The Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA) is a religious and cultural organization founded in the early 20th century in the United States. It blends elements of Islam, African heritage, and self-empowerment, aiming to provide African Americans with a renewed sense of identity and purpose.
Founded by Noble Drew Ali in 1913, the Moorish Science Temple has played a significant role in shaping Black religious movements, the identity of Moors in America, and early Islamic influence in the U.S. This topic explores the history, teachings, and legacy of the MSTA, offering insight into its lasting impact.
The Origins of the Moorish Science Temple of America
Who Was Noble Drew Ali?
The founder of the Moorish Science Temple of America, Noble Drew Ali (born Timothy Drew in 1886), was a visionary leader who sought to uplift African Americans by connecting them to their Moorish heritage.
He claimed to have received divine revelation during travels in Egypt and Morocco, where he studied Islamic, esoteric, and spiritual teachings. Upon returning to the United States, he developed a religious system combining elements of Islam, Christianity, and ancient African traditions.
In 1913, he established the Canaanite Temple in Newark, New Jersey, which later evolved into the Moorish Science Temple of America in Chicago in 1925.
The Purpose of the MSTA
Noble Drew Ali’s mission was to help African Americans reconnect with their ancestral identity. He taught that Black people in America were descendants of the Moors of North Africa and should embrace their ‘true nationality’ as Moorish Americans instead of identifying as ‘Negro,’ ‘Black,’ or ‘Colored,’ terms he considered oppressive.
His teachings aimed to instill:
✔ Spiritual awareness
✔ Cultural pride
✔ Self-reliance and discipline
✔ Moral upliftment
Core Beliefs and Teachings of the Moorish Science Temple
The MSTA doctrine is rooted in a combination of Islamic, Masonic, Christian, and esoteric principles. It also promotes self-improvement, civic responsibility, and economic independence.
1. The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple
Noble Drew Ali introduced the ‘Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple’, also known as the Circle 7 Koran. This text, distinct from the Islamic Quran, includes a mix of:
- Teachings from the Bible and Quran
- Esoteric wisdom from Eastern religions
- Moorish history and philosophy
This book serves as a spiritual guide for members of the MSTA, emphasizing righteous living and moral discipline.
2. Nationality and Identity
A key belief in Moorish Science is that African Americans are descendants of the Moors of North Africa and should reclaim their Moorish nationality. Noble Drew Ali argued that the terms ‘Negro,’ ‘Black,’ and ‘Colored’ stripped African Americans of their heritage and legal rights.
Instead, followers of the MSTA identify as Moorish Americans and often adopt ‘Bey’ or ‘El’ as part of their surnames to signify their noble lineage.
3. The Five Divine Principles
The Moorish Science Temple upholds five core principles:
✔ Love
✔ Truth
✔ Peace
✔ Freedom
✔ Justice
These values are central to the MSTA’s teachings and serve as a moral code for its members.
4. Islam in Moorish Science
The Islam practiced in the MSTA differs from mainstream Sunni or Shia Islam. It is more of a spiritual philosophy emphasizing:
- Personal discipline and self-mastery
- Respect for all faiths
- Moral upliftment and community service
Members often greet each other with ‘Islam!’ as a sign of brotherhood and unity.
The Growth and Challenges of the MSTA
Expansion and Influence
During the 1920s and 1930s, the Moorish Science Temple expanded, establishing temples across the U.S. in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York. The movement gained followers, particularly among African Americans seeking spiritual identity and empowerment.
However, in 1929, Noble Drew Ali’s sudden death under mysterious circumstances led to internal divisions within the movement. Leadership struggles caused splits, with different groups claiming to be the rightful successors.
The MSTA’s Influence on Other Movements
Despite its internal challenges, the Moorish Science Temple laid the foundation for later Black religious and nationalist movements. Its influence can be seen in:
✔ The Nation of Islam (NOI) – Some scholars suggest that Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the NOI, was influenced by MSTA teachings. The NOI also promotes Black identity, self-reliance, and Islamic principles.
✔ The Five-Percent Nation – This movement, founded in the 1960s, draws from Moorish Science’s focus on self-awareness and divine knowledge.
✔ Sovereign Citizen Movement – Some MSTA offshoots have been associated with legal and sovereignty-based activism, although not all Moorish groups subscribe to this ideology.
Moorish Science Temple of America Today
Modern-Day Moorish Communities
Today, the Moorish Science Temple of America continues to exist, with multiple factions operating throughout the United States. Some focus on spiritual teachings, while others emphasize legal and national identity aspects.
Controversies and Misconceptions
In recent years, some individuals claiming Moorish nationality have been involved in legal disputes, arguing that they are exempt from U.S. laws due to their sovereign status. However, mainstream MSTA leaders reject these actions, maintaining that the movement is about spiritual enlightenment, not legal loopholes.
The Lasting Legacy of the Moorish Science Temple
The Moorish Science Temple remains an important historical and spiritual movement within the African American community. Its impact includes:
✔ Restoring cultural and national identity to Black Americans
✔ Introducing Islamic and Moorish philosophy in the U.S.
✔ Inspiring later Black empowerment movements
✔ Promoting self-discipline and moral upliftment
Although it is not as widely known as other Black religious movements, the MSTA’s teachings continue to inspire those seeking spiritual and cultural identity.
The Moorish Science Temple of America is more than just a religious group; it is a cultural and spiritual movement that has shaped the identity of African Americans for over a century. Founded by Noble Drew Ali, it introduced the idea that Black Americans have Moorish heritage, encouraging them to reclaim their nationality, faith, and dignity.
Despite leadership challenges and misconceptions, the MSTA remains an enduring symbol of Black empowerment, religious unity, and self-determination. As the movement continues into the 21st century, its message of love, truth, peace, freedom, and justice still holds relevance today.