...The message of peace is a fundamental universal concern which is relevant throughout our world today. Peace is not merely the ‘absence of war’, but a state of mind in which a sense of tranquillity comes from actively working towards right relationships with individuals and God. To understand the way in which Muslims and Christians view peace it is imperative to understand the source of the teachings for each religion. The principles teachings of peace for Both Christianity and Islam are primarily found in the sacred texts of both religious traditions. Christianity looks to the bible and specifically the New Testament for teachings about peace, whereas Islam focuses’ on the Qur’an and Hadith to guide their beliefs of peace. These sacred texts guide the individual adherents of each religion to achieving inner peace which consequently develops their understanding to take responsibility to achieve peace with those around them, leading to ‘world peace’. An understanding of the Christian belief of peace is gained through a knowledge of the importance of the life of Jesus Christ in the beliefs of adherents. Peace is believed to be at the heart of Jesus' life and ministry and accordingly it is a foundational element of the Christian communities that seek to follow him. In order for Christians to experience the peace of God they must devote themselves to listening to the good news of God revealed through the Bible and commit themselves to following the example of Jesus in his life...
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...Ghichi Debate and public speaking 3rd January 2015 Islam is a religion of peace. Many non-Muslims have a bad image about Islam; they consider Islam as a religion that promotes violence, terrorism and wars. They rely in their view of Islam on the general media, which is not always accurate in reporting the news. In fact the word Islam in Arabic means peace and Islam clearly prohibits all kinds’ forms of aggression and violence. The religion of Islam is the best and most perfect of all religions. Islam is a guide of all Muslims, actually Islam is a religion that promotes peace and understanding among people of all faith and strongly forbids all forms of violence against people regardless of their faith or race. A Muslim society is the best example of solidarity and tolerance between all Muslims, Islam shows us the right path that we have to follow. As Allah said :” and speak to people kindly” and also :” Humanity is but a single brotherhood so make peace with your brethren .” these verses are from the holy Quran show that Islam indeed is a religion of peace and we are all brothers and sisters in this world . Islam has strict laws about those who are violent and also it places very high importance on justice, if someone is wrong he will be punished and at the same time Islam encourages people to forgive those who are wronged them whenever possible, so Islam is a religion of tolerance and mercy but not violence. ...
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...Anthropology Anthropology Should Violence & polices be part of Religion Religion means the faith in and love of a superhuman controlling force, particularly an individual God or divine beings. It ought to be recalled that there is no connection in the middle of religion and viciousness, neither in Islam, nor in any religion besides. Brutality is a social and political wonder. Without a doubt there is notice of war in sacred texts such as Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Qur'an. However, this notice is not to set up any basic connection in the middle of religion and roughness yet to depict certain social and political circumstance that won around then. It can be called basic just if these sacred writings command brutality as an alluring arrangement. It is imperative to recognize what is experimental and ideological. The Twain don't generally meet. While viciousness is experimental, peace is ideological. All sacred writings, especially the Qur'an while allowing savagery in some inescapable circumstances, appoint peace as a standard. The considerable religions of the world came to build up equity and peace, not to execute vengeance and viciousness. Requital and brutality can never turn out to be a piece of any religion, considerably less that of Islam. Allah has made both in individuals - inclination for hostility and savagery and magnified feeling for tranquility of peace. Allah, as indicated by the Qur'an, made human individual in the best of mold and...
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...WHAT IS ISLAM Islam is the final religion with which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), son of Abdullah, was sent by his Lord to convey it to all mankind. Islam means “peace and submission”, and a Muslim in someone who totally submits himself to the will of Allah. Therefore, it is the same in essence, whether given to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus or to Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon them). For the message it calls to is the same, namely to worship Allah alone, and the source of unity is the revelation from Allah: “He has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Noah, and that which We have revealed to you, and which We ordained for Abraham, Moses and Jesus: namely that you should establish religion and make no divisions.” (Surah Ash-Shūraa, 42:13) Islam is complete and perfect and is not subject to abrogation for any additions. Allah says: “This day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Mā’idah 5:3) Being the final religion which had abrogated religions before it, Islam in the only religion that Allah will accept: “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him, and in the life to come he will be among the losers.” (Surah Al-Imrān, 3:85) When Angel Jibreel asked the Prophet (peace be upon Him) about Islam, he replied, “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of...
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...The Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and the religions of Indian origin (Hinduism, Buddhism) are historically peaceful religions and thus will bring peace to the world today. Essentially, every world religion supports and professes ‘peace’ through their various sacred writings and scriptures. However, war and violence can certainly be recognised historically, and at present within religion. What is the notion of ‘peace’? And how exactly have these religions assisted in the promotion of peace historically? How may these religions help is creating a further peaceful world within the 21st century? This essay will discuss how two major world religions grasp diverse spiritual and religious traditions and how each of these religions has contributed to the future establishment of a global culture of peace. Peace cannot simply be defined as there are many different perceptions of the idea. Wikipedia attempts in defining peace as ‘A state of harmony characterised by the lack of violence, conflict behaviours and the freedom from fear of violence.’ However, Sandy and Perkins (2001) state that: “any attempt to articulate the nature of peace and peacemaking must address those conditions which are favourable to their emergence. Freedom, human rights, and justice are among such prerequisites. Also included are proactive strategies such as conflict resolution, nonviolent action, community building, and democratisation of authority.” The concept of peace must also recognise...
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...American Literature Jennifer Barnes Ms. K Meeks March 10, 2011 Islam and Christianity Christianity and Islam are two of the most significant religions in the world today. Both religions are very similar with only some of the beliefs and teachings being different. Christianity started about 2000 years ago in Judea with Jesus Christ and his faithful group of disciples. It has grown into one of the major religions, impacting all other faiths and changing the course of human history. Its sacred scripture is the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Its principal beliefs are that Jesus is the Son of God (the second person of the Holy Trinity), that God’s love for the world is the essential component of his being, and that Jesus died to redeem humankind. Christianity means “one who is crystallized into one.” Islam means "entire submission to the Will of Allah" in Arabic, and a Muslim is one who submits to the will of Allah (God). Islam’s primary significance is the making of peace first within one‘s self, and then for humanity as a whole. The author of Islam is Allah (God). The book of Islam is the Holy Qur’an, and the scriptures that were taught to the prophets. Islam has five beautiful fundamental principles of belief. Belief in Allah and his Apostle, Belief in Zakat (spending in the cause of truth), Belief in Fasting, Belief in Pilgrimage, Belief in Prayer(5 times daily). These beliefs are strictly enforced by each and everyone that prescribes to the title of...
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...Understanding Islam Christy A. Goff Dr. Thornton REL 212 September 8, 2012 In this paper, I will be reporting on my religious field research of Islam. The research that I have conducted has afforded me the opportunity to speak with, listen, and develop a stronger understanding of the Islamic faith. My research has also helped to dissolve some of the misconceptions that surround Islam. I will cover four major points throughout this paper. First, I will discuss preexisting misconceptions held against Islam. Second, I will analyze how my prior understanding of Islam was altered, or not, upon completion of my field research. Third, I will discuss whether or not I believe misconceptions of other people’s religions are common and explain in detail why or why not. Fourth, I will recommend at least one step that could be taken to help minimize misconceptions that people have in regards to other religions. I hope, through the reading of my field research report, to provide a stronger sense of understanding and receptiveness that I now have for other religions to the reader. Misconceptions of Islam In order to discuss the misconceptions that surround Islam, we must first delve into understanding what the word “Islam” actually means. “The word "Islam" means peace and submission. Peace means to be at peace with yourself and your surroundings. Submission means to submit to the Will of God. A broader meaning of the word "Islam," is to achieve peace by submitting to the...
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...Islam and the Rejection of Violence Mohammad Ibrahim Miqdad Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim Miqdad is a professor o f economics at the Islamic University in Gaza. Religions arose to organize the lives o f people on the divine bases o f justice, tolerance, values and ethics. Islam, the last o f the Abraham ic religions, has the same bases and values. Prophet M ohammad said (Hadith), “I w as only sent to finalize the noble ethics.” In addition, his m essage that “God loves those who are good benefit to the people” was advice to people o f all beliefs, not only M uslims. He also preached, “All the people are the children o f God, and he loves those who are a good benefit to his children.” This message applied to all people, since they come from the same spirit regardless o f race, ethnicity or religion. In the Q u r’an, Surat A n-N isa’ (The Women), verse 1 states: In the name o f God, the Gracious, the M erciful, “O m ankind fear your Lord, who created you from one soul.” Denouncement of Violence In regards to relationships with the others, Islam walks in the path o f flexibility and denounces violence. In the Q u r’an, Surat A l-’A n 'am (The Cattle), verse 108 states: In the name o f God, the Gracious, the M erciful O m ankind, “And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enm ity without know ledge.” In the name o f God, the Gracious, the M erciful O mankind, “ So by m ercy from Allah, [O M uham m ad], you were lenient with them...
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...------------------------------------------------- Report on Religious Field Research By: Lionette C. Alston Religion 212 Strayer University White Marsh Campus March 18, 2013 Religious Field Research Religion may be defined as a way of life. Religion has a variety of features. This is why often misconceptions of some religions are formed. Normally through observations and research some of the misconceptions may be corrected. Recently, I interviewed two Muslims that are married they were both converted into the Islam religion. They both have been living as Muslims for over 20 years. After our interview, I had a better understanding of the Islam religion. The religion is Islam. A person that consciously follows Islam is called a Muslim. One major misconception that I had about the Islam followers is that they were confrontational. I have always viewed the Muslims as a group of aggressive people that communicated with their fist. I also thought that they only socialized amongst each other. However, I was wrong. Islam comes from the Arabic root word meaning “peace” and submission”. Islam teaches that an Islam follower can only find peace by submitting to Allah through the heart and soul. Allah is the Almighty God, God the Creator, the Compassionate and the Sustainer. “Salaam Alaykum” a term that is used amongst Muslims which means peace be with you. The Islam religion guides towards practical ways of achieving righteousness and eliminating evil from individual/s lives....
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...World Religions Report Antonio Smith HUM/130 April 28, 2012 David Latoundji ` The following is a review about the religion of Islam. Islam began in what is now Saudi Arabia, and like Christianity and Judaism, traces its history back to Abraham. In the Islam religion the belief is there is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger. God or Allah is the focus of the Islamic religion. Muhammad is not worshiped in the Islam religion, but the life and death of Muhammad is regarded as very important to the religion. The sacred book in the Islam religion is the Holy Qur’an. It is stated that Muhammad received the Qur’an through a series of revelations from God. The Holy Qur’an is considered to be a book of perfection in the religion of Islam. The teachings of the Qur’an can be summarized as teachings of belief of God, prayer and worship, and performing good deeds, like helping people in need whether Muslim or not. The name of the site I visited is The Islamic Center of Lawton. It is a Mosque located on the South side of Lawton, Oklahoma, where I reside. The physical address is 913 SW F Ave. The building does not appear to be a typical place of worship. It is a building that basically looks like an average office building. When I walked in I automatically recognized the many prayer rugs on a padded section of the floor, and copies of the Qur’an and books with Arabic writing on them on bookshelves. I also noticed a picture of the Ka’bah and The Great Mosque...
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...Islam vs. Christianity The two largest religions in the world are Islam and Christianity. For most Americans, Islam is the religion of the Middle East; however, Islam is practiced all over the world by all races of people. The morning of September 11, 2001 was a very tragic moment for all Americans and unfortunately it caused most of us to view Islam as the religion of terrorists. As I started to prepare for this paper, Islam vs. Christianity, I wanted to focus on the religion and not the actions of some of the followers of the religion. But as I went deeper into the religious teachings, I could see how the religion itself could produce violent followers. Ahead, I will mirror some of the basic practices and principles of both religions to help us gain a better understanding of Islamic practices. Both Islam and Christianity believe in moral living and being good to others, but have different views on God and his interpretations. Both believe that there is a God; however, Christians believe in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and Muslims believe that God (Allah) is the one and only. Both believe that Jesus Christ existed, but Muslims believe that Jesus was merely a prophet who received a revelation from Allah and not the Lord and Savior that Christians proclaim him to be. The Christian holy Book, The Holy Bible, contains the Old Testament which chronicles the lives of those who lived before Jesus and is also sacred to Islam, and the New Testament which is unique to...
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...What is the distinctive response of Christianity and Islam regarding peace? Christianity and Islam both have had a distinct response to peace. Peace is the central teaching among both religions and the teaching of inner peace and world peace can be conveyed through sacred texts, principal teachings and organisations. In Christianity, teachings of peace derives from Christ in the New Testament. Peace is at the heart of Jesus’ life and ministry and accordingly it is a foundational element of the the Christian communities that seek to follow him. The New Testament extols peace as a virtue and identifies it as a key element of the reign of God. Jesus himself is known as the “prince of peace” and is regarded as the source of peace, meaning that by adherents living in a close relationship with him, they are allowing themselves to experience the peace in which he brings. The New Testament proclaims “Guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79), which emphasises that following in the footsteps of Jesus, is the way to achieving inner peace. Peace is understood as more than merely an absence of violence and conflict. It refers more fully to an overall sense of wellbeing. Ultimately peace is found in union with God. Christians are taught to live at peace with others, both within their own communities and in the wider human family.Throughout the first three centuries of the common era Christians adopted a pacifist position and refused to engage in military service or warfare, leaving...
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...Contemporary Issues in Western Religions Nerkeda Bulter, Regina Edwards Lakisha Lewis Sinceria Lewis Religion/134 October 11, 2012 Stephanie Cripps Contemporary Issues in Western Religions This paper will reflect research on contemporary issues in Western Religions. The main objective is to elaborate on Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The other key focus is to uncover the struggles within its historical and modern times. Islam is an interesting subject because it has plenty history surrounding Islamic cultures, and the contrast between Judaism, and Christianity. Nevertheless, revealing how time has change from than to now also captivate some attention. Exploring the foundation surrounding Islam such as Abraham, and the other forefathers is rewarding when searching the history of these three religions. Historical connections Islam and Judaism share connections starting very early in history with the patriarch Abraham. Abraham had two sons, Ishmael, and Isaac, who eventually went on to lead two different groups of people. Ishmael led the Arabs who later became known as the Muslims and Isaac led the Israelites who later became Jews. These two different groups of religions grew and traditions known today in modern religion. Each religion shares a monotheistic belief and has similar...
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...Capitalism is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, with the goal of making a profit.[1][2][3] Central elements of capitalism include capital accumulation, competitive markets, and a price system.[4] There are, however, multiple variants of capitalism, including laissez-faire, welfare capitalism, and state capitalism. Capitalism is considered to have been applied in a variety of historical cases, varying in time, geography, politics, and culture. Discussing the impact of capitalism on culture can be difficult. In what way is “capitalism” responsible for a given aspect of culture, indeed can any aspect of culture be said to be a product of “capitalism”? Yes, certain aspects of culture and society can be said to be a product of “capitalism”, but defining how and why something is said to be a product of capitalism is very important. Some of the key concepts relating to an analysis of the effects of capitalism on culture are profit motive, commodity, human desire, and the market economy. The capitalist system is based on private ownership and consolidation of the means of production, where the production of commodities is guided by profit motive to satisfy human desires Definition: Materialism is the importance placed on material possessions. Someone with a high level of materialism, described as "materialistic," considers material possessions to be central to their life and their identity, and focuses a good deal of their energy on acquiring...
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...World Religions Joanna Hart Islam “...there is more misunderstanding on the part of the West on Islam, than there is on any other religion.” (Smith, 12) Islam is one of the world's largest religions, but it is surprising to see how little people actually know about it. Islam's main message is about peace, which comes when one fully surrenders to Allah. In fact, that is what the word Islam means. The practices of Islam are all geared toward attaining this peace. When one really looks into the practices of Islam, the practices can seem quite elaborate even on just a daily basis. Muslims pray five times a day, every day. Once just before the sun rises (fajr), noon (dhuhr), afternoon ('asr), sunset (maghrib), and evening ('isha). Muslims pray a prayer called raka'ah during these five times of prayer. This prayer states that Allah is the one, true God. Through the mercy of Allah, we have been given life and through His compassion we have been given a way back to Him in Heaven through the religion and practices of Islam. It also gives a reminder to “...watch out for the steps that you're making in this day.” (Smith, 3) Aside from the daily prayers, the annual practice of Ramadan is observed. Ramadan is a month (of the Islamic lunar calendar) in which people fast from sunrise to sunset. It is fasting not just from food, but bad behaviors and bad thoughts as well. If able, one should make a pilgrimage to Mecca as part of the practices...
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