MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA

“We organized as the Moorish Temple of Science in the year of 1925, and were legally incorporated as a civic organization under the laws of the State of Illinois, November 29th, 1926.  The name Moorish Temple of Science was changed to the Moorish Science Temple of America, May 1928, in accordance with the legal requirements of the Secretary of the State of Illinois.

“A National organization with a Rotarian complexion as it relates to branch Temples became obvious with the increasing number of inquiries from men and women in different sections of the country concerning the purpose of the organization. 

“Since the work of the Moorish Science Temple of America was largely religious, the organization has been legally changed to a religious corporation and an affidavit to this effect has been properly filed in the Cook County Recorder’s office of Illinois.

“Inspired by the lofty teachings of the Koran, we have it as the revealed word of God ALLAH.  We shall foster the principles of its teachings among our members.  This is our religious privilege as American citizens, under the laws of one of the greatest documents of all time—the American Constitution.”

Prophet Noble Drew Ali.

The Moorish Science Temple of America was founded for the uplifting of fallen humanity.  Its structure and teachings contain Divine Instructions that will save the Moors here in America from the wrath of ALLAH.  It is the Perfect Plan because it was sent by ALLAH, The Best of Planners. 

To us Prophet Noble Drew Ali is an Angel of ALLAH who was sent to bring us the Everlasting Gospel of ALLAH.  An Angel is a Thought of ALLAH manifested in human flesh whose duty is to carry messages to the four corners of the world, to all nations.  In Chapter 2, verse 32 of the Holy Koran of Mecca, ALLAH asks the Angels a question.  Their response was that they have no knowledge except what HE has taught them; that HE, only HE is the Knower, the Wise.  By Prophet Noble Drew Ali being to us an Angel of ALLAH, He only knows what ALLAH has taught him. He was divinely prepared by ALLAH and he only brought us what ALLAH sent him to bring us:  “The Old Time Religion and The Everlasting Gospel.”  

Prophet Noble Drew Ali was born from the womb of a woman.  This makes him a man.  As man has never been and cannot be a beast, or bird, or creeping thing; neither can a man be an angel or cherubim.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali is not an angel.  However, to us he is an angel of ALLAH who was sent to bring us the Everlasting Gospel of ALLAH, and he could not deviate from the plan that ALLAH instructed him to give to us.  This means that in regards to us, he acted as an angel of ALLAH.  Angels cannot deviate from the instructions given to them by ALLAH.  They must go the exact way and take the exact steps that their LORD instructed them to.  Their will was never strong, so they hold the ethers of their plane in harmony with ALLAH.

The Prophet had to hold to the plan that ALLAH gave to him, and we must hold to that plan.  We cannot deviate from it.  It was a plan that was hatched out long before Prophet Noble Drew Ali was born.  The Prophet is just the instrument ALLAH used to bring it to us, the Moorish Americans.  It is our forefathers’ Divine and National Creed.  It is actually a measure that cannot be told in words; it is an experience and every true Moorish American Moslem is invited to share in this experience.  It is implemented through the Moorish Divine and National Movement.  And just as our lessons reflect, it is a saving power that comes from ALLAH through our ancient fathers by HIS Prophet.  This plan is dual in its scope and application, and it includes a mentality that is both spiritual and practical.  It was developed for our earthly and divine salvation.  The first level involves the knowledge of self, i.e. Nationality and Divine Creed.  These are the basic teachings of the Moorish Science Temple of America which manifests our forefathers’ Divine Creed and Principles and are designed to bring us in tune with the Deific Will of our Father God ALLAH.

The next level involves us taking our place in the affairs of men.  Here in our home (the U.S.A.) immorality is seriously present.  Satan has traveled to and fro the earth seeking whom he may devour, and this is one of his strongholds.  The American society contains truth and falsehood strangely mixed.  We have a society that is a mixture of Nations; and every Nation has some good in it.  The American Constitution, which is one of the greatest documents ever written, empowers each Nation that is within its boarders to be themselves and to express that goodness for the benefit of the whole, exercising liberty and justice for all.  Our forefathers are the true and divine founders of the first religious creed for the redemption and salvation of mankind on earth.  Through the teachings of the Moorish Science Temple of America the world may hear and know the truth; that among the descendants of Africa there is still much wisdom to be learned in these days for the redemption of the sons of men under Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali is the founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America.  He is the one who set the agenda for the Movement.  This agenda is set in stone; meaning we do not deviate from the instructions that he has given us.  We do not deviate from, rather we build upon the laws and instructions of our Prophet; the laws are set in stone, however no one’s hands are tied. Hence Act 1 of our Divine Constitution and By Laws:  “The Grand Sheik and the chairman of the Moorish Science Temple of America is in power to make law and enforce laws with the assistance of the Prophet and the Grand Body of the Moorish Science Temple of America…”  There is always room for growth; but we must grow according to our own laws, creed and principles.  This is our contribution to America: “Being ourselves.”  One of our goals is to make our members better citizens thereby making the United States of America a better nation.

In these excerpts from the Moorish Leader’s Historical Message to America, Prophet Noble Drew Ali demonstrates the following:

“In connection with the aims, objects, rules and regulations of the Moorish Science Temple of America, I deem it proper to submit to you a brief statement of our organization, covering its inception, rise and progress…which I hope will be satisfactory to you and be the means of causing you at all times to adhere to the principles of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice in your relations with mankind in general.  I further, most anxiously hope this brief statement will help you to more clearly see the duty and wisdom of at all times upholding those fundamental principles which are desired for our civilization of our posterity, such as obedience to law, respect and loyalty to government, tolerance, and unity.

In connection with our religious aims and beliefs, we must promote economic security.  The preaching of economic security among us is by no means as widespread and intensive as the circumstances demand.  No other one thing is more needed among us at this time than greater economic power.  Better positions for our men and women, more business employment for our boys and girls and bigger incomes will follow our economic security.  We shall be secure in nothing until we have economic power.  A beggar people cannot develop the highest in them, nor can they attain a genuine enjoyment of the spiritualities of life.

Our men, women and children should be taught to believe in the capacity of our group to succeed in business, in spite of the trials and failures of some of them.  Trials and failures in business are by no means confined to any particular group of people.  Some business ventures of all people fail.  We have many men and women among our people who are qualified, both by training and experience, who are shining lights in the business world of all the people.  It is a sad weakness in us as a people that we have withheld the very encouragement, support and patronage that would have made some of our worthy business ventures a grand success.  And worst of all, have joined in the condemnations of them when they failed.  Except in cases of actual dishonesty, discourtesy, lack of service and actual unreliability, our business enterprises in every field of endeavor should have fullest of confidence, cooperation and patronage whenever and wherever they can be given.

Read carefully the doctrines of The Moorish Science Temple of America.  It contains our hopes, aims, rules and articles of religion.  Every member should have a copy.

In conclusion, I urge you to remember there is work enough for all to do in helping to build a better world.  The problems of life are largely social and economic.  In a profound sense, they are moral and spiritual.  Have lofty conceptions of your duties to your country and fellowman in general and especially those with whom you deal.  This includes such honesty and righteousness as will cause you to put yourself in the other fellow’s place.  Look for the best in others and give them the best that is in you.  Have a deeper appreciation for womanhood.  Brighten the hopes of our youth in order that their courage be increased to dare and do wondrous things.  Adhere at all times to the principles of love, truth, peace, freedom and justice.  I am your affectionate leader.  I shall continue to labor day and night, both in public and private, for your good, thereby contributing to the welfare of our country and its people as a whole.”

Our agenda is simple.  It is not some drawn out plan that it would take a rocket scientist to figure out.  Our agenda is simple just as our lessons are simple:

Perception of thyself, the knowledge of Him Who created thee, the sense of worship thou owest unto Him.  Are not these plain before thy face?  And, behold!  What is there more that men needeth to know?

 A Divine Warning By The Prophet For The Nations

The citizens of all free national governments according to their national constitution are all of one family bearing one free national name.  Those who fail to recognize the free national name of their constitutional government are classed as undesirables, and are subject to all inferior names and abuses and mistreatments that the citizens care to bestow upon them.  And it is a sin for any group of people to violate the national constitutional laws of a free national government and cling to the names and the principles that delude to slavery.

 I, the Prophet, was prepared by the Great God Allah to warn my people to repent from their sinful ways and go back to that state of mind to their forefathers Divine and National principles that they will be law-abiders and receive their divine right as citizens, according to the free national constitution that was prepared for  all free national beings.  They are to claim their own free national name and religion.  There is but one issue for them to be recognized by this government and of the earth and it comes only through the connection of the Moorish Divine National Movement, which is incorporated in this government and recognized by all other nations of the world.  And through it they and their children can receive their Divine rights, unmolested by other citizens that they can cast a free national ballot at the polls under the free national constitution of the States Government and not under a granted privilege as has been the existing condition for many generations.

 You who doubt whether I, the Prophet, and my principles are right for the redemption of my people, go to those that know law, in the City Hall and among the officials in your government and ask them under an intelligent tone, and they will be glad to render you a favorable reply, for they are glad to see me bring you out of darkness into light.  Money doesn’t make the man, it is free national standards and power that makes a man and a nation.  The wealth of all national governments, gold and silver and commerce belong to the citizens alone and without your national citizenship by name and principles, you have no true wealth; and I am hereby calling on all true citizens that stand for a National Free Government, and the enforcement of the Constitution to help me in my great missionary work because I need all support from all true American citizens of the United States of America.  Help me to save my people who have fallen from the constitutional laws of the government.  I am depending on your support to get them back to the constitutional fold again that they will learn to love instead of hate, and will live according to Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice, supporting our free National Constitution of the United States of America.

I love my people and I desire their unity and mine back to their own free National and Divine standard because day by day they have been violating the national and constitutional laws of their government by claiming names and principles that are unconstitutional.  If Italians, Greeks, English, Chinese, Japanese, Turks, and Arabians are forced to proclaim their free national name and religion before the constitutional government of the United States of America, it is no more that right that the law should be enforced upon all other American citizens alike.  In all other governments when a man is born and raised there and asked for his national descent name and if he fails to give it, he is misused, imprisoned, or exiled, any group of people that fail to answer up to the constitutional standards of law by name and principles, because to be a citizen of any government you must claim your national descent name; because they place their trust upon issues and names formed by their fathers.

The word Negro deludes in the Latin language to the word nigger; the same with the word “color” deludes to anything that is painted, varnished and dyed.  And every nation must bear a national descent name of their forefathers, because honoring thy fathers and thy mothers, your days will be lengthened upon this earth.  These names have never been recognized by any true American citizens of this day.  Through your free national name you are known and recognized by all nations of the earth that are recognized by said national government in which they live.  The 14th and 15th Amendments brought the North and South in unit, placing the Southerners who were at that time without power, with the Constitutional Body of power.  And at that time, 1865, the free national constitutional law that was enforced since 1774 declared all men equal and free, and if all men are declared by the Free National Constitution to be free and equal since that Constitution has never been changed, there is no need for the application of the 14th and 15th Amendments for the salvation of our people and citizens.

So, there isn’t but one supreme issue for my people to use to redeem that which was lost, and that is through the above statements.  Then the lion and the lamb can lie down together in yonder hills, and neither will be harmed, because Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice will be reigning in this land.  In those days the United States will be one of the greatest civilized and prosperous governments of the world, but if the above principles are not carried out by the citizens and my people in this government, the worst is yet to come; because the Great God of the Universe is not pleased with the works that are being performed in North America by my people and this great sin must be removed from the land to save it from enormous earthquakes, diseases, etc.

And I, the Prophet, do hereby believe that this administration of the government being more wisely prepared by more genius citizens that believe in their free national constitution and laws and through the help of such classes of citizens, I, the Prophet, truly believe that my people will find the true and Divine way of their forefathers, and learn to stop serving carnal customs and merely ideas of man, that have never done them any good, but have always harmed them.

So, I, the Prophet, am hereby calling aloud with a Divine plea to all true American citizens to help me to remove this great sin which has been committed and is being practiced by my people in the United States of America, because they know it is not the true and Divine way and, without understanding they have fallen from the true light into utter darkness of sin and there is not a nation on earth today that will recognize them socially, religiously, politically or economically, etc. in their present condition of their endeavor in which they themselves try to force upon a civilized world.  They will not refrain from their sinful ways of action and their deeds have brought jim crowism, segregation, and everything that brings harm to human beings on earth.  And they fought the Southerner for all these great misuses, but I have traveled in the South and have examined conditions there, and it is the works of my people continuously practicing the things which bring dishonor, disgrace, and disrespect to any nation that lives the life.  And I am hereby calling on all true American citizens for moral support and finance to help me in my great missionary work to bring my people out darkness into marvelous light. 

Prophet Noble Drew Ali

Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us that man has always existed.  He teaches us that all things are thought.  We are all thoughts of the GREAT GOD ALLAH.  And since the Great God of the Universe has always existed, so have HIS Thoughts.  They have always existed, and they will always exist.  Man has a journey in his existence.  He must grow and he must experience all the ways of life during his growth process.  He must learn to conquer carnal thoughts and words and deeds in order that he may be the strength of ALLAH made manifest.  He must learn to use his soul in order that the end shall always be right.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us to know ourselves, to study ourselves, and to be ourselves.

Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us about the Oneness of ALLAH.  We are taught about the reality of creation, about the reality of all the Thoughts of ALLAH.  We are taught that all life is connected to each other; that all life is sacred and must be treated as such.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us that all nations have a different genetic code and that every nation sees God according to that genetic code.  In the Moorish Science Temple of America we are taught tolerance and understanding in regards to someone else’s point of view.  The Holy Koran of Mecca teaches us that ALLAH gave every nation their own religious ceremonies and Prophet Noble Drew Ali instructs us that as each nation grows and unfolds, their God Concept will grow and unfold with them.  Law governs all events.  The Great God ALLAH guides the destiny of all things.  Therefore in the Moorish Science Temple of America, instead of focusing on condemning another nation’s point of view, we focus on strengthening our own.  We focus on climbing up that twelve step ladder until we reach the pinnacle of that which life is spent to build, the temple of perfected man.

Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us that we each have responsibilities towards ourselves, our nation and our fellow occupants of the planet.  We must show by example that we were not born in sin and that righteous thinking and living is not a myth.  There is no compulsion in Islam.  We are all possessed with will; therefore we have the power to choose.  We as a nation have been subjected to both physical and mental slavery.  This is because we strayed after the gods of Europe, of whom we knew nothing.  In the Moorish Science Temple of America we teach that it is our fault that we have suffered slavery.  Through sin and disobedience every nation has suffered slavery, due to the fact that they honored not the creed and principles of their forefathers.  Therefore we do not blame the European nations for our experience.  Law governs all events.  The Judgment of ALLAH cannot be changed; and no one can subject us to anything except by the permission of ALLAH.  As we chose to follow the ideals of other nations, we must now choose to follow the ideals of our ancient forefathers.  We must choose to be ourselves and we must choose to think like ourselves.  Due to our experiences, we must learn again, how to love instead of hate.  We must destroy the shackles of mental slavery.  We must learn how to love ourselves and we must learn how to love others. 

The Moorish Science Temple of America has specialized knowledge.  With this specialized knowledge we can learn to be ourselves again.  With this specialized knowledge we can embrace that duty that we have to think a certain way.  We are for peace and not destruction.  When the lessons of Prophet Noble Drew Ali are implemented in our lives we begin to think a certain way.  We begin to tune into the true love of ALLAH and the spirit of our forefathers.  We begin to tune in to our own genetic code and start thinking and acting like ourselves thus becoming productive members of American society.  Each nation has a different genetic code; this is why we see ALLAH from different points of view.  Just as in nature different species of animal, though they may belong to a larger group, has its own genetic code and thinks slightly different from other members of its genus.  The Prophet said “If I can get you to thinking, you will save yourselves.”  Prophet Noble Drew Ali instructed us that the advantage lies not in possessing good things, but in the knowing to use them.  The lessons of the Moorish Science Temple of America are not for sale; they are for good, peace and happiness.  We are not allowed to falsely use our lessons.  We cannot promote hatred, slander, lewdness, murders, theft or anything that harms.  Any of us who promotes any of these things is not following the teachings of Prophet Noble Drew Ali.  Any of us who promotes these things is crawling around in the dark as a mole, and each will be exposed with dirt on his head. 

The laws and lessons of the Moorish Science Temple of America must be strictly observed.  If any of us makes a mistake, we correct ourselves.  We ask ALLAH to forgive us for our sins and we employ the succeeding moments of life in virtue.

Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us that we, as a nation are all of one family.  In the Moorish Science Temple of America, we are brothers and sisters by law and friends by choice; we choose to exercise our duty towards one another.  In our Divine Instructions the Prophet teaches us that love and unity is a Divine Rite.  Correct thinking and living is a ritual; a ritual that must be exercised in order to reach salvation.  The teachings of The Moorish Science Temple of America are designed to bring about a realization of the relationship between a family and a nation.  Nations are made up of families.  The relationship between each individual and the family must be nurtured and the relationship between each family and the nation must be nurtured.  Our relationship with one another is a reflection of our relationship with ALLAH.  We are to treat one another with love and respect.  The Moorish Science Temple of America was designed to unite us, not to divide us.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us that a house divided cannot stand.  He said: “United, we stand; divided, we fall.”  The knowledge that we are actually one family should spark us to think as a family. 

We are immersed with Holy instructions that contain the spirit of upliftment.  Uplifting that can only be obtained by obedience to the precepts therein.  We have family duties and social duties and responsibilities.  The observance of Prophet Noble Drew Ali’s instructions makes us true Moors.  Those who follow Prophet Noble Drew Ali are on a high road.  They are on a road above those who claim righteousness but cannot live it.  The Prophet’s teachings speak wonders and the strict observance of the teachings speaks volumes. 

A knowledge of history is emphasized in the Moorish Science Temple of America.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us the history of nations, the history of Christianity and the history of Africa.  We are taught that to covet anything that belongs to anyone else is a sin.  Another person’s or another nation’s property should be sacred from our touch.  This is one of the reasons that we must return the Church and Christianity back to the European nations.  It belongs to them, it is sacred to them, and it should be returned to them with no love lost.

Prophet Noble Drew Ali teaches us the truth about ourselves.  We are Moors.  We are not negro, black or colored.  We are taught our true history and religion in order that we may be proud of our contributions to humanity and that we may learn to love ourselves again and continue to contribute to society in a positive manner.  We are Moslems and we are bound by the Divine Laws of the Holy Koran of Mecca.  This is the key to our removing the shackles of mental slavery and civilizing ourselves once again.

1. The fallen sons and daughters of the Asiatic Nation of North America need to learn to love instead of hate; and to know of their higher self and lower self.  This is the uniting of the Holy Koran of Mecca, for teaching and instructing all Moorish Americans, etc.
2. The key of civilization was and is in the hands of the Asiatic nations.  The Moorish, who were the ancient Moabites, and the founders of the Holy City of Mecca.
3. The Egyptians who were the Hamitites, and of a direct descendant of Mizraim, the Arabians, the seed of Hagar, Japanese and Chinese.
4. The Hindoos of India, the descendants of the ancient Canaanites, Hittites and Moabites from the land of Canaan.
5. The Asiatic nations and countries in North, South and Central America; the Moorish Americans and Mexicans in North America, Brazilians, Argentineans and Chileans in South America.
6. Columbians, Nicaraguans and natives of San Salvador in Central America,  etc.  All of these are Moslems.
7. The Turks are the true descendants of Hagar, who are the chief protectors of the Islamic Creed of Mecca; beginning from Mohammed the First, the founder of the uniting of Islam, by the command of the Great Universal God—Allah.

1. The foundation of Christianity began in Rome.  The Roman nations founded the first Church, of whom crucified Jesus of Nazareth for seeking to redeem his people from under the Roman yoke and law.
2. Jesus himself was of the true blood of the ancient Canaanites and Moabites and the inhabitants of Africa.
3. Seeking to redeem his people in those days from the pressure of the pale skin nations of Europe, Rome crucified him according to their law.
4. Then Europe had peace for a long time until Mohammed the first came upon the scene and fulfilled the works of Jesus of Nazareth.
5. The holy teaching of Jesus was to the common people, to redeem them from under the great pressure of the hands of the unjust.  That the rulers and the rich would not oppress the poor.  Also that the lion and the lamb may lay down together and neither would be harmed when morning came.
6. These teachings were not accepted by the rulers, neither by the rich; because they loved the principles of the ten commandments.
7. Through the ten commandments the rulers and the rich live, while the poor suffer and die.
8. The lamb is the poor people, the lion is the rulers and the rich, and through Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice all men are one and equal to seek their own destiny; and to worship under their own vine and fig tree.  After the principles of the holy and divine laws of their forefathers.
9. All nations of the earth in these modern days are seeking peace, but there is but one true and divine way that peace may be obtained in these days and it is through Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice being taught universally to all nations, in all lands.

1. The inhabitants of Africa are the descendants of the ancient Canaanites from the land of Canaan.
2. Old man Cush and his family are the first inhabitants of Africa who came from the land of Canaan.
3. His father Ham and his family were second.  Then came the word Ethiopia, which means the demarcation line of the dominion of Amexem, the first true and divine name of Africa.  The dividing of the land between the father and the son.
4. The dominion of Cush, North-East and South-East Africa and North-West and South-West was his father’s dominion of Africa.
5. In later years many of their brethren from Asia and the Holy lands joined them.
6. The Moabites from the land of Moab who received permission from the Pharaohs of Egypt to settle and inhabit North-West Africa; they were the founders and are the true possessors of the present Moroccan Empire.  With their Canaanite, Hittite and Amorite brethren who sojourned from the land of Canaan seeking new homes.
7. Their dominion and inhabitation extended from North-East and South-West Africa, across the great Atlantis even unto the present North, South and Central America and also Mexico and the Atlantis Islands; before the great earthquake, which caused the great Atlantic Ocean.
8. The River Nile was dredged and made by the ancient Pharaohs of Egypt, in order to trade with the surrounding kingdom.  Also the Niger River was dredged by the great Pharaoh of Egypt in those ancient days for trade, and it extends eastward from the River Nile, westward across the great Atlantic.  It was used for trade and transportation.
9. According to all true and divine records of the human race there is no negro, black, or colored race attached to the human family, because all the inhabitants of Africa were and are of the human race, descendants of the ancient Canaanite nation from the holy land of Canaan.
10. What your ancient forefathers were, you are today without doubt or contradiction.
11. There is no one who is able to change man from the descendant nature of his forefathers; unless his power extends beyond the great universal Creator Allah Himself.
12. These holy and divine laws are from the Prophet, Noble Drew Ali, the founder of the uniting of the Moorish Science Temple of America.
13. These laws are to be strictly preserved by the members of all the Temples, of the Moorish Science Temple of America.  That they will learn to open their meeting and guide it according to the principles of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice.
14. Every subordinate Temple of the Grand-Major Temple is to form under the covenant of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice; and create their own laws and customs, in conjunction with the laws of the Holy Prophet and the Grand Temple.  I, the Prophet, Noble Drew Ali, was sent by the Great God, Allah, to warn all Asiatics of America to repent from their sinful ways; before that great and lawful day which is sure to come.
15. The time has come when every nation must worship under its own vine and fig tree, and every tongue must confess his own.
16. Through sin and disobedience every nation has suffered slavery, due to the fact that they honored not the creed and principles of their forefathers.
17. That is why the nationality of the Moors was taken away from them in 1774 and the word negro, black and colored, was given to the Asiatics of America who were of Moorish descent, because they honored not the principles of their mother and father, and strayed after the gods of Europe of whom they knew nothing.

 Noble Drew Ali is ALLAH’S Prophet.  If one would examine the situation of the descendants of Africans in America and then would examine the teachings of Noble Drew Ali via the Moorish Science Temple of America without prejudice one can only come to one conclusion.  And that conclusion is that Noble Drew Ali is ALLAH’S Prophet and that the Moorish Science Temple of America is the only avenue through which our people can truly receive their salvation and be themselves. 

There is no compulsion in Islam.  This means that either one may accept the teachings of Prophet Noble Drew Ali or reject the teachings of Prophet Noble Drew Ali.  One cannot join the Moorish Science Temple of America until after they have heard the Divine Constitution and By Laws, the Warning, Proclamation and Instructions from the Prophet which are read at every Friday Meeting and Sunday School, etc.  When we make a call for new members we say:  “If you would like to link up with us and you have heard our laws and you think that you can obey these laws then step up to the Secretary’s table and pay your assessments and take out a Nationality Card to become a part of this Divine Organization.  If you do not have the money for your assessments today and you still would like to join our Temple, then you may step up to the Secretary’s table, take out a card and make your payment at a later date.  However, if you think that the laws are too stringent for you and you do not think that you can obey them, then it is best that you keep your seat.”  We have laws for all members and we have laws that are directed specifically at Moorish leaders called Sheiks, Sheikesses, etc.  All of the laws must be strictly observed.

The Moorish Science Temple of America is the only organization that will assist our people to know themselves and to go back to that state of mind of their forefathers Divine Creed and Principles.  Here in America there are many paths to take.  We encourage our people to take the path that ALLAH sent via Prophet Noble Drew Ali that will lead us back to those ancient thoughts of righteousness.  This is the path that will cause us to praise ALLAH properly again, as in the days of our forefathers.  On this path the package of faith, hope and love is the way of life; total trust in ALLAH is the way of life.  There is no failure for the human soul for ALLAH is leading on and victory is sure. 

“Islam is a very simple faith.  It requires man to recognize his duties toward GOD ALLAH, his CREATOR and his fellow creatures.  It teaches the supreme duty of living at peace with one’s surroundings.  It is preeminently the religion of peace.  The very name, Islam, means peace.  The goal of a man’s life, according to Islam, is peace with everything.  Peace with ALLAH and peace with man.

“The Koran, the Holy Book of Islam, tells us that the final abode of man is the “House of Peace;” where no vain word or sinful discourse will be heard.  The Holy Divine Prophet, Noble Drew Ali, says that a follower of Islam in the true sense of the word is one whose hands, tongue and thoughts do not hurt others.

“Object of man’s life, according to Islam, is its complete unfoldment.  Islam teaches that man is born with unlimited capacities for progress.  Islam does not support the idea that man was born in sin.  It teaches that everyone has within him the seed of perfect development and it rests solely with himself to make or mar his fortune.

“The cardinal doctrine of Islam is the unity of the FATHER—ALLAH.  We believe in one God—ALLAH, who is ALL GOD, ALL MERCY, and ALL POWER.  HE IS PERFECT AND HOLY.  ALL WISDOM, ALL KNOWLEDGE, AND ALL TRUTH.  These are some of HIS great attributes so far as we can understand.

“HE is free from all defects, HOLY AND TRANSCENDENT.  HE is personal to us in so far as we see HIS attributes working for us and in us; but HE is, nevertheless, impersonal.  Because HE in INFINITE, PERFECT AND HOLY.  We do not believe that death, decay or sleep overtake HIM, neither do we believe that HE is a helplessly inactive and inert force.  Nothing happens without HIS KNOWLEDGE AND WILL.  HE neither begets nor is HE begotten, because these are the traits of frail and weak humanity.

“This unity of ALLAH is the first and foremost pillar of Islam and every other belief hangs upon it.”

                                                                                     *******

Some say that the word Islam means submission or surrender.  Others say it has a dual meaning:  surrender and peace.  Many who say that Islam means submission or surrender say this because it is implied religiously that when ones surrender their will to ALLAH and adopt a godly lifestyle, they no longer have a reason to fear life or death and thus achieve a state of peacefulness in their souls.  By definition a Moslem is one who surrenders or submits his will to the Will of ALLAH by nature.  The name Islam means peace.  The word Islam comes from the Holy Koran of Mecca itself, the final Revelation. 

Our religion is Islamism.  Islam means peace and ism is the doctrine; meaning, this is how we live, this is what we do.  Ism represents the practice of or the action of.  Islamism is putting Islam into play or action.  Islamism is demonstrating Islam in thought, word and deed, meaning that Islam is our way of life. 

Islamism represents the praising of the One and Only God ALLAH.  There is no God but ALLAH.  No matter what name we call HIM by, there is only one God.  All the best names belong to ALLAH.  We can call HIM THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL, THE ALL KNOWING, THE MOST HIGH, etc.  All of these names belong to ALLAH, and HE answers to them all.  The name ALLAH means THE ONE AND ONLY GOD, or THE ALL IN ALL.  As mentioned earlier, every nation sees ALLAH from a different point of view, and every nation has a name for ALLAH that represents their point of view.  No matter what name we call HIM by, HE is still THE CAUSELESS, CAUSE, THE ROOTLESS ROOT FROM WHICH ALL THINGS HAVE GROWN.  ALLAH has no sons, no daughters, no partners or any rivals.  The greatest of sins is to ascribe partners or equals to ALLAH; HE has none of those; no one shares HIS command (Chapter 18, verse 26, Holy Koran of Mecca).  ALLAH is above HIS creation and all of HIS creatures depend upon HIM for their existence and their sustenance (Chapter 112, Holy Koran of Mecca).  ALLAH is the ONLY ONE we call upon for anything (Chapter 1, Holy Koran of Mecca). 

The Holy Koran of Mecca instructs us that on this planet, there are those who believe in the ONE AND ONLY GOD, ALLAH, Whom they cannot see and they have faith in HIM, and there are those who don’t believe in HIM without ascribing sons and daughters and partners and rivals to HIM.  Those who believe and live the life represent the higher self and those who don’t believe and accept other teachings represent the lower self.  Man has a free will.  Therefore he may believe in ALLAH or disbelieve in ALLAH, THE ONE AND ONLY GOD; and he is accountable for whatever choice he makes.  There is no compulsion in Islam; no one is forced to practice the principles therein.  In Moorish Science we believe that every man must worship under his own vine and fig tree according to the principles of his forefathers.  It is a choice that we make according to our own genetic code.  ALLAH guides anyone who wills according to the choices we make.  If we choose goodness, then HE gives us goodness; if we choose evil, then HE gives us evil.  Moslems choose the good; when it is placed before us, we recognize it; when we misunderstand or make a mistake, we admit it and move forward employing the succeeding moments in virtue.  This is Islamism.  Anyone who lives an evil life and represents the negative is not demonstrating Islamism.  If one pushes hatred, slander, lewdness, murders, theft or anything that harms, then they represent the lower self. 

Islamism is a representation.  The Holy Koran of Mecca instructs us that there are those who claim to listen to and follow the truth, but they have secret thoughts that keep them from doing right.  This is because ALLAH has put a seal on their eyes, their ears and their hearts whereas they cannot comprehend.  ALLAH seals their consciousness because they refuse to acknowledge HIS signs and symbols when they are presented to them.  They are caught up on the life of this world.  They refuse to recognize that there is something greater than the things we see.  We as Moors have no faith in the things we see, we have faith in the things we don’t see.  ALLAH instructs us in the Holy Koran of Mecca that the life of this world is a sport and play.  ALLAH tells us that we desire the life of this world, but HE, ALLAH, desires for us the Hereafter.

The Holy Koran of Mecca gives us specific instructions on how to think, what to say, and how to act.  One who follows Islam must read it and study it in order to know how to think and how to live.  It is the Final Revelation of ALLAH before the end of time.  It explains all other Scriptures.  It explains in detail all the things we need to know.  As Moslems we honor all the Divine Prophets and all of the Divine Scriptures. The Holy Koran of Mecca explains all of this; it even explains the Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America.  Without studying the Holy Koran of Mecca, Moors will continue to have a slave mentality and follow the doctrines of the Church and Christianity, even though they have their Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America.  This is because they have been indoctrinated with and immersed in the Spirit of those who were cast out of the Holy City and those who accept their teaching via the society in which we live.  The Holy Koran of Mecca explains to us how to return the Church and Christianity back to those to whom it belongs without being radical about it.  We Moors have nothing against the Church or Christianity.  We just know that it doesn’t belong to us.  If we follow their doctrines and way of life then we are perpetrating a fraud because we are trying to be like them.  We need to be ourselves.  Therefore we are returning those thoughts and that way of living back to those unto whom it belongs.

Upon joining the Moorish Science Temple of America, one receives a Nationality Card that reads:  This is your nationality and identification card for the Moorish Science Temple of America and Birthrights for the Moorish Americans, etc.  We Honor all the Divine Prophets, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha and Confucius.  May the blessings of the God of our Father, ALLAH be upon you that carry this card.  I do hereby declare that you are a Moslem under the Divine Laws of the Holy Koran of Mecca; Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom and Justice.  “I AM A CITIZEN OF THE U.S.A.”  NOBLE DREW ALI, THE PROPHET.

We are Moorish Americans.  We are descendants of Moroccans and born in America.  We are not Moorish Arabs.  We do not follow Arab teachings; we have our own birthrights.  We don’t do what they do; we do what we do.  We follow specifically the teachings of Prophet Noble Drew Ali.  Prophet Noble Drew Ali instructed us not to allow the Eastern Moslems to get up on our rostrum to speak.  They do not teach our science, they teach their science.  Eighty percent of what they do and teach revolves around Arab custom.  We follow the Divine Laws of the Holy Koran of Mecca as sent to us by ALLAH through the Angel Gabriel via Prophet Mohammed.  The Holy Koran of Mecca instructs us in Chapter 9, verses 97, that “the wandering Arabs are the worst in unbelief and hypocrisy, and most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which ALLAH has sent down to HIS Messenger.”  Therefore we are not interested in their interpretations of anything.  As far as the Holy Koran of Mecca is concerned, all we need is a true translation from Arabic to English.  We don’t need anyone else’s interpretation of anything.  We don’t need anyone else’s “hadith” or anything else that was not brought to us by Prophet Noble Drew Ali.  We can read and interpret The Holy Koran of Mecca for ourselves according to the WILL OF ALLAH.

The Holy Koran of Mecca instructs us that every nation was given its own religious ceremonies.  We follow our ancient forefathers Divine Creed and Principles.  Our ancient forefathers are not Arabs.  We are the Moabites from the Ancient Canaanite Nations from the Holy Land of Canaan.  According to the Holy Koran of Mecca we follow the same Universal Creed of Islam that was given to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses and to Jesus; the worshipping of the ONE GOD, and we ascribe no partners, rivals or associates to HIM.  It is the same Islam that was demonstrated in the ancient days, according to the ancient ways; which is Peace (Islam). 

Old man Cush and his family were the first inhabitants of Africa who came from the land of Canaan; his father Ham and his family were second.  Ham had four sons:  Canaan, Cush, Phut and Mizraim.  Ham was the son of Noah.  Therefore that Ancient Creed that was given to Noah belongs to us and it is ordained by ALLAH that we follow it.  This is why ALLAH sent Prophet Noble Drew Ali to bring that same Ancient Creed back to us; because it is a sin for us to follow anything else.  We believe in ALLAH, HIS Angels, HIS Scriptures, HIS Prophets, and The Day of Judgment.  That is all.  Islamism is that Old Time Religion and Everlasting Gospel and it was brought back to us by Prophet Noble Drew Ali.

Bro. Moreland El, Sheik, D.M.