The 12 Jewels Of Islam: Unlocking The Secret Teachings Of The Nation Of Gods And Earths

The concept of the "12 Jewels of Islam" is one of the most misunderstood and niche doctrines in contemporary religious thought, and as of today, December 17, 2025, its true context remains largely obscured from the mainstream. This powerful set of principles is not derived from traditional, orthodox Islam, but is instead the foundational moral and ethical code of the Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE), also known as the Five Percent Nation. These twelve jewels—spanning from mental development to material necessities—represent a comprehensive blueprint for achieving a righteous, self-sufficient, and elevated existence, which the NGE refers to as becoming a "God" or "Earth."

The 12 Jewels serve as a vital lesson plan for the Five Percenters, offering a path to self-knowledge and liberation that broke away from the teachings of the Nation of Islam (NOI) in the mid-1960s. Understanding these jewels requires looking beyond the surface-level terms and delving into the unique philosophical framework of the NGE, a movement that has profoundly influenced modern culture, particularly the world of Hip-Hop. This article provides an in-depth, fresh look at the twelve principles that form the ultimate foundation of the Five Percenter worldview.

The Historical Context: Clarence 13X and the Nation of Gods and Earths

The origin of the 12 Jewels is inextricably linked to the life and teachings of Clarence Edward Smith, better known by his Lost-Found name, Clarence 13X, and later as Allah the Father.

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• Birth Name: Clarence Edward Smith
• Born: February 22, 1928, in Danville, Virginia
• Military Service: Served in the U.S. Army, including a tour in the Korean War.
• Nation of Islam Affiliation: After his military service, Smith moved to New York City and joined the Nation of Islam (NOI), where he was given the name Clarence 13X. He became a student minister at the NOI's Temple No. 7 in Harlem.
• The Split: In 1963, Clarence 13X broke away from the NOI, rejecting the belief in a God who was separate from the Black man. He declared that the Black man was God himself.
• Founding the NGE: In 1964, he formally established the Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE), often called the Five Percent Nation due to the belief that only 5% of the population are "righteous teachers" who know the truth about themselves and the universe.
• The 12 Jewels: The 12 Jewels, along with the Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet, were established as the core lessons for the new movement, serving as a practical guide for the 5% to achieve self-realization and uplift their communities.
• Death: Clarence 13X was assassinated in 1969, but his teachings and the 12 Jewels live on through the NGE.

The 12 Jewels are a direct philosophical evolution from the NOI’s teachings, emphasizing self-knowledge, self-determination, and the material necessities required for a dignified life, a crucial distinction that set the NGE apart.

The Three Pillars: Mental and Spiritual Jewels (1–3)

The first three jewels form the intellectual and spiritual foundation of the NGE's philosophy. They are the tools required to understand the universe and one's place within it.

1. Knowledge

In the NGE, Knowledge is defined as the science of facts. It is the foundation upon which all else is built. It is the ability to look, listen, and observe the world and one’s self, and to understand the truth of existence. The acquisition of Knowledge is the first step toward self-discovery, leading the individual to realize that they are the "God" or "Earth." Without Knowledge, the rest of the jewels are unattainable.

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2. Wisdom

Wisdom is the active application of Knowledge. It is described as the vehicle in which a wise man lets his knowledge known. It’s not enough to simply possess facts; one must demonstrate them through action, speech, and sound judgment. Wisdom is the practical demonstration of one's understanding, often expressed through creative and constructive endeavors.

3. Understanding

Understanding is the mental state that results when Knowledge and Wisdom are combined. It represents a clear comprehension of a situation or concept. To have Understanding is to be able to see things clearly, to "stand under" the truth and comprehend its full scope. It is the final jewel of the mind, leading to a state of mental clarity and spiritual enlightenment.

The Nine Practical and Material Jewels (4–12)

The remaining nine jewels shift focus from the mental to the material and ethical, addressing the fundamental societal and physical necessities required for the "Original Man" (the Black man) to thrive and maintain their divine status. These jewels are what the NGE believes every person is entitled to and must strive to secure for themselves and their community.

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The Societal Jewels: Freedom, Justice, and Equality

These three jewels are the ethical framework for how a righteous person should interact with society and what they should demand for themselves and others. They are the cornerstones of self-determination and community upliftment.

• 4. Freedom: This is the liberation from mental, economic, and physical oppression. For the NGE, true Freedom begins with mental liberation from the false teachings of the "85%." It is the ability to think, act, and speak without being restricted by the systemic chains of the current world order.
• 5. Justice: Justice is the concept of getting what you deserve, whether good or bad. It is the balance of action and consequence, and the pursuit of righteousness in all dealings. The NGE’s Justice is rooted in the belief that the Black man is God and therefore must adhere to a divine standard of conduct.
• 6. Equality: Equality means to be equal in everything—equal in Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding. It is the state of being on par with one's peers and having the same opportunities and respect. This jewel rejects any notion of racial or social hierarchy that places the "Original Man" in a subordinate position.

The Necessities: Food, Clothing, and Shelter

These jewels are the material foundation of life. The NGE emphasizes that a person cannot achieve true spiritual development or mental clarity without securing these basic necessities through their own efforts, fostering a doctrine of self-sufficiency and economic independence.

• 7. Food: The necessity of proper, healthy nourishment. This jewel is often tied to the dietary laws and health principles taught by the Nation of Islam, emphasizing clean eating to maintain a healthy body, which is seen as the temple of God.
• 8. Clothing: The need for dignified and proper attire. Clothing represents respect for oneself and one's community. It is a symbol of self-respect and the rejection of the destitution imposed by the system.
• 9. Shelter: A safe, secure, and warm place to live. Shelter is essential for protecting the family and fostering a stable environment for mental and spiritual growth. It represents material security and independence from external forces.

The Ultimate Goals: Love, Peace, and Happiness

The final three jewels are the emotional and spiritual goals of the righteous life. They are the natural outcome of successfully mastering the first nine jewels and living according to the principles of the NGE.

• 10. Love: Love is the elevation of the heart and mind to a state of pure affection and unity, particularly for one's own people. It is the emotional bond that holds the Nation of Gods and Earths together.
• 11. Peace: Peace is the state of mental and spiritual tranquility. It is the absence of confusion, conflict, and internal strife. Achieving Peace is a sign that one has successfully applied Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding to their life.
• 12. Happiness: Happiness is the ultimate reward and the final jewel. It is the joy and contentment that comes from living a truly righteous, self-sufficient, and knowledgeable life. It is the realization of one's divine status and the successful completion of the lessons.

The Connection to Supreme Mathematics and Supreme Alphabet

To fully grasp the 12 Jewels, one must understand their place within the NGE’s entire teaching structure. The Jewels are taught alongside the Supreme Mathematics and the Supreme Alphabet, which are the other two foundational components of the Five Percenter doctrine.

• Supreme Mathematics: This is a system of numerical symbolism where each number (1-10) corresponds to a concept, such as 1 for Knowledge, 2 for Wisdom, and 3 for Understanding. The 12 Jewels are often seen as the practical application of the first three concepts of the Supreme Mathematics.
• Supreme Alphabet: This system assigns a philosophical concept to each letter of the English alphabet, further intertwining the NGE's principles into everyday language and thought. The 12 Jewels, Supreme Mathematics, and Supreme Alphabet together form the complete "Lost-Found Lessons" that the NGE uses to educate its members.

This interconnected system ensures that the principles of the 12 Jewels are not merely ethical guidelines but are woven into the very fabric of the Five Percenter's language, mathematics, and daily worldview, creating a powerful and comprehensive identity.

Modern Influence and Legacy of the 12 Jewels

Despite their niche origin, the 12 Jewels have had a lasting impact on popular culture, most notably within the Hip-Hop community. Artists from the 1980s and 1990s, particularly those associated with the "Golden Era" of Hip-Hop, often incorporated the language and philosophical concepts of the Nation of Gods and Earths into their lyrics.

The most famous example is the Wu-Tang Clan, whose members, including RZA and GZA, have openly referenced the NGE's teachings, including the 12 Jewels, Supreme Mathematics, and Supreme Alphabet. RZA, in particular, has directly rhymed about the importance of the 12 Jewels, ensuring their concepts of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding reached a global audience. This cultural dissemination highlights the enduring relevance of the 12 Jewels as a self-empowerment philosophy, even for those outside the NGE’s formal membership.

In conclusion, the 12 Jewels of Islam are a profound and detailed ethical framework that defines the identity and goals of the Nation of Gods and Earths. From the mental clarity of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding to the material security of Food, Clothing, and Shelter, and finally to the emotional fulfillment of Love, Peace, and Happiness, these twelve principles offer a comprehensive pathway to self-realization and a life of dignity, making them a crucial, though often overlooked, element of modern Black consciousness movements.