Sunday marked the start of Eid al-Adha, the holiday surrounding the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2781327/Muslims-world-mark-Eid-al-Adha-prayers-gifts-social-events-sacrifice-sheep-goats-cattle-camels.html
I spoke to my son, Yasser, this weekend. He is at university in Jordan, but was home with family in Bahrain for the Eid. It was very interesting to talk to him about security. Jordan is in the middle of major unrest, but he feels safe enough there. Bahrain is less secure. According to Yasser and his father, this is because of the group we call ISIS, which they call Daesh. Yasser says that Daesh is a terrorist organization -- not true Muslims.
More info on Daesh at: http://theweek.com/speedreads/index/268282/speedreads-france-says-the-name-isis-is-offensive-will-call-it-daesh-instead
Related: Muslims Around The World Rally Against Extremist Antics Of Islamic State
For reference there is another big holiday, Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. More info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eid_al-Fitr
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You should know the basics: the Five Pillars, some history, including why Islam is an Abrahamic religion. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/
What do you find most interesting or most surprising? Post other articles about Islam here.
Moderate Islam Sheikh speaks out against ISIS
http://www.npr.org/2014/09/25/351277631/prominent-muslim-sheikh-issues-fatwa-against-isis-violence
ISIS’ Harsh Brand of Islam Is Rooted in Austere Saudi Creed - NYTimes.com
An audio report about "The Vicar of Baghdad" who works with Muslims and Christians in Iraq
https://m.soundcloud.com/decodedc/episode-52-the-vicar-of-baghdad
One thing I like about Islam is the 5 pillars and how they have sort of organized their religion into 5 central, most important beliefs that they follow. Maybe it is just because I like structure and organization, but I really think that is a good way to sort of put the priorities of your religion in order and have a few main things that are essential to practice if you want to be a good Muslim. Also, since they believe that this comes before their secular life, I think it is even more admirable because lots of times our society tries to fit religion around everything else that we do, rather than put our faith first, which we often profess to do, but don't actually carry out.
ReplyDeleteKristin, I also like how the 5 pillars sort of organize Islam's religion. Just like you I also like structure and organization. Without structure and organization I feel completely lost and stressed. So, I would also have to agree with you that it is a good way to sort the priorities and practices of your religion.
DeleteI know and am in fairly close contact with 3 practicing Muslins. If we create a set of questions, I could try to get answers from my contacts for you.
ReplyDeleteThe Muslim call to prayer happens five times a day. Most prayer is private - but during the day you would have to have a place to pray at work. It doesn't have to be a big space, but a Muslim might need access to water for washing feet and other purification.
ReplyDeleteHere's a YouTube video with a call to prayer. It makes me happy to hear it, not because I am Muslim, but because it is so beautiful. It is very familiar to me because I live in Tehran for 2 years as a child.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-s6UINrfnRw
One of the most beautiful death & dying rituals I have ever heard of involves Islam. When a baby is born the Imam (the holy man) whispers the Call to Prayer in the baby's ear. Then, when a person dies, Allah welcomes the person home with the same Call.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.islam-guide.com/
ReplyDeleteThis website describes itself as a guide for non-Muslims looking to understand Islam. The one thing I found interesting about Islam was how women are regarded. Women are given a dowry by the groom to spend however they like. They also keep their family name instead of taking the man's name. I think sometimes stereotypes are made about women in the middle east and it looks like according to this website all of those stereotypes are off base.
I just read the article that you recently posted "Muslims Around The World Rally Against Extremist Antics Of Islamic State." I really wish more things like that were highlighted in the news instead of it always being bad things about what ISIS is doing. It is good to know that the vast majority of Muslims are very against ISIS and are really speaking out about what is happening and showing their disapproval. There are extremists of virtually every religious group and it is really sad when stereotypes are made about that religion because of the few extremists, even if they are non-violent. Hopefully people start realizing this as well and Muslims everywhere will not be terrorized/hated because of the horrifying actions of a small minority, many of whom don't even believe in what ISIS is doing, but were coerced into fighting for them out of fear. Also I found this article to be very helpful in giving a brief overview of what exactly ISIS is and some other information about it.
ReplyDelete