Blog Post 26 - 99 Names of God

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

April 30, 2013

 

Blog Post 26: 99 Names of God

Feminine Titles:

1. The Merciful (Feminine)*

The title merciful can be viewed upon as feminine because women are commonly seen as the more sympathetic gender in comparison to males. Males are viewed as the strong and non-compassionate gender females are seen as the compassionate and easygoing gender that are more likely to be merciful and forgiving in certain situations. Although this term through society is viewed as a feminine term, God who is known to be The Father is very merciful. God mercifully forgives us for all of our sins, he bestows mercy upon us despite of the actions that humans have partook in. In addition he doesn’t hold any grudges after he has shown mercy upon us. Mercy is viewed as feminine because it implies in some cases a nurturing nature, which is society has always been a more feminine role, God is our nurturer despite his gender.

 

2. The Fashioner (Feminine)*

Fashion, throughout society has been seen as a feminine attribute. This is seen as feminine because women are known to be “obsessed” with their appearances. Women desire to look a certain way, women seek the new trends and love to be in tune with what is new in society or in other words, what is fashionable. Being fashionable goes beyond being able to dress, it is being aware of what society is now like. This clearly relates to the actions and intentions of God. God desires to know what is fashionable in our lives. He wants us to talk to him on a daily basis. He wants all of his children to self-communicate with him what is new within their lives. He doesn’t want to find out through his own ways, he wants testimonials from his children. Same as women in society, women seek fashionable trends threw testimonials of other individuals which mirrors God in many ways.

 

Masculine Titles:

3. The Masterful (Masculine)*

The title masterful can be viewed as masculine because men in society are seen and in history have always been seen as the domineering force in society, or in other words the master. Men are the head of the household, they are the breadwinners, the keep the house in order are some of the messages that are embedded into societal minds on a daily basis. Without men being the orderly figures or the master then society, families, etc. will be in disarray. This can be mirrored perfectly with the image and likeness of God. God is the breadwinner in society, keeps everyone in society intact. Without God being in a masterful position then the entire world would be in disarray. The theory of the man in society being the controller within society being embedded into the minds of society, God also being the controller within society and the master of all things has been embedded into society.

 

4.  The Proud (Masculine)*

            The title of The Proud is viewed in society as masculine because men within society are seen as needing to be proud and honoring what their role is in society, their job, or their family life. Their duty as father one of the most important roles in a child’s life, fathers are the role that helps mold a child. And for some fathers, hopefully they take pride in the role they have acquired. The pride that comes in being such an important influence in someone’s life creates a sense of pride for that person. This can be communicated through the likeness of God because he takes pride in being all of the world’s father and protector. God realizes the influence he has on individuals lives on a daily basis, people devote their entire lives to serving the Lord is beyond and influence on individuals. And he has great pride with acknowledging that he is our father and protector.

 

Blog 26 - April 28, 2013

Kiaya Nickens

Mr. Sanchez

Christian in the World – p.8

April 26, 2013

Blog Post 26 --> WebQuest

 

Task 1:

 

1. What is the highest estimate for the total number of Muslims in the world today?

At this moment Muslim population stands at 2.1 billion which is far greater than currently estimated 1.6 to 1.7 billion.

 

2. List 10 countries in which Muslim population is greater than 86%.

Ten countries that has a greater population than greater than 86% are the following:

-          Indonesia

-          Bangladesh

-          Pakistan

-          Iran

-          Egypt

-          Algeria

-          Morocco

-          Saudi Arabia

-          Syria

-          Iraq

3. What country has the largest Muslim population?

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population, the population of Muslims that reside in Indonesia is 182,570,000 people.

 

4. How many Muslims are there in the United States?

There are 2,595,000 Muslims that reside in the United States.

 

Task 2:

Summarize each of the key beliefs in complete sentences:

-          Belief in one God, the same God that Christians praise and worship.

-          Muslims believe in angels, these are honored creatures that worship God alone.

-          Muslims believe in the revealed books for the guidance of mankind, the book that Muslims has is the Quran.

-          Muslims believe the prophets and messengers of God which include Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus.

-           Muslims believe in judgment day.

-          Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill.

Teachings of Muhammad in complete sentences:

-          Muhammad was the final prophet of God

-          Allah means “One true God”

-          Islamic religion existed before Muhammad was born

Task 3:

1. What does the Quran provide?

The Quran provides wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc., but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. The Quran , it provides guidelines and detailed teachings for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.

 

2. In what language(s) does the Quran exist? Why?

The Quran only exists in Arabic. This is because the Quran was revealed in Arabic.

 

3.  During which month was the Quran sent down from heaven?

The Quran was sent down from heave during the 9^th month of the Muslim calendar.

 

4. What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do ? What happened next?

The angel Gabriel commanded Muhammad to read verses from the Bible, after Muhammad read the verses from the Bible he was inspired to write the Quran.

 

Task 4:

 

-          List and explain the 5 pillars of Faith:

 

 •Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith

•Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day

•Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy

•Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan

•Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

 

2. Why are the pillars important?

The pillars of faith are important because it creates a foundation for their everyday lives, in addition it also creates a systematic schedule for their everyday lives. Practicing the five pillars also demonstrates the devotion a Muslim has to their own personal faith.

 

3. Why is cheating on one of the five pillars impossible?

Cheating on one of the five pillars is impossible because it is done on a daily basis in public, so that everyone must witness you practicing your faith.

 

4. Compare the five pillars with other activities in other religions.

The five pillars of faith is similar to within the Catholic religion individuals are required to attend mass on a weekly basis, and individual cannot lie about attending mass because it is done in public so that everyone can see, which is similar to the five pillars of faith within the Islamin religion.

 

Task 5:

1. What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation". Which is also the month of fasting for Muslims.

 

2. What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan?

During the month of Ramadan Muslims cannot eat from sunrise to sunset. Smoking and sexual activity is forbidden during the month of Ramadan as well.

 

3. What can destroy the good acquired during  Ramadan?

Something that can destroy the good acquired during the month of Ramadan is telling lies, slander of any sort, denouncing someone behind their back, false oath, and greed or covetousness.

 

4. Why is the 27^th day of Ramadan significant?

The 27^th day of Ramadan is significant because Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.

 

5. What happens when Ramadan ends?

When Ramadan ends fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals.

 

6. What are the three reasons Ramadan is important?

Three reasons why Ramadan is important are the following;

-          Good actions during this month will equal great reward later

-          It also helps in becoming a better Muslim with a stronger faith

-          Ramadan also helps them to fight off the devil

 

7.  Why is it easier to do good during Ramadan?

It is easier for Muslims to good during Ramadan because they have extra support from their family during the entire month of Ramadan.

 

Task 6:

 List 10 interesting facts about the links provided:

 

1. "Islam" means "Peace through the submission to God

2. Muslim" means "anyone or anything that submits itself to the will of God".

3. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. To become Muslim, a person of any race or culture must say a simple statement, the shahadah, that bears witness to the belief in the One God and that Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet of God.

4. Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life: moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual, etc.

5. ) Muslims believe that God has revealed 99 of His names (or attributes) in the Holy Qur'an

6. Muslims neither worship Muhammad nor pray through him. Muslims solely worship the unseen and Omniscient Creator, Allah

7. The Holy Qur'an has no flaws or contradictions

8. Actual seventh century Qur'ans, complete and intact, are on display in museums in Turkey and many other places around the world.

9. The Holy Qur'an was not authored by Muhammad

10. The word "jihad" does not mean "holy war". Instead, it means the inner struggle that one endures in trying to submit their will to the will of God.