Month: January 2013

Mohammad, the Orphan Who Adopted the World

6 Comments / Understanding Islam and Muslims / By

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This year, 2013, on January 24th falls the 12th of Rabea Al-Awal (First Spring) of the Arabic lunar calendar. It is the birth date of Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him (PBUH). This article is an “Ice Breaker” to introduce Prophet Mohammad to the American people. You will know about his birth, lineage, childhood, youth, life prior to his ministry, how he looked like, his personality, his family life, his message, a sample of mentioning of Mohammad’s forthcoming in previous scriptures, as well as what others said about him.

This article goes in parallel with the thread posts of “People Who Made a Difference”, for the American readers to see some aspects of the integral personality of Mohammad and connect with people they can relate to. It contrasts with “Bigots to People are as Vaccines to the Body” to refute false allegations of fanatics. It links to “As Jesus, the Son of Mary Said to the Disciples” to indicate the oneness of the divine message to mankind that people deviated from, as well as envision the unity of humanity and its mainstream path throughout history that many either tend to forget, unaware of, or don’t even think about.

Mohammad, born orphan to his father, then mother, then grandfather left to the world a role model manifested in an exalted character that summons that of the previous prophets before him, an example of integrity and high spirituality, an example to follow in all aspects of human life in the personal and public arenas, and the capstone of the divine message, completing the mission of the Messengers before him to all mankind. A character and a message full of mercy and compassion to every creature on earth, that, as he prophesized, will enter every household on earth. As such, he is indeed “The Orphan who Adopted the World”[1].

With this introduction, I hope it will enable the American people to connect with Prophet Mohammad’s persona, beyond the media propaganda. I trust it would broaden the foundations of religious tolerance, as well as the establishment of legislations that exercising the rights of free speech does not mean the freedom to smear religions, and mock beliefs. Rather, to ground the understanding that the respect of people’s convictions—regardless a monotheist, polytheist, or atheist—is a God given right to mankind whether they believed in Him or not. To Him is their return, judging them for what they differed about.

This post is available in pdf format in the Documents page. A subset, previously developed by Lucent college Amgad Saleh, is available in pps, and ppt format.

People Who Made a Difference

2 Comments / My American Experience / By

Ten years flew by since I came to North America (“Coming to the New World … America”). In the decade that passed, and after dedicating twenty-two years in standard schooling and technical educational, I’ve become increasingly involved in the community, enjoying cultural interactions, and making new friends from backgrounds different than mine. To me, it has been a world discovery stage, and a different learning experience.

The new thread of posts “People Who Made a Difference” presents a sample of American people I encountered in my small circle of life whose words, actions and little good deeds will propagate and last in memory more than they ever thought. They are living examples of role models, for others to follow. It might be people you already know, or even better, you who are on my distribution list! The majority of the people I’ll write about are not from my cultural background, ethnicity, or faith group.

The stories will be for individuals, groups, organization and businesses that helped me discover the potential of America. Stories will include people and organizations at Lucent Technologies, those I associated with in Scouting, especially Troop 317 of the Holy Spirit Catholic Community, the PDAC of School District 204 in Naperville, Illinois, my friends in the Muslim community as well as others I am honored to know them. I apologize, if I missed some folks.