Moorish Science
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Drew Ali's Moorish Science uniquely combined particularistic and universalistic elements in its interpretation of Islam, shaping it as both a racial and cultural identity. He placed Islam as a heritage specifically for "Asiatic peoples" nonwhite groups whom he saw as the sole recipients of divine salvation. This particularism set Moorish Science apart from universalist Islam which accepts all races. Ali ingrained his teachings with universal ethics supporting ideals of peace, justice, and brotherhood while maintaining Islam’s exclusivity for nonwhite followers. He adopted Edward Blyden’s concept of self-determination, envisioning a harmonious world where distinct racial identities could coexist independently. This alignment created a unique parallel between Ali’s ideas and white American nationalism, mirroring the racial identity distinctions present in U.S. immigration policy. He reframed black identity within Islam as both cultural and national, supporting racial purity while advocating for racial pride and autonomy among black Americans. Ali’s Moorish Science used Islam to affirm a distinct identity for nonwhite peoples, promoting self-determined unity and harmonious coexistence among culturally distinct groups.