The Shema is one of the central declarations of faith in Judaism and is to be recited daily by observant Jews and during important religious services. It is found in the Torah, specifically in Deuteronomy 6:4, and begins with the words: "Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad," which translates to "Hear, O Israel: the Lord … Continue reading God is Ahad (Echad) “One”
Messengers vs. Tradition
No messenger was ever sent to a people with the message that everything they were doing was perfect and that no change was needed. Such a notion runs entirely counter to the very essence of a messenger's mission. A messenger's role is not to affirm the status quo but to challenge it—serving as a disruptor … Continue reading Messengers vs. Tradition
Would You Support God’s Messenger, Today?
It is a common belief among those who consider themselves virtuous that, had they lived in the era of one of God's messengers, they would have been among the few to recognize the truth and follow their call. This assumption of moral clarity and inherent goodness comforts many, allowing them to imagine themselves as allies … Continue reading Would You Support God’s Messenger, Today?
Power, Interpretation, and the Enduring Nature of Truth
All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth. – Friedrich Nietzsche Interpretation lies at the heart of human understanding, shaping how societies construct meaning from events, ideas, and phenomena. Yet history reveals a persistent tension: while those in power may dictate interpretation, … Continue reading Power, Interpretation, and the Enduring Nature of Truth
The Messenger vs. The Message
A messenger of God comes to deliver God's message, and it is this message that should be valued and pursued throughout one's life. However, people often shift their focus from the message to the messenger, losing sight of the true purpose of their coming. This is evident, for example, in how many Christians have become … Continue reading The Messenger vs. The Message
Traditionalists vs. Quranists Compass
In understanding one's political affiliation, one of the tools a person can use is called the political compass. The political compass is a conceptual framework that allows individuals to locate their beliefs on a two-dimensional grid, providing a more nuanced understanding of political ideologies beyond the traditional left-right spectrum. It takes into account both economic … Continue reading Traditionalists vs. Quranists Compass
“Wa” in the Quran
The prefix "wa" ( وَ ) in the Arabic language is an important particle that appears frequently in the Quran, and it can serve a variety of functions depending on the context in which it is used. Below are some of the main forms and uses of "wa" in the Quran, along with examples from … Continue reading “Wa” in the Quran
When “god” is used for other than God in Quran
In English, there is no distinction between the words "god" with a lowercase "g" and "God" with a capital "G." Yet, this is not the case in Arabic. In Arabic, the word for "god" with a lowercase "g" is "إله" (ilah). In Arabic, "ilah" signifies a being that is worshiped, irrespective of whether it is … Continue reading When “god” is used for other than God in Quran
Why Are Muslims Suffering?
In the Quran, a common pattern that we are presented with is that when people deviate from God’s guidance, He allows hardship or external forces to come upon them as a means to remind them of their covenant and guide them back to the straight path. This concept reflects God's mercy and desire for people … Continue reading Why Are Muslims Suffering?
Who Did Jesus Say Would Come After Him?
In the Gospels, Jesus references the coming of individuals to come after him, including prophets, wise men, and teachers, as well as one he references three times in the Gospel of John as the Paraclete, which can be translated as a counselor, comforter, or Advocate (Paraclete). Matthew 23:34 - Prophets, Wise Men, and Teachers to … Continue reading Who Did Jesus Say Would Come After Him?
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