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.

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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.

Understanding Arabic jewellery - hand of Fatima

The alternative of Islamic name of this amulet is the hand of Fatima, in reference to the daughter of Muhammad, Fatima Zahra. For the Jewish community the name because it is the hand of Miriam, in reference to the sister of Moses and Aaron. In Jewish communities, it is more likely that is in Judaism Sephardic rather than Ashkenazi jewels.

The hamsa hand appears both bilaterally symmetrical, two-thumbed and in a most natural way in which there is only a thumb. There is good archaeological evidence suggesting the protective hamesh down / Hamsa hand precedes both Judaism and Islam and refers to an ancient Eastern goddess whose hand prevents the evil eye. Some sources link the symbolism of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah, the Jewish of the Scriptures of the old testament name, or the five pillars of Islam, the five bases the Islamic faith.

Because this hand protects against the evil eye, it combines the design examples in another design called the reason of the eye in the hand. In such cases, a realistic or stylized look appears in the center of the Palm of the hand.The hand of Fatima pendants decorated normally through the addition of an eye in the Palm of the hamsa. This represents the good eye instead of the evil eye.

Another popular decoration on the side of pendants of Fatima is caught. The idea is that given that the fish have water as their Habitat, they are able to get themselves well protected against the evil eye. The image of fish that is added is a sentence indicating that we will live like the fish so that our eyes will be protected.

The hand of Fatima has been used as a talisman for its protective symbolism around the world, but mainly in the countries of the Middle Oriente.La Hamsa is used in amulets, charms, jewelry, doors, cars and other places to ward the evil eye.

It is not a symbol that is offered by the religion of Islam, but rather a cultural icon. Some sources say that its origin predates Islam. The name Fatima hands or hand of Fatima, is a Western name; in societies where the symbol is actually common refers to the use of different names, such as khamsa (five). In Israel and in Jewish culture worldwide known commonly as "Hamsa" or "chamsa," without any connotation of Islamic heritage, applying the notion that is mainly cultural rather than religious.

In recent years, Middle East peace activists have opted to take the hamsa as a symbol of the origins and tradition among the Islamic population and Jewish similarities.

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Understanding Islamic Theology

Islam is the fastest growing religion of the world. There are several misconceptions about this sacred and peaceful religion. Keeping this factor in mind a need was felt to write an article to convey the real Islamic Theology to the world.

Islamic theology is basically a part of Islamic studies. It is the study of beliefs which are related to Islamic faith.

According to Islamic Theology, there are six basic pillars of Islam, which are:

• Belief in One Allah

• Belief in all Prophets of Allah

• Belief in Angles

• Belief in all Holy Books by Allah

• Belief in The Day of Judgment

• Belief in Destiny

Islamic Theology is based upon the teachings of Holy Quran and sayings of Prophet (SAW). To understand the real Islamic Theology, one needs to study Holy Quran in detail and understand it correctly.

Muslims believe in oneness of Allah. They simply deny the Christian theology of trinity. They also deny the divinity of Jesus (PBUH). According to Muslims, associating partners with Allah is an unforgivable sin.

According to Islamic theology, a Muslim also has a firm belief in existence of Jin and angles. They believe that two angles are always with a person, one writes his sins and other writes his good deeds.

Muslims belief says that Allah has sent Prophets to every nation and every part of the world, and all of them were true Prophets. This belief in Prophets is also one of the basic beliefs to become a Muslim.

Last but not the least, Muslims have firm belief on the day of judgement. According to them, that day every person will be ordered to wake up from its grave and their good deeds and bad deeds will be told to them. According to their deeds they will be either send to heaven or hell.

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Understanding Islam and Democracy

Islam, a true religion of peace and humanity, unfortunately is now being considered a root cause behind undemocratic practices prevailing in Islamic states. The major reason behind such misconception is misunderstanding and absolutely wrong analysis of Islamic political values. While discussing the topic of Islam and democracy people often take extreme positions; some present Islamic political system as an antithesis of democracy, while others emphasize that both Islam and democracy are two different terms implying same thing as John Esposito and John Voll argued in their recent book 'Islam and Democracy' that both are compatible with each other. But the real picture is different from both viewpoints. Therefore before taking sides of either group one must have complete understanding of some important concepts regarding the place of democracy in Islam.

The Concept of Sovereignty in Islam

The basis of Islamic political system is an absolute belief in the sovereignty of Allah, the real law giver. No one, even a prophet can order others in his own right. The Prophet himself is subjected to Allah's commands. As Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "I do not follow anything except what is revealed to me". For man Islam uses the term "Vicegerency" (Khilafat) instead of "sovereignty". Anyone selected as vicegerent uses the power as the trust from Allah and is answerable before Him for every action he takes under these powers.

Decision Making Process in Islamic Polity

In Islam 'Shura' is the only decision making and implementing body. The role of Shura is often compared with the role of parliament in modern democracy but the main deference between two is the concept of real law giver. In Islam only Allah Almighty is the real law giver to Whom the authority of legislation vests. Man has no authority to modify the prescribed limits and cannot resort to independent legislation. He has to take all decision within the prescribed framework according to rules of Allah not by the choice of people. Such limitations are placed just to prevent exploitation of man in the name of majority vote and to evolve a well balanced system of social justice under which political powers can be used to eradicate elements causing insecurities and uncertainties among people.

Principle of Equality in Islam

Islam presents an egalitarian social structure according to which all human beings are equal before Allah; no one is superior to another on the account of his social status, family background, caste or profession. The only criterion of superiority is personal aptitude and noble character. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) asserted this reality on many occasions. Some of those assertions are given here:

"No one is superior to another except in point of faith and piety. All men are descended from Adam and Adam was made of clay."

On another occasion of addressing people after the conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

"O people of Quraysh! Allah has rooted out your haughtiness of the days of ignorance and the pride of ancestry. O men, all of you are descended from Adam and Adam was made of clay. There is no pride whatever in ancestry; there is no merit in an Arab as against a non-Arab nor in a non-Arab against an Arab. Verily the most meritorious among you in the eyes of Allah is he who is the most pious."

Not only in the social matters Islam also gives equal rights to all believers even in case of ruling over an Islamic state. The whole Muslim community has given equal sharing in Islamic State with no supremacy of a particular class.

As according to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), "Every one of you is a ruler and everyone is answerable for his subjects."

If you just have a look over Islamic History, you'll come to know that at many occasions people from lower social status even slaves were being appointed at higher positions and nobles did not feel embarrassed to serve under them.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "Listen and obey even if a negro is appointed as a ruler over you."

The Concept of Expression of Freedom in Islam

As far as the concept of freedom of expression is concerned Islam put some limits and restrictions in order to safeguard the personal dignity and self respect. Everyone enjoys the freedom of expression but within a prescribed framework of limitations and is not allowed to go beyond a limit where his freedom becomes the exploitation of other person's freedom. The purpose behind placing certain checks and balances is securing human freedom rather than depriving him of any of his just rights.

The Concept of Fatalism in Islam

Some people also criticize Islam for being the fatalistic religion again limiting the area of activities and struggle in every sphere of life. Critics say that Islam preaches that everything has been decided before and now nothing can be done to undo the decisions of Allah. This is again a one-sided view, not the whole picture. Let's examine it in the light of the Quranic injunctions:

And not an atom's weight in the earth or in the sky escapes your Lord, nor what is less than that or greater than that, but it is (written) in a clear Book. (Yunus 10:61)

To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. He enlarges the provisions for whomsoever He pleases and straitens it for whomsoever He pleases. Surely He knows all things full well. (Ash-Shura 42:12)

Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness. (As-Shura 42:30)

If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female, and have faith, they will enter Heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them. (An-Nisaa' 4:124)

It is the truth from your Lord; wherefore let him who will, believe, and let him who will, disbelieve. (Al-Kahf 18:29)

It's true that first two Quranic verses prove the power of Almighty Allah over each and everything of this universe. But the remaining three verses given below clearly proves that every misfortune happen to man is an outcome of his wrong deeds not because of a pre-written decision by Allah. He blessed everyone whether male or female on the basis of his/her intentions and deeds not on the basis of their gender.

Having right or wrong viewpoints regarding the decisions of Almighty is contingent upon your discerning ability as there is nothing wrong with Almighty laws and decisions. So what is needed a fact based, systematic study of Islamic political system under the light of Quranic references to develop its true image in your mind and to put an end to all such misconceptions and extreme views about a peaceful religion forever.

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