Misconceptions About the M.S.T. of A.

Evaluating Purpose, History, and Authority

Before entering this analysis, let it be clearly affirmed that there is no ill will towards any of the Moorish Science Temples of America or their members[cite: 17]. The Temple, as a central component of the Divine movement founded by Noble Drew Ali, remains deeply important to multitudes across North America[cite: 17].

In 1925, Noble Drew Ali organized the temple as a religious organization created to spread the Islamic faith[cite: 17]. Today, it remains a religious organization[cite: 17]. A primary misconception among many Moors is the belief that the Moorish Science Temple of America functions as the government of the Moors[cite: 17]. Yet, no record exists where Noble Drew Ali declared the temple to be the national government of the Moors[cite: 17].

Following years of internal leadership disputes litigated within territorial courts, R. German-Bey dissolved the original Illinois incorporation in 1974 and re-incorporated in D.C.[cite: 17] This ongoing litigation created separate corporate entities—one incorporated in D.C. and another in Illinois—placing their operational frameworks within statutory municipal control[cite: 17].