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.

References