Ramadan is the ninth and the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is also the month in which Muslims all over the world observe their fast between sunrise and sunset. This annual observance of fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for all Muslims. However, those suffering from illness, women in their menstrual cycle, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and travelling individuals are exempted from fasting. The month of Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Part Thirteen, Jesus’s teaching continues. Do Not Judge.

One of the ways Jesus taught was to use parables [stories] what is interesting is how most are still relevant 2000 years later?

Matthew chapter 7 verses 1 to 6

Do Not Judge

1] “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive. Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ while there is a beam in your own? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Luke chapter 6 verse 37 and 38

This post is in response to an earlier post by another member who recalled visiting Speakers corner in Hyde Park, London and coming across a situation where a couple of speakers got challenged on the existence of God.

That debate was shut down by populist rhetorical devices which speakers will often use to close debate when they are not knowledgeable or confident in debating a topic.

I will not suggest that I am knowledgeable enough or have the eloquence to do the topic justice, but there were a couple of topics I wanted to reply on.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a holy month, which is observed by Muslims across the world by fasting and performing good deeds. It also commemorates the first revelation of the holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Fasting during this month is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for all the Muslims. However, those suffering from an illness, pregnant women, those who are travelling and breastfeeding mothers are not required to observe the fast. Along with fasting, the recitation of Quran and increased offering of prayers is also done in this month.

Can you Prove that God exists?

I remember having a trip to Sodom [sorry London] I paid my usual visit to Hyde Park. It was a nice day and I had taken the opportunity to buy a Gregg’s meal deal [very good value, but I am not sure if it is Halal or Haram?]

After lunch I took a walk to the Speakers Corner, it is well worth a visit to listen to people expressing their personal opinions. Maybe join in, for more info check out the link below.

http://www.speakerscornertrust.org/guidance/guidance-notes/conducting-ev...

Umrah is one of the pilgrimages that Muslims perform by visiting the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The major pilgrimage and one of the five pillars of Islam is Hajj, which is accomplished in Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar. When compared to it, Umrah is called the 'lesser pilgrimage' or the 'minor pilgrimage'. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year by Muslims who are physically and financially capable for making the journey. Unlike Hajj, which is an obligation for all Muslims, Umrah is not compulsory. However, it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and carries immense spiritual rewards for the pilgrim who performs it.

Part Twelve. Jesus’s teaching continues. Prayer

Jesus was asked by his disciples how should we pray? Here is two of his replies,

Luke chapter 11 verses 1 to 4

Instructions on Prayer

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” So he said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, may your name be honoured; may your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,

As we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And do not lead us into temptation.”

He did not say to prostrate your self on the ground. Indeed he his often-portrayed standing with arms outstretched looking up.

Part Eleven. The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

After the feeding of the 5000, Jesus warned his disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were the Political and Religious leaders at that time. Was he both warning his disciples and foretelling how he would be arrested and killed? He could also have been giving us advice about our leaders today?

Matthew chapter 16 verses 5 to 12

The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees

Mary Magdalene; a film

There is a film released this week for viewing at main cinemas, it depicts the life of Mary Magdalene. I have only seen the trailer, but I do intend to watch the film. I am always interested how MSM portray the Bible and Christianity.

Mary Magdalene Trailer (2018) Rooney Mara Jesus Movie

https://youtu.be/YOzyzRrgDAQ

It as already started some opposition, in the fact that it appears to portray a romantic [more then just a platonic] relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus. This in itself is not unusual; there have been many film, and book portrayals concerning this alleged relationship.

Mary Magdalene [Mary M is mentioned only a few times in the Gospels.

Part Ten. Jesus Teaching continues. Breaking with traditions and defilement.

There was a blog about Walkers crisps being Haram or not. There are lots of dietary laws that Muslims share with Jewish tradition. Both traditions regard Christians who follow no such laws as being wrong, unclean, or we do not care to follow laws laid down and simply do our own thing.

Why is this? I agree some Christians read the Old Testament and simply choose to ignore them, [or indeed some Christians pick and choose which laws to follow] Some Christians follow Jesus’s example. Mark in chapter 7 gives an example of this.

Mark chapter 7 verse 1 to 23

Breaking Human Traditions