Author: Abu Raef
Freemasonry (part 42)
Continuation of the Discussion on the Connection and Relationship Between Judaism and Freemasonry
The Pillars of Freemasonry and Their Relation to Jewish Teachings
It is well known that Masonic lodges have three pillars. Shahin Makarius considers these three pillars as symbols of three things: “power,” “wisdom,” and “beauty.” However, shortly afterward, he states that these pillars in fact symbolize King Solomon of Israel, Hiram the King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff—namely, the three grand masters.[1]
It appears that Freemasonry presents these pillars to a new Mason as symbols of power, wisdom, and beauty; but when the Mason advances to higher degrees, he is told that these pillars actually represent Solomon, Hiram, and Hiram Abiff.
However, when we return to Masonic sources, we encounter another interpretation rooted in the Torah, which suggests that these pillars refer to the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud—the two signs that God placed for the Children of Israel during their exodus from Egypt, so that they could move in daylight while the cloud obscured Pharaoh’s path when he pursued them. It is said that King Solomon ordered these two pillars to be placed at the entrance of the Temple as a memorial for the Children of Israel, so that they would see them whenever they entered or exited the Temple for worship.
Thus, these pillars have various interpretations depending on the audience, but ultimately their origin and symbolism are Jewish,[2] which itself demonstrates the deep connection between Judaism and Freemasonry.
Shahin Makarius, as a Grand Master and leader of Freemasonry, has left almost no symbol or aspect of Freemasonry unexplained; he considered it his responsibility to clarify the nature and reality of this movement. Among these symbols are a point within a circle, two parallel lines, a book, and a ladder ascending to the sky.
He states: “In every lodge that is lawfully and properly established, there is a point within a circle from which no Mason may deviate. This circle is bounded in the north and south by two straight parallel lines; one represents the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the other represents King Solomon (peace be upon him).
Above them lies a book upon which is placed the ladder of Jacob, whose top reaches the heavens. If we understand the contents of this book and act according to its commands, it will guide us to the path of truth just like these two parallel lines—a path in which we neither deceive nor are deceived. And as we move around this circle, we inevitably encounter these two lines; if a Mason adheres to this, he will never fall into error.” [3]
The point of interest here is that this book and ladder are also found in the Torah; therefore, it can be said that all Masonic symbols, from beginning to end, have their roots in the Torah. This is one of the clearest indications of the connection between the two.
The Role of Judaism in the Spread of Freemasonry in Britain and the United States
At the beginning of the 18th century, King George I (1714–1727) ruled Britain, and he himself was a Mason. From that time onward, Freemasonry spread throughout Britain. “Hips,” in his book The Sacred Book of Subjugated Peoples, writes: “From the day the King of Britain assumed leadership of the Masonic lodge, there remained no political figure or prominent personality in Britain who did not join this lodge—one directed by Jews according to their aims and objectives. From that time, Jewish influence was no longer limited to political parties but extended to full control over the destiny of the nation, to the point that Jews became superior to all in our country.” [4]
They then attempted to spread Freemasonry in their colonies; wherever they entered, Freemasonry appeared alongside movements such as Qadianism or at least Bahá’ism.
From Britain, this movement reached the United States. The French newspaper Le Monde, in its issue of September 17–18, 1978, published an article on Freemasonry and Zionism, stating that the government of Jimmy Carter was more favorable toward Jews and Freemasonry than any previous U.S. administration.[5]
Continuing earlier discussions, Mowaffaq al-‘Umari writes in his book Freemasonry and Bahá’ism: “The British embassy in Baghdad and its consulate in Basra supported Masonic lodges. The ‘Babylon’ lodge in Basra sometimes held its meetings in St. Peter’s Church—the same church that was later investigated after July 17, 1968, because wireless signals were being transmitted from it. It was later discovered that some spies had moved a wireless device there.”[6]
The Roof of the Masonic Lodge and Its Relation to Jewish Teachings
The roof of a Masonic lodge is painted sky-blue, and it is said to be reached through a ladder known as the Ladder of Jacob (peace be upon him). This ladder is so named because Rebekah, the beloved wife of Isaac (peace be upon him), realized through divine inspiration that her husband’s soul was blessed. At that time, Jacob (peace be upon him) made a covenant with God that if he avoided His prohibitions and followed His commands, God would return him safely to his father’s house and make his descendants a great and powerful nation.
This indeed came to pass: after twenty years, Jacob returned safely to his homeland, and his brother Esau welcomed him kindly. His beloved son Joseph (peace be upon him) later became the Aziz of Egypt and the trusted keeper of the king’s خزانه (treasury).
Thus, the Children of Israel became beloved to God and turned into one of the greatest and most powerful nations on earth.[7]
Perhaps the choice of the blue color for the ceiling of Masonic lodges is related to the perceived prosperity and success of Judaism, symbolizing the superiority of this people over other nations and religions.
The Promises of the Torah Regarding the Return to the Holy Land
In some sources on Freemasonry, there is mention of “blessed promises.” Upon examining these promises, it becomes clear that they originate from Jewish teachings and the Torah, further demonstrating the connection between Judaism and Freemasonry.
Among these are the promises that the Children of Israel will return to Palestine: On that day, the Lord made a covenant with Abram (Abraham, peace be upon him), saying: To your descendants I will give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates. [8]
However, the matter does not end here; there is also a formidable promise stating: The Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves. Every place where you set your foot shall be yours.[9]
These promises serve as a strong motivation for both Judaism and Freemasonry toward domination over nations and peoples. They await the conquest of the Holy Land and the expansion of their influence and power. For this reason, these two movements work side by side toward shared objectives.
Continues…
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References:
[1]. Al-Asrar al-Khafiyyah, p. 36.
[2]. Al-Masuniyyah wa al-Yahud wa al-Tawrah, p. 48.
[3]. Al-Asrar al-Khafiyyah, p. 58.
[4]. Al-Masuniyyah, p. 143.
[5]. Al-Masuniyyah wa al-Yahud wa al-Tawrah, p. 50.
[6]. Ibid., p. 50, quoted from Al-Masuniyyah wa al-Baha’iyyah, p. 61.
[7]. Al-Asrar al-Khafiyyah, p. 38.
[8]. Book of Genesis, Chapter 15, verse 17.
[9]. Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 11, verse 23.
