Evil of corruptions has appeared on land and on sea based on activities propagated by human beings that God may make them taste the consequences of what they have done. Perhaps they will reassess (their conducts) (30:41) – political corruption, social and economic injustice, profiteering, racial and gender inequity, pollutions, deforestations, rise of atheism, mistreatment of cows and chicken in cages to feed consumers hooked to fast and unhealthy food, etc. are just some of many examples of our contemporary rise in corrupt behavior that feed our animal instincts and diminish our human spirit. We need to rethink our priorities and reestablish our human purpose.
Ramadan Reflection #17
“And when he (Moses) attained his maturity and become firmly established, We [God] granted him knowledge and wisdom. This is how We bless those who are good and virtuous.” (28:14) – what is knowledge and what is wisdom? Can you have wisdom without knowledge? Does knowledge always lead to wisdom?
Ramadan Reflection #16
“Who originates the creation, and then reproduces it? Who gives sustenance from the heavens and the earth? Is there a deity besides God? (say) Bring your proof, if you speak the truth.” (27:64) – In our contemporary world, atheism is on the ascent and threatens the very foundation of a God-centric world view, sometimes aided by those who claim faith but do evils in the name of faith.
The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is considered to be the most important place of worship for Sikhism. For those who are unaware, Sikhism is a Dharmic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the world’s youngest major religions. Sikhism involves a strong belief in God and a willingness to perform good deeds and be a better person. Because of the architectural design choices made when constructing the temple, at dawn and dusk the reflection of light enhances and mystifies the appearance of the temple adding to its ornate allure.
Temple Mount/Western Wall
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel is where the Second Temple, an ancient Jewish holy temple, stood until its destruction in 70 CE. The temple’s western wall has been preserved from that time and is considered to be the most important place for worship and prayer. Because of religious decrees in Judaism, entering the Temple Mount is forbidden. Interestingly enough in the plaza at the top of the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are located which are important religious sites in Islam.
The Great Mosque of Mecca
Pictured here is the Great Mosque of Mecca or Masjid al-Haram located in Saudi Arabia. In the center is what is considered by Muslims to be the House of God, the Kaaba. In Islam, it is required to pray 5 times per day facing the Kaaba. It is also required by Islam to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in what is called Hajj.
Hassan II Mosque
This is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the second largest mosque in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. It’s minaret or the large tower is the world’s second tallest minaret standing at 210 meters or 689 ft. It is built right on the coast and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful mosque that is important to the people of Morocco and North Africa.
Ramadan Reflection #15
Prayer of Solomon: He (Solomon) wondered at the word of the ant, smiled and then prayed to God: “O my Sustainer God, grant me that I may be grateful, for the blessing that you had showered on me and my parents, that I may do good that will please You, and admit me, by your mercy, to be among the righteous.” (27:19) – being thankful for what we have, aspiring to be good and to do good – are fundamental to our mental and spiritual wellbeing. How often we forget such basic teachings of the Qur’an?
Ramadan Reflection #14
“Give full measure and be not of those who diminish, and weigh with a just balance. Wrong not others of what is due to them and do not act corruptly on the land, making mischief. Be mindful of God Who created you and your previous generations” (26:181-184) – our financial, economic and political systems are becoming increasing corrupt, disproportionately and negatively impacts the poor and the minorities, and fails to protect the earth. Think of our public corporations giving 100% of profit to shareholders while failing to give living wages to essential workers, lying by politicians has become the open currency and abuse of minorities by majority, even in countries that claim to be democratic, let alone the authoritarian regimes across the globe is becoming more common.
Saint Peter's Basilica
Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is the largest church in the world. Michelangelo, a famous Italian artist, helped design the Sistine chapel which is located in Saint Peter’s Basilica during the Renaissance. It remains one of the finest examples of renaissance architecture to date. It is considered to be an extremely important church for Catholicism although it is not the highest ranking catholic cathedral out there.
