Jama Masjid India

Description:  A cursory analysis into the word “Hajj” as found in the Old Testament. When many Jews and Christians view Islam from the outside, they find parallels to their own faiths that usually inspire a great deal of curiosity.  These parallels are often doctrinal, sometimes regarding the biographies of Prophets shared between the three Abrahamic faiths like Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them).  Yet, sometimes striking parallels are found by the more discerning eye.  Deep inquests often reveal textual and lexical similarities that are difficult—if not impossible—to explain by mere theories of one tradition borrowing from another. As millions upon millions of Muslim devotees engage in the rites of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the 5 pillars of Islam, we can peer into the terms used in this age-old practice that lead us to a time long before the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was even born.  Let us look at the word...

(part 1 of 2): More than a Place of Prayer Description:  A brief look at the history of mosques and their function in the history and spread of Islam. The mosque or the building that Muslims refer to as the  masjid  is a familiar sight in most parts of the world.  No matter what country or era, the mosque is built in it is always renowned for its unique architecture and noble ambiance.  In addition due to the sweeping nature of globalization most people know that the mosque is a house of worship; the place where the Muslim faithful offer prayer.  But the mosque is much more than that.  From the beginning it always fulfilled many needs and God willing it will continue to do so until the end of time as we know it. An orientalist, and strong evangelical Christian, Scottish colonial administer Sir William Muir (1819 1905CE) was for many years the West’s leading scholar of Islam despite the fact that he was negative and critical of Islam.  ...

Description:  So many people reach a level where they cease to improve. They think they have attained everything that it means to be guided.  This article sheds light on the fact that we need guidance in every affair, whether big or small.  I was thinking about how rich in meaning  Surah al-Fatihah [1]  is.  Take verse six, for Guide us to the straight way ." instance, where we say " Here we are offering a supplication, not for our individual selves, but for everyone else who offers the supplication.  By doing so, we are putting aside our egotistical tendencies.  The supplicant who utters this supplication is not looking to expose the errors of others and show himself to be the only one with the truth.  When we offer this supplication, we are asking for the guidance of others as well as for ourselves.  This supplication in the plural form "we" is a collective call for guidance; all of us make this humble petition together....