source information). There is not many African Americans writing on Freemasonry and I see it as a void and I feel an obligation to weigh-in this arena of ideas”.

Brother Traveler 1906: “Bro. Knight-El---Peace and Greetings. I began traveling on Amazon.com, and ordered 21 books! I want to thank you for inspiring me to reawaken myself, and continue the process of Illumination. Some were books I had read, others were books named in your blog articles---for this, I am grateful.....

Next, I had sufficient time to check out the Keeping It Real Think Tank, as well as the Cushite Builders site. I went through EVERY month of your blog since Nov. 2007, and printed out each and every article. I then filed them in my extra file cabinet @ work, month by month. I am challenging myself to finish a month's worth of articles EACH week, until I am current to June 2010. The Cushite Builders may also attract my attention, once I complete my back readings of your articles. Anyone trying to Illuminate my people in a positive way is worthy of acknowledgment.

I really enjoy the blog (Keeping it Real), especially the ones pertinent to Freemasonry and its deeper meanings. I plan to finish the book on my desk---"The Shadow of Solomon", by Laurence Gardner, and will be anxiously awaiting my book orders.

I supported almost all of the authors you named in your articles, from Drusilla Houston, to Ivan Van Sertima, J.A. Rogers, The Infamous Willie Lynch, Keith Moore, G.M. James, Bro Zach Gremillion, Timothy Myers, along with quite a few more.......and the list goes on........ I will keep in touch, Brother, and please advise me of any and ALL new articles on your blog.......Hotep, My Brother, until we speak again.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Much love brother; I thank you for tuning into my Blog and as you probably have already found out there are plenty of interesting topics of discussion that I have posted. We all have a job, duty and responsibility to be the stewards of Black Speculative Masonic ideas unless we turn this noble obligation over to others to lead us in the arena of ideas. Sometime it takes another brother to spark us and I had brothers to spark me and it ignited a will in me to pursue certain course of actions. I am very partial to Masonic scholarship because we have to be in a position to tell our-story and not be intellectually victimized by their version of His-Story. Yes, the bibliography are sources that I have accumulated over the years and I get so many request from Freemasons and others about what books do I recommend, that I decided to write a Blog article titled, "A Glimpse Into My Library"; thus, as opposed to constantly re-answering the same question over and over again, about what books do I recommend. I now can refer and direct a person to that particular article. I knew that you would be familiar with some of the titles and I am happy to hear that you have ordered over 21 of the books that I cited in the article. My greatest treasure in my home is my library. Sometime I feel like quitting writing and in the same breathe I am subconsciously reminded to whom much is given, much is required and expected of. I know Brother Ezekiel Bey and Brother Ralph McNeil, Jr., are doing some great work with the Phylaxis Research Society, but our history is so vast and we need more qualified PHA scholars to delve into this great work of enlightenment. My brother, I have tried to locate Kessinger Publishing Company and it shooting me directly to Amazon Books; I am hoping that Mr. Kessinger hasn't made his transition (I purchased over $800.00 worthy of books on one order from him back in the early 1990s and I am still reading the titles in 2010); his mail order was a valuable resource (one book that stands out was titled, "Who was Hiram Abiff?" by J.S.M Ward)”.

Brother Hamiyd Harris: your a piece of shit i was born an Ansaar and your claims on him is deceitful and misguiding you claim 2 be an ex-nuwabian thats been with the community since the 80's everybody i know thats been down with YORK still consider ourselves ANSAARS not Nuwabians only outsiders and new people talk like that you were never a real member of our community and never will be. you tryna start your own teachings or something? to bad i was chosen the message will spread. Doc did a good job he raised a lot of GODs and your just debunking him your negative prince charles masonry and the all other form of modern masonry besides YORKS is false and is a stolen version of the ancient Kemet Masonic lodges. how much is the evil ones paying you? your tryna get paid so bad u down your teacher. yeah my pops hustled for doc York but now we got 8 acres and our own businesses maybe doc always knew you was a fake thats why you aint get nothing. you left empty handed while we stayed under the radar and came up. i know all his sons and they look out 4 my family so what if your wife left you for the truth obviously you were 2 weak mentally. You never had an overstanding. 85%

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you for your comment; although, I disagree with your analysis and assessment. You appear to be very emotional, which renders your comments as being outside of what's logical and rational. Firstly, there is nowhere that I have ever stated as being a follower of Dr. Malachi Z. York-El and your assertion that I was, is very misleading and in-genuine. The ethnic, racial or nationality of Nuwabian was not an organizational classification that I bestowed on Dr. York's followers and organization (York called his followers a nation of Nuwabians). Thus, in many of his writings he spoke about taking his followers through many organizational transitions. For example, Sufi, Hebrew Israelite, Ansaar, cowboy, Aliens from a different planet, Sunni Muslim, Moorish Science, Native American, Kemetic Science, Nuwabian, etc. My brother, you can not blame me for writing the truth and most of all, I do not view any leader or organization as being above critique (those leaders who lead these type organizations often become Cult inspired leaders)”.

“I do not follow white Eurocentric Freemasonry, perhaps you have not taking the time to read all of my writings and materials on Freemasonry (just Google Search Fahim Knight Keep it Real) and you will quickly discover that abhor white Freemasonry because it represents a stolen legacy where the Nubians of Kemet was robbed of the Egyptian Mystery knowledge (but we also, the original people of the earth were made blind, deaf, and dumb to the knowledge of self). You seem to be very passionate about your leader, teacher and guide Dr. Malachi Z. York-El; I can appreciate some of the good work that he has done to elevate the consciousness of the so-called African American. If you would have read all of my assessments non-emotional you would have ascertained that I have no disdain toward Dr. York, but on certain issues I had the right to disagree with some of the negative behavior which can not be overlooked (Dr. York was no perfect saint and he wasn't faultless). However, Dr. York followers desire to ethno-religious classify themselves, it is of very little concern to me. I am more concern about the unity of all black people and I extend my hand to you in peace love and black solidarity”.

Brother CM: “Peace Bro Fahim, its been a while brother, i know we talked a lot and i really enjoyed the dialog i thank you for putting me on with bro stone El as well, i had been studying with some brothers for a long while and as we separated they took a walk we were talking about doing together. it seems like even though i get mad flak from the Muslim brothers for thinking freely and understanding i still need to walk in that light officially i just got back to the city of Chicago and i want to find a house that will let me be a brother in fraternity and a brother in Islam. I don’t know any peeps out here in Chicago so, i guess i would like to know if you have any connections in Chicago or the surrounding city for that matter? also i live in a city that is soiled in Masonry(lot of white People) not that it matters but when it aint no color in the city im a skeptic. one of my guys told me its a difference between the 3 letter mason and the 4 letter mason like F & AM AF & AM can you shed some light?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you good brother for contacting me and it is always good to hear from (it has been a minute). No, doubt most Sunni or Shia Islamic believers and followers will reject any talk or notion that you are considering membership into a Masonic Fraternity. Religion is often to dogmatic and sectarian in its approach to lend credibility to philosophical thoughts and ideologies that deviates from their religious worldview and this includes Islam. You perhaps will not find any so-called "mainstream Islamic" organization that is going to be sympathetic towards Freemasonry. Freemasonry will always be viewed by Muslims with suspicion and will always be declared un-Islamic. I have written extensively about the three lettered and four lettered Masonic Organizations on my Blogs. But in a nutshell there was a split with an expelled Prince Hall Masons named John G. Jones; this was perhaps in the late 1800s and Jones decided to establish his own Grand Lodge either in New York or Chicago (I am having a senior moment—memory lol). But Jones created a lot of Masonic interest from black non-Prince Hall Masons in which he came under the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic title and lettering”.

“But these black AF&AM Masons have Grand lodges and subordinate lodges throughout the United States and other parts of the world and these AF&AM members see themselves as a body of regular Masons; although, Prince Hall Affiliated Masonry rejects them as a clandestine Masonic Order and whose Masonic charter is questionable and therefore illegitimate. Prince Hall Masons choose not have any relationship with these lodges that sprung up due to Jones defection from PHA and from their perspective had no Masonic authority to set up his Masonic Order. The Black AF&AM is a very fragmented entity and Prince Hall Masonry has had a very contentious relationship with this large number of Black Freemasonry in the United States. I do think that both sides have allowed emotionalism and old historical evidence to divide the AF&AM and F&AM (we as a people should be seeking unity, but I am not an official voice for PHA or AF&AM, these are my personal views). Chicago! You might want to throw that out on the Cushite Site Board because there are a lot brothers and sisters who from that area of the country”.

Brother CM: “Ok will do i just been having trouble signing in to the board. So you represent PH F & AM? How long has that been? I have brothers that speak highly of Scottish rites.”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I have been an member of Prince Hall Affiliated Masonry for almost ten years. Let me say this, perhaps you could understand this a little better. Once a Master Mason (which is acquiring the third degree) reaches this sublime degree, in reality there are no degrees higher than the third degree of Master Mason. He has two Masonic routes to travel inside of the Prince Hall Order. A PHA Master Mason can go up the Scottish Rite side (which consist of 4-32 degrees) or choose to travel up the other side of the PHA latter which is called York Rite Masonry; I believe it is either 12 or 14 degrees; it is often called Red House Masonry and the terminal degree is affectionately called the Knights Templar degree, which is equivalent to a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason). Now, at that point the 32nd degree Mason and/or the Knights Templar degree can both petition the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (better known as the Shriners) for membership. There are some Masonic lodges who have declared their Masonic entity Scottish Rite Orders (majority of these are white lodges) from 1-32 degree as a Scottish Rite Order and make no true distinction or separation of the Blue Lodge (first three degrees) and practice these levels as a mere continuation of the knowledge”.

Brother CM: ‘I enjoyed your article. Do you believe that MST gives the same light as the Prince Hall Lodge? I was building with this brother who is a Prince Hall and he says they don’t give the right knowledge but, again I speak with those who came out of the lodge and they say that MST is right and exact. I was also looking for the brothers who are Muslims and apart of the Lodge”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you very much for your kind words and taking the time to read my work. You raised a very good question. There is overwhelming evidence that perhaps to suggest that Prophet Noble Drew Ali, leader and founder of the Moorish Science Temple, was a Mason and was elevated to the Mystic Shrine 32nd degree (pseudo Islam organization). Now! this is where it gets a little sticky; the full name of the Shrine is the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. You can discern from that name that at least in theory somebody was perhaps working with some real knowledge. The Black Shriners were formulated in 1893 and in most jurisdictions until recently black Masons and White Masons still had separate and apart Masonic lodges. So you can assume that Prophet Noble Drew Ali was initiated in an African American Shrine Temple; he was a was born around 1886 and was murdered around 1929 (note: Most Moors would argue that Prophet Noble Drew Ali died of Pneumonia). There is no doubt that the Shriners taught a generic form of Islam and perhaps this teachings inspired Prophet Drew Ali to search for greater truths after coming in contact with the Masonic teachings. But the Shriners uses the Holy Qur'an, refer to Islam, and make a lot of mention of Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (PBUH) and was this Prophet Noble Drew Ali's first subtle orientation to Islam. Some could rightly argue that the Moors history goes back to the 8th century in North Africa and these black men had one of the greatest and significant reins ever recorded in human history, relative to Tarik Ibn Zaid and how the Moors enlightened all of Europe and brought a high civilization and culture to Spain, Iberia Peninsula and France. Others maintain that Prophet Drew Ali worked on the railroad and met perhaps Ahmadiyyah Muslims while working on the train and they began to expose him to Islam and others believe that he traveled to North Africa; in particular Morocco and Egypt and was initiated in the Egyptian Mystery Schools; where he learned the esoteric sciences and Islam and was given instructions to come back to North America and teach the lost-found Asiatic black man and woman in America Islam. But those of us who study Speculative Masonry can trace Masonry back to the Egyptian Mystery Schools and in recent times back to the date of 644 A.D. to the linage of Muhammad's (PBUH) son-in-law Ali Ibn Talib (may Allah be please with him). This is my take. On what site and where did you read my article? I am opening for further examination. What do you think?”

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".

Brother CM: “I had a link that was saved in my favorites (Islam and freemasonry) I hadn’t checked it in a while but I think you are doing a good service by enlightening peeps. I see you’re a moor, and a mason how did you come to that knowledge? Are you a Muslim also? I have a teacher that I just met a couple of months ago who is an older school cat that is an EL and also a nuwabian. He is building up with me, I had brought basically my entire library on my trip with me when I saw the EL and approached him. I have been a Muslim for 12yrs and started progress in my light about five years ago. The brother has been showing me and teaching me some Moor science and has told me soon I will walk through that door, wear the light in the way it is suppose to be worn (as above so below) this brother says the bros in the lodge wont tell you these things. I had read these things before meeting the brother in a book by Zachary Gremillion( FOUNDER OF THE ANCIENT GRAND LODGE OF KHEMIT) where he says that the truth is not given to us about who is the man or people buried in a shallow grave in the west, he says it is our history and our secrets that cant be sold to us like the Europeans and the P.H try to do. I am thinking of becoming a moor but the delay was that my light was initiated by Orthodox Islam so I had to free my mind I also was thinking of becoming a Mason but the delay was because of different things from the same house like one said I couldn’t be a Muqmin(believer) and be initiated in the house one said that all the reformers that where about nationalism was wrong. Some say the G is right and exact some say the Square or the Ka, aba is right and exact what you say”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you again for your questions (I might not be answering them all in a complete way but if not just shoot me some more emails and I will do my best to answer all your questions) and taking the time to read the article. I have been presented with this question over and over again by Muslims of all persuasions. I always point out that Islam is a religion (or a way of life) and it is a serious faith tradition beginning with Prophet Muhammad 570---632 AD (PBUH) and the revelation of the Qur'an, and there is no compulsion in Islam”.
“Islam does not have a "secret" theology and it is open to all who desire to investigate this faith tradition and to become a Muslim it only requires a prospective believer to take the Shahadah and by bearing witness "there is no God, But Allah and Muhammad Ibn Abdullah is his Messenger". There is no elaborate rituals like you will find associated with Masonry”.

“But I believe that Muslims mis-characterize Freemasonry as being a "secret society" and in my estimation they have a tendency of mixing truth with falsehood. Freemasonry is not a "secret society" but it is an organization that possess secrets and there lay the difference. The other misnomer is that Freemasonry claim to be a religion; it is a fraternity, brotherhood and function separate and apart from religion; yet religion is used to explain and exemplify ethical and moral lessons”.
“However, Muslims believe that Freemasonry teachings are anti-Islamic and the organization is Zionist inspired aimed at destroying Islam and it teachings are heretic. I have met many Sunni, Shia, and of course some Nation of Islam members who are active Prince Hall Masons and we have had some engaging conversations relative to Islam and their involvement into Freemasonry”.

“There are good arguments on both sides and it actually comes down to one making a personal decision based on a complete study course and research in order to determine whether or not you believe that becoming a Mason will compromise your Islamic beliefs. I can assure you this, Islam like all three major world religions are accepted into the body of Freemasonry”.

“Thank you for the question and if I can be of any further assistance; please feel welcome and free to email me back”.

Brother CM: “I had questions about which door to enter because of racism and hording of knowledge from one house to another. In my past I was told that is was Scottish and York but recently was told there is many different ways to go just wondering if you could shed some light”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “I apologize for not getting back with you quickly; my daughter is a gymnast and we were out of town attending her gymnastic meet. Brother let me give it to you from the Prince Hall Masonic view. Once a brother has been raised as a third (3rd) degree Master Mason; we say there are two ladders that brother can choose to go up the left side, which is the Red House or Royal Arch Masonry, but properly called York Rite Masonry. This route of Masonry is more of the Christian side of Masonry and leads to the terminal degree called the Knight’s Templar, but most Masonic scholars teaches that you can not attain the "real word" in Masonry unless you climb the York Rite side. The Scottish Rite Masonry (the right side of Jacob’s ladder) starts at the 4th degree and ends at the 32nd degree. Both Masonic ladders eventually lead to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (secret practice of Islam). Now, with my Masonic jurisdiction in 24th District of North Carolina, a third degree Master Mason can petition entry directly into the Shrine without climbing to become a 32ND Degree Mason or a Knight’s Templar. My brother, you already know enough to run circles around most of my Mason brothers because Islam requires study and it doesn't tolerate ignorance and it gives 360 degrees of knowledge, it completes the circle. Here is a link to an article I did on the Knights Templar, it might answer some of your questions and concerns you have. http://kennysideshow.blogspot.com/2008/08/knights-templar-freemasonryjudaism.html”

Brother CM: “Its bout that time for me to head back to the states.”
“What do you know about Westminster Abbey? Im on my way to London looking for some of their jewels?”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “It is always good to hear from you. I do not know much about Westminster Abbey, but I do know a lot of our history and culture artifacts from Kemet ( Egypt ) are in the various museums through out the United Kingdom ( Great Britain ). I know Al-Islam has grown tremendously in London and Freemasonry is viewed a little different by the British Parliament; thus, all Masons have to officially register their Masonic membership with British Government unlike the United States in which your Masonic membership is a private matter”.

“Remember the first European Lodge was started in England in 1717 and I am quite sure there is a serious non-visual and perhaps visual Masonic influence in the country. I personally kind of lost respect for the British Government back in 1986 when the Zionist Jews exerted there influence and denied Minister Louis Farrakhan entry into the nation because he was being falsely accused of being anti-Semitic; not that I agree with everything Minister Farrakhan says”.

“But he was denied entry into London and was detained at Heathrow Airport and some years later the British Government passed a resolution permanently banning Minister Farrakhan from ever gaining entry into London, which this writer believes that this decision was being driven by powerful Jewish international lobbies and at the head of it was Zionist instigation”.

“My brother, I am quite sure you will see some things and know right away and recognize them as part of connecting the dots. There is an author who wrote a book titled, "The Secret Founding of America" named Nicholas Hagger (a Masonic writer) and he is from England . You might want to Google search him and see if he is available for public engagements (he actually lives and work in the house in England where the plan was hatched to come Jamestown, Virginia 1619 in search of the so-called New World)”.

Bro. Salih Muhammad: "As Salaamu Alaykum; have just read a very interesting piece that you wrote. I was watching the Malcolm X movie and it occurred to me that Elijah Muhammad had to be affiliated with freemasonry...And I was correct according to your research....How many other prominent figures in the African American community has taken black folks to the brink of freedom and left them stand there excepting the crumbs off of the tables of the elitist....I am sunni Muslim Alhamdulillah and many will feel the wrath of Allah....In the Quran it states that man should not take the words of Allah for financial gain...May brothers of the Prince Hall Masonic Order stand firm and speak the truth to the masses of people before it's to late....As Salaamu Alaykum”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Bro. Salih Muhammad: Thank you for taking the time to read my article titled, "Freemasonry and Islam: What do They Share?" and to give me your assessment. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad was a Freemason and I am of the opinion that a sizable amount of the Nation of Islam's theology and culture was borrowed from Masonic philosophy and it has been this Masonic interdependency that evolved side by side with "Black Islam" in America. I must make this distinction Prince Hall Masons within the Blue Lodge (the first three degrees) level do not know the truth relative to Islam, but those that go up (High Degree Masons) the Scottish Rite (4--32) degrees and on York Rite side (Knights Templar) who petition membership in the Mystic Shrine (Shriners) are exposed to the Holy Qur'an and the Sunna. Thus, I do believe they have an obligation to help elevate humanity in accordance to the principles giving to us all by God and failure to do this could be perceived as being sinister. Muslims of all persuasions also have an obligation to reach out to the Masons and help to lead them on the straight path and work to break this antagonistic relationship that exist between Islam and Freemasonry”.

Bro. Salih Muhammad: “As Salaamu Alaykum...Allah guides whom he wills and set astray who he wills...no one will ever encompass anything of his knowledge except whom he wills....We are only limited as mankind to the knowledge that we have....The mastering of mystism is by the decree of Allah to further lead man from the straight path....and it is a covenant of the accursed Shaytan that he will lead man astray...by tempting him in his weaknesses of arrogance and lust of power, sex, money and the likes.....The true knowledge is that nothing exists without the will of Allah....And that our days on this earth are numbered....The Shaytan knows this and deceives man to believe that he will reign forever.....Freemasonry knows this...and it is contrary to the purpose of control....The less a person knows the more he is apt to be control....The practices of Elijah Muhammad is that he taught Malcolm X from his knowledge and not from the source in which he derived his warped ideology....If you recall Malcolm X would always quote that Elijah Muhammad said such and such....It is my opinion the the Templars Knights found nothing more than the Quran from the prophet Solomon...and knew that the entire existence of mankind to live in peace and tranquility lies within the text....But you cannot stop what is already divinely inspired to occur....All we have to do is proclaim it openly in all the corners of the world and from the mountain tops that Islam is the true way of life...implement the Sharia across the world....elect a khalifah. Destroy capitalism and the notion of democracy and just tell the truth....Islam is the true guidance and no will be saved except by Allah's permission....As Salaamu Alaykum”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: "Peace Bro. Derek Burgman (Deputy Grand Master of 24th District North Carolina, and Past Worshipful Master of Doric Lodge 28 in Durham, NC and Potente of Zafa Temple 176): Just wanted to inform you that today begins the Islamic Holy Month called Ramadan. Thus, this is the time that Muslims throughout the world celebrate the revealing of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (570 AD-632 AD), which is the same book that is revered by both organizations (Mystic Shrine and Islam). It took Allah (God) twenty three (23) years to complete this glorious revelation to Muhammad (Peace and blessings upon him) via the Angel Gabriel. The Muslims do not partake nor indulge in consuming of foods or intoxicants during the day light time hours in observance of the month of Ramadan. This is a challenge to all our brothers of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine to not just fashion, which is not just to casually use Islamic terms in our ritualism, but have little insight to what the shrine ritual is leading us toward. When we recite the "Victory Ceremony" which is the Al-Fatiha (the opening book of the Holy Qur’an) this is one of the most powerful verses in the Qur’an and should not be taking lightly by the Shriners. We are asked the Questions; Why does a noble have to travel over the hot sands? Where is the Shrine located? We are giving the Answer: On the coast of Arabia near the Red Sea; In order to worship at the Shrine.......Question: Why were you requested to do this; Answer: As a token of my renouncing the wiles and evils of the world, and be granted permission to worship at the shrine." All of this dialogue goes deeper than did we ride the camel and how did we tie him. This month called Ramadan is holy and sacred and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Allah will be please to have all the entire Prince Hall Shriners to participate in this glorious month long fast. We have to truly move beyond lodge and temple ritualism and began to live the principles that are given to us in our Shrine Lessons. There must be at some point positive dialogue between Islam and the Shriners. Remember the Altar: the Holy Qur’an is opened on the 38th chapter and the Bible is opened on the 1st Chapter of the book of JOB. What does this truly mean? Just a few thoughts. Es Salmu Aleikum.”

Potente Brother Derek Burgman: “It is always good to hear from you, and as always informative. These are questions that my son & I, who is of the Islamic faith have talked about for months. It is good that you are concerned with the relationship of the shrine and the faith. Are you interested in joining the Shrine? We could use a brother who has both the knowledge of the faith and the Shrine. I will speak to you soon. You are my Brother and it would be both an honor and for the good of the shrine, that when you are ready to join the shrine if you will allow me to sign your app. and when ever you want to email call or stop by it is no problem”.

Bro. James Tucker: “Fraternal greetings, I am very interested in finding information out about the Shrine, Knights Templar, and Consistory. Any information you could forward me would be greatly appreciated. I would like to thank you in advance for your assistance and have a Happy Holiday!James Tucker Mt. Hermon Lodge #35 Roanoke Consistory #248 Rofelt Pasha #175 King Solomon Commandary #14 MWPHGLNC”.

Fahim A. Knight_EL: “Bro. Tucker, Thank you for the contact. Have you read my piece titled, "Freemasonry (Moslem) Sons and Islam: What Do they Share?", if so or if not let me know. Also, my brother who referred you to me. Just curious”.

Bro. James Tucker: “I read your piece and this is why I am contacting you. So often I have learned that brothers join different houses not for the masonry(knowledge), but personal agendas(political) which causes the houses to divide. I rather have the knowledge than to hold a seat and be ignorant. Thanks for any information to help me continuing towards the EAST”.

Fahim A. Knight: “Thank you Brother Tucker: There are three great sources that you can order off Amazon.Com; There is a book written by a brother in the Shrine—PHA. The book is titled, "African Origins of Freemasonry: The True History of Free Masonry in Africa and its Resurrection Among Africans in the Diaspora" by Bro. Zachary P. Gremillion, "Freemasonry: Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny" by Mustafa El-Amin and AL-Islam, Christianity, & Freemasonry" by Mustafa EL-Amin. Let me know because, I have done so much research in this area and I have a lot of sources.”

Bro. James Tucker: “I read "African Origins of Freemasonry”: The True History of Free Masonry in Africa and its Resurrection Among Africans in the Diaspora" by Bro. Zachary P. Gremillion, and I have a question. Basically the Knight Templar are truly based on Eygptian or African knowledge? Also the European lodges in America are operating by dispensation or a warrant and not a charter. So why are we (North Carolina) looking for recognition??!!”

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Peace Bro. Tucker: I pray and hope all is well. I know you and I have a few conversations via email in reference to Islam and Shrine Masonry. I sent you a link to a two part article and critique I wrote relative to Racism in Masonry aimed at Prince Hall Masonry. It was published on Looking to the East web site. I hope that the articles were helpful in a small way. If you have any further questions; please do not hesitate to let me know, if I can answer, I do not mind being of assistance. I have spent a sizable amount of time studying the two entities”.

Noble Bilal Abdul Muhammad: “Salaam my beloved brother, I wonder have we ever met. I remember going to the African festival up at Central Univ. back in the day. (Early 90's) or going to the Mosque outside the college when Dr Ridgely Abdul Mu'min was still up there. So if you were on the scene back then (1991-1993) we had to cross paths”.

“Allah has blessed you with the fire to research, please keep it coming. Have you studied any of Dr. Wesley Muhammad aka True Islam. I have followed his lectures for the past year! He reminds me of our Late Bro Min Khalid Abdul Muhammad. Same Fire and spirit! I haven't given up on our beloved Craft, but there are only a few who are a part of the AEAONMS who do any research. It's sad at least, and you are correct. Most just want to belong to the fun house!”

“I have taken a leave of absent from the mosque until the smoke clears. We are again at that point of "has he changed directions" My generation has either walked away from their post or stopped going. There are few who were members since 1990 or later. Either tired of the paper pushing or tired of changes. Is there any hope for our people? That old saying, if you want to keep a secret from a Blackman. Hide it in a book.”

“My point Bro. Fahim, it's your fire that is a guiding light for some of us who feel lost in a sea of ignorance! The Black conscience has almost disappeared! Well at least here in Dallas! I don’t count Kwanza! What happen to the old soldiers, like Bro Dr Na’im Akbar, or our wonderful brothers United Brothers & Sisters Book Store? So Brother Fahim, keep being that Light House! We see you shining!
Your Noble Brother, Bilal Abdul Muhammad aka Noble 2Step Monty”.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you Brother Muhammad for you kind words of inspiration and encouragement. Yes, I was in Durham, North Carolina in the early 1990s and I am a graduate of North Carolina Central University; I think I met Bro Dr. Ridgely Mu'min Muhammad when he was teaching at North Carolina A&T State University in the late 1980s . I can remember when he used to go to small African Centered book stores promoting his book titled, “Amen: The Secret Waters of the Great Pyramid”. So, I have been around the knowledge for some years now, but can not say whether or not we have ever met. But I have always been partial to the life giving teachings and perhaps these teachings have had the greatest impact on my present day worldview. Yes, Sir in my article on this Blog site titled, “The Kemetic Origin of Freemasonry: The Signs and Symbols Do not Lie”, this is what I stated about Dr. Wesley Muhammad (True Islam) “No, scholar makes this case any better than Dr. Wesley Muhammad in his monumental book titled, "Black Arabia and the African Origin of Islam" he debunks this myth that the so-called light skinned Semites were the original occupants of Kemet (Egypt) and Saudi Arabia and furthermore, he geographically and ethnically traces these allege distinct people and cultures to one original source (a unified African continent with a synthesis culture and knowledge base). The Honorable Elijah Muhammad teaches us, that the earth belongs to the original man and this fact is irrefutable. Dr. Muhammad is perhaps one of the most intelligent young scholars that I have the privilege to read in a very long time. He writes and scholarly defends the black experience, in particular and the Nation of Islam's theology in general. There is no Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE or Five Percenter) nor Nation of Islam scholars of his equal. Dr. Wesley Muhammad is brilliant and we need to pay more attention to his pen”. (Reference: Wesley Muhammad; "The Book of God") and "Black Arabia & The African Origin of Islam."

Bro. Mario Baylon Jr: “Dear Bro Knight, Thank you so much for leaving a "comment" on my blog. I do appreciate your comments, a well written and researched article. Instead of publishing it as a comment, it is possible for me to publish your comment as an article in my blog? I will also search for your web site as well, which I am sure you will have to better propagate and educate not only African-Americans but all those wished to be enlightened".

"I am fully aware of the the Masonic schisms, not only among white-American and African-American Masons, but also among Masons of same race. Very recently in the Philippines, a number of Lodges in the province of Cavite have decided to form their own Grand Lodge and were labelled as "clandestine" and "irregular" by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP). We have lodges that pre-dates the American sponsored GLP (the Mother Grand Lodge of which is the Southern California Jurisdiction), and still hold its allegiances to either the Scottish Grand Lodge or the Grand Oriente - Spanish Grand Lodges".

"What I am trying to say here is that Freemasonry is not as perfect as we would like it to be. While we are trying, like our Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other religious brothers, there is still a long way to go to put into practice "The Brotherhood of Man, Under the Fatherhood of God."

"I believe this is the gist of your comment, that we are not as united as a Fraternity. You are right sir. It is not my intention to portray our Fraternity as such. But we are trying to be that perfect Ashlar, everyday all we can do is try to be on the side of what is morally right and true, to be on the side of light and to see what that light is. I am sure you will agree with me that as imperfect beings, there is no way we can create a perfect institution, here and now; we can only strive to. This is also not to say that this is a justification to remain sinners and/or a rough Ashlar, far from it, it is our duty to be better men and human beings. To leave this temporal place a better place and make a difference. That I believe is what you are doing as well in your think tank".

Again, thank you for your enlightening comment and I will wait for your favorable response.

Regards,

Bro Mario Baylon Jr
Lincoln Lodge No 34 (GLP)
Olongapo City, Philippines
Now residing in Woodcroft, Australia.

Fahim A. Knight-El: “Thank you brother Baylon: Firstly, for your kind words and your studious observation. Without critical evaluation and analysis we can not grow and our Craft as you so thoroughly pointed out is a work in progress and it is easy to point out the negative, but Freemasonry is beautiful institution when we practice the Truth, Relief and Brotherly love”.

“We as Masonic scholars have an obligation to search out Speculative Masonry in order discern out the hidden mysteries and present them in a scholarly manner which to elevate the Craft and humanity”.

“I felt in my Jurisdiction that someone had to socially agitate both my Caucasian and African-American Masonic brothers to abolish racism in Masonry because in 2008 it stands as a contradiction to the principles of Masonry. I did not hide, I actually sent the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (Caucasian) body and Prince Hall (African American) body in C/O of the Grand Masters because I wanted both sovereign Masonic bodies to feel a bit uncomfortable and perhaps this would lead to greater and productive dialog between the two Masonic families”.

“The topic of race is an uncomfortable topic, but we need an honest national discussion relative to race within the United States. I would like to believe that in North Carolina (USA) my article truly have gotten black Masons and white Masons talking. I make no apology for exposing this un-Masonic conduct because I truly believe in the pristine principles offered in our craft—segregation is wrong”.

“I think my article passionately expresses my sentiments, but I wanted to be scholarly and not to emotional about the issue. My brother I feel honored to call you my brother. Yes. You have my permission to publish the article on your site. Thus, once you publish the article could you please send me the link”.

Bro. Decode Reality: “No-one is asking you or anyone to overlook history, real history”.

“I read your post and wanted to offer a couple of brief points that you might think aren't related”.

“Recently I've been studying the phenomenon of 'honour killings' that take place in 'Islamic' societies. I concluded that the mindset that dictates the boundaries of behaviour of women AND men in these places is nothing less than extreme slavery. Anyone who is even rumoured to have stepped over those boundaries ends up dead”.

“Secondly, I read up about how in some parts of the world, songs and books have to be brought before government censors and their content examined”.

“I'm saying that to say this: the effects of generations of slavery, colonialism and neo-colonialism upon black people are real. Though at times I do wonder if in constantly re-affirming the history of our control that we are failing to acknowledge the freedoms we also have in the present? The victim of an honour crime or a Burmese citizen imprisoned for criticising the system would look at us and say 'You're FREE!'”

“The African-centred/Afrocentric movement of the late 80s and 90s was fantastic, I learned so much from it that the mainstream had suppressed. Many years on, one of my critiques of it is that in its zeal to redress the balance, it painted things in a very black and white way; there were no grey areas. The history of slavery and the role that black people played in enslaving each other, first via Islamic imperialism, is still very much understated. Perhaps less so now.”

“15 years ago, I was fortunate to attend a great conference in the UK. I heard people like Dr Patricia Newton (Nana Sekhmet) and James Small, and John Henrik Clarke also spoke. Sekhmet said in no uncertain terms "The problem of Africa is AFRICANS! African people don't want to recognise the glory of God that is within them" . She was and is 100% correct but you know something? There was a trickle of audience applause because I supect that many attendees had chiefly come to hear her expound upon what The Man's doing to the African race. So that they could blame and not take responsibility.”

“On this theme, James Small talked about how many of Africa's problems stem from its adoption of foreign ideologies, in the forms of Marxism, Christianity, Islam, etc. He said that "If any of those systems were going to bring us freedom, then we should have had a lot of it by now". Another thing that stuck in my mind was this, I quote: "We have people in government in Africa who are more dangerous to African people than any white person in Europe"

“I'm simply offering these observations as another side of the coin. I'm not telling you how you ought to think, which would be nonsense anyway; I just wanted to add a viewpoint that I don't think is heard enough in these kinds of discussions”.

Fahim A. Knight: “Thank you Brother Decode Reality for your analysis and critique. Let me first state this, yes, I can partially see your point and I am in agreement because it speaks to the highest level of personal spirituality. May be I and others are imprisoned by our collective consciousness, which is rooted in a historical experience that is still very much unresolved and we are products of our experiences (good, bad or indifferent). Perhaps if the proper redress were giving to past inhumane acts of Chattel Slavery, Colonialism, Neo-Colonialism and the rapping and plundering of ethnic peoples lands and resources from around the world; may be our collective approach as a people of African descendent would be different, but it is extremely difficult to overlook the 310 years of suffering. This history has left generations scarred in Africa and throughout the Diaspora. Racism and white supremacy is a disease and as long as it continues to play itself out in an institutionalized manner, then we have no choice in 2010, but to address these evils on whatever level that we may be on. It is still a physical struggle and psychological struggle because of the mental damage that white supremacy has had on the globe, in particular on people of color. So my and our empowerment can not be separated from our quest to still recognize and identify that there are still some political, economic and social hurdles yet to be overcome and we can not appease the enemy into believing that our struggle is spiritual and internal; while he still has his foot on our necks. We also, must understand that there are reactionary forces in Islam and there are reactionary Africans who are more ruthless than when Africa was under white rule (but lets not alleviate his role even in these matters). Thus, your core point on that matter is valid and we should take personal responsibility for our lives and condition. What took place in Africa was one of the greatest crimes in the history of humanity and healing after 500 years has left both the perpetrators and the victims scarred. We talk about this history as a cultural linkage and in these discussions there are always some type of transformation--the pain, suffering and our liberation is closely associated. I share this history with my children because they need to correlate their presences to a not so distance past; it doesn't matter how painful our history was they need to know and we can never stop talking about it. Lastly, I am comfortable in saying that you already had anticipated that this would, perhaps be my response”.

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: 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