sufism is the heart of islam
Sufism is the heart of Islam- Sufism (tasawuf in Arabic) represents the mystical dimension of Islamic religious life. The phrase 'mystical' itself can be problematic in the sense that it can sometimes be used to depict the occult or the quasimagical quackery of new age thinking or new religious movements. It may also at times be used to express the sense of the mysterious felt by those who assert some class of spirituality, yet Sufism has little, if anything to do with these. Through following a series of devotional practises, which lead to higher levels of ecstatic state, Sufis aspire to realise a condition in which they are in direct communion with God. Sufism itself has been defined in many ways, some view it as a continuous striving to cleanse ones self of all that is bad or evil in order to acquire virtue, others view it as the path followed by an individual who is seeking to free himself or herself from human vices and weaknesses in order to acquire angelic qualities and conduct pleasing to God. Sufism has been criticised heavily by Muslims as well as non-Muslims, while some have argued from the perspective that Sufism is the ultimate heart of Islam. If Sufism despite having differences from conventional Islam, is actually the heart of Islam, then if so, why can't the other sects of Islam such as the Shiite or the Wahabi also be seen as
Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies The Fundamentals of Haj Tamattui The sequence of events done in Haj Tammatui (which counts for Haj and Umrah) is as follows: . Entering into Ihram from Miqat Before wearing the Ihram, one should take the opportunity to shower and clean one's self. One must then wear the Ihram, which consists of a loincloth and an apparel, with the head uncovered for men, whereas women are to wear their Islamic custom, wearing neither face cover nor gloves. However, a woman may cover her face with a slight veil only if her beauty is tempting enough to cause seduction. Then the intention is declared which is: "Labbayka-Allahumma-Hajjan" After taking these steps it is prohibited for the pilgrims to wear sewn clothes, remove or pluck hairs, clip nails, cover their heads, use perfume, hunt, enter into marriage contracts, have sexual intercourse, or cut the trees of the Sacred Precinct. When the sacred precinct (miqat) is reached the talbiyah should be chanted by men rasing their voice and saying: "Labbayka-Allahumma-Labbayk. Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Inna Al-Hamda Wan-Ni`mata Laka Wal-Mulk. Laa Sharika Lak." However women should let their voice be audible only to themselves. 2. Arrival Tawaf Stop chanting Labbayk and go around the Ka`bah for seven circles. Begin the Tawaf from the Black Stone. One must hasten during the first three rounds of Tawaf and walk during
"Suffering & Evil (Perspectives of two religions)"
R.S. Coursework 2 "Suffering & Evil (Perspectives of two religions)" Section A There is pain and suffering all over the world. Even at this very moment, people are facing death and torture, but the question is if God is all kind then why is there suffering? Who or what is the cause of this pain? How can it be stopped? Through this section of the coursework, I will discuss the answers behind these questions from the perspectives of the two religions, Christianity and Islam. According to Christianity, God is wholly good, he does not create evil nor is he evil. It states in Genesis that God created all things in the universe 'and it was good'. So if God is all good, then where does evil come from? The teaching on suffering in Christianity goes back to the beginning when Adam and Eve were created by God. Humans were given the one thing above every other living creature in the universe, and that was the power of free will. God had explicitly told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of knowledge but they were not able to comply with this one basic rule. They were tempted to eat from the tree by Satan, the devil, an archangel that was kicked out of heaven due to his rebellion against God. This incident 'The Fall' is used by all Christians as a good lesson on the origins of evil and suffering. Literalist Christians believe that this incident did happen sometime long ago but
Who are the Muslims ?
Islãm means 'peace' and 'submission to the one god'. People who follow the faith of Islam are called Muslims. Islãm is not just a religion which has a few rituals to follow but a whole way of life. Some people may think that it is a newer religion than Judaism and Christianity, but Muslims believe Islãm was a way of life chosen by (Allah the one god) from the time when He created Adam and Eve. Who are the Muslims ? There are Muslims in almost every country in the world. Look at the map above and you can see where there are a majority of the population who are Muslim. In more than 50 countries of the world Muslims make up the majority of the religious believers. Most Muslims live in the area around the Sahara desert and across the South-West Asian peninsular. Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh have the largest Muslim populations but there are also Muslims minorities in China, India and Russia as well as over 2 million Muslims in the UK. "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad pbuh is his prophet" "Allah! There is none worthy of worship except him, the ever-lasting! Slumber does not overtake him nor does sleep. Whatever is in the heavens and the Earth belongs to him. The following beliefs are vital for every Muslim: Allah (the one God) Angels The Books of Allah The Prophets Life After Death A Muslim cannot believe in one and ignore the other. . Muslims
Understanding the meaning of chaplaincy.
Understanding the meaning of chaplaincy The word chaplain has many meanings and different connotations. Its early usage is of Christian origins. Usually a Christian priest was in charge of a chapel in a prominent institution. But throughout time especially in the last 50 years the word chaplaincy has taken a whole new meaning. The influx of multi-faith immigrants has forced the nature of chaplaincy to reach out to other cultures and religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism etc. unlike before, predominantly everything was very much exclusive to the adherents of the Church Of England. In the modern world today, we see that chaplaincy work is not just confined to religion but has a broader spectrum. It deals with comforts and soothing the pains of difficulties in life. One of the most beautiful examples for a Muslim chaplaincy is how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) dealt with difficult situations, even before he was crowned with Prophethood. He served the need of fellow human beings, without looking into their religious identity. Hazrat Khadijah, his beloved wife has described his character in the most eloquent way. She says: "o' Prophet of Allah 'No' Allah would never disgrace you! You maintain close ties with your relations; you bear others burdens and give people what they need. You are hospitable to your guests and help those with a
Muhammed Ali - Fly like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee.
Fly like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee. Muhammad Ali is one of the most recognized faces on planet Earth; known not just for being one of the best fighters in the history of boxing, but for being one of the most knowledgeable persons of the twentieth century. Ali wasn't always known by that name though, he was born Cassius Marcellus Clay on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, him and his younger brother Rudolph had many small conflicts like any brothers would have, but they were, and still are blessed with having a very close relationship (Hauser, 2). Twelve-year-old Cassius was turned on to boxing after his brand-new bike was stolen at an annual Black fair called The Louisville Home Show (Jet). Joe Martin, a policeman who taught young kids how to box, was in a basement by the fair and after Cassius complained to him that he was going to "whup the person who stole his prized red-and-white Schwinn"(Jet). Officer Martin decided to push the frustrated youngster towards boxing. Six weeks later Cassius would win a three-minute, three-round split decision in his very first match (Hauser 7). Clay became more committed to boxing, fighting 108 amateur bouts, winning six Kentucky Golden Gloves Championships, two National Golden Gloves tournaments, and two National AAU titles (Ebony). Then the 1960 Rome Olympics came; a hesitant Cassius was afraid to travel over there in an
In the Name of Allh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. . O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. 2. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allâh. 3. And among mankind is he who disputes concerning Allâh, without knowledge, and follows every rebellious (disobedient to Allâh) Shaitân (devil) (devoid of each and every kind of good). 4. For him (the devil) it is decreed that whosoever follows him, he will mislead him, and will drive him to the torment of the Fire. 5. O mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily! We have created you (i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed male and female sexual discharge i.e. offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh, some formed and some unformed (miscarriage), that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants, then (give you growth) that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies
Examine and comment on Islamic and Hindu beliefs about life after death
Examine and comment on Islamic and Hindu beliefs about life after death Life after death is often a highly charged, debateable topic. Through this essay I will examine the argument that there must be an afterlife to explain morality in this world and refer to The Qur'an for Islam and Bhagavad Gita for Hinduism. This will allow me to conclude that an afterlife can justify morality, as human beings our life's conduct is dependant on the belief of a good hereafter. Both religions very foundation rely on the fact that there is an after life, as deeds in this life will be accountable within the next. Although Islam and Hinduism both believe in an after life they teach radically different things about what it is. The Islamic belief is based on a linear time line, meaning that each person will live on this earth once and after that be judged by God. "The good and the bad deeds of every person will be weighed." (Qur'an 7:8). This view differs with the Hindu belief as their belief is that to attain Mokhsa (release from the cycle of life) "everyone has to be reborn somewhere or the other to undergo some experience, until the Absolute Being is realised as identical with oneself." by Swami Krishnananda. The individual must continue to transmigrate between souls to diminish all bad karma in the various lives they had been in to attain complete salvation. Belief in "al- akhirah"
Marriage in islam THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY:
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY: . Engagement or Mangni: Does not qualify the future spouses to go out together, even if the parents consent. Man and woman become permissible for each other only after the performance of Nikah. 2. Dowry: The unislamic system of demanding and accepting dowry must be avoided at all costs. Shariah does not make any expense incumbent on the bride/bride's parents. Even the marriage expenses, it is recommended to be borne by the bridegroom. However, the bride can bring whatever she wants of her free will, and it will always belong to her. 3. Other Unislamic Customs: Many other unislamic customs have crept into the marriage ceremony of some Muslims. These customs are either borrowed from non-Muslim cultures or continue because they are established in past generations. One must avoid them if they are against the Shariah, even if some people are displeased. Other customs like the breaking of coconut etc. also do not feature among the Islamic rituals. All actions, customs etc., which show disrespect to Islam or weaken the importance of Islam, have to be avoided. 4. Haraam Acts: Some of the rituals in marriage ceremonies are absolutely Haraam like the playing of music. It is also Haraam for ladies to go for mixed gatherings without proper Hijab. Such things invite divine wrath and take away the blessings of this auspicious occasion. In the Islamic Law, marriage
Explain the Muslim idea of Religious Authority.
Jo Batty Part A - Explain the Muslim idea of Religious Authority Revelations are the way in which we receive knowledge of God and this is done through the Holy Books. In the Christian tradition there is an understanding that the Bible is a medium of revelation (Prepositional view), this is where the truths recorded by God are recorded, there is also an understanding that revelation is the way in which God acts with human experience through history (non-prepositional view) In Islam religious authority comes from God via the Qur'an through the process of tanzil. The Qur'an tells them about God and gives them guidance 'this is the book in its guidance is sure without doubt'. The Sunnah and the Hadith are also sources of authority. The Sunnah, which is the life example of the Prophet Mohammad, is a source of authority because he was a wise and trustworthy man who settled tribal disputes. The Hadith is also a source of authority because Muslims look to Mohammad because he showed true obedience to Allah's commands. The Imam also has authority, the Shi'ites believe the Imam possess spiritual ability and divine light but the Sunnis simply see the Imam as a leader of prayer who has no superior status. The Shariah is also part of religious authority because this is the Islamic law for Muslims and it gives all the basic rules and regulations as to how human beings should live