fahimknight
04-09-2009, 03:07 AM
FREEMASONRY AND ISLAM: WHAT DO THEY SHARE? PART 1
By FAHIM A. KNIGHT-EL
INTRODUCTION
The topic of Freemasonry is a vast and complex subject, it encroaches on the history and culture of every past, present society and undoubtedly it will even impact future civilizations to come. One could spend an entire life time researching and delving into the inner mysteries, symbolism and rituals of this ancient order; moreover, and never exhaust the traveling path of constantly acquiring wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment that Freemasonry seems to lead the serious minded scholar and researchers toward.
Most non-Masons whom have engaged me in conversation, relative to Masonry seemed overly infatuated with this so-called idea of Masonry being a "covert brotherhood" that operates behind a cloak of secrecy and communicate in a language of symbolism that is un-discernible to the uninitiated.
However, there is a false contention that Masons wield a lot of power and influence throughout society, in which some will argue for the worst or betterment of humanity, it depends on one's perspective of this controversial fraternal brotherhood.
Freemasonry in modern terms had its inception in Europe from local trade Guilds that functioned as Operative Masons in the early 1700's, but Speculative Masonry can be traced back to Ancient Egypt (Kemit) where spiritual schools of thought were developed that evolved around understanding the mysteries of Deity and enhancing moral principles.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN IN KEMET (EGYPT)
The esteemed scholar and researcher Dr. George G.M. James in his monumental book titled, "Stolen Legacy" that was written in 1954, wrote about the Egyptian Mystery Schools, which he maintained that a complex system of neophyte initiations were developed and worked in Kemet (Egypt).
But more importantly, this sophisticated system of learning was of an African origin and not indigenous to Greece and Rome as traditional Eurocentric scholars have falsely maintained, but Plato, Aristotle and Socrates sat directly or indirectly, at the foot of African Sages who inspired them to enlighten Europe.
This small article is offered as a challenge to Prince Hall Masons from the Blue Lodge, concordant bodies, appendant adoptive bodies and auxiliary bodies to began to research, write, debate, document, etc., Masonic philosophy and stop relying on other scholars to interpret this ancient craft for them. Many believe the beauty in Masonry lies in one's ability to work and recite ritual, but what good has this, if we have very little understanding of truly why the Worshipful Master sits in the East, the Senior Warden in the West and Junior Warden in the South. We then only have symbol without real substance.
Many have never heard of Heru, Isis, Aset and the countless myths of resurrection fables that existed long before Jesus Christ and the Hiram Abiff mythical resurrection advents. They fail to know that the Masonic ritual has a basis of duality (macrocosm and microcosm), which is steeped in nature and cosmological mythology and correlated to human spirituality. How can they know, unless they have a teacher, and how can they have a teacher, unless one be sent. "Freemasonry (Moslem Sons) and Islam: What do they share?" This research evolved simply out of my wanting to know, if there was truly an Islamic and Masonic connection and if it was, how was these two entities related?;
Thus, there is very little written on the subject of Masonry and Islam and I was not going to wait on a Blue lodge, Consistory, Shrine, Royal Arch, Worshipful Grand Lodge, United Supreme Council, Nation of Islam, etc ... to sanction me with the permission to do this investigation. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad often stated we must get up and do something for ourselves.
SHIA ISLAM AND SHRINERS ORIGIN
The topic of Islam and Freemasonry is a very sensitive topic for Muslims because Shrine Masonry in particular, employs Islamic symbolism, philosophy and the entire general theme of Shrindom evolves around so-called aspects of Islamic history and the Islamic religion. The Shriners (Moslem Sons) perhaps will argue that their ritual represents the highest aspect of Speculative Masonry, it is designed to teach moral lessons and further define principles of spirituality, as well as their ever quest to know Deity by all his attributes.
This writer does not believe that Shrine Masonry places Islam on a higher echelon than it does Christianity, Judaism, Kabala, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, etc., nor is the Shrine Temple propagating Islam per se. But this is not to suggest that Islamic terminology such as: Allah, Mohammed, Holy Qur'an, Kaaba, Mecca, Medina, Moslem, Mosque, Ali, Hajj, Shahadah, Hegira, Islam, etc., aren't being drawn on by Shrine Masonry to reflect both the sacred and secular, as well as many more Islamic jargons.
The Mystic Shrine legend so-called had its inception in 644 A. D. in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, relative to Shia Islam in particular, and Caliph Ali Ibn Ibi Talib in general, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace and Blesses of Allah be upon him --570-632), the founder of the Islamic religion.
Shia Islam teaches that Ali was the first person to convert to Muhammad's religion of Islam and that Muhammad hand picked him as his true and only successor; thus, this belief nullifies the legitimacy of the other three Caliphs (Ali in Sunni Islamic doctrine is the fourth and final Caliph), Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman known as the "Rightly Guided Ones", and the successors to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is accepted by the dominant and mainstream Sunni Islam.
However, it is perfectly logical to reason that perhaps Shia Islam had to develop on the lines of "secrecy" because its "unorthodox" theology of only recognizing Ali as Muhammad's true successor, which went contrary to Sunni beliefs. Furthermore, Sunni Islam rejects the claim of the only legitimate bloodline is through Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) daughter and the wife of Ali, but according to Shia Islam this represents the so-called true heir apparent to Islam's right to succession.
Nevertheless, from this perspective came the belief in the Twelve Imams (blood descendants from Muhammad Ibn Abdullah through the linage of Ali and Fatima) leadership would only be recognized and accepted by Shia Islam. Historically Shia Muslims were persecuted by Sunni Muslims for deviating from "mainstream" Islamic theology and had to evolve clandestinely due to Sunni Islamic opposition. Some historians maintain that "passwords", "tokens" and "signs" were developed by Shia Clerics in order to properly identify a Shia believer, from a non Shia and this allowed the Shia Muslims Sect to quietly coexist alongside Sunni Islam and go undetected.
This controversial "Sect" survived from being extinguished by Sunni Muslims due to the concealment of its theology. Perhaps Shrine Masonry affix itself to the tradition of Islam because of the mystique and the aura, associated with Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. And with the majesty and valor of Ancient Egypt (Kemit), but Freemasonry will argue that these societies became illuminated because of their direct involvement with Masonic "Free Thinkers" who advocated a doctrine of liberal arts, e.g., Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. These sciences evolved out of humanities ability to activate and exalt our dormant natural senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting, which led to certain societies progressing politically, socially, economically, culturally, spiritually, etc.
NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE
There is a contemporary belief in Shrindom teachings that acknowledge that the ritual (the Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) was compiled, arranged and issued at Aleppo, Saudi Arabia, by Louis Maracci, the great Latin Translator of Muhammad's AI-Koran. In 1871 the ritual was brought to America by transient foreign members and representatives and placed in the hands of Dr. Walter M. Flemings 33rd degree, Sovereign Inspector General A and A. Rite, and Eminent Commander of Columbia Commandry No.1. Knights Templar of New York.
Dr. Fleming and eleven other members had complete sovereignty, Mecca Temple No.1, remained inactive until December, 1875, when W. J. Florence came from Europe bringing with him the Oriental Ritual of the order, as it was worked in foreign countries. 1876 W. J. Florence called together such of the original members of the organization of 1871 as were living and constituted in December 1876 Mecca Temple No.1 as head of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Caucasian Shrine Order) III America.
There is some belief that Caucasian Shriners do practice Islam in secrecy, but African American Shriners who belong to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine founded in 1893, has a romanticized ritual and view of Islam, that lack the seriousness, in which Caucasian Shriners truly observe Islam as the final Masonic step in their traveling from west to east in search of more light in Masonry.
Islam is one of the world's three great religions, it translate to mean surrender, obedience and peace. Those who adhere to the religion are called Muslims, thus, this Arabic term is defined as on who submits his/her will in order to do the will of Allah (God).
Muslims in general, view Shrine Masonry as profane, heretical and blasphemous. However, the majority of African-American Islam had its roots in Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; moreover, Noble Abdul Sharrief Ali (Noble Drew Ali) the founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America in 1913 formalized the first Islamic organization in America in Newark, New Jersey, he himself was 33rd degree Mason.
THE FIVE PERCENTERS: THE POOR RIGHTEOUS TEACHERS
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad who admitted that he was once a Mason and if one objectively looked at his Supreme Wisdom Lessons, Supreme Mathematical Lessons, English Lesson C-l and English Lessons C-2, etc., it is very similar to the Masonic Catechism. I know many Nation of Islam members that received their X (And can wear the attribute of Muhammad) and was recorded in the book of life. They had to verbally recite their "Student Enrollment" and "Actual "Facts lessons". This writer had the opportunity to visit at Muhammad's Mosque #25 (Newark, New Jersey) where newly made members had to recite their "Student Enrollment" at that time in front of Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad and the mosque captain, brother Sterling Muhammad (may God be pleased with him) and before they could move on to said lesson number one. The recitation had to be 100% correct according to the Department of Supreme Wisdom and Rules of Islam.
This writer interviewed some African American Prince Hall Masons that were Initiated, Passed and Raised in a Prince Hall lodges and they shared with me that each degree required study and recitation of ritual, which other than the subject matter was no different than the experiences of many Muslims whom I interviewed in the Nation of Islam.
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD SAYS MASONRY WAS NOT MEANT FOR THE BLACK MAN
Elijah Muhammad depicts Freemasonry as a true rendition of the Caucasian man's history whom blacks permitted to come amongst them in the Holy Land, but once they started causing trouble and confusion, according to Muhammad they were stripped of everything (interpreted to mean the Islamic Supreme Wisdom), other than the original man's language, e.g., of the royal garments and gave him an apron to hide his shame, hoodwinked and cable towed him and ran him 2200 miles across the hot Arabian Desert. Muhammad teaches that the Asiatic Black man chased him back to the hills and cave sides of Europe (a place of darkness and un-enlightenment).
THE SHRINERS RECOGNITION TEST
Muhammad also maintains that when the black Shriners crosses over the hot burning sands, it is an indication that he lacks the knowledge of self and history (the black man is original home is the East but he has been made blind, death and dumb to the knowledge of self). The Caucasian man who is originally from the West, it is he who must TRAVEL East in search of attaing those higher lessons of knowledge.
In the Shriners recognition test, it is formatted in a Question and Answer sequence it reads: Are you a Noble of the Mystic Shrine?" ANSWER: "I am so accepted by all men of noble birth." QUESTION: "Have you traveled any?" ANSWER: "I Have." QUESTION: "From where to what place have you traveled?" ANSWER: "Traveled east over the hot burning sands of the desert." QUESTION: "Where were you stopped at?" ANSWER: "At the Devils Pass." QUESTION: What were you requested to do?" ANSWER: "I was requested to give a few drops of urine." QUESTION: "Why were you requested to do this?" ANSWER: "As a token of my renouncing the wiles and evils of this world, and be granted permission to worship at the shrine" QUESTION: "At what shrine did you worship?" ANSWER: "At the Shrine of Islam." QUESTION: "Did you ride?" ANSWER: "Yes I rode the camel, until I was caused to dismount." QUESTION: "Then what you do with your camel?" ANSWER: "I tied him." QUESTION: "Where did you tie him?" ANSWER: "I tied him to a date tree where all true and good Shriners so do."
POTENTATES NOW HAVE A COMPASS TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAM'S ROLE IN SHRINE MASONRY
This article was written with the intent of fostering better communication and understanding between Shriners (Moslem Sons) and those who profess the religion of Islam, but also, to lay a foundation for the serious minded Masonic scholars, researchers and free thinker who was just curious to know and had no idea where to start.
Islam is a religion and Freemasonry is a fraternity and the standards for the former are greater than the standards for the latter because of the sensitivity most religions ordinarily generate. Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols and taught in away to make good men better.
This article will perhaps assist those who are member of Shrine Masonry and hold offices such as: Potentates, Chief Rabbans, Assistant Rabbans, Oriental Guides and High Priest and Prophets, etc., as well as Masons in general, to get a brief understanding of Islam and Moslem (Sons) and their historical, theological, and ritualistic roots.
This small article was not written with an anti- Masonic slant nor was it written as a defender of the Islamic religion. The author's intent was to add something to field of Masonic scholarship (discussion) because often my brothers of Prince Hall Masonry are time and again, left to depend upon other Masonic scholars to interpret, research and write Masonic scholarship for them. Lastly, there is very little comparative research relative to Islam and Freemasonry (Mystic Shrine Masonry), yet the similarities are astounding and the differences are obviously viewed by Muslims as heresy.
Mustafa El-Amin in his book titled, "Freemasonry: Ancient Egypt and The Islamic Destiny", is one of the few scholars who has giving us a starting point, as it pertains to this subject, but his research is overly dogmatic with the teachings of Imam Warithuddean Mohammed and it takes away from his objectivity. This article will represent more of an impartial approach to this subject minus the emotionalism.
THE MEANING OF ISLAM
The religion of Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world (second largest to Christianity), it claims a membership to over one billion adherents. Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace Be Upon Him) in 610 A.D. on the Arabian Peninsula.
It is believed that Allah (God) commissioned the Angel Gabriel to deliver Muhammad (PBUH) divine revelations,1 which would later be translated into the Holy Qu'ran, a process that took twenty- three (23) years. This is the holy book of the Muslims and serves as the spiritual guide for all Muslims. The Qu'ran is divided into 114 Suras (chapters); thus, some extensively long and others blatantly short. Islam is defined as complete surrender and obedience and most of all, the religion of peace.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
A Muslim is defined as one who surrenders his/her will, in order to do the will of Allah (God).2 The religion of Islam is based on "Five Principles or Pillars", which are a). Shahadah (Arabic term meaning confession of faith) each Muslim must utter in the presence of at least three witnesses that he/she "bears witness that there is no God, but Allah and that Muhammad Ibn Abdullah is his Messenger". b). Salat (Arabic term for prayer), prayer is prescribed five times daily, in which Muslims turn east toward Mecca. c). Zakat (Arabic term for almsgiving charity) each Muslim has an obligation to give and assist the poor and downtrodden. d). Ramadan (Arabic term for fasting), the Muslims subscribe to the lunar calendar and each year, which is based on the setting of the moon, Ramadan is observed throughout the Islamic World.
Thus, in recognition of Allah revealing the Holy Qur'an, which fasting (Muslims do not consume food nor drink and abstain from sex and other worldly activities are prohibited between sunrise and sunset during this holy month), prayer and offer supplication to Allah (God) takes place for approximately thirty (30) days and thanking God for the glorious Qur'an. Ramadan is Islam's most sacred holiday. e). Hajj (Arabic term for pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims that are physically and financially able, are required to at least once in a lifetime make the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and pray at the Kaaba. 3
ISLAM'S QUEST FOR SURVIVAL: AFRICANS FACTORED IN TO ISLAM REMAINING AS A FAITH
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) very seldom ventured outside the Arabian Peninsula, but as he attempted to proselytize this new found faith in the seventh century, it was met with opposition; thus, Muhammad (PBUH) had to flee for his life and some historians' record that he sent his followers to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Africa and sought protection and temporary asylum under the militarily strong Coptic Christians. Abyssinian Christians of the Negroid race qualified Muhammad's fleeing Arab companions and found that Muhammad's Islamic teachings resembled and mirrored their own Coptic faith tradition and therefore refused to release Muhammad's followers to their would- be persecutors and tormentors whom were seeking to kill them. The religion of Islam survived due to the mercy and compassion that were rendered by these black Africans. 4
ABRAHAM, ISSAC, AND ISHMAEL
The Muslims believe that the Kaaba (Islam's most sacred Mosque) was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael (two so-called Prophets of Islam) who was the progeny (Ishmael) of the slave woman Hagar and the son that God instructed Abraham to sacrifice and is considered the beloved of God by Muslims.5
The Christians believe just the opposite and that Isaac was the one up for sacrifice and it is he, who is the beloved of God and he received God's favor6; thus, it is this theological controversy that has divided the Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions and its peoples for over 4000 years, which has led to the present day political, social, economic, cultural and ethical disputes over land and sacred edifices, in particular in the Middle East between the so-called Jew and the Arab. Abraham is considered the father of nations, yet two nations of people, Muslims and Jews claim to share one father but have never been able to peacefully coexist. 7
9-11 CHANGED ISLAM FOREVER
The religion of Islam was placed at the center of the world stage after September 11, 2001 bombing of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, in which sixteen of (16) of the nineteen (19) allege hijackers were Saudi Arabian nationals (a so-called U.S. Allied Nation), as well as Muslims.8
This incident as a consequence created hostility in the United States between Muslims and non-Muslims, but it also mandated scholars and layman alike, in America to judiciously investigate Islam and the political viewpoints of this controversial faith, conceivably for the first time on such a large scale. 9
Islam is one of the three major world religions and yet, prior to 9- 11 most Americans were oblivious to its tenets, customs, political diversity, beliefs, factions, etc., furthermore, after this incident, the western media, both electronic and print (the 'Talking Heads') were creating fear, as well as, inciting paranoia by declaring Islam as a "mean-spirited" and a "terrorist based faith."10
Most Americans concurred that for any civilized human beings that would systematically carryout such a barbaric act of murdering over 3000 innocent human beings had to be the embodiment of evil, and perhaps it was not by coincidence that these allege perpetrators happen to be fundamentalist Muslims who had declared Jihad (Holy War) against the United States of America and its allies. 11
ISRAEL AND ARABS: FIGHTING OVER KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE SITE
The United States Government had unconditionally backed the Israeli Government since the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and many Arabs in the Middle Eastern Region both conservative and liberal, sympathized with the Palestinians quest for a .11 homeland, it has been this issue that consistently serves as an international powder keg and it appears to have no political solution insight.
Elijah Muhammad in the Student Enrollment lessons which was giving to registered Muslims only after passing an exmination (test) 100 percent correctly; they are asked theQUESTION: Why Did We take Jerusalem from the Devil? How long ago: "Because one of our righteous brothers, was a prophet by the name of Jesus, was buried there. He uses his name to shild his dirty religion, which is called Christianity. also to deceive the people so they would believe in him. Jesus teachings was not Christianity. It was freedom, Justice and equality. Jerusalem is in Palestine, Asia Minor. Jerusalem is a name given by the Jews which means foundedin peace' and was first built by the Original man called Rebus, Salem, and Ariel. We took the city from the devils about 750 years ago."
The 9-11 incident single-handedly has goaded Americans to begin to read and research Islam, because not since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 that America was on the defensive and this act of domestic terrorism in many ways exposed our vulnerability as a nation. Americans wanted to know, why were there sectors of the Islamic World so angry with the west? This crucial question fostered debate and caused Islam to receive serious evaluation within the American populace. 12
The United States Intelligence Community held Osama Bin Laden (Saudi national) responsible and his Al-Qaeda movement for carrying out the 9-11 attack and the United States Arm Forces invaded Afghanistan in anticipation of bringing Bin Laden to Justice (U.S. Government put a twenty-five million dollar bounty over Bin Laden's head), but this offensive action only furthered strained the United States relations with international Islam. 13
Moreover, in 2003, Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi Government was accused of having weapons of mass destruction, although the United Nations Weapons Inspectors could not substantiate this claim but President George Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell used undocumented propaganda to justify invading Iraq. 14
This war continues to intensify the polarization between Islam and the United States. The so-called 'War on Terror' has only infuriated Muslim Nations who have witnessed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi casualties and better than a few thousand or so United States Troop being killed on foreign soil. Some believe the motivational factor for this war was Oil and the multinationals, in particular the energy sector instigated this unjust conflict.
PRINCE HALL MASONS SPEAKS
This writer had converse with many Muslims and Prince Hall Masons in order to gather an understanding of both organizations perspectives, but to the Muslim this topic would sound like an oxymoron and most of all, as a religious, social, and political contradiction because they would unequivocally deny and reject any association with Freemasonry .
This writer was well aware of the controversy and the antagonistic relationship that exist between Freemasonry and Islam. He had objectively read what most of the Islamic pundits had written about Freemasonry but he wanted to hear from those that had been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and traveled through the different houses of Scottish Rite and York Rite and eventually gained membership in to the Shrine.
Many who chose membership in this ancient order had little knowledge and understanding of Islam. Nevertheless, their decision to become Masons and not Muslims have unfortunately led to this involuntarily antagonism which continues to lead to religious ignorance, misconceptions and most of all suspicion. The Muslims did not understand that Masonry was a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. It is a fraternal brotherhood designed to make good men, better. 15
MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS: MIS-CHARACTERIZE FREEMASONRY
However, there is a false presupposition advocated by both Christian and Muslim that erroneously claim Freemasonry to be a religion 16 and some of the Muslims that this writer spoke with believed that you can not be a Freemasons and belong to the religion Islam. But this is not to suggest that Freemasonry does not make use of religion (all theological faiths and philosophies are incorporated) in its philosophical and ritualistic orientation, it is (religion) employed in a non- sectarian manner in order discern out of Speculative Masonry those inner principles which reinforce spirituality. 17
MUSTAFA EL-AMIN, IS A PIONEER
This writer had thoroughly read Mustafa EI-Amin's books titled, "AI- Islam. Christianity. and "Freemasonry". "Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny" and "African-American Freemasons: Why They Should Accept AI-Islam". EI-Amin stated: "When you read the history of Freemasonry among the African- American, you will find no where, a conscious, determined effort on their part to reconnect our people with our lost heritage, AI-Islam or any of the positive teachings of our ancient fathers. What you will find is a selfish attempt to keep knowledge among themselves and to receive benefits from the white establishment. Yet there ritual tells them to 'travel from west to east in search of light and that which is lost. ' The Caucasian travels to the east, Africa, Arabia, Asia, China, Russia, etc., but the African-American Freemasons and others don't travel beyond their lodge. Why? Because we were made too blind to see the wisdom. You African? American Freemasons and Shriners are supposed to accept AI-Islam, the religion of your ancestors" 19
EI-Amin in all of his writings was very clear about his belief in the religion of Islam and was unapologetic in his analysis of allege Masonic distortions aimed at Islam and he was most critical of high degree Masonry (Shrine Masonry) whom EI-Amin accused of using the religion of Islam in a profane manner. He considered this to be heretical, which in his opinion has led to some gross misunderstanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.20
EI-Amin is an Orthodox Sunni Muslim and a devout student of Imam Warithhuddeen Mohammed, the leader of the Muslim American Society and the son, of the late Elijah Muhammad. Warithuddeen Mohammed succeeded his father in 1975 as the leader of the Nation of Islam and he transformed the Nation of Islam from a Black Nationalist organization into an Orthodox Sunni Islamic movement that embraced racial universalism, where as his father Elijah Muhammad taught separation of the races. 21
The younger Mohammed restructured the Nation of Islam and while doing so was openly critical of his father, the late Elijah Muhammad accusing him of being sacrilegious and blasphemous. Mohammed condemned his father for not teaching "true Islam" and it was his duty to offer the correct teachings of Islam as advocated by Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) 1400 years ago. 22
EI-Amin and I, are both from Newark, New Jersey and within the last two years upon visiting Newark, I was hearing whispers within the Islamic community that EI-Amin was seeking to become the national leader of the American Muslim Society due to the untimely resignation of Imam Warithuddeen Mohammed. El-Amin's critics although respected him as an Islamic intellectual and as a credible Muslim Imam, but he did not have the leadership experience on the national level, which was needed to keep this fragile organization solidified, in particular if he was going to succeed, a charismatic (Mohammed is not an electrifying orator but his charisma is seen in his uncanny ability to interpret Qur'an) leader like Imam Mohammed. 23
El-Amin shares the opinions of his leader Mohammed who depicted the Nation of Islam as structured by his father, Elijah Muhammad as a 'sect and a cult', 24 which any group or organization such as Masonry that is considered "oath takers" and operate so-called behind a cloak of "secrecy" will also be viewed by mainstream Islam and Muslim Clerics as a 'cult and anti-Islam'.
Shrine Masonry in particular, and Masonry in general, have not been completely honest about the role Islam have in its philosophy and ritual, even if that role is considered allegorical, metaphorical, figurative, emblematic, symbolic, mythological and have no greater reverence in its relations to Freemasonry than Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroasterism, etc., it will perhaps be this divulgence that would possibly open up meaningful dialogue and establish critical and much needed communications between Masons and Muslims in order to remove the stigmas and suspicion.
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD WAS A MASON
Elijah Muhammad stated: "To all of you that have remained in here that are not really followers of Islam and have not accepted the religion which is your own religion. It was the religion of Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus.There is no religion by the name of no prophet in the Bible, the white man knew this as well as I , that the religion of the prophets was Islam but he didn't want the so-called Negro to know that religion by the name of Islam. Islam has been practiced in secrecy call Higher Masonry, Shriner, that is a small degree of his knowledge of Islam taught in secrecy by that society".
Muhammd further states:"You don't need to join Masonry to be a Muslim. It is free and why would you buy that or spend money for that which brings you know gain? Regardless to how high you go in Masonry, you are still a Negro. And you are not treated as equal to white masons. But if you accept Islam, you are forcing all to recognize you". "If you come and follow me (Elijah Muhammad), I will give to you the meaning of all those degrees and your ritual. I will show that is only a history of you and the fall of you among them. That is all it is. I will prove it. You must be directed to look eastward again toward your people. Your God, like there's and toward that holy temple back there which have no roof on it and that is the Temple of Islam in the near east and the far east". "The temple of Mecca has no roof And hundreds of other temples there in the east where Muslims go and get in the courtyard and bow to Allah and prostrate have no roof on it. I say to you my friend that is a secret of your history, own history here practiced.
Muhammad goes on to state, "I reckon you're saying now, we'll get you now for that! But that is true. And I must tell the truth. That is the truth. Don't go and buy anymore Masonry, come and accept free Islam. I've been waiting on the Masons to come over and join me for years and now I'm going to tell on you if you don 'to You won't get anymore members if I start telling the truth as I know it. I know your First Degree to the Thirty Third Degrees. I know exactly what it means but you don't know what it means. I also have a few more degrees than that." 25
Elijah Muhammad appeared to have been initiated into Freemasonry via his own testimony and as a religious critic of Masonry went to great lengths to interpret the ritual and its symbolism, which he maintained that Masonry was set-up for Caucasian people whom the Asiatic Black man (believers in Islam) chased out of the Holy Land because of immoral behavior.
Muhammad taught that the Asiatic Black man stripped the Caucasian of everything other than the original man's language, including their original garments; moreover, hoodwinked, cable-towed and gave him an apron to hide his shame and walked him 2200 miles across the hot Arabian Desert (this is perhaps consistent with ritual aspects of the Blue Lodge and definitely with the Shrine ritual). Muhammad said when the black man crosses the hot burning sands, he in essence lack knowledge of self and history. 26
Moreover, they are acting out the history of Caucasian people. Muhammad stated: "I will not go into the history of the Masons since I was a Mason myself once and I swore, too, not reveal the secrets. Masons who have reached such degrees as 32nd and 33,d are not called Masons. They are called Moslem Shriners. They are reaching up to us. When you take the 33rd degree you are taught to greet each other; 'As- Salaam Alaikum '. You are taught Islam from then on because you become a Muslim when that degree is conferred on you. At least you are supposed to be a believer in Islam. They teach you, almost from the start, to turn your face to the east." 27
AN ORIGINAL MAN
Claude Clegg a former Professor of History at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, authored the book titled, "An Original Man: The Life and Times of Elijah Muhammad", which was considered the first scholarly biography on Elijah Muhammad. Clegg contacted me via telephone in 1995, he and I, had various conversations during this time period about the Nation of Islam during the research stage of this project. Clegg had received a copy of my book titled, In Defense of the Defender: The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, (published in1994) and he thought I would be a good resource to assist him with making contact with former followers of Elijah Muhammad prior to 1976. 28
Clegg's perspective on the Nation of Islam sums up their view of admitting the unorthodox correlation of Islam and Freemasonry but the Nation of Islam teaches that Islam offers a "superior" theology" and one could transition from a "pseudo Islamic" organization like Freemasonry (Shrine Masonry aka in Islam as Moslem Sons) into the "Supreme Wisdom" as taught by the Nation of Islam. Clegg stated:
"At least for some Masons, membership in the Nation of Islam represented a spiritual graduation to a new level of knowledge even more intriguing and coveted than the thirty-three degrees of Masonic secrets. The Muslims believe that their gnosis was superior to the knowledge of the Masons in philosophical breadth and practical utility. It was not so much that they felt that the Nation's theology was radically different from Masonic doctrines, though it was in many ways, but instead, that the beliefs of the Muslims were 'original' formulations from which Freemasonry flowed as a sort of doctrinal distributary. Both the Muslims and the Masons shared an affinity for mystical symbolism, biblical allegories, and numerology, but the former considered themselves superior custodians of arcane knowledge. Whatever their ultimate motives for becoming Muslims, Masons did number among the early converts of the Nation of Islam". 29
SEE PART 2
By FAHIM A. KNIGHT-EL
INTRODUCTION
The topic of Freemasonry is a vast and complex subject, it encroaches on the history and culture of every past, present society and undoubtedly it will even impact future civilizations to come. One could spend an entire life time researching and delving into the inner mysteries, symbolism and rituals of this ancient order; moreover, and never exhaust the traveling path of constantly acquiring wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment that Freemasonry seems to lead the serious minded scholar and researchers toward.
Most non-Masons whom have engaged me in conversation, relative to Masonry seemed overly infatuated with this so-called idea of Masonry being a "covert brotherhood" that operates behind a cloak of secrecy and communicate in a language of symbolism that is un-discernible to the uninitiated.
However, there is a false contention that Masons wield a lot of power and influence throughout society, in which some will argue for the worst or betterment of humanity, it depends on one's perspective of this controversial fraternal brotherhood.
Freemasonry in modern terms had its inception in Europe from local trade Guilds that functioned as Operative Masons in the early 1700's, but Speculative Masonry can be traced back to Ancient Egypt (Kemit) where spiritual schools of thought were developed that evolved around understanding the mysteries of Deity and enhancing moral principles.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN IN KEMET (EGYPT)
The esteemed scholar and researcher Dr. George G.M. James in his monumental book titled, "Stolen Legacy" that was written in 1954, wrote about the Egyptian Mystery Schools, which he maintained that a complex system of neophyte initiations were developed and worked in Kemet (Egypt).
But more importantly, this sophisticated system of learning was of an African origin and not indigenous to Greece and Rome as traditional Eurocentric scholars have falsely maintained, but Plato, Aristotle and Socrates sat directly or indirectly, at the foot of African Sages who inspired them to enlighten Europe.
This small article is offered as a challenge to Prince Hall Masons from the Blue Lodge, concordant bodies, appendant adoptive bodies and auxiliary bodies to began to research, write, debate, document, etc., Masonic philosophy and stop relying on other scholars to interpret this ancient craft for them. Many believe the beauty in Masonry lies in one's ability to work and recite ritual, but what good has this, if we have very little understanding of truly why the Worshipful Master sits in the East, the Senior Warden in the West and Junior Warden in the South. We then only have symbol without real substance.
Many have never heard of Heru, Isis, Aset and the countless myths of resurrection fables that existed long before Jesus Christ and the Hiram Abiff mythical resurrection advents. They fail to know that the Masonic ritual has a basis of duality (macrocosm and microcosm), which is steeped in nature and cosmological mythology and correlated to human spirituality. How can they know, unless they have a teacher, and how can they have a teacher, unless one be sent. "Freemasonry (Moslem Sons) and Islam: What do they share?" This research evolved simply out of my wanting to know, if there was truly an Islamic and Masonic connection and if it was, how was these two entities related?;
Thus, there is very little written on the subject of Masonry and Islam and I was not going to wait on a Blue lodge, Consistory, Shrine, Royal Arch, Worshipful Grand Lodge, United Supreme Council, Nation of Islam, etc ... to sanction me with the permission to do this investigation. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad often stated we must get up and do something for ourselves.
SHIA ISLAM AND SHRINERS ORIGIN
The topic of Islam and Freemasonry is a very sensitive topic for Muslims because Shrine Masonry in particular, employs Islamic symbolism, philosophy and the entire general theme of Shrindom evolves around so-called aspects of Islamic history and the Islamic religion. The Shriners (Moslem Sons) perhaps will argue that their ritual represents the highest aspect of Speculative Masonry, it is designed to teach moral lessons and further define principles of spirituality, as well as their ever quest to know Deity by all his attributes.
This writer does not believe that Shrine Masonry places Islam on a higher echelon than it does Christianity, Judaism, Kabala, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, etc., nor is the Shrine Temple propagating Islam per se. But this is not to suggest that Islamic terminology such as: Allah, Mohammed, Holy Qur'an, Kaaba, Mecca, Medina, Moslem, Mosque, Ali, Hajj, Shahadah, Hegira, Islam, etc., aren't being drawn on by Shrine Masonry to reflect both the sacred and secular, as well as many more Islamic jargons.
The Mystic Shrine legend so-called had its inception in 644 A. D. in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, relative to Shia Islam in particular, and Caliph Ali Ibn Ibi Talib in general, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace and Blesses of Allah be upon him --570-632), the founder of the Islamic religion.
Shia Islam teaches that Ali was the first person to convert to Muhammad's religion of Islam and that Muhammad hand picked him as his true and only successor; thus, this belief nullifies the legitimacy of the other three Caliphs (Ali in Sunni Islamic doctrine is the fourth and final Caliph), Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman known as the "Rightly Guided Ones", and the successors to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is accepted by the dominant and mainstream Sunni Islam.
However, it is perfectly logical to reason that perhaps Shia Islam had to develop on the lines of "secrecy" because its "unorthodox" theology of only recognizing Ali as Muhammad's true successor, which went contrary to Sunni beliefs. Furthermore, Sunni Islam rejects the claim of the only legitimate bloodline is through Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) daughter and the wife of Ali, but according to Shia Islam this represents the so-called true heir apparent to Islam's right to succession.
Nevertheless, from this perspective came the belief in the Twelve Imams (blood descendants from Muhammad Ibn Abdullah through the linage of Ali and Fatima) leadership would only be recognized and accepted by Shia Islam. Historically Shia Muslims were persecuted by Sunni Muslims for deviating from "mainstream" Islamic theology and had to evolve clandestinely due to Sunni Islamic opposition. Some historians maintain that "passwords", "tokens" and "signs" were developed by Shia Clerics in order to properly identify a Shia believer, from a non Shia and this allowed the Shia Muslims Sect to quietly coexist alongside Sunni Islam and go undetected.
This controversial "Sect" survived from being extinguished by Sunni Muslims due to the concealment of its theology. Perhaps Shrine Masonry affix itself to the tradition of Islam because of the mystique and the aura, associated with Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. And with the majesty and valor of Ancient Egypt (Kemit), but Freemasonry will argue that these societies became illuminated because of their direct involvement with Masonic "Free Thinkers" who advocated a doctrine of liberal arts, e.g., Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. These sciences evolved out of humanities ability to activate and exalt our dormant natural senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting, which led to certain societies progressing politically, socially, economically, culturally, spiritually, etc.
NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE
There is a contemporary belief in Shrindom teachings that acknowledge that the ritual (the Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) was compiled, arranged and issued at Aleppo, Saudi Arabia, by Louis Maracci, the great Latin Translator of Muhammad's AI-Koran. In 1871 the ritual was brought to America by transient foreign members and representatives and placed in the hands of Dr. Walter M. Flemings 33rd degree, Sovereign Inspector General A and A. Rite, and Eminent Commander of Columbia Commandry No.1. Knights Templar of New York.
Dr. Fleming and eleven other members had complete sovereignty, Mecca Temple No.1, remained inactive until December, 1875, when W. J. Florence came from Europe bringing with him the Oriental Ritual of the order, as it was worked in foreign countries. 1876 W. J. Florence called together such of the original members of the organization of 1871 as were living and constituted in December 1876 Mecca Temple No.1 as head of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Caucasian Shrine Order) III America.
There is some belief that Caucasian Shriners do practice Islam in secrecy, but African American Shriners who belong to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine founded in 1893, has a romanticized ritual and view of Islam, that lack the seriousness, in which Caucasian Shriners truly observe Islam as the final Masonic step in their traveling from west to east in search of more light in Masonry.
Islam is one of the world's three great religions, it translate to mean surrender, obedience and peace. Those who adhere to the religion are called Muslims, thus, this Arabic term is defined as on who submits his/her will in order to do the will of Allah (God).
Muslims in general, view Shrine Masonry as profane, heretical and blasphemous. However, the majority of African-American Islam had its roots in Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; moreover, Noble Abdul Sharrief Ali (Noble Drew Ali) the founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America in 1913 formalized the first Islamic organization in America in Newark, New Jersey, he himself was 33rd degree Mason.
THE FIVE PERCENTERS: THE POOR RIGHTEOUS TEACHERS
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad who admitted that he was once a Mason and if one objectively looked at his Supreme Wisdom Lessons, Supreme Mathematical Lessons, English Lesson C-l and English Lessons C-2, etc., it is very similar to the Masonic Catechism. I know many Nation of Islam members that received their X (And can wear the attribute of Muhammad) and was recorded in the book of life. They had to verbally recite their "Student Enrollment" and "Actual "Facts lessons". This writer had the opportunity to visit at Muhammad's Mosque #25 (Newark, New Jersey) where newly made members had to recite their "Student Enrollment" at that time in front of Minister Abdul Khadir Muhammad and the mosque captain, brother Sterling Muhammad (may God be pleased with him) and before they could move on to said lesson number one. The recitation had to be 100% correct according to the Department of Supreme Wisdom and Rules of Islam.
This writer interviewed some African American Prince Hall Masons that were Initiated, Passed and Raised in a Prince Hall lodges and they shared with me that each degree required study and recitation of ritual, which other than the subject matter was no different than the experiences of many Muslims whom I interviewed in the Nation of Islam.
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD SAYS MASONRY WAS NOT MEANT FOR THE BLACK MAN
Elijah Muhammad depicts Freemasonry as a true rendition of the Caucasian man's history whom blacks permitted to come amongst them in the Holy Land, but once they started causing trouble and confusion, according to Muhammad they were stripped of everything (interpreted to mean the Islamic Supreme Wisdom), other than the original man's language, e.g., of the royal garments and gave him an apron to hide his shame, hoodwinked and cable towed him and ran him 2200 miles across the hot Arabian Desert. Muhammad teaches that the Asiatic Black man chased him back to the hills and cave sides of Europe (a place of darkness and un-enlightenment).
THE SHRINERS RECOGNITION TEST
Muhammad also maintains that when the black Shriners crosses over the hot burning sands, it is an indication that he lacks the knowledge of self and history (the black man is original home is the East but he has been made blind, death and dumb to the knowledge of self). The Caucasian man who is originally from the West, it is he who must TRAVEL East in search of attaing those higher lessons of knowledge.
In the Shriners recognition test, it is formatted in a Question and Answer sequence it reads: Are you a Noble of the Mystic Shrine?" ANSWER: "I am so accepted by all men of noble birth." QUESTION: "Have you traveled any?" ANSWER: "I Have." QUESTION: "From where to what place have you traveled?" ANSWER: "Traveled east over the hot burning sands of the desert." QUESTION: "Where were you stopped at?" ANSWER: "At the Devils Pass." QUESTION: What were you requested to do?" ANSWER: "I was requested to give a few drops of urine." QUESTION: "Why were you requested to do this?" ANSWER: "As a token of my renouncing the wiles and evils of this world, and be granted permission to worship at the shrine" QUESTION: "At what shrine did you worship?" ANSWER: "At the Shrine of Islam." QUESTION: "Did you ride?" ANSWER: "Yes I rode the camel, until I was caused to dismount." QUESTION: "Then what you do with your camel?" ANSWER: "I tied him." QUESTION: "Where did you tie him?" ANSWER: "I tied him to a date tree where all true and good Shriners so do."
POTENTATES NOW HAVE A COMPASS TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAM'S ROLE IN SHRINE MASONRY
This article was written with the intent of fostering better communication and understanding between Shriners (Moslem Sons) and those who profess the religion of Islam, but also, to lay a foundation for the serious minded Masonic scholars, researchers and free thinker who was just curious to know and had no idea where to start.
Islam is a religion and Freemasonry is a fraternity and the standards for the former are greater than the standards for the latter because of the sensitivity most religions ordinarily generate. Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols and taught in away to make good men better.
This article will perhaps assist those who are member of Shrine Masonry and hold offices such as: Potentates, Chief Rabbans, Assistant Rabbans, Oriental Guides and High Priest and Prophets, etc., as well as Masons in general, to get a brief understanding of Islam and Moslem (Sons) and their historical, theological, and ritualistic roots.
This small article was not written with an anti- Masonic slant nor was it written as a defender of the Islamic religion. The author's intent was to add something to field of Masonic scholarship (discussion) because often my brothers of Prince Hall Masonry are time and again, left to depend upon other Masonic scholars to interpret, research and write Masonic scholarship for them. Lastly, there is very little comparative research relative to Islam and Freemasonry (Mystic Shrine Masonry), yet the similarities are astounding and the differences are obviously viewed by Muslims as heresy.
Mustafa El-Amin in his book titled, "Freemasonry: Ancient Egypt and The Islamic Destiny", is one of the few scholars who has giving us a starting point, as it pertains to this subject, but his research is overly dogmatic with the teachings of Imam Warithuddean Mohammed and it takes away from his objectivity. This article will represent more of an impartial approach to this subject minus the emotionalism.
THE MEANING OF ISLAM
The religion of Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world (second largest to Christianity), it claims a membership to over one billion adherents. Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Peace Be Upon Him) in 610 A.D. on the Arabian Peninsula.
It is believed that Allah (God) commissioned the Angel Gabriel to deliver Muhammad (PBUH) divine revelations,1 which would later be translated into the Holy Qu'ran, a process that took twenty- three (23) years. This is the holy book of the Muslims and serves as the spiritual guide for all Muslims. The Qu'ran is divided into 114 Suras (chapters); thus, some extensively long and others blatantly short. Islam is defined as complete surrender and obedience and most of all, the religion of peace.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
A Muslim is defined as one who surrenders his/her will, in order to do the will of Allah (God).2 The religion of Islam is based on "Five Principles or Pillars", which are a). Shahadah (Arabic term meaning confession of faith) each Muslim must utter in the presence of at least three witnesses that he/she "bears witness that there is no God, but Allah and that Muhammad Ibn Abdullah is his Messenger". b). Salat (Arabic term for prayer), prayer is prescribed five times daily, in which Muslims turn east toward Mecca. c). Zakat (Arabic term for almsgiving charity) each Muslim has an obligation to give and assist the poor and downtrodden. d). Ramadan (Arabic term for fasting), the Muslims subscribe to the lunar calendar and each year, which is based on the setting of the moon, Ramadan is observed throughout the Islamic World.
Thus, in recognition of Allah revealing the Holy Qur'an, which fasting (Muslims do not consume food nor drink and abstain from sex and other worldly activities are prohibited between sunrise and sunset during this holy month), prayer and offer supplication to Allah (God) takes place for approximately thirty (30) days and thanking God for the glorious Qur'an. Ramadan is Islam's most sacred holiday. e). Hajj (Arabic term for pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims that are physically and financially able, are required to at least once in a lifetime make the holy pilgrimage to Mecca and pray at the Kaaba. 3
ISLAM'S QUEST FOR SURVIVAL: AFRICANS FACTORED IN TO ISLAM REMAINING AS A FAITH
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) very seldom ventured outside the Arabian Peninsula, but as he attempted to proselytize this new found faith in the seventh century, it was met with opposition; thus, Muhammad (PBUH) had to flee for his life and some historians' record that he sent his followers to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Africa and sought protection and temporary asylum under the militarily strong Coptic Christians. Abyssinian Christians of the Negroid race qualified Muhammad's fleeing Arab companions and found that Muhammad's Islamic teachings resembled and mirrored their own Coptic faith tradition and therefore refused to release Muhammad's followers to their would- be persecutors and tormentors whom were seeking to kill them. The religion of Islam survived due to the mercy and compassion that were rendered by these black Africans. 4
ABRAHAM, ISSAC, AND ISHMAEL
The Muslims believe that the Kaaba (Islam's most sacred Mosque) was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael (two so-called Prophets of Islam) who was the progeny (Ishmael) of the slave woman Hagar and the son that God instructed Abraham to sacrifice and is considered the beloved of God by Muslims.5
The Christians believe just the opposite and that Isaac was the one up for sacrifice and it is he, who is the beloved of God and he received God's favor6; thus, it is this theological controversy that has divided the Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions and its peoples for over 4000 years, which has led to the present day political, social, economic, cultural and ethical disputes over land and sacred edifices, in particular in the Middle East between the so-called Jew and the Arab. Abraham is considered the father of nations, yet two nations of people, Muslims and Jews claim to share one father but have never been able to peacefully coexist. 7
9-11 CHANGED ISLAM FOREVER
The religion of Islam was placed at the center of the world stage after September 11, 2001 bombing of the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, in which sixteen of (16) of the nineteen (19) allege hijackers were Saudi Arabian nationals (a so-called U.S. Allied Nation), as well as Muslims.8
This incident as a consequence created hostility in the United States between Muslims and non-Muslims, but it also mandated scholars and layman alike, in America to judiciously investigate Islam and the political viewpoints of this controversial faith, conceivably for the first time on such a large scale. 9
Islam is one of the three major world religions and yet, prior to 9- 11 most Americans were oblivious to its tenets, customs, political diversity, beliefs, factions, etc., furthermore, after this incident, the western media, both electronic and print (the 'Talking Heads') were creating fear, as well as, inciting paranoia by declaring Islam as a "mean-spirited" and a "terrorist based faith."10
Most Americans concurred that for any civilized human beings that would systematically carryout such a barbaric act of murdering over 3000 innocent human beings had to be the embodiment of evil, and perhaps it was not by coincidence that these allege perpetrators happen to be fundamentalist Muslims who had declared Jihad (Holy War) against the United States of America and its allies. 11
ISRAEL AND ARABS: FIGHTING OVER KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE SITE
The United States Government had unconditionally backed the Israeli Government since the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 and many Arabs in the Middle Eastern Region both conservative and liberal, sympathized with the Palestinians quest for a .11 homeland, it has been this issue that consistently serves as an international powder keg and it appears to have no political solution insight.
Elijah Muhammad in the Student Enrollment lessons which was giving to registered Muslims only after passing an exmination (test) 100 percent correctly; they are asked theQUESTION: Why Did We take Jerusalem from the Devil? How long ago: "Because one of our righteous brothers, was a prophet by the name of Jesus, was buried there. He uses his name to shild his dirty religion, which is called Christianity. also to deceive the people so they would believe in him. Jesus teachings was not Christianity. It was freedom, Justice and equality. Jerusalem is in Palestine, Asia Minor. Jerusalem is a name given by the Jews which means foundedin peace' and was first built by the Original man called Rebus, Salem, and Ariel. We took the city from the devils about 750 years ago."
The 9-11 incident single-handedly has goaded Americans to begin to read and research Islam, because not since the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 that America was on the defensive and this act of domestic terrorism in many ways exposed our vulnerability as a nation. Americans wanted to know, why were there sectors of the Islamic World so angry with the west? This crucial question fostered debate and caused Islam to receive serious evaluation within the American populace. 12
The United States Intelligence Community held Osama Bin Laden (Saudi national) responsible and his Al-Qaeda movement for carrying out the 9-11 attack and the United States Arm Forces invaded Afghanistan in anticipation of bringing Bin Laden to Justice (U.S. Government put a twenty-five million dollar bounty over Bin Laden's head), but this offensive action only furthered strained the United States relations with international Islam. 13
Moreover, in 2003, Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi Government was accused of having weapons of mass destruction, although the United Nations Weapons Inspectors could not substantiate this claim but President George Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell used undocumented propaganda to justify invading Iraq. 14
This war continues to intensify the polarization between Islam and the United States. The so-called 'War on Terror' has only infuriated Muslim Nations who have witnessed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi casualties and better than a few thousand or so United States Troop being killed on foreign soil. Some believe the motivational factor for this war was Oil and the multinationals, in particular the energy sector instigated this unjust conflict.
PRINCE HALL MASONS SPEAKS
This writer had converse with many Muslims and Prince Hall Masons in order to gather an understanding of both organizations perspectives, but to the Muslim this topic would sound like an oxymoron and most of all, as a religious, social, and political contradiction because they would unequivocally deny and reject any association with Freemasonry .
This writer was well aware of the controversy and the antagonistic relationship that exist between Freemasonry and Islam. He had objectively read what most of the Islamic pundits had written about Freemasonry but he wanted to hear from those that had been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and traveled through the different houses of Scottish Rite and York Rite and eventually gained membership in to the Shrine.
Many who chose membership in this ancient order had little knowledge and understanding of Islam. Nevertheless, their decision to become Masons and not Muslims have unfortunately led to this involuntarily antagonism which continues to lead to religious ignorance, misconceptions and most of all suspicion. The Muslims did not understand that Masonry was a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. It is a fraternal brotherhood designed to make good men, better. 15
MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS: MIS-CHARACTERIZE FREEMASONRY
However, there is a false presupposition advocated by both Christian and Muslim that erroneously claim Freemasonry to be a religion 16 and some of the Muslims that this writer spoke with believed that you can not be a Freemasons and belong to the religion Islam. But this is not to suggest that Freemasonry does not make use of religion (all theological faiths and philosophies are incorporated) in its philosophical and ritualistic orientation, it is (religion) employed in a non- sectarian manner in order discern out of Speculative Masonry those inner principles which reinforce spirituality. 17
MUSTAFA EL-AMIN, IS A PIONEER
This writer had thoroughly read Mustafa EI-Amin's books titled, "AI- Islam. Christianity. and "Freemasonry". "Ancient Egypt and the Islamic Destiny" and "African-American Freemasons: Why They Should Accept AI-Islam". EI-Amin stated: "When you read the history of Freemasonry among the African- American, you will find no where, a conscious, determined effort on their part to reconnect our people with our lost heritage, AI-Islam or any of the positive teachings of our ancient fathers. What you will find is a selfish attempt to keep knowledge among themselves and to receive benefits from the white establishment. Yet there ritual tells them to 'travel from west to east in search of light and that which is lost. ' The Caucasian travels to the east, Africa, Arabia, Asia, China, Russia, etc., but the African-American Freemasons and others don't travel beyond their lodge. Why? Because we were made too blind to see the wisdom. You African? American Freemasons and Shriners are supposed to accept AI-Islam, the religion of your ancestors" 19
EI-Amin in all of his writings was very clear about his belief in the religion of Islam and was unapologetic in his analysis of allege Masonic distortions aimed at Islam and he was most critical of high degree Masonry (Shrine Masonry) whom EI-Amin accused of using the religion of Islam in a profane manner. He considered this to be heretical, which in his opinion has led to some gross misunderstanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.20
EI-Amin is an Orthodox Sunni Muslim and a devout student of Imam Warithhuddeen Mohammed, the leader of the Muslim American Society and the son, of the late Elijah Muhammad. Warithuddeen Mohammed succeeded his father in 1975 as the leader of the Nation of Islam and he transformed the Nation of Islam from a Black Nationalist organization into an Orthodox Sunni Islamic movement that embraced racial universalism, where as his father Elijah Muhammad taught separation of the races. 21
The younger Mohammed restructured the Nation of Islam and while doing so was openly critical of his father, the late Elijah Muhammad accusing him of being sacrilegious and blasphemous. Mohammed condemned his father for not teaching "true Islam" and it was his duty to offer the correct teachings of Islam as advocated by Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) 1400 years ago. 22
EI-Amin and I, are both from Newark, New Jersey and within the last two years upon visiting Newark, I was hearing whispers within the Islamic community that EI-Amin was seeking to become the national leader of the American Muslim Society due to the untimely resignation of Imam Warithuddeen Mohammed. El-Amin's critics although respected him as an Islamic intellectual and as a credible Muslim Imam, but he did not have the leadership experience on the national level, which was needed to keep this fragile organization solidified, in particular if he was going to succeed, a charismatic (Mohammed is not an electrifying orator but his charisma is seen in his uncanny ability to interpret Qur'an) leader like Imam Mohammed. 23
El-Amin shares the opinions of his leader Mohammed who depicted the Nation of Islam as structured by his father, Elijah Muhammad as a 'sect and a cult', 24 which any group or organization such as Masonry that is considered "oath takers" and operate so-called behind a cloak of "secrecy" will also be viewed by mainstream Islam and Muslim Clerics as a 'cult and anti-Islam'.
Shrine Masonry in particular, and Masonry in general, have not been completely honest about the role Islam have in its philosophy and ritual, even if that role is considered allegorical, metaphorical, figurative, emblematic, symbolic, mythological and have no greater reverence in its relations to Freemasonry than Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroasterism, etc., it will perhaps be this divulgence that would possibly open up meaningful dialogue and establish critical and much needed communications between Masons and Muslims in order to remove the stigmas and suspicion.
ELIJAH MUHAMMAD WAS A MASON
Elijah Muhammad stated: "To all of you that have remained in here that are not really followers of Islam and have not accepted the religion which is your own religion. It was the religion of Adam, Noah, Moses, and Jesus.There is no religion by the name of no prophet in the Bible, the white man knew this as well as I , that the religion of the prophets was Islam but he didn't want the so-called Negro to know that religion by the name of Islam. Islam has been practiced in secrecy call Higher Masonry, Shriner, that is a small degree of his knowledge of Islam taught in secrecy by that society".
Muhammd further states:"You don't need to join Masonry to be a Muslim. It is free and why would you buy that or spend money for that which brings you know gain? Regardless to how high you go in Masonry, you are still a Negro. And you are not treated as equal to white masons. But if you accept Islam, you are forcing all to recognize you". "If you come and follow me (Elijah Muhammad), I will give to you the meaning of all those degrees and your ritual. I will show that is only a history of you and the fall of you among them. That is all it is. I will prove it. You must be directed to look eastward again toward your people. Your God, like there's and toward that holy temple back there which have no roof on it and that is the Temple of Islam in the near east and the far east". "The temple of Mecca has no roof And hundreds of other temples there in the east where Muslims go and get in the courtyard and bow to Allah and prostrate have no roof on it. I say to you my friend that is a secret of your history, own history here practiced.
Muhammad goes on to state, "I reckon you're saying now, we'll get you now for that! But that is true. And I must tell the truth. That is the truth. Don't go and buy anymore Masonry, come and accept free Islam. I've been waiting on the Masons to come over and join me for years and now I'm going to tell on you if you don 'to You won't get anymore members if I start telling the truth as I know it. I know your First Degree to the Thirty Third Degrees. I know exactly what it means but you don't know what it means. I also have a few more degrees than that." 25
Elijah Muhammad appeared to have been initiated into Freemasonry via his own testimony and as a religious critic of Masonry went to great lengths to interpret the ritual and its symbolism, which he maintained that Masonry was set-up for Caucasian people whom the Asiatic Black man (believers in Islam) chased out of the Holy Land because of immoral behavior.
Muhammad taught that the Asiatic Black man stripped the Caucasian of everything other than the original man's language, including their original garments; moreover, hoodwinked, cable-towed and gave him an apron to hide his shame and walked him 2200 miles across the hot Arabian Desert (this is perhaps consistent with ritual aspects of the Blue Lodge and definitely with the Shrine ritual). Muhammad said when the black man crosses the hot burning sands, he in essence lack knowledge of self and history. 26
Moreover, they are acting out the history of Caucasian people. Muhammad stated: "I will not go into the history of the Masons since I was a Mason myself once and I swore, too, not reveal the secrets. Masons who have reached such degrees as 32nd and 33,d are not called Masons. They are called Moslem Shriners. They are reaching up to us. When you take the 33rd degree you are taught to greet each other; 'As- Salaam Alaikum '. You are taught Islam from then on because you become a Muslim when that degree is conferred on you. At least you are supposed to be a believer in Islam. They teach you, almost from the start, to turn your face to the east." 27
AN ORIGINAL MAN
Claude Clegg a former Professor of History at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, authored the book titled, "An Original Man: The Life and Times of Elijah Muhammad", which was considered the first scholarly biography on Elijah Muhammad. Clegg contacted me via telephone in 1995, he and I, had various conversations during this time period about the Nation of Islam during the research stage of this project. Clegg had received a copy of my book titled, In Defense of the Defender: The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, (published in1994) and he thought I would be a good resource to assist him with making contact with former followers of Elijah Muhammad prior to 1976. 28
Clegg's perspective on the Nation of Islam sums up their view of admitting the unorthodox correlation of Islam and Freemasonry but the Nation of Islam teaches that Islam offers a "superior" theology" and one could transition from a "pseudo Islamic" organization like Freemasonry (Shrine Masonry aka in Islam as Moslem Sons) into the "Supreme Wisdom" as taught by the Nation of Islam. Clegg stated:
"At least for some Masons, membership in the Nation of Islam represented a spiritual graduation to a new level of knowledge even more intriguing and coveted than the thirty-three degrees of Masonic secrets. The Muslims believe that their gnosis was superior to the knowledge of the Masons in philosophical breadth and practical utility. It was not so much that they felt that the Nation's theology was radically different from Masonic doctrines, though it was in many ways, but instead, that the beliefs of the Muslims were 'original' formulations from which Freemasonry flowed as a sort of doctrinal distributary. Both the Muslims and the Masons shared an affinity for mystical symbolism, biblical allegories, and numerology, but the former considered themselves superior custodians of arcane knowledge. Whatever their ultimate motives for becoming Muslims, Masons did number among the early converts of the Nation of Islam". 29
SEE PART 2