Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Islam Rituals

Births

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/ritesrituals/birth.shtml

How children are welcomed into the Muslim faith?
The Muslim call to prayer are the first words a baby should hear. they are whispered into the right ear by his or her father. They babys first taste should be someting sweet, as it is a practice carried out by the Prophet Muhmmed and is believed to help the digestive systems to kick in. There are several events that take place on or afteer the sevethen day. After seven days the babys head is shaved. this is to the that the child is a servant of Allah. Muslims weigh it and give the equivalent weight in sliver to charity.

 What is the Aqeeqah?
Is traditionally carried out on the seventh day. Tis is a celebration which involves the slaughter of sleep. Sheep are sacrifced and te meat is distributed to relatives and neighbours, and also given to the poor.

Marriage


Outline the basic elements of an Islamic wedding ceremony?
Marrige is a solemn and sacered, social contract between bride and groom. This contract is a strong covenant. The marriage contract is a mutual agreement that both the bride and groom agree on and follow. The gift of Marh is a divine injuntction. the giving of mahr to the bride from the groom is an essential part of the contract.Mahr is a token commitment of the husband's responsibility and may be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the bride herself. The amount of mahr is not legally specified, however, moderation according to the existing social norm is recommended. The mahr may be paid immediately to the bride at the time of marriage, or deferred to a later date, or a combination of both. The deferred mahr however, falls due in case of death or divorce.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Quran

1. What does the word Quran translate to in English?Recitation
2. What is the purpose of the message sent to Mohammad why was it sent again?Gods own message to the world to remind people of the message already received by the Jews and Christians –Gods guidance for human kind
3. How is the message sent to Mohammad different to the messages already sent to the Christians and the Jews?
It is in Arabic
4. Is the message in the Quran the same message as in the Bible? Yes
5. Name two other prophets mentioned in the Quran. Abraham and Jesus
6. How was the message passed on to others in the beginning? It was an oral / aural transmission
7. Why was the original message not written down by Mohammad?He was not literate in Arabic
8. What language is used for the Quran?
Arabic
9. Which city did Islam originate? Mecca
10. What does ‘Muslim’ mean? Those who submit to God
11. How does the Quran differ from the Bible in the story of the death of Jesus?Belief Jesus was not crucified but lifted to God another man who looked like him was crucified.
12. What does the Quran say about warfare? Muslims may defend themselves only when there is a threat. They should be merciful to those they capture – as Muhammad was when he took over Mecca.



Additional information:
Suras: chapters of the Quran, there are 114 chapters, each one is shorter than the one before it.
The Quran is thought to be the completed message that began wit Judaism & Christiantiy

Symbols of Islam

The star and cresent
They are the accepted symbols of Islam since the eighteenth century; they appear on several flags of islamic nations. Even before the time of Muhammad they were found on the Ka'aba and it is said that Muhammed allowed these symbols to remain intact when he oordered the removal of the idols in the Ka'aba.


No symbols of Allah
Islam has always insisted that there should be no idols and no images of Allah. An islamic mosque is devoid of all statues and all paintings this is inn contrast to christian churches. Islamic artists have compensated for this restricted by developing beautiful work and calligraphy

Bismillah (in the name of Allah)
One of the most prominent symbolic desgins, is the motif with the words Bismillah (in the name of Allah). All the Suras of the Qur'an except one begin with the words 'in the name of Allah, the Merciful, the compassionate....' so the fiirst word of these Suras has been taken and variously depicted in extremely ornate styles.

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam
Watch each of the Videos and provide answers to the questions;
Use this website to answer question one; (Name each Pillar)

Pillar #1: Shahada (faith)     
• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith?  Fundamental to a Muslims spiritual life, the meaning of this “there is nothing which has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad who is his messenger.”
• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?This means that Muslims choose to only worship one God, their beliefs and traditions are strict and follow it for reassurance that they are doing the right thing.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2:Salah (Prayer)     
• Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray. They wash themselves, to symbolise cleanliness for the lord ,process called evolution
 • Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray? 5 times a day, at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and night time
• What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like?  They speak/sing in Arabic, and make moments that correspond to the prayer, bowing
• In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way? The pray facing Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, as it is the holy land
• What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer?  God is greater, reminds then that everything is smaller than Allah and nothing else is as important
• Why do Muslims pray?Reminds them who they are and how they respect God

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3: Zakaat (Almsgiving)      
• What is Zakaat?  What is emphasized in Zakaat?
Almsgiving, a donation to the poor during the time of giving and helping others
• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes? 
Too get more and more blessings, when you calculate and are expected to give 2.5% of total earnings
• What is the relationship between prayer and money?
Establishes prayer and money, mentioned 82 times in the Quran, prayer and giving, taking care of others as God takes care of you.
• How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?
Compulsory, a gift from almighty, a portion of it belongs to the poor, the poor has right to your money
Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4: Ramadan (fasting)    

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? 
If you don’t fast you are not a true Muslim, way of cleansing
• Why do Muslims fast? 
Spiritual benefits can give to the needy, purify the soul
• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr? 
Dawn to dusk
Rest well, come to mosque, have sweets and nice meal with each other and give gifts

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5: Hajj (pilgrimage)     

• How often must Muslims participate in Hajj? 
Once in their lifetime,if health and finances permit
 Where do Muslims go during Hajj? 
To the Kaaba in Mecca, spiritual home of Islam
• What and where is the Kaaba?  Describe this place. 
Was built by God according to the Quran, large cube in the middle of a court yard
• How many Muslims participate in Hajj?
1 million
• What is the goal of Hajj? 
To worship God
• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments?
Before you enter the Kaba you must enter spiritual purity, for women it is a consciousness, for men there is also a special garment. It equalise everybody. 
• How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?
Focused in worship, forget about everything else.
• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?
Abraham drove Satan away with stones, made the first pilgramage


Thursday, October 20, 2011

the five pillars of Islam

There are 5 major beliefs or obligations for each Muslim, they are as follows:


~Shahadah (Belief)
The first Pillar is for the believer to testify, in Arabic, that "There is no god but God and that Muhammad is His messenger." Also known as the profession of faith.
~Salat (worship)
The second pillar is to worship God 5 tims a day. At dawn, noon, mid afternoon, sunsent and nightfall
~Zakat (Almsgiving)
Is to give Alms to the poor. Muslims are meant to donate a fixed amount to their property to charity every year.
~Sawan/Ramadan (fasting)
The third Pillar of Islam is to abstain from food and drink, as well as smoking and sex, between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Muslim calendar.
~Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The fifth Pillar of Islam is to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's lifetime, if one is able, during the first days of Dhu'l-Hijja, the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar.

http://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/faithbelief.html

excusion to the Mosque

Where was it, What did you see and do at the mosque?
Gallipoli Mosque is located in Auburn. At the mosque we saw the different features of the building and the main hall. We were given a guided tour and talk from a representative of the Muslim community.
What did you Learn?  - identify major items/facts
We learnt about their culture, including how and when they pray. We learnt about the compulsory pilgrimage, to Mecca that every Muslim must take in their lifetime. We were informed about the different features of the Mosque, both inside and out, and the purposes that they serve. We also learnt about their views and traits for God.
What have you gained from the experience?
From the experience I have gained a wide knowledge of different religions, and their practices. It was an interesting and informing experience.



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

facts about islam

-What does Islam mean?
The arabic word 'Islam' means submission and derives from a word meaning peace.
-What are the origins of Islam?
the origins go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons Muhammad from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'ba towards which all Muslims turn when they pray. 645AD
-How does someone become a Muslim
by simply saying 'there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.' By this believer announces his or her faith in all God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought.
-How do Muslims practice their religion?
~Pray 5 times a day
~ wash themselves before prayer
~face the direction of Mecca while Praying
~uphold the five pillars of Islam
-What is the Ka'ba?
The Ka'ba is the place of worship which God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say 'At Thy service, O Lord', in response to Abraham's summons.

-What were the highlights of of Muhammeds life?
At the age of 40 he gets his first revation from Gabrielle, Founder of Islam, Was the chosen messenger from God
-What is the Qu'ran?
The Quran is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. Islam holy book. Not one word of the 114 chapters has been changed over the centuries.


Information from: http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/uiatm/un_islam.htm

Monday, October 10, 2011

Islam Introduction

1. the words Islam and muslim both mean submission
2. Muslims believe that Allah madde everything
3. the muslim holy book is called the Qu'ran
4. a star and cresent moon is the symbol of Islam

5. a Muslim should submit to Allah because he is their God
6. Muslims think that Mhammad is a significant prophet but not a god

7.
8. Two Muslim countries are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Christianity

The New Testement:

Matthew: Matthew wrote as a Jew to all the other Jews. Some believe he just extended the work of Mark. He wrote his part to prove to Jews that Jesus was the Messiah promised by the Old Testament and to record the evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. It is the joining link between Old and New Testament, focusing on the fulfillment of prophecy. 60-65 AD has been suggested as a probable date that is was written.

Mark: The Gospel of Mark was written to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. In a dramatic and action-packed sequence of events, Mark paints a striking image of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Mark illustrates who Jesus is as a person. The Gospel of Mark reveals Jesus the Servant. It is said that Mark's Gospel was written in 55-65 AD.

Luke: The book of Luke was written to give a reliable and precise record of the history of Jesus' life. Not only as an historian, but also as a medical doctor, Luke paid great attention to detail, including dates and events that happened throughout the life of Christ. Luke believed 'Jesus was the perfect man who gave the perfect sacrifice for sin, therefore, providing the perfect Savior for humankind'. It was written around 60 AD.

John: The Gospel of John was written to prove that Jesus is the Son of God. As an eyewitness to the love and power displayed in the miracles of Jesus, John gives us an up-close and personal look at Christ's identity. He shows us that Jesus, though fully God, came in the flesh to distinctly and accurately reveal God, and that Christ is the source of eternal life to all who believe in him. It was written around 85-90 AD.

The life of Jesus: Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem to his Virgin Mother Mary, Israel about 2000 years ago. He was raised in Nazareth by Mary and Joesph.

The first miracle that Jesus did was at a wedding feast in the town of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother, Mary, told Jesus that the wedding host was out of wine. Jesus told the servants to fill the water pots with water and then when they dipped it out, there was wine in the jars. Jesus had turned the water into wine. John 2:1-1

Jesus was cruicfied on what is now known as Good Friday, he was forced to carry his wooden cross and be publically humiliated  and tortured before he was nailed to the cross where he died.Friends quickly placed his body in a tomb cut into a rocky hillside and blocked the entrance with a great stone. On Sunday, when two women, one called Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were visiting the tomb, they felt a great earthquake. They saw an angel come and roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb.
The angel told the women not to be afraid,  that Jesus was not there for he had risen.  This meant that Jesus was alive!  The angel told them to go quickly and tell Jesus' friends that he is alive.
On their way back suddenly Jesus met them and said  "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me"
And just as Jesus had promised he rose from the dead on the third day after his death. 

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Holy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the Christian feast or holy day on the Thursdays before Thursday that commemorate the last supper of Jesus Christ when he shared a Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified, before the Passover meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and during the meal.
 Jesus took bread and wine and asked his Father to bless it, this is why many churches hold communion services as part of their holy Thursday celebrations. It is the
5th day of Holy Week, proceeded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. 
 The disciples of Jesus were originally involved in this act. Now today, any Christian can be involved in this celebration.




7 Sacrements

  • Baptism
  • Confirmation
  • Reconciliation
  • Communion (Eucharist)
  • Matrimary (marriage)
  • Holy orders
  • Anointing of the sick

Christianity WebQuest

How many followers are there of Christianity worldwide? 2.1 billion
Place of Origin: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Israel   
 Founder: Jesus
Sacred Text: Bible - New testement
Name the two major Christian festivals: Christmas and Easter
What are the four names that Jesus is known by? Jesus, savior, Messiah and Emanuel
What is the name of the people who believe in Jesus Christ and follow His teachings? Disciples, Christians
Christians believe that there is only one God, but that this one God consists of 3 “persons”.  Name the three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The place of Christian worship is called a Church
Name the writers of the Gospels,: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Draw and name the three Christian symbols:

                                                                      


Cross

Sacred Heart


Fish








Name the 10 Commandments:
               

How do the first 3 commandments differ from the last 7 seven commandments?  The first 3 are about God, while the others are about yourself and relationships with others neighbors.

Which religion did Christianity develop from? Judaism
Name the 3 variants of Christianity Catholic, Orthodox and Protestantism


Sunday, August 28, 2011

Christianity

Christianity
  • Christianity christ literally means "nointed one" is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testement
  • Christians believe Jesus is the son of God having become man and the saviour of humanity. Christians, therefore, coomonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah
Christian Beliefs
  • There is one God
  • They believe in the Trinity
  • God created the world and it is good
  • Man is created in the image of God
  • Jesus, the son of God, was sent to save mankind
  • Belief in God brings salvation
  • The Holy Spirit directs the church
  • Man has free will
Denominations/Variants
Christianity conatins 3 main Branches which are;
  • Roman Catholicism
  • Orthodox church
  • Protestantism
Catholic Church
The catholic Church comprises those particular churches, headed by bishops, in communion with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, as its the highest authority in matters of faith

Orthodox church
Comprises those churches in communion with the Patriarchal Sees of the East, such as the Ecumenical Patriarch or Consatantinople. In the 11th century the catholic church in Rome split with the Eastern Church(consataninople, now Turkey) This split is called the great Schism, as a result the Orthodox church was formed.

Protestantism
In the 16th century, Martin Luther, Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin inauurated what has come to be called Protestantism. There are many differnt form Protestant religions.

Protestantism is a Branch within Christianity, containing many denominations with some differing practices and doctrines, that priincipally origninated in the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation.

Task:
Choose and name 2 christian Variants and answer the following questions.

1. How many worldwide followers does the variant have
Catholics: 1106 million
Orthodox: 218 million

2. What are the key centeral beliefs?
Catholics: To gain happiness in Heaven, we must know love and serve God - Learn love and serve as the son of God - Follow the 10 commandments
Orthodox: very similar to Catholics

3. What is the logo of the church?

Orthodox

Catholic
4. When was the church formed?
Catholic: 11th Century AD - The great schism
Orthodox: Founded by Jesus (part of the great schim)

5. who was the head of the church?
Catholic:  Bishop in Rome  - The Pope
Orthodox: The heads of local churches are called Patriarchs or Archbishops

6. what are 2 features of church? -
Catholic: Alter, Transept
Orthodox: Very elaborate, pictures of significant people on the walls

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Kosher Menu

Breakfast
A nice yoghurt, granola, and berry medley which can include pinapple, blueberries, bananas and strawberries.
Ingredients: 1 cup of vanilla yoghurt; 3 tablespoons of your choice (pinapple, blueberries, bananas, strawberries); 3 tablespoons of granola or another crunchy cereal
Preparations: Place yoghurt in a suitable sized dish; top yoghurt with granola then berries

Lunch
A cherry tomato and cheese pie.
Ingredients: 400g puff pastry dough; 200g shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 eggs; 1 cup plain yoghurt; 100g grated yellow cheese; 500g cherry tomatoes; fresh basil leaves; 1 egg yolk
Preparations: Preheat oven to 180°C; line baking dish with non-stick spray; lay half of the puff pastry dough down in the pan; sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly above the the dough; mix the eggs and yoghurt together; spread ontop of mozzarella cheese; cut cherry tomatoes in half and crowd closely together over the previous layer; sprinkle yellow cheese and fresh basil leaves ontop of the tomatoes; cut the rest of the dough into 1cm thick strips and lay them down in a criss-cross pattern; paint dough with egg yolk; bake pie uncovered at 180°C for 30 mins

Dinner
Chicken broccoli cashew stir-fry
Ingredients: 1kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs (pargiot in Hebrew); 4 tablespoons canola oil; 4 tablespoons peanut butter; 3 tablespoons honey; 1kg broccoli; 80g roasted cashews
 Preparations: cut chicken thigh into small cubes; mix oil, honey, and peanut butter until smooth in a small bowl; coat chicken with marinade; refrigerate for 2 hours at the least; trim and add broccoli to boiling water and cover for 2-3 mins; remove and immediately place in a bowl of ice water and then drain; heat a skillet; add the chicken and marinade and stir for 5 mins; add broccoli and stir-fry for another 2-3 mins; just before serving, stir in cashews

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Variants in Judaism

What is Variant?
Two or more people or things the have sight differences in opinions. The three major Variants or streams in Judaism are conservative, orthodox and reform (Liberal or Progressive)

Orthodox:Very strict, Maintain traditional forms and Hebrew language, men and women sit separately in the synagogue, Follow Kosher

Conservative: Moderate, Men and women sit together, Believe that laws can be changed

Progressive: Relatively new (19th century) Allowed to marry other religions, Torah can be adapted

Relaxed Practice and fits in society  - Progressive
Individual praying and occasional conversation in service - Progressive
Traditional beliefs but addressing contemporary needs - Conservative
Men and women sit separate in the synagogue - Orthodox
Men and women sit together and participate fully in service - Conservative/ Progressive
women don't practice all rituals Orthodox
English used for part of the service Progressive
Strict dress and dietary law Orthodox
All ways worship in hebrew Orthodox
women can lead services and beocme rabbis Progressive

Kosher foods

Jewish Kosher Food
Kosher = Food which is allowed, Jewish dietary requirements
Treyfah = Food which is NOT allowed
In Leviticus, it says all plants are kosher, but not all animals, birds, or fish are.
Animals must also be killed in a special manner and have all the blood removed before the meat can be eaten by Jews.
How are animals killed?
Jews may only eat animals and birds that have been killed by Shechitah.
Shechitah is killing the animals by slitting the throat with a very sharp knife.
This has been shown to be painless to the animals, as causing pain to living things is against Jewish law.
The theory is that the sharp knife cuts the carotid so that the animal loses consciousness before they are able to feel pain.
Which animals are Kosher?
Kosher:
• chicken
• sheep
• cow
• fish with fins
• goat
Non- Kosher:
• pig
• rabbit
• camel
• eel
• most birds
Jews who keep Kosher kitchens do not eat meat and dairy foods together
Seperate sets of crockery, cutlery, and cooking utensils are used. After eating meat, strict Jews will wait several hours before eating dairy products.
Foods which contain neither meat or nor milk, fruit or vegetables

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Jewish Synagogue

http://www.jewfaq.org/shul.htm

Origins of the name:
Jews usually use the word synagogue which is which is actually a Greek translation of Beit K'nesset and means "place of assembly".

Functions of the Synagogue
A synagogue is a house of prayer where community prayer services are held.

Structure
They are normally run by a board of directors that hire a Rabii to conduct services.They are for the most part, indepented community structures

Items Found
Synagogues are designed so that the front santuary faces Jerusalem, the they are supposed to pray.
Torah Scrolls are kept in an Ark
Eternal lamp to symbolise the commandment

http://www.surreyplacesofworship.org.uk/virtualvisits/synagogue/#

List of the major items:
  • Star of David on the front of the building
  • Prayer books in a shelf
  • Kitchen
  • Bimah
  • Symbolic carvings
  • Ark
  • Eternal light
  • Shabbat candles
  • Kiddush cup

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Torah

Torah means "teaching" and refers to the 5 books of moses, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

A Torah scroll is made from sheets of Parchment, which is made from the skin of a Kosher animal.
It is Written by hand in Hebrew by a professiona scribe, called a Sofer Hewbrew is read right to left.

The Sofer takes at least one year to write out the Torah
He is not allowed to write from memory. He must copy from a book of the torah and keep checking for mistakes. Letters must not be smudged or touched but another letter.

If the Sofer makes a mistake, he scrapes off the letters using a glass tool.
The most sacred word that he writes is the Hebrew name for God. He cannot correct this, he must start the whole sheet of parchment again. The sheet with the error is buried in a Jewish Cemetery.

When all the sheets of Parchment are finished they are sewn together and wound around wooden rollers
The Torah is regerded as hold and is decorated as beautifully as possible.



Judaism Questions

  1. What language do the Jewish people speak?
Hebrew
  1. How do the Jewish people read Hebrew?
Right to left
  1. Why is Israel important to the Jewish People?
It is the promised land, that was promised to Abraham from God
  1. When was the present state of Israel formed?
1948
  1. What makes it unique in the world?
Only Jewish state in the world
  1. Who is the chosen prophet if Judaism?
Moses
  1. What do the Jews believe God thinks of their people?
That they are the chosen people
  1. How do the three main religions differ in their view of Jesus?
        To Christians Jesus is known as the Messiah, in Islam and Judaism he is a prophet
  1. Why do the Jewish people not celebrate Christmas?
Because they do not see Jesus as the saviour, but as a prophet.
  1. What festival do they celebrate instead?
Hanukkah
  1. What event is celebrated at this festival and what is the significance of the number 8?
The Festival of lights is celebrated and they light candles every night for 8 days, just as the oil lasted for 8 days instead of 1
  1. What is the name of the sacred text of the Jewish people?
Torah

It is the Same as the Christian Old Testament part of the Bible
  1. How many commandments do the Jewish people have to follow?
613, that has been narrowed down to 13 main rules
  1. What is the name of the leader of a Jewish religion?
Rabbi
  1. What is a Talis?
A garment one can wear to create a sense of personal space during prayer
  1. What is a Tefilin?
Small black boxes worn by Jewish males containing scrolls, each weekday morning
  1. What is a Kippah?
       Skull cap worn by Jewish males
  1. What is the word used to describe the food Jewish people can eat?
Kosher
  1. Where is the only Kosher Mc Donalds?
Israel and Argentina
  1. Why is a Cheese burger not Kosher?
      As it combines beef and Cheese


  1. How is their text similar to the Christian Bible?