Post 3

Posted by: lollipopsgumdropsandsunshine on: February 7, 2012

In: Uncategorized
Comment!

In the previous class we delved into details about the religious history of the city of Mecca. I found it quite interesting how it was supposedly the prophet Muhammad’s ancestor that actually reintroduced pagan worship into the community. But then it was Muhammad who called people back to their original religion of Islam. It kind of reminded me of The Lion King concept of the circle of life; because the religion transformed in a circle, not because animals at the top of the food chain become food for those at the bottom. Point being, I think the fact the Muhammad was calling people back to their religion from a state in which they were just stuck to due to culture and ignorance made Islam so popular.

“Personal Piety” was really interesting of a read because it really shows how well of an example Muhammad set for his fellow Muslims. The importance of hygiene is such a beautiful part of the religion. I think one thing that stood out to me was the part about combing one’s hair. Without combing one’s hair, it’ll fall out and get all nasty. Totally makes sense and it really struck me as almost ingenious, especially at a point in history where personal hygiene was something people could’ve cared less about.

In response to “zel19″ I thought the recent conversion of indigenous Australians really is quite fascinating. Usually new religions reach areas via proselytizing but I feel like during the post-Ottoman era (after 1900s) proselytizing definitely decreased a lot. I think that since there is such a large Muslim community in Australia, it was inevitable that the religion would be stumbled upon eventually. And since it’s such an especially peaceful and easy common sense type of religion, it’s not only appealing, but easily adhered to.

On a completely unrelated note, as eating is one of my most enjoyable hobbies, I was reading some chapters from the Quran the other day and came across some food names. All of the foods that are mentioned in the Quran have interestingly enough been scientifically proven to be “super foods”. Foods such as green herbs, cucumbers, onions, lentils, and garlic (all mentioned in the second chapter) are really good for optimal heart health, not to mention weight loss. I’m a health coach/trainer and the clients I have to work with all have health issues related to their weight. And everything that i’ve recommended is coincidentally enough mentioned in the Quran, its pretty cool.