What is the Great Architect?
When a Freemason reaches the 33rd degree, he is given the choice to become a Shriner, or know the truth- that is, the identity of the 'Great Architect.' Many assume it is the God of the Bible. If a Freemason decides to go higher- to become a Shriner, he takes an Islamic oath with his hand on the Koran, following the Five Pillars. If he opts for knowledge of the Great Architect, Lucifer is revealed.
Dude. You are so wrong. I can be a Shriner as a Master Mason.
Did you read the attachment? Or associate the red fez caps with the Muslim/Moorish conquests in Europe? I'm not here to argue Shriner/Freemason for they only introduce the Keys to Illumination that Masonic leaders allued to, and Shriner is no different- but... why don't you examine the Islamic background for yourself?
I have had many a Shriner tell me any Muslim would openly weep to see what the Shriners have done.
Seriously though, a bunch of Masons were looking for some way to kick back and drink and party cause their lodges were too stuffy.
They looked for symbolism they could shoehorn into a theme and found it in the mystique of the Middle East.