Blog Post 26: 99 Names of God

The masculine name I chose for God is the All Powerful. I believe this is a good masculine name for God for many reasons. When you think of the word masculine, you think of someone strong and able to accomplish many great things. In the bible time after time God would show how powerful he is. For example he created the world in his image and everyone in his own image. This characteristic is more for a man because men always want to be seen as strong and powerful.

Another masculine name I chose for God is The Judge. I think this is a great masculine name for God for many reasons. Firstly, I believe the judge is someone that will always be in control of any situations. This characteristic of God is more for a man because men always want to be in control.

The feminine name I chose for God is The Most Kind. This characteristic is like a mother that cares for her baby child. I believe God is has this trait because He is both forgiving and kind to his people. 

Another feminine name I chose for God is the Compassionate. This name applies to God very well because a mother  is forgiving of us and natures us like a mother would. Also when you think of the word compassion, you think of a love toward another person. God showed his compassion and love  by sending his only son to die for our sins.

All four of these names I believe accurately describe God as someone that  is so versatile in His ways to save his people.  This is proven in his 99 names provided for this assignment. Anyone who has that many names can only be the one true God. Also these names can tell that God is able to accomplish ALL.

Blog Post 24:

What is the highest estimate for the total number of Muslims that live in the world today? 2.1 billion

2. List 10 countries who have a Muslim population of 86% or greater. Indonesia, Algeria, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, India, Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, and Nigeria.

3. What country has the largest Muslim population? Indonesia

4. How many Muslims are there in the Unites States?  6.58 million

Summarize each of the key beliefs below in a complete sentence:

-Muslims believe in one true God who alone with no son is the Creator, All Knowing, and perfect. Their word for God in Arabic is Allah.

-Muslims believe in the Angels which are honored. They believe in the angel Gabriel who brought the Quran to Muhammad.

-Muslims believe in God's revealed books especially the Quran which God revealed to the prophet Muhammad. The Quran protects from corruption.

-Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of God. It's starts with Adam and goes on to Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and even Jesus. They beieve Muhammad was the last prophet sent by God.

-Muslims believe in a day of judgement when everyone with be resurrected for God's judgement.

-Muslims believe in Al-Qadar which is divine predestination. They believe in freewill given by God.

Put 3 of Muhammad's sayings in your own words:

1. "Conduct yourself in this world as if you are he to stay forever, and yet prepare for eternity as if you are to die tomorrow". In this quote he is saying you are to enjoy life but also prepare for the life after.
2. "This is nothing but a manifestation of injustice, oppression and tyranny...and it is amongst the greatest of sins." -In this quote I think he is saying it is a sin to commit violence.
3. "The best jihad [struggle] is (by) the one who strives against his own self for Allah, The Mighty and Majestic,"   - In this quote I think he is saying it is honorable to test yourself to prove yourself to Allah.

Task #3
1. What does the Quran provide? The faith and practice of Muslim faith.

2. In what language does the Quran exist? Why? In Arabic.

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

4. What did the angel Gabriel command Muhammad to do? What happened next? Gabriel told  taught Muhammad verses from the Quran.

1) list and explain the 5 pillars of faith:
- Shahada – Is the testimony of faith must believe in the one true Allah no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger
- Salat is the prayer must pray 5  times a day.
-Zakat is the alms giving must give to the poor
-Siyam is the fasting must fast during Ramadan from dawn to dusk which includes no sexual relations
-Hajj is the pilgrimage must complete a pilgrimage to Mecca sometime in their lives

2) Why are they important? They are the requirements that every Muslim must do to please Allah.

3) Why is cheating on the 5 pillars impossible? They are a religious obligation and without them, life has no purpose.

4) compare the 5 pillars with similar activities in other religions.

Task #5

1. What is Ramadan? A month set aside for fasting on the Muslim colander.
2. What restraints are placed on Muslims during Ramadan? No eating, drinking, smoking, or have sex.
3. What can destroy the good acquired during Ramadan? Tell a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath, and greed.
4. Why is the 27th day significant? It was when Muhammad was first revealed the Quran.
5. What happens when Ramadan ends? A 3 day celebration.

6. What are the 3 reasons why Ramadan is important? It is said to be the month when the Quran a sent from heaven. It's when Muslims concentrate on their faith and When God determines the course of the world for the year
7. Why is it easier to do good during Ramadan? The month was  blessed by Allah the one true God.

Task #6
List five interesting facts you learned from the websites above.
1. The restraints placed on the Muslims during the month of the Ramadan.

2.  Salat is the prayer must pray 5 times a day.

3. Hajj is the pilgrimage the Muslims must complete a pilgrimage to Mecca.

4. Muhammad was the prophet believed to receive the Quran.

5. How Allah penetrates their everyday life.