Magic And Religion Magical thinking in various forms is a cultural universal and an important aspect of religion. Magic is prevalent in all societies, regardless of whether they have organized religion or more general systems of animism or shamanism. Religion and magic became conceptually separated with the development of western monotheism, where the distinction arose between supernatural events...
Magic (supernatural) Magic is a category in Western culture into which have been placed various beliefs and practices considered separate from both religion and science. Historically, the term often had pejorative connotations, with things labelled magical perceived as being primitive, foreign, and Other. The concept has been adopted by scholars in the study of religion and the social sciences, who have...
Predestination In Calvinism Predestination is a doctrine in Calvinism dealing with the question of the control that God exercises over the world. In the words of the Westminster Confession of Faith, God “freely and unchangeably ordained whatsoever comes to pass.” The second use of the word “predestination” applies this to the salvation, and refers...
Destiny, Faith And The Meaning Of Divine Decree “What Is The Meaning Of Divine Decree And Destiny and Why Is Belief In Destiny Included In The Essentials Of Faith?” Introduction The original Arabic word translated as ‘destiny‘ is ‘Qadar‘, meaning, in its derivations, determination, giving a certain measure and shape,...
The Five Pillars of Islam The most important Muslim practices are the Five Pillars of Islam: the profession of faith, ritual prayer, alms-giving, fasting, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Upholding the pillars is considered obligatory for all sincere followers of the Prophet Muhammad, male and female, Sunni and Shi’a, but...
Ethics Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. The field of ethics, along with aesthetics, concern matters of value, and thus comprise the branch of philosophy called axiology. Ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality by defining concepts such as good and evil, right...
What Is Hope? This article covers the answer to the question: “What Is Hope?“ Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include: “expect with confidence”...
How Should Believers Invite Others to Faith? This article covers the answer to the question: “How Should Believers Invite Others to Faith?“ The aim of sending the Prophets is communicating the divine message, which is the most important and vital obligation incumbent on humanity. That is to say, to enlighten...
Chaos And Belief This article covers the relationship between chaos and belief. Belief will once more defeat the forces of atheism, and no one will be able to extinguish the light which God has put in the hearts of people. The earth has so far witnessed many upheavals one after...
The Leading, Exalted Spirits Pure in mind, noble in character, healthy and active, deep- sighted and wise, full of humanitarian feelings towards the whole of mankind and love and compassion for their own people, the leading, exalted spirits are a small group of holy people who were leaders in history,...
Virtues Of Faith This article covers Virtues of Faith. Through the light of belief, man rises to the highest of the high and acquires a value worthy of Paradise. And through the darkness of unbelief, he descends to the lowest of the low and falls to a position fit for...
God, His Essence And Attributes This article covers God, His Essence and Attributes. God is absolutely other than His creation. The Creator cannot by any means be the same kind of being as that which He created. Although this is self-evident to sense and reason, some people still ask why...
Quotes About Love Of Power And Status We have collected and put the best quotes about Love of Power and Status. Enjoy reading these insights and feel free to share this page on your social media to inspire others. May these Love of Power and Status quotes on many subjects...
The Obligations Of Faith According To The Torah This article covers The Obligations Of Faith According To The Torah. Faith in God without Idolatry But I am the Lord your God… You shall acknowledge no God but Me, no Savior except Me. (Hosea, 13:4) O Lord… there is no God...
The Excitement And Joy of Faith in the Old Testament This article covers The Excitement And Joy Of Faith In The Old Testament. Enthusiasm is intense enjoyment, interest, or approval. The word was originally used to refer to a person possessed by a god, or someone who exhibited intense piety. Faith is confidence or trust in a...
Faith And The Torah This article covers the relationship between Faith And The Torah. Faith is confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept. In the context of religion, one can define faith as confidence or trust in a particular system of religious belief. Religious people often think of faith as confidence based on a perceived degree...
Qur’anic Perspective Of The Universe This article covers the answer to the question: “What is the Qur’anic Perspective of the Universe?“ According to Islam, the universe resembles a book written by God, a palace built by Him to make Himself known to conscious beings—primarily us. The universe essentially exists in...
The Meaning of the First Command “Read!” This article covers the answer to the question: “What is the meaning of the first command “Read!”?” It is interesting that the first revelation of the Qur’an was: Read, in and with the name of your Lord Who created. He created man of an...
The Quran Mentions Scientific And Technological Developments Why Does The Quran Not Mention Scientific and Technological Developments Explicitly? Religion is for examination, a test and trial offered by God so that in the area of competition elevated spirits and base ones may be distinguished from each other. Just as raw...
The Qur’an And Today’s Scientific Issues This article covers The Qur’an And Today’s Scientific Issues. Why Does The Qur’an Not Discuss Scientific Issues That Concern Us Today? The Qur’an was revealed for specific purposes: to make us aware of the Creator, to affirm that He is known through His creation,...