Freemasonry and humility

There is a moment in the Quranic tradition that is unforgettable in its simplicity. A blind man seeks spiritual guidance, but is ignored in favor of powerful dignitaries. The Prophet frowns and turns away. It is precisely this gesture — this frown — that lies at the heart of Surah 80. A holy book that corrects its own messenger opens a rare window onto a universal human theme: the temptation of pride and the necessity of humility. It is a theme that resonates as powerfully within the spiritual tradition of Islam as it does within the ritual practice of Freemasonry. The Voice of the Surah: When the Powerful Turn Away Surah 80, known as Abasa (“He Frowned”), is one of the shorter chapters of the Quran, consisting of 42 verses revealed during the early Meccan period. The verses describe an encounter in which the Prophet Muhammad is deep in conversation with influential leaders of the Quraysh tribe. At that very moment, a blind man named Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum approaches with sincere questions about the faith. The Prophet, absorbed in his effort to persuade the powerful, frowns and turns away from the blind man. The divine response is immediate and […]