Freemasonry (part 10)

Author: Abu Raef

Freemasonry (part 10)

Degrees of Freemasonry and Classes of Members

In this section, we address an important part of the Freemasonic membership system, its leadership structure, and its key and fundamental members. These degrees, in reality, constitute the framework and foundation of the leadership and administrative system of this movement, and they identify individuals and officials according to their position and role in implementing plans and schemes.

Main Degrees

Freemasonry has three principal degrees:

1. al-Ṭālib, al-‘Āmil, al-Mutamarrin; meaning apprentice, trainee, or learner, which represent the degree of beginners.

2. al-Rafīq, al-Mu‘āwin, al-Shaghghāl, Ibn al-Mihna, and Zamīl al-Ṣin‘a; meaning companion, assistant, skilled worker, son of the profession, or fellow of the craft. These represent the intermediate degree.

3. The third and most important stage of these degrees is the stage of al-Ustādh and al-‘Arīf, meaning: master or foreman. This is the degree of those who have completed the path and possess superior skill. [1]

At the beginning, these degrees were real and practical, indicating a mason’s rank within the educational and industrial system of the building craft. However, when Freemasonry was transformed into a “symbolic” system, these degrees were also transformed to represent intellectual rank and the level of membership within the new structure.

Method of Entry into the Freemasonic Movement and Advancement Between Degrees

Entry into Freemasonry has never been easy or accessible to everyone.

1. In the old phase

   Entry was possible only for “selected masons,” namely those known for secrecy and the

   preservation of secrets. [2]

2. In the new phase

   Freemasonry became an organization with hidden and long-term objectives; therefore:

• It never presents its “merchandise” to outsiders.

• It accepts only those who possess social status, influence, or the power to change the course of events.

According to “Shāhīn Makāriūs,” membership is restricted to those “of whom humanity is proud and by whose help civilization and development are established.” [3]

Another condition is that the applicant must strictly adhere to Masonic customs and have full determination to proceed on its path. The meaning of these conditions is that a Freemason must be prepared for blind obedience, and that his primary loyalty must be to Masonry before religion and homeland. [4]

In most lodges, acceptance takes place only when two members endorse the candidate; the approval of one person alone is not sufficient. [5]

Entrance Examination of Freemasonry

After the conditions are fulfilled, an examination is conducted which is more a form of mockery and humiliation than a true test. In it:

• His eyes are blindfolded;

• Part of his clothing is removed;

• A rope is placed around his neck and he is dragged;

• A sword is placed against his neck;

• Then a “Masonic oath” is imposed upon him, the breaking of which is considered equivalent to “the shedding of blood.”

During this process, the ritual proceeds with symbols, strange sounds, and unusual movements—a collection of superstitions such that any alert and rational person, upon hearing of them, realizes that something hidden and suspicious lies behind them. [6]

Advancement Between Degrees

If the apprentice (al-Ṭālib) carries out the commands of the “higher authorities” precisely, after some time he may request promotion to “Companion” (al-Rafīq) and then to “Master” (al-Ustādh). At this stage as well, similar examinations are held, but more intense and more bizarre, accompanied by:

• Heavier oaths for preserving secrecy;

• Greater amounts of superstition;

• And repeated Jewish expressions.

This shows that these examinations were designed by “al-Quwwa al-Khafiyya” (the society of hidden power) in order to mock and ridicule those who have been deceived by the “illusion of secrets,” while they do not know the reality of these secrets and, even upon reaching higher degrees, will never come to know them. [7]

To be continued…

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References:

1. General History of Freemasonry, pp. 31, 67.
2. The Original Facts in the General History of Freemasonry, p. 31.
3. Masonic Ethics, p. 71.
4. Dispelling the Darkness, or the Origin of Freemasonry, p. 211.
5. Freemasonry Between Its Supporters and Opponents, p. 283.
6. Hidden Secrets in the Masonic Society, pp. 19–31; also Freemasonry in the Open, p. 30.
7. Dispelling the Darkness, or the Origin of Freemasonry, pp. 201–209.