At present the problem of imparting religious education to our children is exercising the minds of many parents and guardians. Those who are con- concerned about the weal, welfare and spiritual well-being of our budding youths feel concerned that, in the absence of proper understanding of the fundamental beliefs and cardinal principles of religion, our children may become preys to the scepticism and disbelief which is destroying the moral fabric of our society?society which is euphemistically called "permissive society".
Shia and Ahlul Bayt
192
Reflections on Islam and Modern Life.mht
FEW subjects arouse more passion and debate among Muslims today than the encounter between Islam and modern thought. The subject is of course vast and embraces fields ranging from politics to sacred art, subjects whose debate often causes volcanic eruptions of emotions and passions and vituperations which hardly lead to an objective analysis of causes and a clear vision of the problems involved.
The teachings and pillars of Islam
193
Mahdi (PBUH) in Other Religions and Nations
The belief of ?The Mahdi? (PBUH) originates from the divine nature of mankind. This belief causes hope in the hearts of people. Furthermore, even though there have been differences in the belief of the existence of a savior, this belief however existed amongst many of the ancient communities.
Imam Mahdi (AS)
194
Is Islam compatible with modernity
The attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001 have intensified the debate about Islam and its role in the modern world.
The teachings and pillars of Islam
195
Religious Education of the Younger Generation
At present the problem of imparting religious education to our children is exercising the minds of many parents and guardians. Those who are con- concerned about the weal, welfare and spiritual well-being of our budding youths feel concerned that, in the absence of proper understanding of the fundamental beliefs and cardinal principles of religion, our children may become preys to the scepticism and disbelief which is destroying the moral fabric of our society?society which is euphemistically called "permissive society".
The teachings and pillars of Islam
196
The Concept of Love in the Shi'i Creed
Love is one of the sublimest and most appealing of concepts in Shi'ism in particular and Islamic culture and belief in general. In Shi'i belief, mahabbah or hubb, and related words like mawaddah and waliyah, play a very significant and profound role, to the extent that, to cite one instance, it is asserted to be the fundamental basis of the faith. In a famous hadith, the Prophet (s) is reported as questioning his followers concerning the "firmest handhold of faith" (awthaq 'urwat al-iman). When they cannot reply, he declares:
Shia and Ahlul Bayt
197
Reflections on Islam and Modern Life
FEW subjects arouse more passion and debate among Muslims today than the encounter between Islam and modern thought. The subject is of course vast and embraces fields ranging from politics to sacred art, subjects whose debate often causes volcanic eruptions of emotions and passions and vituperations which hardly lead to an objective analysis of causes and a clear vision of the problems involved.
The teachings and pillars of Islam
198
The Holy Quran, the Eternal Miracle
Has the time of miracles ended? Will we no longer witness any miracles? Considering the fact that the miracles of the previous prophets were specifically designed for a certain time and place, must we then for the sake of our own faith refer back to the historical accounts on miracles to become a believer?
QUR'AN
199
Is Islam compatible with modernity?
Some Muslims argue that for Islam to embrace modernity, with its emphasis on reason, acquired knowledge, human rights and representative politics, would be to reclaim an Islamic heritage that has enriched humanity and contributed to its progress.
The teachings and pillars of Islam
200
Islam and the Question of Violence
Despite the presence of violence in many regions of the world ranging from Ireland to Lebanon to the Pacific Basin and involving many religions from Christianity to Hinduism, the Western world associates Islam more than any other religion with violence. The Muslim conquest of Spain, the Crusades - which were not begun by Muslims -, and the Ottoman domination of eastern Europe have provided a historical memory of Islam as being related to force and power. Moreover, the upheavals of the past few decades in the Middle East and especially movements using the name of Islam and seeking to solve problems of the Muslim world created by conditions and causes beyond the control of Muslims have only reinforced the idea prevalent in the West that in some special way Islam is related to violence.
