Regardless of the differences: seeking the understanding of each religion of East

Learn about the history and ideals of East religion such as Islam or Judaism can lead to a better understanding of their faithful. And through greater understanding and tolerance, it is possible to dissolve the prejudice and hatred.

While it is true that there can be some of the most ferocious wars it came from religion, advocate groups have worked to put an end to the conflict not to take weapons. On the other hand, provide means to increase the understanding of these differences at the same time realizing the similarities between each religion.

To do this, the Foundation for Intercultural, interreligious research and dialogue (FIIRD) has focused on education as a means to foster the understanding of each monotheistic religion of the Middle East. FIIRD developed a program with this aim in the University of Geneva and then published a collection of books - a compiled Edition of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and the Koran. With these three books compiled together, readers can notice how every sacred text maintains ties with others.

Meanwhile, the press of the University of Texas has dedicated their publishing rights to disseminate information on free themes to more cultural knowledge. The Middle East, they say, has a suspension of significantly large in the international politics of United States, as well as its economy. As such, it is difficult to ignore them as an undisputed factor in international culture. Thus, these publications try to inform readers of different aspects of the Middle East, giving them access to a path of understanding.

While religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam have their differences, it should be noted that they have similarities that may surprise those who finally learn about them. Each monotheistic religion of East defends and encourages the same fundamental values. Values fundamental as the honor to life, do no harm to people, them they want to do good and the belief in a God are held sacred in all of them, no matter how each approach differs.

Long time has passed the age put an end to the conflict by the sword and violence. Today, many only want peace and understanding. But simply wanting to do not you will spend, but should, rather, take steps to make it happen.

Violence begets violence. In the same way, peace begets peace. To begin to lay the foundations for a brighter future, we need to create understanding polite conversation. With many organizations and programs now open to everyone, anyone can take a step forward and begin walking the path to a peaceful future.

Resource box:

The lift Foundation is an organization nonprofit that aims to increase education in the culture of the Middle East. Approach to main additional studies in the religion of the Middle East, the Foundation is open to any questions at TheLevantFoundation.com or call 713-222-6900.

The religion of terrorism

Agents real cause of terror in our society are the same people who live among us, born in families or our neighbor, would have been childhood friends, raised among us, anyone wondering what they would be forced to take this path of destruction, pain and terror? They may be some inherited this trait from their families; Some derive from externalities as financial gains or simply to the point of being famous. Other factors are poverty, ignorance, corruption, political oppression and 'power' seems to be the dominant reasons for all. But how do they do it? So easily... How are capable of easily adulterating minds? Using the pretext of the strongest of the species beliefs most human - "Religion"

Religion will prevail as long as the universe and all those who voluntarily or involuntarily associated to it. Persons that really might be affected by this pretext are extremist by nature, if not, they are molded into one, in the religious context. These days we are afraid to walk on the road, in the air, the water, nothing is less dangerous; each element is violated by terrorism. The majority of those involved in this religious vandalism is unfortunately Islamic. Worldwide most wanted terrorist he is Muslim and he tries to push the factor - "save Islam following the path of martyrdom"; It is in fact a way of killing, which never leads to heaven, but always ends up in hell. No religion preaches killing fellow human. Do it all in the name of God. Nothing can be more embarrassing preach terrorism in the name of God. They do not glorify their religion but only the degrading in all possible ways.

Some Nations harbor and support terrorism and act as a backbone of terrorism. Can the leaders of these Nations never give real thought to the inter-communal? They are too busy to blow their Swiss accounts. They never bother to think what the consequences of such heinous crimes? No, not only is gaining a smear of the image in the world but also to denigrate the image of its citizens. These Islamic terrorists claiming to be the fervent follower of Islam, never achieve what they earn their own Islamic citizens? No one is willing to talk with a Muslim person these days, no one wants to employ them or rented a House, the future will bring more difficulties to survive, which makes it impossible for them to earn a living, especially in non-Islamic countries. All doubt the integrity of a Muslim by the mere fact that the person is an Islamic follower. It is what they want? This is what they want from their so-called 'movements'! They claim to be anti-Christian, they want to kill all Hindus in the world but never it bothers about the fate of the Muslims? In the Muslim world of confidence or their friendship or even talk with them in the near future. This is the destination that have chosen to Muslim colleagues, the path of the deyección and hatred. They deserve everything? Why are they turning into mere puppets in the hands of those ravagers? They endanger the entire Muslim community and leader slightly realizes of ignores him or more to say.

People who spread fear, pain, bitterness, sadness, anguish and torment the lives of many; It may not be the follower of any religion. His claim is a mere hoax fooled disparagingly and perform their own egocentric target 'Rule the world'. Least bother about the effects devastating of terrorism, tangible or intangible, Muslims or anyone, are busy fulfilling their own reasons without scruples.

Do not Muslims suffer attacks and wars? Pumps spare the Muslims? No, nothing in fact in the world challenges the religion can be the basis of terrorism. Terrorism in no way advocates the religion only mean agony, death, hatred, pain and discomfort.

No matter how much the mortality rate has declined from past centuries, certainly this is not the way that we never chose to die. It is always better to die of a terminal illness, to be a victim of terrorism.

It is still an option of the minds that still succumb to these crazy under the veil of religion. Its up to those that easily can engage either save human existence, by which every day is illuminated with light of peace and love; so each flower blooming is not under the shadow of thorns, but flourishes over thorns; so the dark clouds bring only rain and not dusty vapors of suffering.

Darwinism is the religion of the Antichrist-2

A child perceives and evaluates that which goes on around him in a way different from adults. Children are constantly asking questions, and for the reason of things that happen around them, such as where they came from, how are they able to speak, how other things in nature came to exist, and many other such things. There is actually only one true answer to a child for all these questions. Yet, people tend to offer two types of answers. The first, and correct answer is that it was God that created everything, and that people are responsible to God, who created them from nothing and enables them to grow, eat, drink and breathe, and who protects them. God holds the entire universe under His control, is omnipresent, and sees and hears everything.

Some people, however, do not give their children the right answer to these questions. They may say that God created everything, but they do not go on to say that He is Lord and Ruler of all, and that everything happens by His will. Another group mislead their children in an even worse manner. They offer the mistaken claim that the entire universe is the result of unconscious and blind chance. That is because they were instructed by their own parents or their teachers with the same answers. That deception has over time become part of their basic outlook.

The kind of ideas with which these people educate their children is in accordance with the religion of the antichrist, as it is the one they believe in. That is how a great many people are raised, even from an early age, in the belief that everything is the result of chance, never considering the existence of God and the art of His creation.

In the second stage people are taught the lie that life is a struggle founded on violence.

Someone who thinks that life is the result of chance and coincidence, even if he is not fully conscious in the early stages of his believing in it, comes to believe that matter is the only absolute existence. Here he has completed the first stage of his indoctrination. As a consequence, in those cultures where people raised under such propaganda are in the majority, another important suggestion that roots itself in a child's mind is that he can "only survive so long as he is strong and selfish."

That idea is first instilled by the family, and then becomes stronger and more broadly based when the child starts school. The indoctrination the child receives from his family and his surroundings is reinforced by entirely unscientific theories, which are nevertheless portrayed as sanctioned by science, along the lines of "the ancestors of man were animals, for which reason the relationships between animals also apply to those between people." In this way, the child begins to learn the lie that there is a constant state of conflict between individuals and in society, that the weak must be eliminated, and that he needs to behave in that manner in order to survive. According to this principle, force, violence and deception can be employed, if necessary, in order to survive.

Such indoctrination is not restricted to the educational system. The child continues to receive intensive Social Darwinist indoctrination in the lyrics of the songs he listens to, the films he watches, in advertisements, videos, and even the computer games he plays, in short, in every sphere of his life. However, the morality of the Qur'an offers a life at total variance with this model. In the Qur'an, God calls people to peace and security. Societies where the morality of the Qur'an prevails are characterized by love, compassion, tolerance, honesty, self-sacrifice and humanitarianism. The proper morality that God commands people to abide by is revealed in these terms:

They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives: "We feed you only out of desire for the Face of God. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks. Truly we fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous Day." So God has safeguarded them from the evil of that Day and has made them meet with radiance and pure joy. (Surat al-Insan: 8-11)

In the third stage, people are taught they are not responsible to anyone else. A child who is given a materialist and Darwinist answer to every question he asks will inevitably come to share those views. Even if he is still unable to openly explain them, he will begin to regard himself and all those around him as merely a highly evolved species of animal.

Yet, there remains another important phase in his education. That is the teaching of the falsehood that he is responsible to nobody but himself. According to this superstition, if matter has always existed and will always continue to do so, if life is solely the product of chance, and furthermore, if death is total extinction, then the only thing that matters is material gain. In a world made up only of matter, spiritual values can have no place. That being the case, the only thing people ought to think about is satisfying their own desires and passions, by whatever means necessary. According to the following verse in the Qur'an, "Did you suppose that We created you for amusement and that you would not return to Us?" (Surat al-Muminun: 115), God clearly reveals the distorted outlook of these ignorant people.

People, who genuinely believe that they can live unfettered lives, and that they will in the end merely cease to exist, are committing a serious mistake. We are responsible to our Lord, who created us from nothing. It is God who created man to accord with a particular destiny, who knows each person's past, present and future, who at death will call him to account for his past deeds, and reward or punish him accordingly. Unlike animals, God has created man with a soul, a mind, freewill and conscience. In other words, even if someone feels a certain temptation during a specific situation, he has been created with the necessary qualities to prevent him committing evil.

Someone who is unaware of or who ignores this truth will obviously pose a danger to the society of which he is a part. For instance, someone who is angered by something that has happened can behave quite ruthlessly, and harm the person responsible without thinking. It makes no difference if that person were defenseless. All that matters is venting his anger. Yet, someone who knows that he possesses a soul given him by God, who exercises his reason and his conscience, is capable of controlling his anger. He always remains in self-control and conscientious. Such a person would not dare to do the slightest thing that could earn him punishment from God. If he does happen to commit a sin, he repents and puts things right.

The true religion is the religion of God, yet, as a result of the indoctrination that people are subjected to, many people are turned away from it. Someone who has gone through the various phases of the Social Darwinist education is presented with very few alternatives. His view of life and mankind is shaped in the light of materialist-Darwinist thought. He will then struggle for only himself and to defend his own interests, will usually see violence, oppression and deception as the only means of doing so, and will be driven from transgression to transgression, lost in the nightmare of atheism. What is more, there will be nothing to prevent him from doing so.

The most important reason for this is that the terrifying truth taught by the religion of the antichrist is portrayed as if it were a mere fact of life.

, HARUN YAHYA
Born in Ankara in 1956, Adnan Oktar writes his books under the pen name of Harun Yahya. The works of Harun Yahya have been translated into 41 languages. To date, his books have been purchased by 8 million people, and an equal number have been provided free to readers by various newspapers and magazines. You can read, free of charge, 250 books Adnan Oktar has written under the pen name Harun Yahya, watch 180 documentary films and visit 94 web pages on this websites: http://www.harunyahya.com

Religion Poisons Everything? Or Everything Poisons Religion?

During the debate "does mean God exist?" Frank Turek vs. Christopher Hitchens, Hitchens made much ated about how "religion poisons everything". It is the subtitle of one of his books, in fact. Turek countered in his closing statement by remarking, "religion poisons not everything... everything poisons it the religion."

At the time, I thought "woaaaa, good!" It was a rhetorical punch to it.

However, thinking about it, I can see that the value of the instruction is limited.

Of course the statement by Hitchens goes too far, and notion of religion Turek is poisoned from abroad brings some balance. However, some religions are actually poisonous themselves. Some religions really teaches hatred and violence. I am thinking mainly Islam here. There is no doubt that some followers of Islam are peaceful people, but the Qur'an really inciting violence and backwardness. A study of the Koran or a cursory look at a culture where reigns Islam will tell you.

I know that some verses in the Qur'an prescribed peace, however, these verses tend to come from the moment when Muhammad lacked political and military power. The surahs "revealed" when Muhammad was to tell a very different story, however.

There are other examples. One need not stretch to see the venom of a religion which prescribes sacrificing children to Molech, for example.

Some religions ** are ** poisoned from the outside. Take Christianity, for example. Jesus is sublime. Its so seguidores-no (not that I'm biased...: I think I have good reason to be partial, however!)

But others are poisoning themselves, and fans that are peaceful and moral are such, not because of their religion, but in spite of this.

In addition, similar to "cure" cancer with a medication that obscures the pain, all religions but one only cure the symptoms of the human problem, not the disease. Only Christianity, with Jesus the real doctor, cure our illness of sin. Therefore, all others are impostors and therefore aren't intrinsically good.

Rich Bordner authors "Pugnacious Irish", a blog about the intersection of spirituality, ethics and politics in the public square of ideas. He has a b.a. in English and philosophy from the State University of Ohio (van Bucks!) and is in the process of winning a M.A in philosophy of Biola University. Remove the blog in http://pugnaciousirishman.wordpress.com

Why Egyptians Should Demand Freedom of Religion in Their Constitution

Libertad de religión es la primera de las libertades mencionadas en la primera enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Los estadounidenses teníamos buenas razones para poner allí! Colonización europea de América del Norte fue en gran medida impulsada por la guerra religiosa. Es muy probable que la mayoría de los estadounidenses son descendientes de los pueblos que buscaban la libertad de religión. Sé que mis antepasados eran.

Mi antepasados Holanda izquierda en 1625 para convertirse en 5 de los primeros 200 pobladores de la isla de Manhattan, a continuación, en la colonia de Nueva Amsterdam. Querían nada más que para hacer una vida. En Holanda se encontraron en medio de los guerra (1568-1648), de 80 años en los ejércitos de España católica envió a Holanda cada verano para forzar a los cristianos calvinista (protestante) en la Iglesia Católica. La batalla podría derivarse a través de la principal temporada de crecimiento cada año y la caída de que los granjeros holandeses inundaría sus tierras, obligando a los españoles para volver a España soleado para el invierno.

Wolfert Gerritsen Van Couwenhoven, el Patriarca de todos los Conovers del mundo, tuvo la oportunidad de asentarse en la colonia holandesa de Nueva Amsterdam, hoy Nueva York y escapar de estas incesantes guerras religiosas. A continuación, en sus treintas finales, llevó a su esposa y tres hijos con él y fue instrumental en la Fundación de las ciudades de Manhattan, Brooklyn, Albany y Renssalaer. Despejaron la tierra en el área ahora conocida como Wall Street, que se convirtió en su primera granja. Wolfert todos quería hacer era cultivar y hacer una vida para su familia.

Hoy nosotros pensamos como estadounidense, no neerlandés-estadounidense, parcialmente porque los americanos nos hemos se casaron tanto. Mis abuelos eran holandeses, alemanes, galés y sueco, y tres de nuestros nietos apuntará a abuelos de ascendencia coreana. Estas diferencias de religión, cultura y herencia han hecho América fuerte y pragmático.

Hoy muchos de mis amigos son católicos. No se sabe incluso de la triste historia de los guerra de 80 años, pero para mí ellos contando la historia sobre bebidas. Ellos probablemente pensaría me excéntrico para hacerlo. Somos americanos y tomar poco aviso de cómo honrar a Dios. Dependiendo de la secta de la cristiandad, podríamos creer que no vamos a ver nuestro amigo en el cielo, pero esto es ahora y que será entonces. Pero que será el problema de quien cree el camino equivocado y preocupación de Dios y no una cuestión que nos debe inquietar mucho en nuestras vidas cotidianas. ¿Por qué debemos cuidar si tienen ideas tontos?

Todas las religiones han dividido y subdividido a lo largo de la historia. Aunque la mayoría de los estadounidenses ve a Egipto como un país musulmán, normalmente no sabemos de las muchas divisiones dentro del Islam. Muy pocos estadounidenses saben algo acerca de los cristianos coptos, que representan el 10% de la población egipcia.

Los egipcios tratando de construir una nueva sociedad harían bien en tomar nota de las historias del Islam, cristianismo y judaísmo y demanda que libertad de religión se escribe en la piedra angular de su nueva Constitución. No hacerlo puede invitar a los conflictos, la animosidad y la pugna dentro de su sociedad y retener como nación.

Presidente George w. Bush cometió el error triste de pensar que si él derrocó a un dictador, democracia y la paz que reinó Supremo en Irak. Subestimó las larga celebradas animosidades entre las facciones sunitas y chiítas del Islam en Irak, y este error costó cientos de miles de paz amante a iraquíes sus vidas en una guerra civil entre sí.

Las interacciones violentas entre sunitas y chiítas siguen jugando todo el mundo musulmán este mismo día. Ellos se detendrán cuando líderes deciden detenerlos y vivir en paz. Eso sólo puede suceder si la libertad de religión se convierte en el cimiento de la nueva Constitución egipcia muy.

Skip Conover es un ejecutivo internacional, autor y artista. Ha escrito una novela, un libro publicado de asuntos actuales y un diario publicado. Convirtió su interés desde hace tiempo en arquetipo jungiano en el arquetipo de organización de la acción, y desarrolló su sitio web en http://archetypeinaction.org

The religion of Makah - Ramadan day four

Fasting in the month of Ramadan, is necessary to examine all aspects of the Qur'an. One of these aspects is the area of the martyr which makes the ultimate sacrifice in jihad. It is extremely important to properly define what jihad is truly. The word in Arabic literally means the fight. However, many have fears to discuss the issue. We as students and believers of the Qur'an know Alá placed humanity on Earth in part to prove our worth as members successfully its creation can properly maintain and protect that he has ordained as such. Because of this reason that we are strongly encouraged to fight and fight with everything in our power to ensure that instituting fair and accurate systems to maintain the harmony details in the Qur'an. As a result, Allah details how should remember those who achieve this standard while makes the ultimate sacrifice.

I believe that not to those dead who die in the way of Alá. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and have available. Rejoice Alá which has given them their generosity and joy of those who have still not acceded them, but are that them will not come fear, nor they cry. Qur'an 3: 169-170

In this verse Alá is talking specifically about those who have given their lives in the battle of Uhud mount. In addition, explains that his battle was worthy of such language worthy of praise, recognition and reward because they fought against people United in the prevention of those who chose to be Muslim to live as such. The opposition had chosen to make the war simply because they hated any and all persons who worship Allah. However, such notable language sale today have not mentioned by some Muslims. Unwillingness to discuss Jihad and the rewards of martyrdom are part of the reason why some are so controversial topic while others have increased their incorrect understanding of the same. Controversy exists only when there is no uniform agreement. Since Muslims know and understand that the Qur'an is the word of Allah and his Prophet is the Koran in action, it is only logical that we turn to these additional sources in order to address this issue. Ironically, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides a method to understand how to deal with this that should be remembered especially during Ramadan.

First arriving at Medina was to establish a targeted school to instruct the first Muslims about the precision and the proper implementation of their faith. He who had shown fully dedicated to the struggle between the first teachers to Islam. He understands that if the education system currently available to them was the only system allowed that he had been misinterpreted Islam. This would have resulted in negligence even more Islamic. Through this strategy allowed the early Muslims not only increase their faith, they shape the debate on how to overcome different forms of struggle in areas as physical, ideological and spiritual.

When Muslim leaders constantly addressing issues that most people considered less controversial and refuse to address the martyrdom and Jihad, unconsciously give more power to those who distort correctly, they misinterpret and lie shamelessly about these two concepts for their own purposes perverted. Therefore, the position of persons with the intention of patient to manipulate and control in an ideological war increases because those with adequate understanding have been literally abandoned the ideological battle field. This is unacceptable.

What Muslims have to do is talk about how these great concepts are designed to be used. Stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice must be transferred not only educate but instill a sense of pride and confidence among those who have inherited the legacy of Islam. Every nation in the history of man has a history of origin used to instill a sense of belonging and pride of the property of its citizens. This is done to convey the message that a nation in particular worth the sacrifice that its citizens make to ensure their protection, maintenance and promotion.

These stories of origin consist of people, places and events that played a key role in the past in order to ensure progress for the future. Islam is no different in this regard. Stories of origin of Nations have heroes and villains that when he said that they have the potential to produce greater heroes to face biggest enemies to make a better nation. Islam has the same potential and should be remembered and often broadcast. Refrain from this at the expense of something "better" because it would be "most comfortable" is insufficient. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the early Muslims did not have the luxury of trying only to issues that gave them comfort, and are considered the best generation. Why should Muslims today have otherwise?

Amir Makin is an activist, speaker and author of the book Muslim worthy Koranic tools to overcome oppression and imperialism in order to institute justice

http://www.aicpublications.com/featuredbook.html

God and the religion of the world: the secret identity of "God" exposed, finally...

You may now have this 10,000 year Old "SECRET" that had been kept away from the general public by the "Power Elite" until now...

Know the truth and set yourself free forever. Suffer no more. Rise and shine. It is your birthright...

You may be worshipping the wrong "God" without knowing it because you were born into a family who belonged to a certain religion, and naturally, you now belong to the same religion and have never questioned their scriptural teachings.

You never questioned their teaching because you've been programmed to believe that to do so would be to go against "God" (a supernatural being that supposedly created the universe!) and wrong, a sin for which you would be punished. It is fear that has stopped you from doing so.

So, you have swallowed all their teachings on face value, even though, under normal circumstances, you would not do so.

To show any intelligence by questioning or arguing against their belief could lead to being condemned, alienated and ostracized by your family, friends, and community. We understand. You're not to be blamed.

There are many organized religions today in the world; the largest being Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, paganism and animism. Billions of humans belong to and profess faith to them.

Almost all these religions teach belief in a supernatural being, called "God" and have scriptures, articles of faith, and rituals that its members must practice.

Most also have a central location (for example church, temple, mosque, synagogue) where its members assemble to worship their "God" and engage in rituals.

A person who believes in a God is considered religious.

A person who denies the existence of a God is an atheist.

A person who believes God is unknowable is an agnostic.

It may be true that most human beings are living in modern times of high technology, computers, the internet, cell phones, TV and space travel, but their minds are still primitive and undeveloped.

They have no skill in critical analysis and concrete rationality because organized religions have programmed them to always "believe in things" and never to "think or question or analyze things", and to attribute all that happens in their daily lives to the designs of a God (if it is good) or a devil (if it is bad).

Their mentality and rationality have not matured. Their bodies are present here in the 21st century, but their minds are still stuck 100,000 years in the past. (Thanks to sleek mental programming by organized religions.)

All the worlds' organized religions have certain things in common:

In order to convert a lot of people, and also to dominate their congregations, they have wittingly and unwittingly employed a formidable strategy.

They have developed their scriptures by combining spirituality with moral systems, rituals, hypnotism, human psychology, psychism, astrology, theology, pre-history, fear, paranoia and fatalism.

That is why they have so much power and influence over billions of people.

One religion in particular, Christianity, was able to spread like wild fire because wherever they went in the undeveloped world, they bribed the people by building roads, schools and hospital for them.

By so doing, it was easy for them to disarm their rationality and convert them.

As for Islam (the so called religion of "peace"), instead of bribing its converts with modern amenities, it used murder.

They spread because, if you refused to believe in their teaching, they would cut off your head! And their converts were smart. They converted to save their heads!

Spirituality: This is the science of being aware that leads to the realization of your inner, unseen, nature and your relationship to nature on the outside. This is not the same as religion, even though most people mistake the two as the same.

Moral system: This is a social teaching that establishes what is right or wrong in a given society, for the benefit of the inhabitants, in order to maintain law and order and the survival of the society. It has nothing to do with spirituality.

So, one may not be moral, and yet he/she can become spiritual because spirituality transcends morality (right and wrong).

Actually, the ultimate meaning of a true spiritual being is one who has gone beyond right and wrong (morality), body and mind, and the world (materiality). It is the "Beyond".

This is the reason why human beings have consistently misunderstood spirituality and the spiritual teachings of enlightened beings, and have always abused spiritual teachings.

Hypnotism: This is the art of using repetition to program somebody's mind to displace his/her rationality and compel him/her to do things against his/her wishes. This is what organized religions do.

They make you go to the church, mosque, temple and synagogue where they preach to you and repeat their sermons endlessly. By so doing, they hypnotize you and make you unable to use your rational mind.

Actually, their hypnotism is also direct, because they tell you directly that you must believe their scripture (have faith) and you can't doubt it because it is the "word" of their "God".

So, their hypnotism and mental programming are both direct (must have faith, no questioning or thinking) and indirect (rituals, preaching and worshiping).

We're behaving in a mad way. The world is mad. Most Christian nations of the world in Europe, America and Russia have atomic and nuclear bombs that they target at one another.

Any day, a mistake can cause them to be set off and the world will be engulfed in a nuclear conflagration. Such mistakes, of a near nuclear attack based on a false alarm, have actually happened a few times before.

If a future nuclear war is not set off due to human error or a computer glitch, then it will be set off by all the mad and evil people running around in the world.

With the world wallowing and over flowing with so many weapons, wars, quarrels among nations, racism, ethnicism, hate, evil, scams, crimes, moral depravity, prostitution, drug abuse, domestic problems, economic woes and poverty, where in the world is organized religions working and producing good citizens?

Islam says that it is a "religion of peace" and yet Islamic fundamentalists roam the world throwing bombs and murdering innocent citizens that have not caused them any trouble.

In the Middle East, Palestinians are sending their 14 year olds as suicide bombers to murder Jews. This is a despicable atrocity.

Using 14 year old innocent children as suicide bombers should be considered a crime against humanity. What has UN done about this? Why is there no international condemnation and outrage against this atrocity?

Israel claims that Palestinian lands belong to them because their "God", Jehovah, gave it to their patriarch, "Abraham", thousands of years ago.

But "Abraham" is not a historical personality. Does anyone has any verifiable proof that Abraham was a historical figure?

And their "God", also known as "El" (from where the name "Isra-EL" is derived) or "Jehovah", was an ancient astronaut from out of space whose race colonized earth about 500,000 years ago. He was also known by other names: "Nanna" or "Poisedon".

"El" was also known as "Enlil" and he was the father of Jehovah, who was also known as "Nanna" or Poisedon.

They are not "God" the creator of the universe. They were ancient astronauts!

SHOCKING detailed information about this "God" has been exposed in an important and powerful report: "Introduction To TMT Science And Technology", and you may download it FREE at the website listed in the author's resource box at the end of this article.

And where is Jehovah anyway? Why is he so silent for decades while his children murder each other for the sake of a piece of empty desert land?

If he gave Palestinian lands to the Jews, why doesn't he come down from wherever he lives and proclaim that to us today? Is he not omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent anymore?

And if his children have been worshipping him for thousands of years and his representatives (the rabbis, scribes, priests, bishops and popes who claim to know him and have direct access to him) have been calling on him, why is he so silent then? Is he deaf?

Iran and North Korea continue with efforts to develop nuclear warheads.

Some of them have bought nuclear weapons from Pakistan and Russia.

Nobody knows if North Korea is bluffing or not, but they have been making threats to America.

India and Pakistan have nuclear warheads aimed at each other, waiting for any provocation to push the button.

Also, India and Pakistan used to be one country, and are the cradle of the greatest civilizations and religions in the world: Hinduism and Buddhism.

Instead of spending money to develop India and Pakistan, their governments squander it by stockpiling nuclear weapons that can decimate their countries, while hundreds of millions of their people have no modern amenities, jobs, electricity, running water, good roads, clothes, education or food.

Can you see the madness of politicians?

The world is fast rushing towards a nuclear annihilation. It may be triggered by error or conscious action of evil people.

And unless it happens, we humans will not wake up and our madness will not stop.

One day, will Americans wake up in the morning only to have nuclear weapons raining down on them? By then it is too late....

So, where is the religious teaching and how is it working anywhere with so many disputes, quarrels and wars: Arabs vs. Jews; Chinese vs. Japanese; China vs. Taiwan; Blacks vs. Whites; Communism vs. Democracy; Christianity vs. Islam and Judaism vs. Christianity.

The world is mad. We need to clean it up and start all over. If we don't, we'll all end up in a nuclear war that will wipe out billions of people and make our planet uninhabitable for thousands of years.

It has happened before and it may happen again. Unless we all wake up and come back to our senses.

During the next 10 yrs, there may be a lot of natural disasters hitting our planet and millions of people may perish. Many major economies may collapse. Diseases will be widespread.

It may have already begun, with the tsunami that just hit Southeast Asia recently, which have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

Please feel free to print this article, publish it anywhere or e-mail it to your friends and colleagues.

Have a happy new year and live long and prosper.

Warmly,

I-key Benney

I-key, an “Enlightened” man & Millionaire CEO from New York City is the creator of "Mscsrrr: Millionaire Cash System", (home based income program [http://www.home-based-business-opportunity-center.com] ) which has helped thousands of ordinary people from all over the world to attain financial security and success during the past 2 years.

Also, please download and read our FREE report, “Introduction To TMT Science And Technology” at: [http://home-based-business-opportunity-center.com/free-reports/index.html]

The prophesized Global religion and the return of Christ

Global war resulting in a Global government is also prophesied to see another development - a religious system that will support the one-world government and the antichrist with fanatical fervour.

In his vision, recorded in Revelation chapter 13, John describes what he saw.

"Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. he order them to set up an image in honour of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed" (Rev. 13:11-16).

Here we are told that another governmental system would take its place in the last days. This time it is a religious system with "horns like a lamb", but speaking with the authority of the dragon himself ... identified clearly as satan by the Bible (Rev. chapter 12 and other scriptures).

Notice that this dragon has two horns, speaking of two major religious systems that will unite in these days. The object of their worship will be the World Ruler, a man totally possessed by satan. "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing" (2 Thess. 2:9,10).

The culmination of their worship will be satan himself. "Men worshipped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshipped the beast and asked, Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?" (Rev. 13:4)

John alludes to an incident in the life of the World Ruler that is most interesting. He says that "one of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was astonished and followed the beast" (Rev. 13:3).

This counterfeit resurrection "of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived" (Rev. 13:14) will convince the nations that he is indeed the "Risen Lord". Those who use miracles as a yardstick for judgment would do well to take note.

The religious system will embrace the whole world. "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast - all whose names have not been written in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. He who has an ear, let him hear" (Rev. 13:8,9).

Those who commit themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ during this time will pay the ultimate price. John talks about them in Rev. 6:9. "When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the Word of God and the testimony they had maintained ... and they were told to wait a little longer... until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed" (Rev. 6:9-11).

The question we must ask ourselves now is whether a religious coalition is taking place in our generation, embracing all "faiths" and moving towards a common destiny. Are there any two particular groups that stand out above the others in this quest for unity?

Without doubt, the answer is YES to both these questions.

The New Age Movement is very busy indeed promoting the "Interfaith" concept and new age philosophy and theology is infiltrating all religious groups, especially a backslidden "church". By means of new age ecumenical peace prayer services, people are taught to believe that through prayer we can all be one - irrespective of truth and falsehood, good and evil - Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, occultists, animists, satanists, whatever. The Age of Aquarius has arrived and all division must be done away with. God and man, saint and sinner, Christian and heathen ... all must become one harmonious whole, living in peace.

The New Age movement is also behind the "Peace Poles", two-metre high obelisks with lettering in Perspex, which reads: "May peace prevail on earth". Over 60,000 of them have reportedly been planted all over the world. South Africa has one on Table Mountain and another in Bloemfontein. All religions are invited to share in the "peace prayers" offered during the planting ceremonies.

One can't help wondering what Elijah would have had to say to our generation! He refused to pray with the prophets of Baal in his day. "How long will you waver between two opinions?" he cried out. "If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him .You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the Name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire - he is God" (1 Kings 18:21-24). God demonstrated that day that He is the unrivalled God of the Universe. "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God" (Isa. 45:5).

The quest for unity is on at any price. Leaders of the New Age movement, frustrated at the increasing resistance from "born-again" Christians, are reported to have declared in their 13-point Plan for World Peace that Christians who resist the plan will be dealt with. If necessary, they are to be "exterminated" and the world "purified" (Principle 13 of the Plan).

The Lord Jesus Christ's claim to be the ONLY WAY to God infuriates new age proponents. Christ said: "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

The Early Church believed Him and Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declared emphatically: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

One of the two major religious groups involved in the "interfaith" concept is today's modernistic, humanistic, apology for the Church of Jesus Christ, very graphically described in Rev. 3:14-22.

It is the Laodicean Church symbolizing elements of the last Church age. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of My mouth. You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

That is the Lord's opinion of those who name His Name, but refuse to acknowledge Him as Sovereign Lord. What a joy to know that there will always be the true Church of Jesus Christ, kept by the Power of God and standing firm in His Name. Found in every denomination and walk of life, these are the people who love the Lord and serve Him with all their heart and mind and soul and strength.

The Lord has a special word of encouragement for them: "I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name ... Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown" (Rev. 3:8-11).

But it's the end-time apostate "church" that interests us at this point. About to enter into an adulterous and idolatrous union with those who absolutely refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ as LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS, the powerful (so-called) Christian church is in major trouble as it stand on the threshold of losing it's identity as "Christian", a title given to early believers in Antioch during the first Century A.D. (Acts 11:26).

The challenge of Christ is as relevant for our generation as it has ever been. "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven" (Mat 10:33).

Sadly, it's leaders deny that the Bible is the Word of God, declaring that it should be rewritten so that God will not be seen as only the property of certain religions. The deity of Christ, His virgin birth ("pictorial theology"), His death, resurrection, ascension and return are rejected outright. The Biblical description of Heaven and Hell are described as "crude medieval images" that don't belong to modern times.

You can believe anything you like ... so long as you don't believe in the "Living Word" - the Lord Jesus Christ - and the "Written Word" - the Bible!

The other group that is very involved in the interfaith movement is Islam. The South African Daily News (24/9/92), reported that the Islamic Relief Agency (Isra) were behind the interfaith peace march in Durban on September 25 and that they had issued an invitation to the general public to join their march.

Islam is becoming increasingly militant and powerful in our generation.

A special Eid message from Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Secretariat of the Holy See for relations with believers of others religions, was relayed to Durban's Muslim community in South Africa by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Durban. It read in part: "During the month of Ramadan, you have shown, by prayer and fasting, your faith in God and your submission to His holy will. This faith in the One God, Living and True, a faith which is the heritage of all spiritual children of Abraham, the father of believers, UNITES US as brothers and sisters in God and encourages us to work together for solidarity, justice and peace among all people."

Our generation is observing this unholy marriage, without realizing its implications.

Val Waldeck
Author, Bible Teacher and Conference Speaker
http://valwaldeck.com - reaching our generation one book at a time
http://pilgrimpublications.net - Online bookstore
Publisher of the CHRIST THE HEALER Audio Book, now available in MP3 download
Author of "Rushing to Armageddon", compelling evidence for the Soon Return of Christ.

Spirituality 101 (Part 2 - Religion)

Karl Marx was once quoted as saying that religion...is the opium of the people (Marx, K., 1843-4). Considering the extremely fanatical and persistent religious views of most individuals identified with terrorism in the world today (e.g., Middle East, Afghanistan, & Iraqi - Muslim extremist "suicide bombers," and past Irish - Catholic & Protestant wars, and U.S. abortion clinic bombers, etc.), one might reach the same conclusion - that these individuals must be addicted to something that has abnormally taken control of their minds.

Surveys show however, that despite the few religious extremists mentioned above, religion and spirituality play a central healthy and stabilizing role in the lives of 80% of the world's population (more than 5 Billion people) in human experience today. The religious and spiritual dimensions of culture are repeatedly found to be among the most important factors that structure human experience, beliefs, values, behavior, and illness (Browning et al., 1990; James, 1961; Krippner and Welch, 1992).

Holy War

On September 11, 2001 at 5:30 a.m., (Hawaii- time), I was abruptly woken by an excited radio announcer frantically stating that two airplanes had just attacked the Twin Towers in New York City. Still half asleep, and not sure if this was some kind of sick joke or not, I decided to get up and turn on the TV, instead of hitting my snooze alarm button. After seeing the smoke pouring out of the severely damaged buildings on every major television channel, I was still in shock and disbelief. My wife and I had just a year ago taken a tour in the magnificent twin tours and had walked on the rooftop that I was now watching collapse to the ground in seconds.

Most of us tend to associate the term, "Holy War," with the Muslim religion because of 911. The media has made us aware that Muslims have a religious duty called "Jihad" that requires that their men go to war to defend or spread Islam if the situation warrants it and if they are killed they are guaranteed eternal life in Paradise. Jews, Christians, and many other religious groups have also historically gone to war over religious ideals or as the situation warranted. Religious/ ethnic cleansing "holy wars," or crusades can be read about in Jewish history in the Old Testament, and Christian history (Roman Catholicism), along with Islam's history recorded in the Quran. Mohammad, like King David and many of the Roman Catholic popes were not only the most powerful religious leaders in their cultures, but they were also the military leaders of their religious armies. For example, the Crusades were a group of Holy Wars between Muslims and Christians that was believed by some to be started by Pope Urban in 1905, to recapture Jerusalem from the Muslim Turks.

Our present day global war on terrorism however is not a war against those whose faith is in the common Muslim religion. The individuals that have been thus far identified with the terrorist acts of 911 and throughout the world have all been associated with an extremely rigid, intolerant and militant religious fanatical sect of Islam with similarities to the "Christian" cults started by David Koresh and Jim Jones.

In spite of the fact that we commonly hear the old phrase, "All roads lead to Rome," or all religions lead to God, when some folks attempt to briefly discuss spirituality and religion, it's hard to imagine why we would have six-thousand years of religious wars if it was possible to reconcile the vast complex differences of our world's religions. The one common denominator and maybe the only unifying factor among all of the world's religions is their unanimous view on mankind's fallen condition - that man has not, is not, and will not live in harmony with his God or Gods, unless he is saved from his present (e.g., sinful, ignorant, and/ or unenlightened etc.) condition by either working towards salvation or is saved by some other means of grace or enlightenment. At the great risk of starting another Holy War (just kidding) by attempting to summarize my limited knowledge of all "Spiritual Truth" and simplify a very complex topic for those who can't seem to find the time, energy, or motivation to seek out this knowledge for themselves, I would like to put this comprehensive topic on the shelf for a moment to first address those individuals who are struggling with a much more basic question: Am I presently a believer in anything spiritual/ religious?

Spirituality & Religion (Definitions)

Most individuals have difficulty with defining the meanings and differences of the words - Spirituality and Religion. Walsh, F. (1998), defined spirituality as an overarching construct that involves personal beliefs or values that provide a sense of meaning and unity with nature and the universe. He reported that it often includes a supreme being or force that unifies and guides the universe and that it may be experienced within or outside formal religion. Carlos, P.G., (2002), states that spirituality refers to the unique and intense experience of a reality greater than oneself or an experience of connection with the totality of things and that religion is an organized social structure in which spiritual experiences are shared, ritualized, and passed on to future generations. You don't need to have a spiritual experience to be religious. Likewise, you don't need to be religious to have a spiritual experience and spiritual growth is not dependent upon being a member in a religious organization.

The term "spirituality" has been defined by some authors as that which gives meaning and transcendence to one's life and it often includes many different expressions to include prayer, worship, meditation, interactions with others or nature, and relationship with a higher power or God. Spirituality comes from the root word "spirit," or in Latin - spiritus. The Bible in Genesis chapter 2, verse 7, reports that, "the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." The word "spirit" is defined the same in every culture as "breath of life or life giving energy." Spirituality is primarily concerned with whom or what ever is the energy or center of our lives. It is closely related to our values, beliefs, priorities, preoccupations, and goals that give meaning to our existence (Why do we wake up each morning and decide to continue to live on? What lights up our life or what are the "loves" of our life? What are we enthusiastic about?). Strategies must be used to first assist individuals to discover and evaluate their present values and beliefs to determine if their behavior has been in conflict with their spiritual focuses (Where is there spirit focused?), and if not, how well have their spiritual focuses helped them to meet their needs. Spirituality implies a connectedness to humanity and deity through an unconditional love of self and others that ultimately brings peace, wellness, and resiliency in crisis situations. Spirituality deals with the innermost relationships we have with ourselves, others, and God.

When considering a change in our spiritual focuses the existence of a power greater than our selves or "God" must also be contemplated (Who or what is sitting on the throne of your heart and influencing and determining your ultimate decisions in life?). C.S. Lewis - one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century once stated:

"If man is not allowed to worship a king, he will kneel before movie stars, athletes, and even prostitutes. For spiritual nature, like bodily nature will not be denied. Deny it sustenance and it will gobble down poison."

Renewed spirituality provides a new foundation for all of our decisions and relationships that will necessarily help us to develop a new lifestyle, simply because what is most important to us has changed. Kurtz, E. (1992), reports that the benefits of spirituality or spiritual health include humility, inner strength, sense of meaning and purpose in life, acceptance of self and others, sense of harmony and serenity, gratitude, and forgiveness.

Religion on the other hand can be defined as any system of belief that submits itself to one Supreme Being or many deities with adhered to practices (e.g. prayer, meditation, fasting, etc.) typically documented in Holy Scriptures or texts (e.g. Bible, Koran, Torah, etc.) Religion is merely giving worth to what we value the most in life or worth ship or worshiping - typically with others through a more structured organization to express our individual beliefs with actions and others. Religions are organized systems of worship and faith. The fact that religious organizations and institutions have arisen throughout history to meet spiritual needs is evidence that humans have a spiritual dimension that thirst to be filled. Simply put, religion is mans' attempt to reach God through organizations that practice ritualistic codes of worship.

Following are some characteristics that distinguish spirituality from religion:

Spirituality:

1. Individualistic, 2. Subjective, 3. Informal, 4. Emotional, 5. Inward directed, 6. Unaccountable,

7. Spontaneous

Religion:

1. Community Focused, 2. Objective, 3. Systematic, 4. Behavioral, 5. Outward Directed,

6. Authoritarian, 7. Doctrine Oriented

Spirituality and Religious Backgrounds

Sometimes it is helpful to assess where we are spiritually by taking a look at our religious backgrounds. A mature Army Chaplain once told me that part of his work involved assisting soldiers' in making religious/ spiritual assessments. He told me that spiritual fitness is vitally important to soldiers' effectively functioning and sustaining their performance in times of stress, hardship, and tragedy. He stated that spiritual growth develops the personal qualities that form the basis for decision-making, integrity, and character. He reported that most soldiers have religious histories that fall into one of the following three religious background categories:

1. No Religious Preference - These individuals may have had no religious training or exposure to formal religion. Some have never seen the inside of a church, but may have some limited family history of religion. Others may have had some religious teaching as a child, but they do not identify with any religious group or organization at this present time.

2. Positive Religious Background - These individuals' past experiences with spirituality and religion may have left a positive lasting impact upon their lives. They may have spiritually strong parents or parental figures in their lives that have continued as supportive role models. They may have either drifted from their faith as children or have had an adult conversion experience exhibiting real personal faith at present.

3. Negative Religious Background - These individuals may have "spiritually shutdown" as children because of various incidents in which there families forced a rigid, legalistic, and/ or spiritually abusive religion upon them. They may have been physically, sexually, or emotionally abused by members of their church's leadership staff or have known others that were. They may have observed religious groups fighting and have a mindset that all religious people are hypocrites and are poor examples of what they preach. They may feel that God has let them or someone they loved down by not answering their prayers in a time of real need.

This chaplains' primary role was to provide pastoral care to soldiers' and their family members. Part of his work involved helping soldiers' look at religious stumbling blocks to understanding spirituality as a new concept in their life. The category that you find yourself in can give you some guidance as to whether you need to:

1. Start seeing life as three-dimensional: physical, emotional, and spiritual, and develop spirituality as a new concept;

2. Start reinforcing your prior spiritually healthy religious background experiences; and/ or

3. Start reframing your previous spiritually abusive or unhealthy religious background experiences by seeking pastoral counseling and therapy.

This next section is for those that may be seeking out their spiritual dimension for the first time and are curious about how 80% of the world's population practices their religion. Keep in mind that this is a very brief summary of the world's religions and that it is by no means all- inclusive.

Spirituality and Religions of the World

According to David Barrett et al, editors of the "World Christian Encyclopedia: A comparative survey of churches and religions - AD 30 to 2200," there are 19 major world religions. In the year 2000, eight of these major religions had approximately 80% of the world's population adhering to their beliefs. Agnostics and atheists account for approximately 19% of the world's population and the rest of the world's religions including Judaism make up the last 1%.

Christianity - 33%

Islam - 20%

Hinduism - 13%

Buddhism - 6%

Chinese Folk Religion - 4%

New Asian Religion - 2%

Animism - 2%

Agnostics/ No religion - 15%

Atheists - 4%

The Baha'i Faith, Confucianism, Jainism, Judaism, Shaminists, Shinto, Sikhism, Spiritism, Taoism, Wicca, and Zoroastrianism religions make up less than 1% of the world's religious population. There are many, many other significant spiritual/ religious organizations with much fewer members in the world, that could also be included in the last 1%, but they are too numerous to mention in this short summary.

Most of the worlds' religions do not fit neatly into little boxes, however (not counting the atheist and agnostic groups) they can be theoretically divided into six categories:

1. Monotheistic Religions - The doctrine or belief that there is only one God:

(Example: Sikhism and the Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.)

2. Polytheistic Religions - The worship of or belief in many Gods or Goddesses: (Example: Hinduism, Shintoism, etc.)

3. Non-theistic Religions - The belief or faith not in God or Gods, but in supreme enlightenment: (Example: Buddhism)

4. Pantheistic Religions - The belief that God and nature are one: (Example: Taoism, Animism, etc.)

5. Dualistic Religions - The belief that there are only two opposing Gods or two interacting forces: (Example: Zoroastrianism/ Taoism Yin/ Yang etc.)

6. Polyreligiousity - Having beliefs in multiple religion simultaneously (Example: Chinese Folk Religion/ New Asian Religions that combine Confucianism/ Buddhism/ Shintoism)

Spiritual/ Religious - Assessment

The need for the evaluation and assessment of our spiritual concerns has been well documented and recognized by many authors (Conrad 1985, Moberg 1982, Byrne 1979, Gartner 1991, Larson 1991, Moberg 1965, Poloma 1991). Despite documented history of research devoted to the psychology of religion, it should be noted that it took the American Psychiatric Association Committee approximately 42-years to recognize spirituality as a human dimension to be assessed for religious / spiritual problems. It wasn't until 1994, that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals' Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), included an entry entitled "Religious or Spiritual Problem" (Steinfels, 1994), intended to encourage mental health professionals to view patients' religious experience more seriously. This diagnostic category was proposed for the DSM-IV as "Psycho-religious Problems Not Attributable to Mental Disorder," to delineate those distressing experiences of a religious or spiritual nature that are the focus of psychiatric diagnosis or treatment, but are not attributable to a mental disorder (Lukoff, Lu, & Turner, 1992, p. 677). In the DSM-IV-TR (2000), this entry is listed on page 741, as V62.89, in the chapter entitled, "Other Conditions That May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention." It states, "This category can be used when the focus of clinical attention is a religious or spiritual problem. Examples include distressing experiences that involve loss or questioning of faith, problems associated with conversion to a new faith, or questioning of spiritual values that may not necessarily be related to an organized church or religious institution."

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has also set regulatory requirements for the routine assessment of spiritual needs of all patients (2001). Spiritual concepts, ideas, and relationships are integral to all levels of care, and to a certain degree, even transcend each level of care; nonetheless, they are difficult to define acceptably in objective, behavioral, and measurable terms. Spirituality is implied in all dimensions and is in all levels of care, and certainly is inherent in the Twelve Step philosophy. Likewise, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine's (ASAM), "Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders, 3rd Edition, 2003," spirituality is absolutely inherent in the comprehensive bio-psychosocial multidimensional assessment, treatment, and continuity of care for substance-related disorders. ASAM's 3rd Edition has set the standard in the field of addiction treatment for recognizing the totality of the individual in his or her life situation. This includes the internal interconnection of multiple dimensions from biomedical to spiritual, as well as external relationships of the individual to the family and larger social groups.

In order to assess the spiritual dimension of man, it is helpful to understand some of the causes of spiritual/ religious problems. Some individuals are just plain confused about what they believe the "truth " to be for them. For others, their spiritual and religious values may be conflicting with their personal goals for success and personal satisfaction. Some struggle with making personal commitments to their beliefs, while others have turned their backs on what they know is true and may feel guilty over their actions. Still others feel deeply committed to their beliefs, but their words and actions are not congruent with their beliefs in that they realize that they do not express a loving attitude toward others. Many believers feel defeated by their inability to change their behaviors due to their internal conflicts and the stressors of everyday life. Some get frustrated because their spiritual growth seems so slow and others are concerned that their prayer and worship activities are performed more out of habit instead of the joy that once motivated them. Many feel that their prayers have gone unanswered because they continue to suffer from chronic sickness, disease, poverty and/ or trauma or have raised their children in the faith only to watch them develop alternative lifestyles.

Spirituality is also one of the key concerns of dying patients that needs to be assessed. It was cited as integral to the dying person's achievement of the developmental task of transcendence and important for health care providers to recognize and foster (Highfield. Mudd, Millson 1992): "The physician will do better to be close by to tune in carefully on what may be transpiring spiritually, both in order to comfort the dying to broaden his or her own understanding of life at its ending"(Leighton 1996). Some spiritual identifiers that one could assess in patients in the last month of life are: 1) is there purpose to their life as they suffer, 2) are they able to transcend their suffering and see something or someone beyond that, 3) are they at peace, 4) are they hopeful or do they despair, 5) what nourishes that sense of value of themselves: prayer, religious commitment, personal faith, relationship with others, 6) do their beliefs help them cope with their anxiety about death, with their pain, and with achieving peace. Finally, one needs to assess how well the patient's spiritual needs are being met: 1) do the health care providers listen to their beliefs, faith, pain, hope or despair, 2) are they able to express or develop their spirituality through prayer, art, writing, reflections, guided imagery, religious or spiritual readings, ritual, or connection to others and God.

So how can we assess the spiritual dimension of man? What resources are available for mental health clinicians? Although there is increasing recognition for the vital role of spirituality in the lives of many clients, there are relatively few quantitative assessment instruments that have been developed.

It appears that the study of spirituality and religion in mental health will continue to blossom in the future as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) in 2005, has set regulatory requirements for the routine assessment of spiritual needs of all patients. JCAHO is the feared civilian and military hospital accrediting agency that inspects hospitals and carries the ultimate threat of shutting down hospitals that do not comply with their standards. Per the recent 2005, PC.2.20, EP 4 standards and elements of performance (EPs) found in the "Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services" (PC) chapter in the accreditation manuals, JCAHO requires organizations to include a spiritual assessment as part of the overall assessment of a patient to determine how the patient's spiritual outlook can affect his or her care, treatment, and services, and/ or whether more in-depth assessments are necessary.

Since the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has set regulatory requirements for the routine assessment of spiritual needs of all patients (2001), I would also like to propose the following spiritual/ religious screening instrument:

BMIS

This spiritual/ religious screen is a brief set of questions for healthcare providers, clinicians, and those interested in self-help to ask. For quick and easy remembrance, this practical spiritual assessment is based on the acronym - BMIS (referring to Body Mass Index screening - that most primary care physicians are already accustomed to when evaluating overweight and obesity in their patients).

B - Background: What is your spiritual/ religious "background"? Have you had a positive or negative experience with religion? Do you have a spiritual/ religious preference now?

M - Meaning: What gives you the most "meaning" or purpose to your life at this time? (e.g., career, family, school, God, etc.)

I - Importance: How "important" is spirituality and/ or religion to your successful recovery and treatment plan? (e.g., extremely - very - not very - not important at all, etc.)

S - Stress: Are spiritual and/ or religious issues a cause of "stress" and conflict or a "source" of comfort for you? Would you like to talk to a religious counselor and/ or spiritual advisor (e.g., pastor, priest, rabbi, imam, etc.), about these issues?

Qualifying Note: This article was not written and should not be viewed or considered to be a formal theological treatise on spirituality and religion. It is merely a simplistic introduction to these topics to reveal how critical they are to the addiction recovery process with the hope of assisting individuals to reassess their values, and reexamine their priorities to redefine what is really important in their lives. My intent is not to persuade, influence, convince, or convert anyone to my personal beliefs. My goal is to help others to clarify and identify where they presently stand at this point in time, so that they can consider charting a course to get from where they are to where they desire to be someday. After all, you cannot make flight reservations if you don't know what airport you will be departing from.

For further information:

http://www.universal-publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581122101

[http://www.booklocker.com/books/1966.html]

http://www.universal-publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581125399

References: Aday, R. "Belief in Afterlife and Death Anxiety: Correlates and Comparisons," Omega, 1984 18:67-75 Allport, GW and Ross, MJ "Personal Religious Orientation and Prejudice," J of Personality and Social Psych 1967, 5(4):432-443 Batson, CD and Schoenrade, PA. "Measuring Religion as Quest: 1) Validity Concerns," J for The Sci Study of Religion, 1991 30(4):416-429 Batson, CD and Schoenrade, PA "Measuring Religion as Quest: 2) Reliability Concerns," J for The Sci Study of Religion, 1991, 30(4):430-447 Belcher, AR et. al. "Spirituality and Sense of Well-Being in Persons With AIDS," Holistic Nurs. Pract. 1989, 3(4):16-25 Bergin, A. and Jensen, J "Religiousity of Psychotherapists: A National Survey," Psychotherapy, 27:3-7 Burkhardt, M. "Spirituality: An Analysis of The Concept," Holistic Nursing Practice, May 1989 :60-77 Byock IR. Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index (version 25S). VITAS Healthcare Corp, 1995. Byrne, JT and Price, JH "In Sickness and In Health: The Effects of Religion," Health Education 1979, 10:6-10. Chambers, LW et. al. "The McMaster Health Index Questionnaire," J Rheumatology 1982, 9:780-784 Clinch, JJ and Schipper, H. "Quality of Life Assessment in Palliative Care," The Challenge of Palliative Med, p. 61-70.

James Slobodzien, Psy.D., CSAC, is a Hawaii licensed psychologist and certified substance abuse counselor who earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He is credentialed by the National Registry of Health Service Providers in Psychology. He has over 20-years of mental health experience primarily working in the fields of alcohol/ substance abuse and behavioral addictions in hospital, prison, and court settings. He is an adjunct professor of Psychology and also maintains a private practice as a mental health consultant.

The Makah religion - three Ramadan day

En este tercer día del Ramadán, estoy eligiendo centrarse en la segunda parte del primer pilar del Islam, Al que es creer en las corazón y testificar a través de discurso y acciones que "Dios no existe digna de culto salvo Alá, y Mahoma es su último profeta y mensajero.

Cuando Alá es explicado claramente significa el creador de todas las cosas que sabemos y no sé como simplemente a ser un nombre árabe que significa sólo Dios en inglés, la mayoría personas familiarizadas con el Al Islam tengan ningún problema coincidiendo con la primera parte de esta declaración. Sin embargo, la segunda parte es lo que estas mismas personas encuentran sumamente problemáticas. ¿Lo que hace que Muhammad (la paz sea con él) tan único? ¿Por qué debe ser incluyó en esta declaración? ¿Por qué no Abraham o Jesús (la paz sea con ambos)? Normalmente todas estas preguntas son frecuentes cuando se pronunció la sentencia anterior.

Por lo general uno debe entender que el énfasis en la creencia en un Dios sin socios o socios es que la palabra uno significa un mensaje solos y que hay sólo una forma de un solo Dios quiere ser adorado. ¿Una vez que el culto a un solo Dios quien es libre de cualquier associates es claro, entonces la pregunta se convierte en cómo llega una persona sabe que Dios?

La respuesta está en dos partes. En primer lugar por darse cuenta de que Alá no asociados, podemos entender sus directivas para la humanidad por tanto lo que dice sobre sí mismo en las escrituras divinamente reveladas que ha permanecido inédito y libre de manipulaciones de la humanidad desde su tiempo original de la revelación. La segunda manera es entender lo que él ha revelado sobre sí mismo a cualquiera o todos sus mensajeros proféticos elegidos. Dado que estamos enfocados en el concepto particular de uno analizado anteriormente, sabemos que todos sus profetas elegidos tenían que han declarado un mensaje similar, con sin contradicciones entre cualquiera de ellos, como esto introduciría más de un mensaje. A continuación, algunos preguntan, si Alá es como todo lo indica en el Qu'ran, todo poderoso, etc. sabiendo, todos, entonces ¿por qué él elegiría profetas para transmitir su mensaje al hombre? La razón de esto es porque Alá dice en el Corán que "el más misericordioso es sobre el trono (él) establecido". Corán 20:5 y "Alta él está por encima de lo que se asocian con él". Corán 16:3.

Dado que Alá no es parte de su creación, es apropiado para que él elegir a los miembros de su creación para mostrar a la humanidad la una forma de adorar a este único Dios, Alá. Con el tiempo diferentes comunidades tenían diferentes profetas incluyendo pero no limitado a Adam, Noah, David, Jesus y finalmente Muhammad (la paz sea con todos ellos). Una característica principal de un verdadero profeta fue que nunca cometido ningún pecado. Un pecado significa cualquier cosa que se hizo mientras que tener pleno conocimiento y la comprensión que era contra las órdenes de Alá. Este es uno de los factores más importantes de definición, porque si esta norma no fue establecida por Alá, cualquiera incluyendo a estafadores, delincuentes y proxenetas religiosas sería poder reclamar a ellos mismos como profetas, hablando en nombre de Alá y fácilmente llevar a gente en falsedad. Dado que las acciones de una persona son la única forma de hombre tiene que determinar la sinceridad, la dedicación y el compromiso uno otras, razones por que nadie enseñar a otros cómo abstenerse de pecados y perfeccionar su culto de este uno Dios, basado en sus revelaciones debe ser capaz de hacer lo mismo.

Debido a esto todos los profetas son respetados y venerados. De ahí la designación de la paz sea con él. Por lo tanto, no está en las características de cualquier verdadero profeta o mensajero de Alá para cometer actos de incesto, adulterio o intoxicado borrachera. Muhammad (la paz sea con él) es mencionado como el segundo semestre de esta declaración anterior en orden para el hombre reconocer que fue el último profeta y mensajero en una cadena de otros que pasa el testigo de ese mismo mensaje y patrón de adoración a él. Cuando uno hace esta declaración, ellos están reconociendo no sólo este entendimiento, pero expresando una intención para tratar de alcanzar el nivel de teoría siempre lo que es correcto y abstenerse de lo que está mal basada en sus revelaciones y comandos.

©-Amir Makin. Todos los derechos reservados en todo el mundo.

Amir Makin es un activista, orador y autor del libro musulmán digno coránico herramientas necesarias para superar la opresión y el imperialismo en orden a la justicia del Instituto.

http://www.aicpublications.com/featuredbook.html

And-Series - Difficult If Forced and Easy If Understood - Love And Religion

I feel enjoy writing and sharing thoughts and observations mingled with Religious i.e. Islamic analysis. It is very helping in order to understand a situation of one's psychology - a physical philosophy behind human mind - when something or a trait is being learnt or made stored in the mental library.

There exists in human personality a natural inherent trait. This salient feature values ones character. It may be defined as "curiosity". Man becomes interested, or much interested depending upon the situation, if he is given restricted for/over certain line of actions. He thinks to cross such limits and observe himself. Sometimes it is better to learn from the experiences of the past-people who crossed such limits. In most cases people want their own experiences.

Adam and Eva story depicts us also that they did mistake (the stories can be found in the early holy scriptures, Holy Bible and the Holy Quran). Because of his/their curiosity to cross the order or what so ever specific reason there was... God (Allah) knows the best... It is the human nature that when we are ordered to "not-things", there comes a point urging us to commit those "not-things". Literary speaking, Islam, if forced to learn and made a necessary condition for a person to adopt in ones life style, it would not come to a fruitful result in shaping him a real Muslim. Apparently, he can be a well shaped Muslim but what is hidden in the body (heart) is only known to Allah. Well, up to some extent one can predict the hidden trait of his characters...but anyway to shape ones personality as per Islamic doctrines, there has to be an inner devotion to learn.

Straightforwardly, one can observe that the personal governance over offspring is a bit hard in advanced countries. The cause is very simple! It is a chain process of the parental control and guidance. If parents are not well informed about the difference between the right and the wrong deeds, they can not guide their children enough and can not shape the personality of their children. Very simple! One has to depict, mirror or exemplify himself/herself before controlling or asking their children to stop doing the same stuff which parent does. People follow what is, somehow, correct in their eyes and suitable to them only. When they are informed about the righteousness, somehow they feel offended. Examples can be seen very easily but I would not like to air evilness rather my aim is to eradicate flaws in our societies.

The real personality - in learning phase of Islam - will definitely be appeared in a short time if one doesn't keep oneself proper to the teaching of Islam or "the real Christianity where Jesus (PBUH) ordered his disciples to obey only The Master who is in the Heaven!" what makes necessary is to get into deep understanding rather thinking it to be a "forced implementation". When the meaning is made clear logically, one can say the definition of "Forced" changes to a meaning of "submitted".

We can not point out that there is an "unavoidable" or forced teaching in Islam whereas it is clearly said, "There is no compulsion in religion"! What we need to evaluate is the politeness, honesty and readiness to hear what other people think about Islam and then tackle them tactfully on the hot confliction. In fact, the image of the people who want justice has been falsified only to Terrorists and extremists. The demand is to build a friendly relation, wining the hearts of the people in peaceful manner and without any forced imperative religious platform: God will definitely help you to track everyone if He willed!

In contract to other religions of our beautifully God gifted world, Islam restricts many things. It is right, but has anyone gone neutrally into the depths of such restrictions? Indeed in one sentence one can conclude that "such are the Godly borders and being a faithful believer there are definitely some hidden benefits and rewards for not only him but also the people around". This only thing is to visualize and accept! What does it mean really? The word "restrict" is indeed, if understood right, is to submit wholeheartedly to the commandments of Allah. Well, personal designed attitudes or patterns of life are not the ways in any religion of our beautiful world. What needs is to just adopt the laws prescribed by the God, Who is the Lord and Whom will we return for the Day of Judgment!

Now I come to another aspect of the mental state! What happens when some thing is forced to learn? There would arise two situations; a. either he/she will learn by heart b: or become rebellion to that question being forcefully taught. In first case where the stuff is being learnt involves somehow ones positive devotion. Okay, there is also some "hanging sword" like state but at the end one learns, stores in mental library and implements in life by sensing that fact rightly. In case "b", sometimes hard consequences arise. Becoming rebellion and going against what is necessary is the case often seen when the teacher does not himself depicts the lesson in his character and only tries to "slave driving" the others around him. This case is hard for a successful personal and professional life. Islam is the case first to implement honestly on him and then "broadcast" to the others politely. I would recommend here in such case of "b" one should only keep in mind that such situations are new to her/him and would indeed demand the patience and tolerance. In the end he/she will be successful.

In case b, many un-social results can occur. A good example is seen in interfaith marriages especially in Europe. Usually in such cases a husband is born Muslim, who is not strong in his faith enough to judge between "sins" and, in the beginning, gets married to a beautiful atheist and a non-believer. Then after a short time when they both open their eyes and the blinding shade of love fades away, they start to realize a lot about their "future" and the coming ones. For the sake of successful future he should be patient and trust in Allah for the fruits with comes after ages from a planted mango tree. Its never happens that in a year you get all the fruit no matter you give the suitable environment to that plant. Or take the example of "the hen that laid the golden eggs" if you kill her to get all the gold at once...so it takes time. Anyway! May God bless them the blessing of Understanding each other and each others religion. But in most cases the marriage ends soon in useless results of personal and social term.

If the politeness and a care for each others viewpoints are made first step in our lives, the feelings of suffocation or "Master-Slave Relation" can have no further effect or can be minimized. Similarly, an English term "Slave-driving" which was/is originally English mentality as they wanted to rule over the world! (Sorry if I offended, but that is a part of our history!)...but this negative sense somehow can be converted in a meaning of "Teacher-Student-Relation" by only understanding the logic of learning Islam. This demands an immense patience and time. If you role back the history about the spreading of Islam, you will come to know that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached only patience and trust in Allah. He did not force anyone to embrace Islam - a refined sum up of the religions - but with His patience and influencing character the hearts were automatically tuned to Islam. Well, for God - Allah - nothing is impossible. What required is only "A friendly and loving atmosphere".

Least but not the last, the best strategy is written and finalized by our Lord in Heavens - Allah - Surah Al-Asar.(The Declining Day) 103, 1-3 (Holy Quran)

[1] By Al-'Asr. [2] Verily, man is in loss. [3] Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience.

Mr. MALIK graduated with distinction from the University of Punjab (Pakistan) in 2001. For further education he went to Germany and secured M.Sc. thesis from the University of Stuttgart (Germany) in 2003. Now he is striving for his Ph.D. in Physics. His interests are Microelectronic Device Fabrication. Organic semiconductors, Diffusion barrier layers. Inorganic Coatings, Plasma CVD.

To know different cultures, learn other languages, discuss closely related religions, life styles and English, Arabic calligraphy are some of the extra curricular activities which are a significant part of his life.

maliksnet(at)hotmail(dot)de

Take a little eye on religion (ISLAM)

Pillars Of Islam

Islamic society is a society based on the principles of Islam. It has a stamp of teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. The thought and actions as well as beliefs and customs of its individuals are in accordance with Islamic principles. All rules and regulations of this society are framed in the light of the teachings of Islam and its individuals lead their lives in conformity with the Islamic code of conduct. Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) founded the Islamic society in Madina. This primitive Islamic society set examples of respect for humanity, coexistence, fraternity, equality and tolerance. When Islam spread to other countries the Islamic society was broadened. Wherever Muslims went they displayed social values of a high order and as a result Islamic society was distinguished from other societies. There are the five basic Pillars of Islam.

1 - Kalima

2 - Namaz

3 - Roza

4 - Zakat

5 - Hajj

Kalima

"La ILaha ILAllaho Muhammad Dur Rasool Lul Allah" that is "None has the right to be worshiped but Allah, and Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the Messenger of Allah". It is called a Kalima of Muslims. No one has the right to be worshiped but Allah means Allah is one. To belief on Oneness of Allah (God) is the first and fundamental principle of Islam. It means that the creator and sovereign of this universe is Allah. He has no rival. He is the creator of all objects and He is not dependent on any one. Every Muslim must acknowledge the Oneness of Allah and His supreme sovereignty and must follow His orders.

When a Muslim accepts the Oneness of Allah (God) and believes Him to be the creator and the Master of universe, he is bound to lead his life within the limits and principles prescribed by Allah and worship Him only. It also means that in the eyes of a Muslim all human beings are equal and there is no distinction based on race or colour. The dictates of Allah have been imposed on all human beings. The richer or the poor, all are equal before law. A virtuous and pious man has precedence over others before Allah.

Oneness of Allah (God) also means that only Allah is fit to be worshipped and all Muslims should observe the prayers and instructions prescribed for them.

Secondly, A Muslim must believe on the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H). He is the last prophet of Allah with last religion known as Islam. Every Muslim must follow his teachings called Sunnah.

Seven Important Things

There are the 7 things on which a Muslim must believe.

1 - Believe on Allah

2 - Believe on Messengers and Prophets of Allah.

3 - Believe on Angels of Allah

4 - Believe on books of Allah like Quran.

5 - Believe on day of Qayamat (when everything is destroyed)

6 - Believe on good or bad Taqdeer (Destiny)

7 - Believe on Rising after being dead

Namaz

Namaz is the first and foremost among the prayers of Muslims. Every Muslim man and women is bound to offer Namaz. It is a pillar of Islam and a source if ascension for a true believer. Namaz prevents a Muslim from doing immoral and indecent acts.

Seven Conditions Before Praying Namaz

The body has to be clean.

The clothes has to be clean

The place of praying Namaz has to be clean

Satr-e-awrat (Covering the body)

It should be the time of praying Namaz

To ace the Qibla

To make the niyat (intention) for Namaz

Steps To Make Namaz (Prayer) Better

Requisites of good Namaz suggested by Sufis are Twelve. The Sufis Islamic Scholars) write " There are twelve thousand blessings in Namaz, which can be achieved through twelve principles. These steps are as follow.

1 - Knowledge: Our Nabi Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) has said that an action performed without knowledge is far inferior the one done with full knowledge about it. We should therefore know: (a) which of the Islamic practices are obligatory and which are Sunnah (done by Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H)). (b) what is obligatory and what is sunnah in wazu (a method that involves washing different parts of our body) and Namaz. (c) how does Shaytan (enemy of God) cause disturbance in the proper observance of Namaz.

2 - Wazu: we must try to: (a) Clean our heart of jealousy and revenge, just as we wash other parts of our body. (b) Keep ourselves clean of sins. (c) Be neither wasteful nor miserly in the use of water.

3 - Dress: It should be: (a) Got through honest earning. (b) Clean. (c) According to Sunnah, e.g. the ankles should not be covered. (d) Simple, and should not display vanity or pride and self importance.

4 - Time: We should be: (a) Able to tell correct time at any moment. (b) Always watchful about Azan (Calling by man from Mosque for prayer). (c) Particular about the time of Namaz, lest we should be too late for it.

5 - Facing the Direction of Kabba: There are three things to be ensured in facing the direction of Kabba (Situated at Makkah, Saudi Arabia): (a) we must face the direction of Kabba physically. (b) Have the heart in union with Allah (God), for He is the direction of the Kabba of the Heart. (c) Be as attentive as a slave is before his Master.

6 - Intention: For this we need to be particular about three things: (a) We must be definite as to what Namaz we are offering. (b) Remain constantly conscious of our presence before Allah (god) Who sees us. (c) Have perfect faith that Allah (God) knows all that is in our hearts.

7 - The first Allah u Akbar by which one starts Namaz: The essential of the first Allah u Akbar by which one starts Namaz are: (a) To pronounce the words correctly. (b) To raise both hands up to the ears. This signifies that we have cut off our connection with all, except Allah (God). (c) To feel the Greatness of Allah (God) in our heart when we say Allah u Akbar.

8 - Qiyam (Standing and reciting the Quran in Namaz): While in Qayam we should: (a) Keep our gaze at the place of sajda (Particular place in ground where we put our forehead). (b) Feel in our heart that we are standing before Allah (God). (c) Not attend to anything else. Looking here and there is like a person who after reaching the presence of a king, then starts to look right and left when the king is attending to him.

9 - Recitation of the Quran: The essential of reciting the Quran are: (a) To recite the Quran with correct pronunciation. (b) To ponder on the meanings of what we recite. (c) To bind ourselves to obey what we recite.

10 - Ruku: The essential of ruku are: (a) To keep the back quite straight i.e. the whole body above the legs should be in one horizontal line. (b) To hold the knees firmly with fingers spread apart. (c) To recite subhana rabbiyal- azim with dignity and keep in mind the greatness of Allah (God).

11 - Sajda: The essential of Sajda are: (a) To place the hands flat and close to the ears. (b) To keep the elbows raised above the ground. (c) To recite Subhana rabbiyal ala with devotion.

12 - Qadah (sitting between the two sajdas): The essential of qadah are: (a) To sit upon the left foot, keeping the right one vertical. (b) To recite tashahhud with devotion, keeping the meaning in mind, for it contains greetings for the Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and dua (pray) for the Muslim brethren. (c) To make intention for salam to the angels as well as the people on the right and on the left.

As sincerity is the essence of all these points, which requires us: 1. To offer Namaz with the sole purpose of pleasing Allah (God). 2. To understand that is only through the favour of Allah (God) that we are able to offer Namaz. 3. To hope for the reward promised by Allah (God).

Roza (Fasting)

Fasting is also important prayer. Allah says in the Holy Quran "O believers, you are enjoined to keep fast, as the people before you were enjoined similarly, so that you may become pious "

Therefore it is necessary for every Muslim (man and women) to keep fast in the month of Ramadan (Holy Month). There are 30 Roza's (fast) in a year. And a man after 14 and women after 9 must take a fast.

Zakat

Zakat is also a basic principle of Islamic way of life. In the Quran and Hadith, the payment of Zakat as been made compulsory for every "Sahib-e-Nisab (a person having a money)".

Allah says: " and be steadfast in prayer,practice regular Zakat and Bow down Your heads with those who down"

The Holy prophet says " A person who believes in Allah and his prophet should pay zakat out of his goods and wealth."

The Messenger of Allah"( peace be upon Him ) said: " Islam has been built on five pillars, Testifying that there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the Zakat, making, the pilgrimage to the house of Allah, and fasting Ramadan "

( Buhkary and Muslim )

The income from Zakat is spent on the poor, the helpless and the needy. Every "Sahib-e-Nisab" person must pay 2.5% of his useless earnings as Zakat to a poor and needy persons. Zakat should be paid to following persons.

1- The poor

2- The needy people

3- Those employed to administer the funds

4- Those whose hearts has been recently reconciled to truth

5- Those in Bondage

6- Those in Debt

7- In the cause of Allah

8- The wayfarers

Haj

Haj is also an important principle of Islam and a great prayer. It is compulsory for every adult, sane and affording Muslim. On the occasion of Haj, Muslims from all over the world perform this duty at Baitullah, Arafat and other places in Saudi Arabia. Besides Haj, Jehad also has great significance. Jehad means that financial and physical sacrifice which is made for the protection and promotion of Islam.

There are many more Religious articles, stories lectures at http://www.islam-real.blogspot.com

Ahmer Faheem