Moorish Science Temple of America

Moorish Science Temple of America
Family	New religious movement / African American Islam-influenced movement
Origin region	United States
Founding period	1913 CE
Estimated adherents	Unknown; active temples and affiliated groups exist.

Moorish Science Temple of America is a U.S. religious movement founded by Noble Drew Ali teaching that African Americans are of Moorish origin and should reclaim an Islamic-linked identity.

Overview

The Moorish Science Temple of America was founded by Timothy Drew, known as Noble Drew Ali, in Newark, New Jersey, in 1913. Britannica describes it as a U.S. religious movement teaching that Black people were of Moorish origins and had lost their Muslim identity through slavery and segregation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Key beliefs

• African Americans are taught to reclaim Moorish identity
• Islam is interpreted through Noble Drew Ali's teachings
• Nationality, self-respect, and moral reform are emphasized
• Jesus, prophets, and sacred history are interpreted through Moorish Science texts
• The movement connects religion, identity, and civic uplift

Practices

• Temple meetings
• Study of the Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple
• Moral discipline and community uplift
• Use of Moorish names or nationality language
• Feast and convention gatherings

Places of worship

• Moorish Science temples
• Homes
• Community halls

Sacred texts

• The Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America
• Noble Drew Ali's teachings
• Temple constitutions and bylaws

Holidays and observances

• Noble Drew Ali's birthday commemorations
• Movement convention dates
• Islamic-influenced or temple-specific observances

Branches and related traditions

• Nation of Islam - The Moorish Science Temple influenced later Black Muslim movements.
• Islam - The movement uses Islamic identity and language while remaining distinct from mainstream Islam.
• New Religious Movements - It is often studied as a modern American religious movement.

See also

• Religion
• Theology
• Philosophy of religion
• New Religious Movements

References

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