" Did You Thank Allah For Your Eyesight?"

Heres a little story that, according to the site, Muslims tell to their children.
What I found interesting was that it didn't seem to be solely Islamic.
Meaning, I could easily replace Allah with the Christian's belief of God or the Judaic belief of God and it would apply in exactly the same way - and it made sense.
It's just a random thought that might be somewhat interesting.


"A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."

What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it."

Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing?

Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

"It is He, Who has created for you (the sense of) hearing (ears), sight (eyes), and hearts (understanding). Little thanks you give." [surah Al-Mu'minun; 78]"

Credits to: Islam Can.com

Researching Islam Project

 

Choose one option below and work with others in class. This group project completion will be your “quiz” grade for Islam; 3-4 students working on the same project. Due: the next class period after the field trip.

Choice1- Symbols and Architecture of Islam: What are the symbols associated with Islam and what do each mean? What kinds of decorations will one see in a mosque (What can and cannot be used)? What are some of the major holy sites/buildings in Islam?

            Create a PPT “Brochure” of sights that one person “sells” or create an artistic recreation of Islamic art with caption

Choice 2- The Hajj In-Depth: Where, what, why, how many, etc. of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

            Create a board game of the Hajj- for 4 people to play

Choice 3- The ABCs of the Koran: How was Koran created? Search out the scriptures of the Koran and learn the holy words along with the design.

            Create a PPT “ABC” book using Scripture and explanation as if you were teaching young children about the Koran

Choice 4- Islam in the News: Explore different news sites and find articles within the last 3 months pertaining to Muslims, Muslim controversy, celebrations, or other news events.  How is Islam portrayed in the media?

            Create an iMovie or other video & music/voice over presentation of how Islamic countries/events are covered in the media.

Choice 5- Festivals and Holy Days: How do Muslims celebrate their faith or remember Allah? How is it affected or changed depending on the different countries that celebrate it?

Create a new festival that is consistent with Islamic beliefs and the Korean culture.  Consider the length and purpose of this holy festival and share/lead others in the class. Food? Clothing? Prayers? Offerings/Actions? Be able to “lead” the class in this festival.

A Quick "Crash Course"

"Christianity from Judaism to Constantine"

Crash Course is a famous YouTube channel dedicated to teaching various topics in World History, English Literature, etc. The channel was created by John and Hank Green and still has a steady successful stream today.

Since we just finished a unit(?) on Judaism I thought it'd be interesting to look into the background history of the religion and how it links to the religion of our school- Christianity. Especially since we focused mainly on its rules and customs. (He might have his own opinions that you don't agree on.)


I hope the video is interesting! The graphics and animations make the lesson more engaging :) There might some 'what?' and 'uhm...' parts but it still teaches a lesson!

The difference between Jesus and religion

This video explains the difference between Jesus and religion. Even though many people say they are Christian they don't act like they are. Religion is people centered but Jesus is God-centered.

Introduction to Judaism

I found this video on youtube.com which impressed me and made me share it with all of you because it kind of summarized the core beliefs of Judaism and provided me with a better understanding of what this religion is all about. It made me get an insight on what is expected from the Jewish people and clearly defined what the Torah teaches the Jewish people. Since we are on the threshold of learning about Judaism, hopefully this video will provide you all with a better view and understanding of Judaism.

  The presenter of this video is a Rabbi (leader of the Jewish people) named Berel Wein.

 

 

My Shema

After discussing your own concept of God in class, create your own Shema. On your blog page summarize what you talked about by writing:
1. 3 characteristics of your God
2. An experience that shaped this understanding
3. A way that you remember or revere this God
Finally write a 3-4 line Shema- your core idea of God and your response to Him.
Due Friday, Nov. 16th at noon.

Concept of God - Buddhist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iu4OLl82kQ

This is a video of a group of Buddhist monks who are being asked what they believe God to be, or who God is to them. Basically they are describing to the audience what the basis of Buddhism is. They are asked if Buddhism is atheistic, and they are saying it is not. They say the meaning of "God' is sometimes misinterpreted. Every religion has their own way of interpreting of what God really is, and their "God" is impermanence. They talk about how God doesn't have to be just the way most people interpret it as, and how different perspectives of God can exist. 

Taoist Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97WlNx-vJGs

Taoist people mainly believe in going along with the flow of life, living with the Tao. The Tao is "the way". It's hard to exactly define what the Tao is, but it's a universal concept that understands everything about life, and how to live it. This piece of music is an example of what strong Taoist would listen to, to  meditate. It's very calming and smooth, with a nice rhythm and flow, which in a way describes the religion of Taoism.