THE STORY

  • Ancient Origins & Mixed Heritage:

    Our story begins with the ancient Moabites, a West Semitic people who inhabited the highlands east of the Dead Sea. As descendants of these ancient people, our bloodline carries the legacy of one of civilization's earliest cultures. The Moabites were not isolated - they interacted and mixed with various peoples including:

    • Canaanites

    • Phoenicians

    • Ancient Egyptians

    • Other Semitic peoples

    Early Civilizational Development:

    Our ancestors were master builders, traders, and navigators. Through the Phoenician period, they:

    • Developed advanced maritime technology

    • Created sophisticated writing systems

    • Built great trading networks

    • Established colonies across North Africa

  • By 711 CE, our ancestors had established one of history's most advanced civilizations in Al-Andalus (Spain), where they:

    • Advanced mathematics and science

    • Created architectural wonders

    • Developed sophisticated agricultural systems

    • Fostered a multicultural society where Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexisted

    • Maritime Legacy:

      Before Columbus, our ancestors:

      • Crossed the Atlantic Ocean multiple times

      • Established trade with indigenous Americans

      • Left evidence of their presence through:

        • Archaeological findings

        • Linguistic similarities

        • Cultural practices

        • Agricultural developments

    • The period of 1492-1500s marked dramatic changes:

      • Fall of Granada ended Moorish rule in Spain

      • Many fled to North Africa

      • Others traveled to the Americas

      • Some were later brought as enslaved people

      Identity Transformation:

      Through systematic oppression, our people experienced forced identity changes:

      • From Moors to "Free Moors"

      • Then to "colored" or "Negro"

      • Finally to "Black"

      • Loss of connection to ancient heritage

    • In 1913, Noble Drew Ali began the great awakening:

      • Established Moorish Science Temple of America (1913)

      • Reminded us of our true nationality

      • Restored our connection to our Moorish heritage

      • Reclaimed the titles "El" or "Bey"

      The Divine Constitution states: "The Moorish Americans are the descendants of the ancient Moabites who inhabited the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa."

    • Today, Moorish Americans represent:

      • A reclamation of ancient heritage

      • Return to original names and customs

      • Recognition of mixed ancestry including:

        • Moabite

        • African

        • Arabian

        • Indigenous American

      Core Principles Restored:

      • Love

      • Truth

      • Peace

      • Freedom

      • Justice

      Legal Status:

      Recent developments include:

      • State recognition (like SR 1014 in Texas)

      • Growing awareness of Moorish American identity

      • Revival of cultural practices

      • Return to traditional principles

      Contemporary Understanding:

      Modern Moorish Americans recognize:

      • Their complex ancestral heritage

      • The importance of maintaining traditions

      • Their role in American society

      • The significance of their recovered identity

      This narrative shows how Moorish Americans:

      • Preserved their heritage through centuries

      • Maintained cultural connections despite oppression

      • Reclaimed their identity through consciousness

      • Continue to honor their ancient legacy while embracing their place in modern America

      The story continues as Moorish Americans work to:

      • Educate others about their heritage

      • Preserve their traditions

      • Maintain their cultural identity

      • Contribute to American society while honoring their ancestral legacy

Early Civilizational Development (2000-1000 BCE):

2000-1800 BCE:

  • Development of early Ethiopian kingdoms under Cushite rule

  • Establishment of trade routes between Ethiopia and Egypt

  • Early settlement patterns in North Africa

1921 BCE (from Light and Truth):

  • Time of Abraham

  • Early interactions between Hebrews and Ethiopians/Egyptians

  • Development of early writing systems in Egypt

1500-1200 BCE:

  • West Semitic Moabite Kingdom development Building of fortified cities

  • Agricultural innovations

  • Development of distinct Moabite language and writing system

Phoenician/Carthaginian Period:

846 BCE (from Light and Truth):

  • Founding of Carthage by Queen Dido

  • Establishment of Phoenician colonies along North African coast

  • Development of maritime trade networks

800-600 BCE:

  • Expansion of Carthaginian influence

  • Development of advanced navigation techniques

  • Establishment of trading posts throughout Mediterranean

  • Cultural exchange between Phoenicians and local populations

Early Kingdom Period (700-100 BCE):

700-500 BCE:

  • Consolidation of North African kingdoms

  • Development of advanced agricultural systems

  • Growth of urban centers

  • Cultural and technological advances

500-200 BCE: From archaeological records:

  • Peak of Carthaginian power

  • Advanced architectural developments

  • Sophisticated military organization

  • Extensive trade networks

Moorish american ORIGINS, ANCIENT & BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS (Pre-history - 2000 BCE)

A TIMELINE OF WHAT HAS BEEN

PRE-ISLAMIC PERIOD (1000 BCE - 700 CE):

  • Early trade and exploration between Africa and Americas

  • Phoenician and Carthaginian maritime activities

  • Development of advanced navigation techniques

  • Archaeological evidence of early contact

Moorish american ORIGINS, PRE-ISLAMIC PERIOD (1000 BCE - 700 CE)

ISLAMIC PERIOD (700-1492 CE):

Early Islamic Era (700-750 CE):

  • Spread of Islam across North Africa

  • Integration of Islamic and indigenous traditions

  • Development of new educational systems

Moorish Spain Period (711-1492 CE):

711 CE:

  • Tariq ibn Ziyad leads conquest of Spain

  • Establishment of Al-Andalus

  • Beginning of Moorish governance in Iberia

756-929 CE:

  • Establishment of Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba

  • Development of administrative systems

  • Construction of Great Mosque of Córdoba begins

  • Integration of diverse cultural elements

Golden Age (929-1031 CE): Achievements:

  • Libraries containing 400,000+ volumes

  • Advanced mathematical studies

  • Medical innovations

  • Agricultural advancements

  • Architectural developments

  • Scientific discoveries

  • Global Travel

Specific Developments:

  • Establishment of universities

  • Creation of public hospitals

  • Advanced irrigation systems

  • Astronomical observatories

  • Development of new surgical techniques

  • Advanced pharmacology

  • Navigation improvements

Cultural Peak (1000-1200 CE): Centers of Learning:

  • University of Al Quaraouiyine

  • University of Al-Azhar

  • Córdoba libraries

  • Translation centers

Achievements:

  • Alhambra Palace construction

  • Advanced mathematical calculations

  • Astronomical discoveries

  • Literary works

  • Philosophical treatises

  • Agricultural innovations

Decline Period (1200-1492):

  • Gradual loss of territory

  • Cultural preservation efforts

  • Continued scientific advancement

  • Architectural achievements

  • Maintenance of educational systems

1492: Fall of Granada

  • End of Moorish rule in Spain

  • Mass exodus begins

  • Cultural preservation efforts

  • Beginning of transformation period

Moorish american ORIGINS, ISLAMIC PERIOD

TRANSFORMATION PERIOD (1492-1900s):

1492-1550:

Immediate Post-Granada Period:

- Mass exodus from Spain

- Migration patterns:

* Return to North Africa

* Dispersal throughout Mediterranean

* Early presence in Americas

- Preservation of knowledge and culture

- Forced conversions

  • Mass exodus from Spain

  • Beginning of new racial classifications

1550-1700:

Colonial Era Beginnings:

- Early presence in Americas documented

- Recognition as "Free Moors" in early colonies

- Treaties with European nations

- Maintenance of distinct identity

1774 (Referenced in MSTA Holy Koran) during the time of slavery:

Critical Identity Shift:

- Loss of officially recognized Moorish nationality

- Implementation of new classifications:

* "Negro"

* "Colored"

* "Black"

* "Ethiopian"

1787:

- Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Morocco and United States

- Recognition of Moorish merchants and travelers

- Establishment of legal precedents

1800s:

Cultural Transformation:

- Gradual loss of traditional naming conventions

- Religious adaptations

- Cultural preservation efforts

- Underground maintenance of traditions

-Juneteenth 1865

Moorish american ORIGINS, TRANsFORMATION period

One of the many events that led to the Loss of the Officially Recognized Moorish Nationality and New Classifications converting Identity from bloodline to color.

Ludwig Deutsch

1855-1935

Austrian Orientalist Artist

MODERN ERA (1900-Present):

Early 1900s Revival:

1886:

- Birth of Timothy Drew (later Noble Drew Ali)

1913:

- Initial conception of Moorish movement

- Beginning of identity reclamation efforts

1925:

- Official establishment of Moorish Science Temple of America

- Development of organizational structure

- Creation of Divine Constitution

1927:

- Legal incorporation of MSTA

- Establishment of temples nationwide

- Implementation of:

* Divine Constitution

* Rules and regulations

* Membership requirements

* Religious practices

1928-1929:

MSTA Development:

- Peak of early organizational growth

- Establishment of multiple temples

- Publication of Holy Koran of MSTA

- Creation of organizational structure

MSTA Core Principles Established:

- Love

- Truth

- Peace

- Freedom

- Justice

1929-Present:

Organizational Development:

- Continuation of MSTA temples

- Preservation of teachings

- Cultural reclamation efforts

- Identity restoration work

- Educational programs

- Community development

Legal Developments:

- Nationality recognition cases

- Religious freedom protections

- Constitutional rights assertions

- International status considerations

Modern Activities:

- Educational programs

- Cultural preservation

- Historical research

- Identity documentation

- Religious instruction

- Community support

Moorish american ORIGINS, MODERN ERA

Moorish american ORIGINS, MODERN ERA

A. Islamic Historical Sources:

1. Al-Masudi's "Muruj adh-Dhahab" (956 CE):

Direct Quote: "Some people feel that this ocean is the source of all oceans and in it there have been many strange happenings... Adventurers have penetrated it at the risk of their lives, some returning safely, others perishing in the attempt. One such man was an inhabitant of Andalusia named Khashkhash..."

- Location: Vol. 1, p.138

- Significance: Documents early Muslim trans-Atlantic voyages

2. Al-Idrisi's Geographic Work (12th century):

Key Citation: "A group of seafarers sailed into the sea of darkness and fog from Lisbon... They finally reached an island that had people and civilization but they were captured and chained for three days. On the fourth day, a translator came speaking the Arabic language!"

- Location: Kitab al-Mamalik wa-l-Masalik, p.184

- Significance: Evidence of Arabic speakers in pre-Columbian Americas

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B. European Historical Documents

Columbus's Writings: Direct Quote from "The Narrative of the Third Voyage": "Certain principal inhabitants of the island of Santiago came to see him, and they said that to the south-west of the island of Huego... canoes had been found which start from the coasts of Guinea and navigate to the west with merchandise."

  • Source: The Voyages of Christopher Columbus by Lionel Cecil Jane

  • Significance: Documents African presence before European arrival

Las Casas's Observations:

Quote: "Did they not receive the Spaniards who first came among them with gentleness and humanity? Did they not show more joy in proportion in lavishing treasures upon them than the Spaniards did greediness in receiving them? " Demonstrates pre-existing civilizations

C. Archaeological Evidence

  • University of Cambridge Studies:

    • Findings of Islamic coins in pre-Columbian sites

    • Dating: 8th-9th centuries CE

    • Locations: Caribbean region

    • Source: "Before Columbus" by Cyrus Gordon, pp.68-70

    • British Museum Collections:

    • Carthaginian artifacts

    • Trans-Atlantic trade evidence

    • Maritime technology remains

D. Modern Academic Research

  1. Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick's "Deeper Roots": Key Findings:

    Documentation of Muslim explorers

    Analysis of trade routes

    Cultural exchange evidence

    Linguistic connections

  2. Ivan Van Sertima's Research: From "African Presence in Early America":

    Maritime technology analysis

    Cultural diffusion studies

    Archaeological correlations

  3. Linguistic evidence

F. Legal Documentation

  1. Spanish Colonial Laws: 1550 Royal Decree: "We are informed that because of the increase in price of Negro slaves in Portugal and in the islands of Guinea and Cape Verde... some merchants and other persons who intend to have them for our Indies..."

    Source: Spanish Colonial Archives

    Significance: Shows intentional racial categorization

  2. Modern Recognition: Texas Senate Resolution 1014 (2015): "Recognizing Moorish Americans for their contributions to our state and nation ."

  • Official government recognition

  • Modern legal status

 

F. Cartographic Evidence

  1. Piri Re'is Map (1513):

    Shows accurate coastlines

    Pre-dates European "discoveries"

    Source: Istanbul Library archives

    Analysis by multiple cartographers

  2. Haji Ahmed Map (1559):

    Sophisticated projection methods

    Accurate American details

    Source: Turkish historical archives

G. Religious/Cultural Documentation

  1. Moorish Science Temple Documents: Divine Constitution states: "With us all members must proclaim their nationality and we are teaching our people their nationality and their divine creed that they may know that they are a part and partial of this said government."

  2. Early Cultural Evidence: From "Light and Truth":

  • Biblical connections

  • Ancient lineages

  • Cultural practices

  • Religious traditions

Moorish american ORIGINS, extended