All practicing Muslims accept belief in the ‘Six Articles of Faith’ and are obliged to follow the ‘Five Pillars.’ They are: 1. Muslim profession of faith orshahada. 2. Ritual Prayer or salah. 3. Obligatory Charity or zakah. 4. Fasting or sawm. 5. Pilgrimage or hajj. The First Pillar Muslim Profession of Faith The Shahada … Read more
Introduction Whether it’s from a documentary on TV or a beautifully designed website, the majority have heard something about ‘Sufis’ and ‘Sufism’; programs on TV have aired, talk show hosts have made mention of them and politicians are taking a keen interest in this group… one has only to type the word ‘Sufi’ on any … Read more
(part 1 of 2): The Eclectic Religion Scientology has been called the world’s most significant new religion, and Scientologists themselves claim to draw on 50,000 years of wisdom. However apostates from Scientology claim it is a vicious, dangerous cult masquerading as a religion. No matter which description we choose, the fact remains that Scientology is … Read more
(part 1 of 2): Fire worshippers or monotheists? Zoroastrianism is defined by the Merriam Webster[1] online dictionary as a Persian religion founded in the sixth century B.C.E. by the prophet Zoroaster, promulgated in the Avesta, and characterized by worship of a supreme god, Ahura Mazda, who requires good deeds for help in his cosmic struggle … Read more
(part 1 of 3): Christians or cult members? In 2011 it was estimated that there were more than 7.6 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in over 109 thousand congregations, in more than 200 countries.[1] As the name suggests, it is an evangelical religion. Members, of both genders and of all ages, actively go from door to door, … Read more
(part 1 of 2): An Introduction Taoism is an ancient Chinese tradition of philosophy and religious belief also referred to as Daoism which is said to be a more accurate way of saying the Chinese word in English. The Tao (in Taoism) is usually translated as ‘the way’. It is very difficult to estimate the … Read more
(part 1 of 2): What is Shintoism? According to the Princeton online dictionary Shintoism is the ancient indigenous religion of Japan. It lacks a formal dogma and is characterised by the veneration of nature spirits and ancestors.[1] The name Shinto comes from Chinese characters for Shen (‘divine being’), and Tao (‘way’) and means ‘Way of … Read more
(part 1 of 2): Who are the Mormons? Mormonism – the doctrines and practices of the Mormon Church based on the Book of Mormon.[1] Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name Latter-day comes from the belief that after the death of the early apostles, the Christian church fell … Read more
(part 1 of 2): Serious sins that endanger a person’s hereafter Islam’s position on sorcery for both the one who practices magic and the one who believes in sorcery can be summed up in just one sentence. Sorcery is absolutely forbidden. However, let us try to discover why Islam forbids it. Remembering that Islam is … Read more
(part 1 of 2): Am I Dreaming? The Merriam Webster online Dictionary defines a dream as a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep. Dreams and musing over their meanings and interpretations enrich our lives. Dreams put us in touch with our deepest emotions; they enchant us and frighten us; they contain our … Read more