Freemasonry (Part Four)

Author: Abu Raef

Freemasonry (Part Four)

Names of Freemasonry

In this section, we seek to examine other names and titles of the Freemasonry movement in order to understand, through these names and titles, the meanings, concepts, beliefs, goals, and thoughts of this movement more deeply. These names have, in fact, been applied to it at different stages of its history, and each has been designated by the followers and leaders of this movement in specific circumstances based on its secretive and purposeful activities.

By reviewing the writings of researchers on Freemasonry, it becomes clear that this group has been known by various names, among which the most famous are:

1. Free Builders (البناؤون الأحرار) (Freemasons)

   This name is the literal translation of the English word “Freemasons” or the French “Francs-maçons.” The first part of the word, “Free” or “Francs,” means “free,” and the second part, “Masons” or “maçons,” means “builders” or “people of the construction profession.” Therefore, the combination of the two gives the meaning “Free Builders” or “Builders of Free Spirit.”

2. Thus, the Arabic term «البناؤون الأحرار» serves as a native equivalent for the foreign name “الفراماسونية” or “الماسونية”; therefore, many Arab writers and translators (including the Freemasons themselves) have used this expression.

3. Some have modified the expression, saying «البِناية الحرة»; meaning “Free Construction” or «جمعية البِناء الحر»; meaning “Association of Free Builders.” [1]

4. Sometimes, to provide further clarification, the title «البناؤون الأحرار القدامى والمقبولون» has been used to distinguish between the members of the first period (who were real professional builders) and the members of the second period (who were accepted from among non-builders).

5. In some cases, only one of the two parts of this title is used: either «البناؤون» or «الأحرار», and from this, expressions such as «جمعيات البنائين»; meaning “Groups of Builders,” or «جمعيات الأحرار»; meaning “Groups of the Free,” have emerged. [2]

6. The reason for the name “البناؤون الأحرار” is clear in the initial phase of Freemasonry, as at that time membership in this association was limited to free builders, not slaves or servants.

7. However, in the modern era, Freemasons apparently retained this name because of its metaphorical connotations, such as “building thoughts and minds” and “freedom of opinion and will.” [3]

8. Stonecutters (ناحِتو الحجارة)

   This title was applied to practical Freemasonry associations in France from the 8th to the 15th century CE. However, during the same period, in England, the more common name for them was «البناؤون الأحرار». [4]

9. Brotherhood of St. John (أخوية القديس يوحنا)

   This name was chosen by Freemason builders in Germany at the end of the 10th and the beginning of the 11th century CE for their association. [5]

10. Illuminati (المتنوّرون)

    This title was given to a branch of the new symbolic Freemasonry when one of its most dangerous members, Adam Weishaupt [6], established a special sect in Germany in 1776 CE and named it «المتنورين». His goal was to educate a superior generation of Freemasons who would attain the highest secrets of Freemasonry and then dominate the world.

Weishaupt wrote in The Order of Enlightenment: “The secrets of Freemasonry are known only to the Illuminati, and even they can access all of them only through research and effort; for the knight of the Illuminati must strive diligently in this path.” [7]

This sect is considered one of the most dangerous and powerful branches of Freemasonry, and its founder, Weishaupt, is regarded as the second founder of modern secret Freemasonry.

The use of the title «المتنورون» or «النورانيون» by the Freemasons is due to the symbolic meanings embedded within it: “light,” “enlightenment,” and “radiance of thought.” They use the title «المستنير» (Enlightened) for official members and the title «النور» or «أحد الأنوار الثلاثة» (One of the Three Lights: the sun, the moon, and the head of the lodge) for the lodge master, implying that they consider themselves carriers of light, guidance, and illumination for nations. [8]

5. “Arsonists” or “Igniters of the Ember” («الفحّامون» or «مشعلو الفحم») (Carboneria)

   This title was applied to Freemasonry when some of its followers in Italy formed a secret, armed political movement, which carried out numerous violent activities around 1821 CE.

   The scope of this movement later extended to France, where an independent branch with the same name and purpose was established. [9]

6. Other Names

   In addition to these names, other titles have been attributed to Freemasonry, including:

• «القوة الخفية» (Hidden Power)

• «الهيكليون» (Temple Worshippers)

• «أبناء الأرملة» (Sons of the Widow)

• «حكومة العالم الخفية» (Hidden World Government) [10]

It appears that most of these titles originally belonged to other secret societies that merged with Freemasonry or followed its methods, and thus they were attributed to it.

By examining these names, it becomes clear that most of these titles and expressions indicate the hidden and secretive truths of this movement. In a way, this movement claims to be builders and reconstructors of society and considers itself the renewers and restorers of human civilization.

Moreover, the Freemasons perceive themselves as enlightened and intellectual individuals, as if they are bearers of the torch of guidance and light, and that nations have no choice for their salvation and progress except to be under their dominion.

This movement also presents itself as religious and committed to spiritual matters, considering this as one of its principles and making it a prerequisite for the selection and recruitment of members. However, as will be clarified in the following discussions, this movement is in reality contrary to religious and spiritual teachings, and its efforts are directed toward undermining Islam and Christianity.

To be continued…

Previous Part

References:

1. Makarios, Shahin, Al-Adab al-Masoniyya, p. 3, Maktabat al-Muqtaṭaf, Egypt, 1895.
2. ‘Anan, Muhammad Abdullah, Tarikh al-Jam‘iyyat al-Sirriyya wa al-Harakat al-Hadama, p. 100, Idarat al-Hilal, Egypt.
3. Makarios, Shahin, Al-Asrar al-Khafiyya fi al-Jam‘iyya al-Masoniyya, p. 11, n.p., n.d.
4. Abu al-Wafa, Abdullah Ali, Al-Masoniyya bayna Ansariha wa Khusumiha, Majallat Hawliyya Kulliyat Usul al-Din bi al-Qahira, p. 257, Issue 41, 1446H.
5. Zidan, Jurji, Tarikh al-Masoniyya al-‘Am, p. 47, Mu’assasat al-Hindawi, Cairo, Egypt.
6. German philosopher who was initially a professor of synagogue law at the University of Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany, but later left and joined public Masonic centers.
7. Al-Masoniyya bayna Ansariha wa Khusumiha, p. 259.
8. Al-Adab al-Masoniyya, p. 88.
9. Tarikh al-Jam‘iyyat al-Sirriyya, p. 152.
10. Al-Masoniyya bayna Ansariha wa Khusumiha, p. 260.