by Byron Muhammad
NEW ORLEANS—In a display of unity and fellowship, members of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine Akilah Temple, specifically Akilah Temple #283 and Akilah Court #255, recently joined hands with brothers and sisters of Muhammad Mosque No. 46 in a cultural exchange that left a lasting impression on those involved.
The day began with a presentation by the Akilah Temple for members of the mosque and the public, setting the stage for an enriching Sunday lecture at the mosque.
The presentation aimed to foster a strong working relationship between the two communities and the broader community they serve. “As Illustrious Potentate, it is my duty to ensure a strong working relationship with the community and those who are hard at work in it,” stated Brother Abe Johnson, the Illustrious Potentate of the Akilah Temple.
He emphasized the importance of like-minded individuals coming together, irrespective of their faith, to engage in meaningful work driven by genuine relationships and mutual affection. The presentation provided insights into the history and values of Prince Hall Shriners, while also highlighting their shared respect for Allah (God) and their commitment to their people.
Following the presentation, Brother Willie Muhammad, the Student Minister of Mosque No. 46, addressed the audience with a Sunday message that resonated deeply with the audience. The lecture was titled, “The Stone the Builders Rejected.”
For Brother Abe Johnson, who was attending a mosque for the first time, the message was a revelation. It brought a sense of familiarity and enlightenment, promoting a connection to truth, universal love, and appreciation for the Black community.
The Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan challenged him to critically evaluate the knowledge he had been taught and everyone to seek wisdom through research and personal understanding.
“Student Minister Willie Muhammad delivered unto us a masterful lecture—one that tilled the soil we had only begun to prepare earlier. The message tended to us all, connecting points in history, paralleling parables and drawing on our collective organizational aims, properly nurturing this fertile ground of potential opportunity for unity, which Allah has revealed to us,” said Potenpate Johnson, who also is Chief Rabban and Temple Director of Akilah No. 283.
One of the key takeaways from the day was the emphasis on unity, not uniformity. This theme struck a chord with the attendees, urging them to embrace diversity while finding common ground in their spiritual journeys. It is a message that transcended religious boundaries and holds the potential to strengthen bonds between communities worldwide.
Looking ahead, both communities expressed their desire to continue and expand their relationship. Brother Abe Johnson envisioned a future filled with productivity and growth, where they would work together to make a meaningful impact on the community. “God willing, this will be the beginning of a relationship of productivity and growth in the areas of community impact, fellowship, truth, and service to God,” he said.
“We are truly in perilous times that requires God’s people, our people to dwell together in unity. I can’t imagine a better organization to join forces with in support of the most noble of causes, the love of our brothers and sisters.”
Similarly, Brother Willie Muhammad shared his enthusiasm for the beautiful gathering and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the Akilah Temple members. “Today’s gathering was beautiful. Our brothers and sisters from the Akilah Temple and Court were so beautiful.
We were honored to have the opportunity to learn more about the temple and to be presented with the opportunity to share with them what we have learned from the Teachings of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan regarding various aspects of the Masonic rituals and the connection to the plight and resurrection of the Black man and woman in America.”
The coming together of Akilah Temple and Muhammad Mosque No. 46 set a precedent for future cultural and spiritual exchanges, emphasizing the value of shared respect, understanding, and cooperation.
“When we learn how to use our ‘mathematical theology’ in its proper term, one of the results is ‘friendships in all walks of life.’ Our success in community engagement and outreach begins with a sincere desire to aid the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in fulfilling what our Eternal Leader said of him: ‘Through you, I will get all my people,’” stated Brother Abdul Haleem Muhammad, Student Southwest Regional Minister of the Nation of Islam.
