What Is Islam?

Noble Drew Ali is a prophet of Allah, who was divinely prepared to propagate the faith of Mohammed, and to extend the learning and the truth of the Great Prophet of Ali, in America”.  Therefore;

We practice in the five pillars of Islam:

Oneness of Allah, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.

We propagate the faith:

…in Allah, all the Angles, all the Prophets, all the Holy Books, and in the Day of Judgement.

We strive toward spiritual growth:

By purifying the heart through (1) knowledge of our Higher and Lower Self, (2) being of Service to Humanity, and (3) the Attainment of Virtue which results from habitually climbing a three-step ladder of Belief, Faith, & Fruition

Our focus and ultimate goal is taking our Islamic faith to a state of “fruition” (called “Ihsan” in Arabic). This state of “Fruition” (or, ishan) is the process of “building the Temple of Perfected Man“, where mankind “becomes what he knows“. In this state of being, one operates in harmony with Gods will — in every thought, word, and deed.

 

…UNCOMPROMISINGLY AFRICAN

“Moorish Science” is not a religion of its own. In fact,  the term “Moorish Science” was never used by our founder, Prophet Noble Drew Ali. The “Moorish Science” Temple of America is a hierarchical Islamic Religious Corporation that practices Islam from the same Scientific approach as our Moorish ancestors. As an organization, we honor our ancestors by practicing their divine creed and preserving the Moorish nationality we inherited from them.

Therefore, we teach  the practice of the Islamic faith with a view that it’s possible to reach the deific life. In other-words, to live ones life (thought, word, and deed) in union/harmony with Gods Will. Historically, Moors (Northwestern and Southwestern Africans), who were the ancient Moabites, are among those known to seek such a path.

Our aim to reach this state (called fruition, or Ihsan) is highly regarded in the esoteric approaches to Islam, such as Sufism.  Although Prophet Noble Drew Ali never mentions the term Sufi, his practices and prescriptions are common to the Sufi practice of Islam. The keynote of our Islamic practice is the union between man and God Allah.

It should also be noted that (like “Moorish Science“) the word, Sufi, was never mentioned in the Quran, nor in Prophet Mohammed’s sayings. There is no consensus on its meaning. The  “translation” of the word/term “Sufi” as a “wearer of wool” is one of many attempted explanations. Nevertheless, the Qur’an of Mohammed contains the essence and basis for so-called “Sufism“, and “Moorish Science“.

Therefore, Moorish Science (and Sufism) are both terms invented by the practitioners, and not the Prophets. They are not a religions in themselves, nor are they offshoots of Islam; they are the “old time religion” at the core of Islam and all other divine creeds. This will be explained more below.

The word Sufi is actually of Ancient Egyptian origin. The root “Seph/Soph” is a component of common Egyptian names—meaning: wisdom, purity (among many other meanings). Some of the standard Sufi terms that are often used are: old religion, antique faith, old one, and ancient tradition. Such terms were used/stressed by all early Sufi writers to indicate the pre-Islamic origins of Sufism. As a result, Sufi’s have often been condemned by the Islamic “orthodoxy”.

Egyptian mystics are among the oldest mystics of the world. However, their approach is common among the esoteric practice of all divine creeds, such as: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism,  &etc.

Ancient Egyptian texts attest to the concept of Animism—that all things in the universe are animated (energized) by life forces. Scientifically this agrees with the kinetic and quantum theory(s). Animism is an essential element in our practice, as well as Sufism, and traditional African spiritual systems.

The Moorish Koran confirms animism by its explanation of the seven forms of life:

1. Protoplast
2. Earth
3. Plant
4. Beast
5. Man
6. Angel
7. Cherubim

As the Moslem comes closer into union with God, his Higher Self increasingly gains control over his Lower Self. This allows one to become the captain of his fate – the master of his soul. Thereby, one increasingly gains influence over the other six forms of life.  Each of these seven life forms exist on two planes at the same time; – which are:

1. The Plane of Soul, (things unseen) and
2. The Plane of Things Manifest (things seen)

 

 

Things happening in your life are just “effects” — But you are the “cause”

We are now familiar with the plane of manifest, and the seven forms of life inhabiting it. This plane is limited to the world we experience with our 5 senses. In other words, we see this plane; hear it, smell it, feel it, and taste it.

However, the beings belonging to each of the seven forms of life simultaneously exist on the plane of soul (at the same time). This plane is composed of substances far too fine for eyes to see. This plane is outside the reach of our 5 senses. That is why spiritually in-tuned people are known to have a “sixth sense”. Scientifically speaking, this means the plane of soul contains life forms outside of the visible spectrum of light.

As you can see, the visible spectrum is only 300 nano-meters wide. That makes up an incredibly small fraction of the total electromagnetic spectrum. Less than 1% of all light that reaches us is in the visible spectrum. By most estimates it comes out to about 0.0035% of the entire electromagnetic spectrum! Have you ever considered what forms of life exist outside this very small window that your eyes see through?

In line with the Egyptian model, Prophet Noble Drew Ali, teaches us that the “Will of God” is an “omnipotent force” (i.e., its all-powerful – everywhere – all the time). Did you know that all 7 forms of life have the ability to “think” — and “thinking things” direct the will of Allah (God)? How often do you stop thinking? What does the majority of your thoughts consist of? Happiness? Joy? Accomplishment? Confidence? Fear? Doubt? insecurity? Misery? Lack? Suspicion? In accordance to their measure of thought, “thinking things direct the will (force)” of God. As a result, every thought is like a “prayer”, creating our own conditions. That is why intentional prayer is so powerful to change your life.

Did you know it is birthright of man to be “lord of the plane of soul” and “lord of the plane of manifest“? In the Egyptian model, the mystics consider the mastery of the lower self as being the key to becoming the “Lord of the two lands“. The “two lands” are the planes of soul and manifest (…and their earthly counterparts). Egyptian mystics called the process of reaching this state of fruition – “Uniting the Two Lands“.

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Prophet Noble Drew Ali – Resurrecting a Nation

We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them…”— Qur’an, Sura 14:4 

We hold Noble Drew Ali as the prophet of Allah sent to the Asiatic Nations of the America who have been mislabeled Negro/Black/Colored. The universal nature of the Islamic faith dictates that Prophets are raised from among every nation, speaking the language of that people, in order to make the divine message clear to them. Like a doctor, each prophet prescribes a script-ure suited to cure the ailments of that particular nation. If the medicine is taken, the result is earthly and divine salvation (Peace). If not, the result is misguidance and wrath.

Therefore, Noble Drew Ali propagated the true faith (iman) of Prophet Mohammed, which emphasizes:

1. Islam has no birth date
2. True Islam is the old time religion of the human family
3. Islam is a way of life which is so divinely united to our nature, that adherence to its precepts brings happiness to thy self
4. The ancient prophets (and nations) of the world have observed Islam since the time first man was formed in flesh…

And when the world is ready to receive, lo, Allah will send a messenger to open the book [of Allah’s Remembrance]  and copy from its sacred pages all the messages of Purity and Love. Then every man of earth will read the words of life in the language of his native land, and men will see the light, walk in the light and be the light. And man again will be at one with Allah.”  — Moorish Koran Chapt. 2:26-28

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The Moorish Koran and the True Divine Creed of Islam

The “Moorish Koran” (as we call it), is the holy book divinely prepared by Prophet Drew Ali. It was prepared for teaching and instructing Moorish Americans about themselves, and the essence of true Islam. 

The Moorish Koran does several things:

• It unlocks and clarifies the mystery of the Holy Bible
• It provides the Gospels (injeel) of the Prophet Jesus from the first 18 years of his life which are mentioned in the Quran of Mohammed, and missing from the Holy Bible
• It does not replace the Holy Quran of Mecca. That is why Drew Ali states the Moorish Koran “is the uniting of the Holy Koran of Mecca, for teaching and instructing all Moorish Americans, etc“.
• It is the “lens” or “glasses” Prophet Drew Ali used to help us clearly understand essential concepts of the Quran, in his peoples native language (as mandated by Quran, Surah 14:4, et al). Again, those concepts essential to his nations salvation.
• It approaches Islam from a Moorish perspective, which focuses on personal perfection through knowing the Higher and Lower Self and purifying the heart through the attainment of virtues
• It teaches those of Moorish descent the verifiable truth about their spiritual, national, and geographical inheritance
• It unravels the confusion of competing religious doctrines by revealing common truths that unites them all

What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil [O man], is from yourself. And we have sent you [O Prophet], to the People as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as witness”                          —Quran, Sura 4:79

The higher self is human spirit clothed with soul, made in the form of Allah… The lower self breeds hatred, slander, lewdness, murders, theft, and everything that harms; the higher self is mother of the virtues and the harmonies of life.”          —Moorish Koran, Chapt. 6:6,11                  

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The Faith of Mohammed is the Creed of Islam, and is rooted in the Articles of Faith

 Article of Faith:                                                                                                      Symbolic Principle:

Faith in Allah, and (Because Allah is Love)	LOVE
All his Angels, (Who carry the Truth from Allah, as a message to nations)	TRUTH
All his Prophets, (Who makes the message clear to his nation, to save themselves from the wrath of Allah)	PEACE
All his Holy Books, (Adhering to that “Saving Power” will make them Free from hardship and injustice)	FREEDOM
The Day of Judgment, (When the wicked shall tremble and be afraid; but the righteous shall rejoice in His judgments)	JUSTICE

“And for every nation is a messenger. So when their messenger comes (on the Day of Judgment), it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged” —Quran, Sura 10:47

These articles of faith, and what they constitute, comprise the central message repeatedly conveyed by the Quran of Mohammed.

“O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denieth [1] Allah, [2] His angels, [3] His Books, [4] His Messengers, and [5] the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray.” — Quran, Sura 4:136

 

On the surface, these principles of faith demand religious tolerance and freedom to every nation on the planet. However, in a profound sense, the inner meaning of these stations comprise a Divine Creed that explains the science of everything in existence. If adhered to, this creed puts the practitioner in harmony with laws and phenomena that govern the physical world, and the nonphysical world. This is why Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom & Justice represents the Divine Creed of Islam.

1. When this creed is accepted without doubt, you graduate from being “one who submits” (Moslem), to one of “the faithful” (Mu-mineen).
2. When applied as a way of life, the conduct controlling principles of this creed renders earthly and divine salvation…
3. Implementing this creed in government renders prosperity and respect for every nation and religion. This is how Moorish established “La Convivencia” in Spain (circa 711-1491 AD). There, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Moslems, &etc, coexisted in one society administered by the Moorish government, yet each group was judged and governed according to their respective religious law (i.e., “…the rites and ceremonies which they must follow…”).

48. And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a watcher over it. So judge between them by that which Allah hath revealed, and follow not their desires away from the truth which hath come unto thee. For each (nation) We have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had Allah willed He could have made you one community (nation). But (he did not), so that He may test you in what He hath given to you. Strive, then, to excel each other in good deeds. Unto Allah is the return for all of you. Then Allah shall tell you about that wherein ye disputed… 68. Say (O Messenger): “O people of the Scripture! You have nothing (as regards guidance) till you act according to the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), and what has (now) been sent down to you from your Lord (the Quran).” — Quran 5:48, 68

Truth cannot change, nor pass away. That is why the Moorish Koran states at Chapter 46:8-9, that:

…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. 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”

 

The term “Moslem” simply means “one who submits their will” to GOD. However, the Quran of Mohammed uses the name “Al-Mumineen” (“the faithful”) for those Moslems who also propagate the articles of faith. This is a significant distinction. It means all Moslems are not entitled to the name faithful, but all faithful are entitled to the name Moslem. This distinction is made by Quran sura (49:14)

[When] The Arabs say, “We have faith (iman)”. [Prophet], tell them: ‘You do not have faith (iman). What you should say instead is, “We have submitted”, for faith (iman) has not yet entered your hearts.’ — Quran, Sura 49:14

The “faithful” (“Al-mumineen“, in Arabic) are those Moslems who know that every nation is sent the Gospel of Allah, as a saving power that comes from ALLAH through Angels, by His Prophets. This saving power is preserved in the holy books, and remains an available resource to all, until the day judgment.

Islam is culturally neutral, and so every nations expression of Islam must take the shape of that national “container”. This is what Quran 22:67 means where it states –

“To every nation have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow: let them not then dispute with thee on the matter, but do invite them to thy Lord: for thou art surely on the Right Way.” —Quran, Sura 22:67

If faith (iman) has not entered the heart, one may be a Moslem, but they are not yet one of the faithful (Mumineen). On the other hand, when faith in these principles enter your heart, you become one of the faithful, even if you follow Jewish, Christian, Sabian, Hindu, or other scriptures…

“Indeed, those who believed [imanoo], and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those who believed in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.”                                               — Quran, Sura 2:62

“All people worship Allah, the One; but all the people see Him not alike… The nations of the earth see Allah from different points of view, and so He does not seem the same to every one. Man names the part of Allah he sees, and this to him is all of Allah; and every nation sees a part of Allah, and every nation has a name for Allah; You Brahmans call Him Parabrahm; in Egypt he is Thoth; and Zeus is His name in Greece, Jehovah is His Hebrew name; but everywhere He is the causeless cause, the rootless root from which all things have grown.”                      —Moorish Koran, Chapt. 10:17-19

 

We hope this synopsis was helpful. May Allah guide us all to happiness and virtue, thru worshiping under our own vine and fig tree.

—Moorish Science Temple of America