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Ramadan

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  • #16
    Originally posted by siam View Post
    ... have a spiritual kick
    What the heck is that?
    That's what
    - She

    Without a clear-cut definition of sin, morality becomes a mere argument over the best way to train animals
    - Manya the Holy Szin (The Quintara Marathon)

    I may not be as old as dirt, but me and dirt are starting to have an awful lot in common
    - Stephen R. Donaldson

    Comment


    • #17
      Originally posted by siam View Post
      I absolutely deny it.

      Perhaps I can get through to you another way............(If not, I will give up )

      If I were to make this statement....would you agree to it....?....

      America ALONE among today's modern nations has murder and terrorism as an acceptable "tool" of "evangelism".
      (the ideology they would be "evangelizing" would be Manifest Destiny and American exceptionalism)
      Examples of terrorism and murder-------
      Drone terrorism---where innocent men women and children are murdered---used in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia and perhaps in the Philippines.
      Extraordinary renditions---Foreign civilians are kidnapped off the streets and tortured at "Black Sites", CIA run prisons
      Covert ops, black ops, CIA operations----were Armed Americans interfere (including assassinations) in foreign territories/nations to destabilize and exploit. example, South America.
      Wars of Aggression---were Americans attack another country on false pretenses. examples....Iraq, Afghanistan.
      ...and so forth.......


      When we are deluded we can make statements based on false premises. Such statements would be false, untruthful, wrong, incorrect.....need I go on....?.....
      You know, Siam, I've yet to see you say anything positive in this thread about the Jews in Israel, or attempt to sympathize with the attrocities committed against them by the terrorists in Gaza and the West Bank.
      That's what
      - She

      Without a clear-cut definition of sin, morality becomes a mere argument over the best way to train animals
      - Manya the Holy Szin (The Quintara Marathon)

      I may not be as old as dirt, but me and dirt are starting to have an awful lot in common
      - Stephen R. Donaldson

      Comment


      • #18
        Originally posted by siam View Post
        When we are deluded we can make statements based on false premises.
        I agree you are deluded.

        Such statements would be false, untruthful, wrong, incorrect.....need I go on....?.....
        Feel free -- you have the credibility of Baghdad Bob -- he was a lot of fun.
        The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

        Comment


        • #19
          The Golden Rule to Becoming Better People Through Religious Practices

          By Ameena Jandali and Dr. Henry Millstein

          http://www.patheos.com/blogs/altmusl...ous-practices/

          As we near the end of Ramadan, it is appropriate to reflect on the purpose of this sacred month. Throughout the month, Muslims have engaged in a number of special spiritual practices, including fasting, supererogatory prayers and the reading of the Quran. All of these actions are aimed at achieving ihsan, an Arabic term that means simultaneously the perfecting of one’s character, the deepening of one’s relationship with God and the perfecting of good conduct towards fellow human beings.
          While Muslims, like other religious practitioners, are often painstakingly meticulous in their focus on and adherence to the specific rituals and acts of worship that are meant to lead to ihsan, it is often the actualization of ihsan where human beings fall short, thereby missing one of the most important purposes of our religious endeavors. Whether something as mundane as overlooking the needs of others when serving oneself at a Ramadan dinner, to the worst example of contravening ihsan through violence against others — this is the pivotal issue for religious communities today and the reason that religious practitioners often have a bad reputation in an increasingly secular world.
          Central to ihsan is the readiness to treat others as you want them to treat you, the ethic expressed by various forms of the “Golden Rule” in virtually all religious traditions. The classic Western expression of this “ethic of reciprocity,” as it is called, is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke (7:12 and 6:31 respectively): “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
          The Jewish tradition expresses a similar idea in negative form: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. (Talmud Shabbat 31a)” This saying is attributed to the great sage Hillel, a contemporary of Jesus, who reportedly uttered it when a Gentile offered to convert to Judaism if Hillel could teach him the whole Torah while standing on one foot.
          The most pointed Muslim expression of the ethic of reciprocity is found in a hadith or, a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): “Not one of you is a believer until he wishes for his brother/sister what he wishes for himself. (An-Nawawi 13)” This version of the Golden Rule adds depth to the Christian and Jewish versions; while the latter refer solely to outward behavior, the Muslim version speaks to an inward dimension: The believer must not only do what the other wants but must desire what the other desires. Implied here is the idea that right actions must spring from right character. In other words, this saying speaks directly to the concept of ihsan that is central to the observance of Ramadan and indeed to the whole endeavor of Muslim spirituality.
          This connection between inner character and outward behavior is, of course, also a mainstay of Jewish and Christian traditions. In rabbinic texts, Rabbi Akiva, agreeing with Hillel that the commandment of love of neighbor (Leviticus 19:8) is the foundation of the Torah, grounds the commandment in the common nature that all human beings share from Adam. In other words, it is the inner realization of our shared human nature that impels us to love of neighbor (a term the rabbis interpreted to mean all humanity, including foreigners.) In Christianity, Jesus’ insistence on inner righteousness is central to his message: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)”
          Hindu tradition likewise affirms the bond between inner character and the observance of the Golden Rule. In the great Indian epic the Mahabharata, the wise minister Vidura advises his king as follows: “Listening to wise scriptures, austerity, sacrifice, respectful faith, social welfare, forgiveness, purity of intent, compassion, truth and self-control — are the ten wealths of character… Hence, (keeping these in mind), by self-control and by making dharma (right conduct) your main focus, treat others as you treat yourself. (Shanti-parva 167.9)”
          A classic Buddhist expression of the ethic of reciprocity also affirms the connection between inner and outer: “Look where you will, there is nothing dearer to man than himself; therefore, as it is the same thing that is dear to you and to others, hurt not others with what pains yourself. (Udanavarga 5:18)” Here, the observance of the Golden Rule springs from the inner realization of one’s commonality with fellow human beings — echoing the Muslim and Jewish view that humanity’s common descent from Adam is the root of the commandment of love.
          In all these traditions, the Golden Rule, the touchstone of human character, rests on the harmony of inner spirit and outward behavior; and the imperative of love and compassion is a major motivation for the inward cultivation of the spirit. All our traditions affirm that without that inward cultivation—the fundamental goal of all religions—our behavior towards others will always ring hollow—and even worse, directly contravene our religious teachings. This cultivation of spirit, while not exclusive to religion, is nonetheless one of religion’s primary gifts to humankind. In this season, sacred to the second-largest religious community in the world, people of all faiths have the obligation to remind firstly themselves, and secondly others, of religion’s role in promoting a spirit and practice of true brotherly/sisterly love, compassion and harmony.

          Comment


          • #20
            Originally posted by siam View Post
            The Golden Rule to Becoming Better People Through Religious Practices.
            Thou shalt not strap on a suicide vest and murder a bunch of innocent people.
            The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

            Comment


            • #21
              Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
              Thou shalt not strap on a suicide vest and murder a bunch of innocent people.
              Or tell Christians in Iraq that they must convert, pay a high tax, or die by the sword...
              That's what
              - She

              Without a clear-cut definition of sin, morality becomes a mere argument over the best way to train animals
              - Manya the Holy Szin (The Quintara Marathon)

              I may not be as old as dirt, but me and dirt are starting to have an awful lot in common
              - Stephen R. Donaldson

              Comment


              • #22
                Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
                Thou shalt not strap on a suicide vest and murder a bunch of innocent people.
                As a Muslim and as a human being I agree.


                From the Quran

                "And do not take any human being’s life – [the life] which God has willed to be sacred – otherwise than in [the pursuit] of justice…" (17:33)

                "And do not kill yourselves, for God has been merciful to you." (4:29)

                "If it had been your Lord’s will, they all would have believed – all who are on earth. Will you, then, compel the people, against their will, to believe?" (10:99)

                "Unto every one of you have We appointed a [different] law and way of life. And if God had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto you…" (5:48)

                It is not required of thee (O Messenger), to set them on the right path, but God sets on the right path whom He pleases. (2:272)

                from:http://www.chicagonow.com/midwestern...ogger-go-free/

                Comment


                • #23
                  Originally posted by Bill the Cat View Post
                  Or tell Christians in Iraq that they must convert, pay a high tax, or die by the sword...
                  A wacky group calling itself ISIS is apparently making these statements in Iraq---for more info look here:- http://www.juancole.com/2014/07/chri...inorities.html

                  The Christians who have moved out are being given refuge by other Iraqi's and people in the region.




                  Human beings are good and bad and here are examples of good---

                  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...m_hp_ref=islam

                  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/0...n_5587742.html

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Ramadan is a special time, but there is only so much spirituality one can stomach (especially on an empty stomach) so, here is a bit of humor.

                    How Ramadan Helped Make Me A Soccer Fan

                    By Hesham Hassaballa, July 8, 2014 at 11:57 am
                    http://www.chicagonow.com/midwestern...-a-soccer-fan/

                    In the Name of God: the Infinitely Merciful and Compassionate Beloved Lord

                    Growing up, I never really liked soccer. I had played it at the age of nine for one year and hated the experience (probably because I was so bad at it). So, when the World Cup started, I had an aloof interest but was never really into the tournament. That is, until Ramadan started.

                    Ramadan, the ninth Islamic month during which Muslims (including this one) forgo food and drink from dawn until sunset, started on June 28. That happened to be the very same day the "knockout round" of the World Cup began. So, to help pass the time - and there's a lot of it to pass - I started watching each game. And I really liked what I saw.

                    I didn't realize how great international soccer can be, even though the scores are much lower than that to which we Americans are accustomed. There is a lot of amazing athletic ability, intrigue, strategy, and sheer excitement. Of course, I was rooting for the USA and was very saddened when they lost to Belgium. But, even after our guys went home, I continued to watch the other matches, and it was a truly enjoyable experience.

                    Indeed, I should have been reading scripture and been engaged in deep spiritual reflection since this is, after all, Ramadan. But, the World Cup only comes around once every four years, and the games this year have been, quite honestly, too good to pass up. I now truly can't wait to see the Brazil-Germany game later this afternoon, and I'm looking forward to watching the Netherlands take on Argentina.

                    I'm beginning to learn various players' names; I've asked friends and family about the various rules of international soccer and the different leagues around the world. I am beginning to look forward to watching the games in the Premier League and other leagues across Europe. I even watched a Chicago Fire game the other day on TV (although, I must admit, it wasn't as exciting). Moreover, I really like the fact that I can watch an entire half commercial free, and this makes the game all the more enjoyable. In fact, I wish more American sports games on TV had the same set up.

                    All this because the World Cup happened to be during Ramadan in Summer, when I can't eat for a very, very, very long time. Again, ideally, I should have spent all those hours - watching the amazing goals and penalty kicks, blocks and extra time - reading scripture and praying to God. That's what Ramadan is truly all about: self-reflection and spiritual renewal. But, I couldn't help myself. The games were truly awesome. I pray the Lord forgives me for all those hours spent watching soccer when I should have been worshiping.

                    But I hope and pray it will ultimately be a good thing, especially if it gets me more excited about playing soccer with my kids, two of whom are slated to play this fall. What's more, perhaps the next time someone walks up to me - as I am wearing my Arsenals jersey - and says, "Tough season for the Gunners, man!" I will have some inkling as to what in God's Most Holy Name he is talking about.

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Originally posted by siam View Post
                      As a Muslim and as a human being I agree.


                      From the Quran

                      "And do not take any human being’s life – [the life] which God has willed to be sacred – otherwise than in [the pursuit] of justice…" (17:33)

                      "And do not kill yourselves, for God has been merciful to you." (4:29)

                      "If it had been your Lord’s will, they all would have believed – all who are on earth. Will you, then, compel the people, against their will, to believe?" (10:99)

                      "Unto every one of you have We appointed a [different] law and way of life. And if God had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto you…" (5:48)

                      It is not required of thee (O Messenger), to set them on the right path, but God sets on the right path whom He pleases. (2:272)

                      from:http://www.chicagonow.com/midwestern...ogger-go-free/
                      So, you agree that these Islamist Terrorists are in violation of the principles of Islam (or the publicly proclaimed principles, at least) yet mainline Islam does almost nothing to denounce and oppose them.

                      What a crazy religion.
                      The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Originally posted by siam View Post
                        The Christians who have moved out are being given refuge by other Iraqi's and people in the region.
                        Do you have any support for this statement?
                        The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Originally posted by siam View Post
                          The Christians who have moved out are being given refuge by other Iraqi's and people in the region.
                          Yeah, maybe in Candyland. In real life, it's more like this:

                          Source: Breitbart

                          When U.S. troops invaded Iraq in 2003, there were at least 1.5 million Christians in Iraq. Over the last ten years, significantly in the last few months with the emergence of ISIS, that figure has dropped to about 400,000.

                          In a region where Christians predate Muslims by centuries, over one million Christians have been killed or have had to flee because of jihadi persecution, while America is basically standing by and watching. This is the sad news that Breitbart’s National Security Editor and one of the world’s leading experts on asymmetric warfare, Dr. Sebastian Gorka, brought to Breitbart News Saturday, hosted by Editor in Chief Alex Marlow on Sirius XM Patriot Radio.

                          Dr. Gorka explained that “in the last 48 hours, ISIS, which is now called the Islamic State in Mosul, has painted the letter “N” for Nazarene on the houses of all the surviving Christians in the city. ISIS has basically given an ultimatum to all the Christians left: You can either flee or convert to Islam, or we will kill you.”

                          Gorka points out that, over the last 20 years, America has stood up around the world to save Muslims. “Whether it was to save the Muslims in Bosnia or the Albanians, Kosovars, and Muslims in Serbia, it is now time for a humanitarian operation to save the remaining Christians in Iraq,” he said. “It is time for the American people and our representatives to do something for our co-religionists remaining in the Middle East.”

                          © Copyright Original Source

                          The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
                            Do you have any support for this statement?
                            Examples of unity with Christians.....

                            1)http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/21/wo...lee-mosul.html

                            "The gathering on Sunday at St. George Chaldean Church, built in 1964 and situated in a Shiite Muslim neighborhood, was as much about Iraqi solidarity as it was a gesture of condemnation for the persecution of Christians. In many ways Iraq’s struggle today is the same as it has been since the country was founded nearly a century ago, at the end of World War I: how to establish a national identity larger than a particular faith or ethnicity.

                            In the pews Muslims and Christians alike held signs that read, “I’m Iraqi. I’m Christian.” Muhammad Aga, who organized the event over Facebook, spoke, and listed Iraq’s many narrower identities: Christians, Arabs, Kurds, Shabaks, Turkmen, Yazidis, Sunnis and Shiites. “All of those people who carry Iraqi identity,” he said.

                            The church’s patriarch, Louis Raphael Sako, said, “I carry every Iraqi in my heart.”

                            2)http://www.juancole.com/2014/07/chri...inorities.html

                            "Mosul’s fleeing Christians have largely gone to Dohuk or Irbil in Kurdistan, and Kurdish officials have urged Kurds to give them refuge. Shiite shrines and institutions in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala have also offered to shelter the displaced Christians. Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians had earlier gone to Syria and Lebanon, though it seems likely that they will try to get to Europe.
                            Christians are not the only group at risk. There are many small unorthodox Shiite communities in northern Iraq, and they are recipients of the same threats being directed against the Christians. There are also Mandaean Gnostics. In the period of the American occupation, the predecessors of IS such as al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, had routinely target Christians and heterodox Shiites for bombings and attacks.
                            Likewise, women are suffering, since the radical fundamentalists want to impose a kind of house arrest (“seclusion”) on them. On Sunday, IS executed a woman in their stronghold of Raqqa in Syria by stoning her for alleged adultery."

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Originally posted by siam View Post
                              Examples of unity with Christians.....
                              This does nothing to change the fact that, in the name of your God, millions of Christians are being persecuted and killed all over the world, and there are no Christian Churches allowed to stand in Muslim territory.

                              Pretend all you want, your religion is rife with rape, murder, persecution, brutality and hate. Not to mention how your people treat women and young girls.
                              The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Source: shoebat.com

                                SHOEBAT EXCLUSIVE
                                By Walid Shoebat and Theodore Shoebat

                                Muslims in Mosul, Iraq, burned and destroyed a 1800 year old Catholic church.

                                Informed sources said that the organization of the so-called Islamic State in Mosul, “Daash” had completely burned down the Syriac Catholic Diocese in Mosul, the sources said that the organization has burned the archdiocese, which lies in the area of the field and was burnt down with the full contents of its holdings.

                                © Copyright Original Source



                                christian church.jpg
                                The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

                                Comment

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