#27- The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Why is the pronouncement of the shahada central to a Muslim’s identity and
practice of the Islamic faith? It is a name designating a unique being and him only. There is only one God.

2. How does the practice of the salat both mentally and physically help Muslims to live in obedience to the will of Allah? Mentally, it’s to help keep their lives in perspective. Also, it comes down to submitting one’s will to God as its rightful sovereign. Physically, they pray towards the direction of Mecca to participate in fellowship where one prays in solitude. As well as when praying, the body is in a defenseless position signifying that God has all the power.
3. In what way does the practice of Zakat influence Muslims as a community of faith? It shows that they are a community and that they take action on the disparity in their country. The upper and middle classes giving their wealth to the poor takes after God telling people to give back to the poor. Muslims that practice Zakat are doing Gods work.
4. How does the practice of Sawn both mentally and physically help a Muslim to live in obedience to the will of Allah? Mentally- it teaches self-discipline and fasting calls back to ones frailty, dependence and sensitizes compassion. Physically- a Muslim may not eat from sunrise to sunset. And may not smoke nor drink.
5. Why do you think that the hajj is a pillar of the Islamic faith? How is this practice similar and different from other world religions? I think the Hajj is a pillar because it shows a Muslim’s devotion to God and bringing everyone together as one. No one is different everyone is equal. To other religions, the Hajj is similar to Judaism. Jews are encouraged to visit Israel; this is the place where God made a promise to Abraham. It’s different to other religions such as Christianity and Hinduism.
6. What do you think are some of the challenges of practicing a life in a relationship to the Five Pillars? I think it is challenging to be a Muslim. Because of the strict laws that come with it, it would be a struggle to discipline yourself to abide by every single law. Some of the things I think would be hard to discipline yourself with is not drinking alcohol, fasting, the dietary laws, not having sex and praying 5 times a day.

#26 - 99 Names of God

The Compassionate, Life-Taker, Acceptor of Repentance and Infinitely Patient are four names that I think are used a lot when God is being referenced. For God to be compassionate, he cares about us. Whether we are in a good or bad situation, God cares even if we do not know it. Psalm 145:8, says, “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Through everything we do or say that can go against God or what he wants us to accomplish, it takes a lot for him to be upset at us but in spite, God is filled with love for us even during the challenging times of our lives.

            God has our lives in out hands at all the time. As humans, we like to take control of our lives so we can make it of what we want but ultimately, God knows our past, present and especially our future. He with the help of our parents brought us into this world. God being call the Life-Take is not abnormal because we are his children. Besides that: “So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves” Then God said, “Let the earth, each according to its kind; and it was so.  Then God said, Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… So God created man in His own image”. God has everything under control, even though some people might not believe it. He created everything and gave animals and us life so he is going to care of us regardless. We are under his protection and God is with us everyday.

            Luke 17:4 said, “If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him”. God wants us to forgive each other for what we have done. No human is perfect except for God. All of us sin because its natural and It comes with living in a world we live in not. However, when we sin, God wants us to come and talk to him to ask for forgiveness. He is called the Acceptor of Repentance a lot of times because he is open and understanding to the fact that we all make mistakes and sin; talking to God and asking for repentance is big because we are accepting our faults to him.

            Infinitely Patient as it states in 2 Peter 3:9, “Lord is not slow to fulfill hi promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that nay should perish, but that all should reach repentance”. Patience is definitely a virtue. When we know we want something, but cannot have it right away, we get frustrated, anxious and impatient. Well, God does not want for us to be impatient. God is known as “Infinitely Patient” because he will answer our need and wants in a timely manner because he knows when they should come at the right time. Honestly, if we could have what we want when we want it, some people would be happy. However, being patient and waiting on God to allow the things you want to come your way, works out for the better. Also, he will wait on us for when we go to Heaven and when we decide to ask for forgiveness.

            All four of these names are a few of the ninety-nine names that I have known for God to be recognized as. Each of them are linked in a way because they just fit together. They refer to the same God. He is everything, when we need something or want to talk to someone he is there, the compassionate. He is compassionate because he gave everything and us on this Earth life. We are under his protection and guidance helping us to move forward. He is compassionate and the life-taker and knows in this life that people sin. Nobody’s perfect so when we sin, we ask God for forgiveness. But sometimes, asking for forgiveness can be hard; however, God is patient when we want to come to him and willing to listen to us all the time. So, the God being compassionate, acceptor of repentance, infinitely patient is all in him because of the life he gave to us.

Blog post#24 - Islam Webquest Questions:

1.     What is the highest estimate for the total number of Muslims that live in the world today? 2.1 billion

2.      List 10 countries who have a Muslim population of 86% or greater. China, India, France, Germany, UK, USA, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil and Bolivia.

3.     What country has the largest Muslim population? Indonesia

4.     How many Muslims are there in the United States? 6.58 million

5.     Summarize each key beliefs below in a complete sentence:

·      Belief in God:  Muslims believe in one unique God, who has no son or partner. No one shares his divinity.

·      Belief in Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of the angles and that they are honored creatures. The angles worship God alone.

·      Belief in God’s Revealed Books: Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind as guidance for them.

·      Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of God: Muslims believe in messengers of God starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Jesus.

·      Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment when all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds.

·      Belief in Al-Qadar: Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but his belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill.

6.     Go to the following website and put 3 of Muhammad’s sayings in your own words:

·      “ Struggling is going against oneself and submitting themselves to Allah (God).”

·      “Honesty and staying pure while moving forward is the best way to live life and makes up the Divine words of wisdom.”

·      “Anger, dictatorship and being bias are sins, meaning going against God’s purpose.”

7.     What does the Quran provide? It deals with the subjects that concern human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law etc.

8.     In what language(s) does the Quran exist? Why? Only Arabic because it was revealed in that language. But in English translation as well.

9.     During which month was the Quran sent down from Heaven? 9^th month

10. What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do? What happened next? Commanded Muhammad to read and then he taught Muhammad some verses from the Quran, which Muhammad memorized.

11.  List and explain the 5 pillars of Faith:

·      Shahada (Testimony of faith): Most important pillar. One is required to say with conviction at least once in his or her life.

·      Salat (Prayer): Muslims pray 5 times a day- dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and night. Prayer often occurs in a mosque, but Muslims may pray anywhere.

·      Zakat (almsgiving): Charitable giving is a requirement of faith for all Muslims. Used to benefit the poor.

·      Slyam (Fasting): literally means any ritual fasting, but is generally understood to refer to ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan. From dusk to dawn for the entire month, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking and engaging in sexual relations.

·      Hajj (Pilgrimage): During the last month of the Islamic calendar, about two million Muslims ascend to the city of Mecca for the Hajj.  Every able-bodied Muslim is required- if finances permit to make it at least once in their life.

Why are they important?:  Helps to strengthen their faith in and service to Allah.

Why is cheating on the 5 pillars impossible?: Because all Muslims strive to perform, regardless of anything.

Compare the 5 pillars with similar activities in other religions: In Christianity, we have times of lent where we do not eat meat. Asking God for forgiveness. The Quran is similar to the Bible in Christianity.

12. What is Ramadan? 9^th month of Islamic calendar

13. What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan? Not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting.

14. What can destroy the good acquired during Ramadan? Telling a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath and greed or covetousness.

15. Why is the 27^th day of Ramadan significant? Muslims celebrate the Night of Power. It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran.

16. What happens when Ramadan ends? It is celebrated with one of two Islamic festivals.

17. What are 3 reasons Ramadan is important? Constitutes a period of atonement. The gates of Heaven are open. And the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.

18. Why is easier to do good during Ramadan? Good actions keep the devil away since he is chained in Hell.

19.  List 5 interesting facts you learned from the websites above:

·      Muslims account for one-fifth of the world’s population.

·      Islamic art isn’t restricted to religious work, but includes all the artistic traditions in Muslim culture.

·      Islam means “submission” from a word meaning “peace”.

·      Islam and Judaism go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham and their three prophets are directly descendents from his sons.

·      When pilgrims go to the Kaaba, they say, “At Thy service, O Lord” in response to Abraham’s summons.

Blog Post 22- Ancient Western Religions

1.     It flourished in ancient Iran, which was known as Persia. It began to flourish during the Persian Empire, which was at the height of its power and influence during the 4^th and 5^th century.

2.     After Persia was conquered by the Greek general Alexander the Great in 328 BC.

3.     An angel called Good Thought appeared to him and brought him as a disembodied soul, before Aura Madam, the Wise Lord. He recognized him as the true God.

4.     The sacred text is the Avesta. The oldest material is the Gathas and was written by Zarathustra.

5.     Ahura Mazda, the wise Lord. The eternal and universal goodness, controlling the cosmos and the destiny of human beings. He is celebrated as the creator.

6.     The belief in universal forces of good and evil.

7.     The Lie is in Zarathustra’s theology the one God, Ahura Mazda, who is universal goodness. Depicted by Zarathustra as an evil, cosmic force.

8.     Truth and lie, between the beneficent spirit and the hostile spirit.

9.     Shortly after death, humans undergo judgment. This requires crossing the Bridge of the Separator, which goes over an abyss of horrible torment but leads to paradise.

10.  Centered on agriculture. Its ethical demands include such principles as caring for livestock and fields. Generally one is to lead and doing what is right.

11.  Combine a wide variety of features from the Zoroastrian tradition. They maintain the monotheism of its founder and continue to revere the Avesta as their sacred text. They are located in India.

12.  The lliad, Odyssey and Homer

13.  The gods have human attributes. No deity, not even Zeus, is all-powerful or all-knowing rather all the gods and goddesses have their own specific talents, functions and limitations. Their behavior is much more humanlike than godlike.

14.  He celebrated Zeus’ great power and wisdom. His works portray Zeus as ruling with order and justice. Example: the play Agamemnon explains human suffering as being a necessary part of the divine plan of Zeus.

15.  A shrine at which the revelations of a god are received, often through a human medium. Famous oracle is the Delphi. They came to the oracle to seek out wisdom.

16.  3 aspects of religions are 1.) Individuals choose to become initiates and went through some form of initiation ritual. 2.) experienced a personal encounter with the deity. 3.) Gained spiritual renewal through participation of the religion and with most mystery religions, hope for a better afterlife.

17.  Par excellence

18.  He is associated with the god of fertility, vegetation and specifically vine. He is depicted in Greek art with vines and grapes, and there are accounts of him miraculously turning water into wine.

19.  Practice of skilled athletics and the military arts.

20.  He believed that we know things in this life partly because we have experienced them in previous lives. Knowledge therefore is recollection.

21.  Wisdom lies in identifying oneself with the truth of the Forms, rather than with the changing and imperfect material world.

22.  Both were called Savior and the intimacy of worshipers’ relationship with Asclepius bore a strong resemblance to the relationship with Christ celebrated Christians.

23.  Supernatural powers that were ancient Roman equivalent of deities. They defined their gods vaguely.

24.  Zeus (Jupiter)

25.  Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Neptune and Saturn.

26.  States would prosper if they had the favor of the gods “Pax Decorum”.

27.  Mithraism and Cult of Isis.

28.  Osiris was killed and hacked to pieces by his evil brother. His wife, Isis, found the pieces and mummified them, causing him to come back to life.

29.  Genius

30.  Because the emperor worship contradicted the Christian belief of monotheism.

Judaism Questions

1.     The first function of the Synagogue is House of Assembly. The House of Assembly is a place where Jews gather together as a community and a lot of special events happen here. House of Study holds Judaism’s most spiritual books and writings that people can study and worship from. The Torah is the foundation of all reflection and people can come together, read and learn from each other certain aspects of the religion. House of Prayer is where people come to pray and connect with God. It is also a place where people make special, spiritual bonds as an association.

2.     The designs of synagogues are different according to each location.  In Orthodox synagogues, they split the men and women up.  The Ark is located on the east side. The Ark holds the sacred documents that come from the Torah. There are a variety of different Torah Scrolls and in the middle of the Ark is where the Torah Scrolls are found.

3.     A Rabbi is someone who teaches the Jewish Law. A person becomes a Rabbi through serious training and tests of the mind and topic at hand. Must have at least attended college for 4 years, first hand experience as being a Rabbi and a few other things.  A clergyman who has the right to carryout special, spiritual rituals. A Rabbi is only allowed to minister the Jewish law to people. A Rabbi takes on the responsibility of heading certain faith ceremonies as well as serving as an advisor.

4.     The nature of the Shabbat is a special time between a person and God. Forgetting about everything and focusing on him and his work. Every week from Friday night until Saturday night is when Shabbat occurs

5.     The Torah means several different things in Jewish. It contains the first five novels of Moses. It also talks about Jewish values and rules of society. Talmud are writings to help analyze the passages and how to apply them to a normal life.

6.      Conservative was started because there were disagreements between the Orthodox and Reform advocates. Their commencements are different each time they happen. Some pertain to the Orthodox sect and others relate to the Reform group. In North America, there are 1.5 million members. 18-century beliefs are followed by the Reforms that date back to Europe. They believe that the Torah did not come from God but over the course of so many years. English is the official language that commencements are spoken in.  A little less than 50% of Americans that are Jews belong to this group.  Zionist started by Theodor Herzl, he was not a strict Jew. He thought that race discrimination was able to conquer absorption. Many Orthodox Jews did not like this group because the Messiah was not visible.

7.     Hebrew is a type of language. It was used back in the olden days but when Aramaic came about, that was the primary language. More than 1 million people speak Hebrew in Israel and more than 2 million speak it in other countries such as the United States.  You read and write Hebrew from right to left and there are 22 consonants.

8.     Yiddish also known as “Jewish” is another language of the Ashkenzaic Jews, which live in Eastern and Central Europe. Yiddish words are derived from Hebrew symbols. It is spoken in the United States and several other countries.

9.                1.  Mazal Tov:  Good Luck or congratulations!

                         2.  Shalom: Peace

                         3. Mitzvah:  Good Deed

       10.   Bar Mitzvah occurs when a boy reaches the age of 13. It is a day where the boy is mature enough for abiding by the commandments. A Bat Mitzvah is for when a girl reaches the age of 12, and a girl becomes this. The status that a girl/by takes on affects the society as a whole and it is always right to celebrate the rite of passage.  Jewish marriage is very sacred. It is seen recognized as a special connection between two people that completes Gods law. The Ketubah is the marriage contract. You do not have a Rabbi to minister a wedding but it is required to have 2 witnesses. Brit Milah is a ritual done for 8 eight-year boys that are being circumcised.

        11.    Rosh Hashanah: also known as “head of the year.” It is known as the New Year for Jews. This is a time for Jews to reflect on their past and try to make changes for the better.  Yom Kippur is the most valuable holiday for Jews.  Everything stops and you take time out for praying and fasting. Yom Kippur caters to sins committed against God.  Passover also known as “Pesach” includes festivals and starts the upcoming months of growing crops. Hanukah lasts for 8 days and is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

       12.  Something that I did know about Jewish traditions was on the Torah and what a synagogue is and the celebrations of a Bat/Bar Mitzvah.

        13.  The most interesting information was about the Hebrew writing. It was weird yet interesting that when Hebrew is written, it is written backwards.

         14.  One aspect of Jewish tradition that is similar to a tradition in my life is Rosh Hashanah. In my life I try to reflect on everything that happened but also set goals for the New Year to come.

          15.  One aspect of Jew tradition that is different is the Yiddish and Hebrew language used in Judaism.

Buddhism Review Questions

1.   Siddhartha Gautama

2.  The four passing sights were 1.) Old age 2.) A diseased man 3.) A corpse 4.) Ascetic. The significance of the first three sights was that they pertained to the reality of suffering and the impermanent nature of life’s pleasures. The fourth sight was a means of overcoming his despair.

3.   The Middle Way holds that a healthy spiritual life depends on a healthy physical life.

4.    Siddhartha’s enlightenment happened when he discovered the four noble truths; spiritual perfection in this life-thus had won salvation.

5. Sangha is the first Buddhist monastic community. It is made up of men and women from all walks of life. In Sangha, there are specific roles for monks, nuns and laypeople.

6.   The Three Jewels of Buddhism are Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

7.   Both Hinduism and Buddhism regard time as cyclical. The universe is eternal. The doctrine Samsara is believed by both religions. Liberation, which is known as Moksha (Hinduism) and Nirvana (Buddhism).

8.   The Buddha’s reaction towards Hinduism was not welcoming. He rejected the Hindu caste system and did not like the fact that only males controlled the Brahmin class through rituals and sacred texts.

9.   The three Marks of Existence are Anatta, Anicca, Dukkha. All three of the Three Marks of Existence deal with three common themes, ego (Anatta) suffering (Dukkha) and Impermanence (Anicca).

10.  The doctrine of Anatta raises a complex question regarding the belief in samsara. In Hinduism, it is not a problem because the eternal Atman resides within everyone.

11.   In Buddhism, your Karma is reborn. Karma in the understanding of Samsara is that the nature’s of one’s rebirth depends upon one’s Karma. When a person dies, his or her Karma continues on its path as it were, eventually bringing about rebirth.

12. The Five Percepts are 1.) do not take life. 2.) Do not take what is not given. 3.) Do not engage in sensuous misconduct. 4.) do not use false speech. 5.) Do not drink intoxicants. For monks/nuns:  6.) Do not eat after noon. 7.) Do not watch dancing or shows. 8.) do not use garlands, perfumes or ornaments. 9.) do not use a high or soft bed. 10.) do not accept gold or silver.

13.   Some possible English translations of the term Dukkha are suffering, frustration, dislocation or discomfort. Dukkha to me means a way a struggling in ones life.

14.   Tanha is desire, thirst or craving. It relates to Dukkha because it it seemingly unavoidable.

15.  The steps to of the Eightfold Path are Right view, intention, speech, conduct, effort, mindfulness, meditation and livelihood.

16.    The difference between the Buddha and other humans is that Buddha’s do not need a role model to provide teachings leading to their awakening. They are able to accomplish liberation on their own. Humans who attain enlightenment are known as Arhats.

17.   An arhat is a “worthy one” who has become awakened, is forever transformed, having experienced through the transcendent state of enlightenment.

18.   The literal meaning of the word Nirvana is “blowing out.” Nirvanas, rather than being reborn, the life energy of arhat is snuffed out, like a flame of a candle.

19.   The three divisions of Buddhism are 1.) Theravada 2.) Mahayana and 3.) Vajrayana.

20.     Theravada Buddhism focuses on the teachings: on cultivating wisdom through knowing the Four Noble Truths, and practicing the Noble Eightfold Path especially meditation.

21.    The literal meaning of the name Mahayana is “Great Vehicle.” The implications of the meaning that Mahayana is greater than Hinayana.

22.   Vajrayana Buddhism “fights fire with fire” by harnessing the energy of desire and turning it against itself.

23.    The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader of Vajrayana Buddhism. He is supposed to be the incarnation of Avalokiteshavara (bodhisattva). When the Dalai Lama dies, his successor is sought out through various means, some supernatural and others more mundane.

24.    Primary geographical regions of the three divisions of Buddhism: Theravada- Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Mahayana- China, Japan and Korea. Vajrayana- Tibet.

Buddha/Teachings of Buddha

Lotus Flower

           Siddhartha Gautama was born into a royal family in a kingdom located in Nepal. He was known that he was going to either be a wealthy person, like he is now, or a holy man.  Because he never associated with the outside world and common people, he got to experience it one time, when he realized that people grow old, get sick and die, and wondered what the purpose of existence was. He eventually left the kingdom and became a holy man. Siddhartha began to perform certain disciplinary rituals focusing on enlightenment and cleansing your inner self. This concept is known as Buddhism. Over time, he began to teach people how to meditate, in which it spread to other countries where achieving enlightenment is being practiced.

Three Jewels

            The three jewels consist of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. These three jewels help you to become a Buddhist. The Buddha refers to Buddhism and transforming your life to seeking enlightenment through retreat and studying the teachings of Buddhism. Dharma is ethical teachings that help you to live life. Sangha are examples of what Dharma teaches in order to accomplish Buddhism. The general term for Sangha is in reference to sharing your life with other people as a religious society.

Sangha Day

Dharma Cosmic Wheel

Buddha Wisdom

            Threefold way path is ethics, meditation and wisdom. Ethics refers to how we conduct ourselves. Our actions and words can have a positive and negative outlook on life. The law of ethics is called the Five Percepts. These principles are used independently but help with knowledge and delicacy. Meditation is a way of altering the mind through positive thoughts. Wisdom helps us to understand the true outlook on life and how being ignorant is not the way to think. A person who is wise will see life as stages in which they are ok with. 

        Four Noble Truths are 1. All existence is dukkha (suffering/painful). 2. The purpose of dukkha (pain) is a strong desire. 3.  Ending pain comes with stopping the desire. 4.  There is a path that takes us away from suffering. The noble eightfold path is very common when practicing Buddhism. It is intertwined with Dharma and are: 1. Right understanding, 2. Right resolve, 3. Right speech, 4. Right action, 5. Right livelihood, 6. Right effort, 7. Right mindfulness and 8. Right meditation.

Meditation (Threefold Path)