Author: Abu Raef
Freemasonry (part 11)
Second Topic: Newly Established Higher Degrees (Modern Degrees)
The exact time when these degrees were added is not clearly known. Historians of Freemasonry also disagree on this matter.
The well-known writer and supporter of Freemasonry, Jurji Zaydan, writes: “These degrees did not exist in the early Masonic works and appeared in France in 1736.”
Another writer on this subject, Hanna Abu Rashid, states: “These degrees were formed in the old operative phase between the years 926 and 1250 CE; and they were officially recognized only in France between 1736 and 1744.” [1]
Most researchers agree that:
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The number and nature of these degrees have always been a matter of disagreement.
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The purpose behind their multiplication has been surrounded by ambiguity and doubt.
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Their increase was gradual until they reached thirty-three degrees in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
This system became very widespread in French lodges. [2]
The Complete List of Degrees Is as Follows:
The Three Principal Degrees
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Al-Tilmidh (the Apprentice) – meaning: learner or apprentice;
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Al-Rafiq (the Fellow Craft) – meaning: companion or professional colleague;
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Al-Ustadh (the Master Mason) – meaning: master or foreman.
Higher Degrees (4–33)
These are the full degrees of Freemasonry members and officials, each bearing specific titles that indicate their duties and methods of operation.
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“Master of the Secret.”
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“Royal Arch Degree” or “Royal Covenant Degree.”
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“Perfect Master.”
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“Intimate Secretary” (Trusted Secretary).
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“Warden” / “Overseer of Construction.”
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“Inspector of the Building” / “The Priest.”
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“Elect of Nine.”
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“Elect of Fifteen.”
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“Sublime Elect, Chief of the Twelve Tribes.”
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“Grand Master Architect.”
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“Knight of the Ninth Arch” / “Royal Arch.”
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“Knight of Scottish Perfection” / “Grand Elect Ancient.”
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“Knight of the Sword” or “Knight of the East.”
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“Prince of Jerusalem.”
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“Knight of the East and West.”
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“Knight of the Rose Cross.”
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“Grand Priest.”
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“Grand Patriarch.”
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“Noachite Patriarch” / “Grand Master of the Key of Construction.”
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“Prince of Lebanon / Knight of the Royal Axe.”
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“Chief of the Temple” / “Attached Prince.”
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“Commander of the Black and White Eagle.”
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“Commander of the Royal Secret / Knight of the Brazen Serpent.”
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“Prince of Mercy.”
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“Knight Commander of the Temple” / “Supreme Commander of the Temple.”
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“Knight of the Sun.”
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“Knight of Saint Andrew / Grand Scottish Knight.”
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“Grand Elect Knight Kadosh.”
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“Grand Inspector General Commander / Sublime Knight.”
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“Sovereign Grand Inspector of the Royal Secret.”
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“Supreme Grand Inspector of Judgments, the Pure Opinion.” [3]
These constitute essential and fundamental components of the structure and organization of the members of this movement. In reality, these individuals function as its propaganda and operational arms and serve as instruments of influence within countries, movements, and institutions.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Al-Masūniyyah bayna Ansārihā wa Khuṣūmihā, p. 284.
[2] Ibid., p. 285.
[3] Tārīkh al-Jam‘iyyāt al-Sirriyyah wa al-Ḥarakāt al-Haddāmah, pp. 98–99; and Tārīkh al-Māsūniyyah al-‘Āmm, pp. 80–88.
