Muhannad †Arabia, in 600CE Essay

In Arabia, in 600CE, two large tribes called the Quaraish and the Hanifs inhabited a sacred city known as Makkah. The most important tribe in Makkah at this time were the Quaraish. The Quaraish consisted of merchants who had control over the Ka’bah (an ancient temple) and Makkah’s water supply. This tribe organised protection for the merchants who travelled through Makkah. The Quaraish made profit out of the traders who passed through Makkah and the provisions given to pilgrims who came there to see and worship the idols. The Hanifs were the other major tribe who inhabited Makkah. They consisted of moral tribesmen who despised the Quaraish’s selfishness and greed for money. This group of people were very holy and believed that there must only be one God. They believed that this one Supreme Power created everyone and everything and the worship of idols was an insult to him. They detested people’s devotion to icons of different Gods such as Al-Lat (the life-force). The Hanif’s were sacred people who prayed regularly and often sought solitude to worship God. They believed that this one God had sent prophets such as Moses to Earth to try and purify people’s hearts and bring them closer to God. MUHAMMAD’S EARLY LIFE Muhammad was grandson of Abd-al-Muttalib. Abd-al-Muttalib was a member of the Hanif’, and a man famous for his devotion to God and for his visions. His son, Abdullah, married a woman called Aminah, who was soon pregnant with his child when Abdullah suddenly died. The child that was born was named Muhammad. When Muhammad was born he was given to a Bedouin woman called Halimah as all Quaraish children at that time were. This was done so that children would be brought up away from the disease and impurities in the air in the city. At the age of six Muhammad was returned to Aminah who proceeded to die later that year. Luckily Muhammad’s devoted grandfather, Abd-al-Muttalib, took him in and cared for him until he died two years after that. Now Muhammad was passed onto his uncle, Abu Talib, who was a wealthy merchant. Living under the care of his uncle, Muhammad became a loyal and hard-working shepherd. LEGENDS Many legends have been created about Muhammad and his life. These legends were created to make Muhammad look greater and more powerful than he was. During his lifetime, Muhammad disapproved of all these myths about him and denied all of them. One of the legends about Muhammad was that he had his heart removed from his body by two angels. They then weighed his heart against other men but even with the whole community’s hearts weighed against his, his still weighed the most. Muhammad insisted that he did not and could not perform miracles; he was just a devoted follower of God. MUHAMMAD’S PERSONALITY Muhammad grew up to be a thoughtful young man who was kind and decisive. He continuously impressed the merchants that he worked with including Khadijah, a wealthy widow who employed Muhammad to supervise her caravan trade. When Muhammad was just 25 years old, Khadijah asked him to marry her; he accepted. Despite Khadijah being 15 years older than Muhammad, she became the love of his life until her death 25 years later. During her lifetime, Khadijah stood by Muhammad all the way and supported him in every possible means. When she died she left Muhammad with four daughters, Zainab, Ruqaiyyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah. Muhammad’s two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, unfortunately both died in infancy. Zaid ibn Haritha, the slave boy of the household, was devoted to Muhammad. When Zaid’s father found him after years of searching, he offered to buy him back. Muhammad left the choice of what to do up to Zaid himself, and he decided to stay with Muhammad. Muhammad was so touched by Zaid ibn Haritha’s decision to stay with him that Muhammad immediately released him and adopted him as his own son. Ali, son of Muhammad’s uncle, Abu Talib, was another child in the household. Muhammad chose to look after Ali when Abu Talib fell under hard times. THE NIGHT OF POWER In the year 610CE, Muhammad was once again meditating during Ramadan when an event happened which changed his life forever. Muhammad was 40 years old at the time and was praying alone in a cave on Mount Hira when he suddenly heard a voice calling his name and commanding him to proclaim or recite. Unfortunately Muhammad was illiterate and could not read the scroll of silk which he saw ahead of him. Suddenly the angel Jibril appeared to him. This was the same angel who had appeared to prophet Ibrahim and to Mary and Jesus in times past. Now Jibril was near to Muhammad and he ordered him to read the writing on the scroll. Muhammad told the angel that he could not read the writing for he was unlettered, but the angel ordered him again and again to read the scroll and Muhammad began to feel the tension building up within him. Suddenly he felt something seize him, it gripped him so tightly that he could not breathe and he thought he would die. But suddenly Muhammad knew in his heart what the words said, and he whispered them hoarsely: ‘Proclaim! In the name of your Lord and Sustainer who created Man from a clot of congealed blood, speak these words aloud! Your lord is the Most Generous One – He who has taught the Pen, Who reveals directly Things beyond human knowledge.’ Muhammad had been chosen as a messenger of God because he was a devout man who worshipped the Lord. After Muhammad received this message he had to wait 2 years until he received another. This was God’s way of testing Muhammad and seeing whether he would be tempted to tell everyone about what he had seen. When Muhammad reached home after his shocking revelation, he told his wife, Khadijah, about what had happened. She went to her wise 100-year-old cousin, Waraqa ibn Nufal, for advice and after he was quite sure that Muhammad’s story was truthful, Khadijah became the first person to believe the message Muhammad revealed. The second person to believe Muhammad’s story was Ali, the next was Zaid and the next person to believe him was his close friend Abu Bakr. Two years later, Muhammad was still fearful and anxious about what the message might mean, when the angel Jibril appeared to him again. The angel said to him: ‘O you wrapped – arise and warn! Glorify God! Make your garments pure! Give up all uncleanness. Give, without expecting any return. For the sake of your Lord, endure with patience!’ Now that Muhammad’s time of waiting was over, he could go out and tell everyone about the messages he was receiving. THE REVELATIONS Most of the messages that Muhammad received from God after the Night of Power came to him in visions. They all shared the following similarities: – Muhammad knew when they were about to happen. – Each revelation was attended by dramatic phenomena, such as shaking or trances. – Each one made the prophet feel close to death and that he was leaving his body and he might not re-enter it. – At the end of each revelation Muhammad would appear as usual again and he would repeat what he had been taught. Sometimes Muhammad would lose consciousness during his visions. Sometimes he would receive the message instantly and sometimes Jibril appeared to Muhammad in the form of a man to transmit messages (not in visions). ABU TALIB AND KHADIJAH When Muhammad was 50 years old his uncle Abu Talib died. Abu Talib had looked after Muhammad all his life and had stuck by him even when many hated him. Muhammad had always been very close to his uncle who had protected him when he was vulnerable and his death made him depressed and very unhappy. At the end of this saddening year his beloved wife Khadijah also died at the age of 64. Although Muhammad was deeply upset by their deaths, he accepted that everyone dies eventually and he tried to carry on preaching in God’s name. THE NIGHT JOURNEY It was probably during this traumatic experience that Muhammad had an experience which changed his life forever. The Night Journey (or Laylat-ul-Mi’raj) was not recorded very accurately in the Qur’an and it is therefore hard to know exactly what happened in this event. When the prophet was asleep in his home in Makkah he was awoken by the angel Jibril. Muhammad then went with Jibril to Jerusalem riding on some kind of a Pegasus called Lightning. From Jerusalem, Jibril took Muhammad through the seven heavens and was shown paradise and hell. On his way through the heavens, Muhammad met and spoke to other prophets such as Isa and Musa. With Musa, Muhammad decided and set the number of times a day a Muslim should pray to God. It was finally fixed at 5 times a day although Muhammad originally thought 50 times was a sufficient amount. Eventually the prophet Muhammad travelled on with Jibril to the highest heaven of all: the throne of God. When he arrived here, neither Muhammad nor the angel could approach any closer and he experienced a sensation which he never again felt or could describe properly. All he could see was pure light and he was aware only of great peace as time stilled and thoughts and feelings disappeared. The experience soon ended though and Muhammad had to once again travel to Earth. To Muhammad’s astonishment, when he got home, he found that everything had remained exactly as he had left it. The place he had previously lain was still warm and the cup he had knocked over was still emptying. This experience brought great confidence and strength to Muhammad and it encouraged him to carry on with the knowledge that God was always with him. Muslims believe that this night was one of great importance, as it showed them what the ascension to Heaven would be like. It showed them that the soul abandons the weak and dishonest nature of the human body and you travel to a place where only pure bliss is possible. MUHAMMAD’S DEATH In 632CE, Muhammad fell ill with a fever and violent headaches. He was only 63 but he became weak and tired. He asked his wives if he could be moved into his youngest wife, Aishah’s room. Even though he was feeble he still attempted to reach the praying place outside every day until his death. When he could not lead the prayers anymore, his good friend Abu Bakr took his place. On his last day on Earth, Muhammad, after leading the dawn prayer, lay in Aishah’s arm and said, â€Å"Lord grant me pardon. I have chosen the most exalted company, in paradise†; then he died. Muhammad was buried where he died, in Aishah’s room, and his tomb is still there even today. ISLAM The religion known as Islam was begun by Muhammad and it is still continued today. Since that day when Muhammad went on The Night Journey, Muslims have kept the number of times to pray each day at 5 times. All Muslims believe that God is responsible for every part of human life and he knows and sees all. Every Muslim tries to lead a peaceful life and pass the test set for all souls on Earth.

Theatre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Theatre - Essay Example The result was the final idea of building the â€Å"Thrust Stage†. The structure of the thrust stage contained three sides for audience to sit and the stage at the center of the whole stage. The purpose of the thrust stage trusted on the reaction and the reception of the audience. The thrust stage configuration was in such a manner that the audience could see and identify one another. All of them could witness the play in full angle. The actors had a close interaction with the audience in a thrust stage performance. Though plays of various playwrights were performed in those times Shakespeare’s plays were the most wanted among the audience and specially the Queen. There were advantages as well as disadvantages in a thrust stage. The advantages were that of a close confidence with the audience. Each side had longer rows of seats and the thrust stage was very helpful in performing plays with a intimate theme in order to gain the Support of the audience. The plays were produces at a lower cost as there was very less chance to provide changes in scenery. Only common scenery was painted on the upper stage so that all the audience could watch it. With out such special scenery background some plays were not been able to perform with the expected effect. The disadvantages were that the provision for special effects was completely little. And as mentioned above the frequent change of scenic background was not possible within a small place. Limitations on set designs were also there and this thrust stage will never suit for a large scale production. Since the stage configuration is straight the performance in a vertical angle was not possible. The intimacy as mentioned in the advantages may lead to immediate interaction of the audience with the actors, in such a situation it might have become very difficult to control the audience. The thrust stage was a stage for actor centered not for

Understand the Nature of Business Communication and How to Plan For It Assignment

Understand the Nature of Business Communication and How to Plan For It - Assignment Example Understand the Nature of Business Communication and How to Plan For It The primary emphasis has been allocated towards broadening the perspective of the acquiring company along with facilitating the company with the need for including non-financial components in the analysis such as meetings with IT system, manufacturing, distribution and marketing. It would further assist the acquiring company to have a proper understanding of the implications of the post integration needs as well as outcomes. Essentially, the prime focus has been placed on drawing out means and solutions for successful acquisition deal. Furthermore, the efforts have been concentrated on the transition along with identifying the ways to enhance cooperation between the two companies and working out the acquisition issues and concerns. With respect to the case, it has been recommended that the acquiring company should operate as a separate business as far as the integration of IT system is concerned. This is due to the reason that the analysis of the IT system in both the companies revea led that both the companies have different IT settings which make it harder for the acquiring company to integrate the IT system efficiently. Furthermore, it would require a lot of expenditure for the acquiring company to integrate the IT system. The integration of IT system will also be time consuming which will hinder the overall operations of both business organizations. Thus, it would be appropriate for the acquiring company to operate as a separate business entity in order to eliminate any possible hindrances arising due to the integration of IT system (Wickham & Wickham, 2008). With respect to the aspect manufacturing, it is suggested that the acquiring company should merge its all functionality as both the companies are engaged in manufacturing similar products and have similar product line. It has been ascertained from the secondary research conducted about both the companies related with the products that they manufactured. Additionally, merging its all the functionality wi ll enable the acquiring company to meet the requirements of its customers without any changes in the product line and without any additional costs as both the companies are engaged in the manufacturing of similar kinds of products. It will further facilitate the acquiring company to engage in mass production of products as well as integration of machinery. Moreover, it will reduce the costs associated with the manufacturing of products thereby promoting economies of scale for the acquiring company. It will also facilitate in acquiring trained employees and expertise with minimum cost and expenditure followed by increasing operational efficiencies. This will also reduce the hiring costs associated with the recruitment of new employees. Correspondingly, merging all the functional units of the acquiring company will unarguably enable both the companies to eliminate any possible flaws in their production and manufacturing process (Wickham & Wickham, 2008). In relation to distribution, i t is recommended after conducting secondary research that the acquiring company should merge nothing. It is due to the reason that the fleet of trucks owned by the soft candy company was not refrigerated and this fleet of trucks could not be used during the hot temperature months for distributing candies and cookies which contained chocolates. This

Comparative asian economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Comparative asian economics - Essay Example At the beginning of the period between 1948 and 1984, this infrastructure did not reach every village along the way, making it incredibly difficult for those who did produce goods to sell them to a larger market (Guttman, 1980). As the period advanced, infrastructure was improved, and as the communications revolution has progressed world wide these technologies are reaching into smaller and smaller villages across India (Saith, 1981). Along with these advancements have been improvements in education. Both the development of infrastructure and the improvement of education have helped India economically, with the advancements picking up speed in the mid-1980s. The cotton and jute industries were thriving before Indian independence from British rule, and these industries experienced continued growth—with the criticism that foreign trade was not developed properly in order to take international advantage of these industries (Rose, 1968; Rajaraman, 1975). In a 1960 speech, Ambassador Braj Kumar Nehru observes the progression of world events from pre-World War I to that point in history. From his point of view, the Victorian Era had created a stable but unjust world in which the superpowers dominated politics and culture and nations like India were supposed to stand on the sidelines and admire the superpowers. The two world wars changed the superpowers, redrew national boundaries, upended set cultural practices, and plunged the world into economic and political chaos. (Nehru also points out the steep rise in Muslimism across the world, which had a definite impact in how his nation was ultimately partitioned.) The nation of India rose up just at the end of the struggles, and from Nehru’s perspective in 1960 it was poised as an example for other Asian and African developing nations to follow. It must be kept in mind that this assessment comes from an Indian ambassador to the United

How useful is a sociological approach to understanding the importance Essay

How useful is a sociological approach to understanding the importance of consumption in modern society - Essay Example In neither of its point could modern societies do exclusive of its members create things to be obsessive, and members of both societies do, obviously, consume. The consumer of a modern society is a significantly different from the consumer of any other society thus far. The diversity is one of precedence, a shift of accent that makes a massive difference to almost every aspect of society, culture, and person life. The divergence are so profound and that they validate words of our society as a society of detach and different kind - a consumer society. To increase their capacity for consumption, consumers are never left to rest. They are constantly exposed to new temptations to keep them in the state of suspicion and steady dissatisfaction. Advertising commanding them to shift attention needs to confirm the suspicion while offering a way of satisfaction. It is often said that the consumer market seduces its customers. But in order to do so, it needs customers who want to be seduced. In a properly working consumer society, consumers seek actively to be seduced. They live from attraction to attraction, from temptation to temptation--each attraction and each temptation being somewhat different and perhaps stronger than the previous. When we call todays society a consumer society, we have in mind something more than the trivial meaning that all members of that society are consumers. What we have in mind is that ours is a "consumer society" in the similarly fundamental sense in which the society of our predecessors used to be a "producer society." (Murphy , 2000, 636) That older type of modern society once engaged its members primarily as producers and soldiers; society shaped its members by dictating the need to play those two roles, and the norm that society held up to its members was the ability and the willingness to play them. In todays society there is little need for numerous industrial labourers or conscripted armies, but rather, as a whole we are seen as

Application of Information Technology in Health Care Essay

Application of Information Technology in Health Care - Essay Example It is good to embrace technology, but the question of ethics reminds us to evaluate fully its repercussions to general welfare of humankind. New technologies are beneficial if used in the right way. However, sometimes they can be a source of human suffering. Gabrielle Olivera (2005) points out that, the use of Radio Frequency Identification dates back in1940s. VeriChip was used for security purposes and tracking of livestock. Gabrielle Olivera continues to elaborate on the modern uses of chips such as, tagging of medical bottles, packaged foods, rental cars, and drivers licenses. Implantation of chips into human body has sparked debates among human rights activist and other organizations (Tavani, 2009). This is controversy, which remains unresolved to date. This paper seeks to compare the pros and cons regarding the use of chip technology in Medical Record System. The paper attempts to raise legal and ethical awareness of the technology in question. It will use evidence-based argumen ts to compare the pros and cons of Electronic Health System in order to declare my stand on this matter. It will finally provide recommendations and conclusion based on the weight of the cons and pros. Implantation of chips to human is not new in the field of medicine. Installation of pacemakers prolongs the lives of patients. Goran Hermeren, the chairperson on European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, carried out a research on implantation technology in 2005. In his report, to the European Commission, he highlights that the usage of implantable chips dates back to 1960s. He lists some examples such as cardiovascular pacemakers used in heart failure patients and cochlear implants, which aid in signal transmission to the ear. It is evident from this report that chips have restored human capabilities. However, it is necessary to compare the benefits of electronic implants on one hand and the risks on the other hand. These are pros and cons. Some of the pros of Electron ic Health Records include its usage during an emergency. Glaser and Salzberg (2011), reveals that the electronic health records play an important role during this time. This is because the patients do not have their health records with them and therefore Electronic implants acts as a source of reference. In addition, they are unconscious and there fore cannot give their personal details. In such cases, Electronic Health Records provide patients’ health information. They give useful information such as the patients’ health history there fore save lives. During disasters and natural calamities, they are sources of useful information. It is clear that Electronic Health Records inform of implants achieve highest degree of accuracy. Patients may forget to provide some important facts of their health history. For example, they may have some allergies to certain medicines and failure to give this information brings disaster to their health. On the other hand, opponents of the electronic health records cite their unresolved issues concerning respect for fundamental rights to oppose its adoption in the health sector. To begin with, these chips lack insurance covers. Hammaker (2010) depicts that manufactures of chips do not assume responsibility in case of any danger that may arise from their usage. Some these implants are quite expensive and it is unfair to compel patients to have them in their bodies. The technology violates human dignity. Insertion of implants is violation of human dignity. Security issues are also matters of great concern. Tavani (2009) notes that patients are not ready lose their identity to a third party. Moreover, Health Record implants can cause electrical hazards, which can result into death of patients. This

Specialty Equipment Market Association Case Study

Specialty Equipment Market Association - Case Study Example In illustrating the problem, there are certain recommendations provided regarding how the break on taxes can be successfully implemented along with the providing a cost analysis of the recommended solutions. Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is one of the leading trade associations related to the car market, which was established in the year 1963. Generally, SEMA deals in the market in exchange (buying and selling) of old or antique cars along with modifying their machines. Furthermore, this dealing is particularly observed in the automotive aftermarket and it targets high income earning community (SEMA, 2012). Automotive aftermarket can be defined as the market segment where the old and antique cars are brought together for buying and selling after modifying and remanufacturing with upgraded technology. Contextually, the automotive aftermarket is also known as the secondary market (Automotive Industry Association of Canada, 2003). Antique/collector vehicles are those cars which are extinct in nature in terms of market presence with possessing unique features, designs and are generally available in a single piece in the entire market. In the developing world, it is observed t hat there is a demand for antique cars from high-class society in order to fulfil their hobbies. The problem that has been identified in purchasing or keeping antique or collector cars is paying off excess or extra taxes to the government as compared to other new cars’ taxes. Considering the particular problem, the paper aims to present a measure to the federal, state government stating that the government should provide the break on imposed taxes to the owners who have kept or bought antique cars from the automotive aftermarket. After identifying the problem, it can be analyzed with the help of a strategic analysis tool i.e. SWOT analysis to recognize the key aspects related to the problem. This is because it will help to provide a positive support to the recommended measure while presenting it to the federal government.  Ã‚