Introduction to ancient religions
Caryl Nugara
HISTORY: According to Jonathan Edwards, on 18th century American
theologian 'the ideas and images of ancient religions' were much
influenced by the social structure in which man lived. It incorporated
morals, aesthetic values and to a good extent, fear of the unknown.
To uncivilized people birth, death, marriage and ill-health developed
into a divine or religious meaning.
The cave dwellers stood in awe around the dead body of one of their
clan. Through fear they sang a resonant melody to the spirit of the dead
person until it was removed to a deserted cave or a high hill and left
there to be devoured by wild animals or birds of prey.
They had a vague awareness that his spirit lived on, so they pacified
it by worshipping and then offering a small portion of the flesh of any
wild animal they killed for food.
Spiritism then led to the belief in animism which attributed life to
certain inanimate objects including cosmic power. Trees, rocks and
mountains were worshipped by unique tribes in ancient Indonesia and
Africa.
Primitive people like the Aborigines inhabiting some regions of
Australia introduced totemism. "It is a highly complex system of beliefs
and practices whereby an animal, bird or tree becomes a totem or a focal
symbol for the life and well-being of a tribe" (quote)
Some of these totem poles still remain and those who see them exclaim
the wonder and feeling of being attracted to something dreadful in these
large, garshly painted, elaborately carved wooden images.
Iconoclasm found loyalty in some social groups who went against the
doctrine and practice of venerating icons.
The indigenous Red Indians of America expressed their strong belief
that there was a Supreme Being who created the world. To them, the
environment had to be treasured, respected and not defiled.
To maintain the earth's independence they cared for every frond,
flower, bud and leaf. They loved each rill of water and refrained from
polluting it because it was graciously bestowed on them. The contours of
the world and that which comprised it had a distinctive significance in
their day-to-day life.
The early egyptians worshipped mainly the Sun God Rai. Being farmers,
they really needed it to ripen their grains. The Greeks had many gods
and goddesses such as Bacchus, the God of Wine and Venus whose charm and
beauty aroused adoration.
The Gypsies, a dark caucasian race originally from India penetrated
other capital cities. They were thoroughly immersed in black magic and
within their bivouac they had dried bones, skin and parts of animals
which they regarded with reverential respect and used for supernatural
powers.
Confucianism was introduced to ancient China by a (Chinese)
philosopher and a religion grew out of his teachings. 'It is so strong
in the ethnic element that it can transform a person to be utterly good
and to help in making the world a better place." (Encyclopedia
Britannica).
A great author of the early 19th century, Leo Tolstoy almost created
a religion, Tolstoyism similar to confucianism.
It was based on "good morals, non-violence, renunciation of worldly
things and the manifestation of a Great Diety revealed in phenomena, in
the constellation of stars, even in the raindrops and the gentle dew. He
held firmly to the noble thought that if people were deprived of that
highest blessing, life has no meaning to it. (quote from Anna Karenina)
In the history of religions "scholars suppose that at the dawn of
human existence there was a belief in some kind of deism." (Encylopaedia
Britannica. Vol. 25)
Today it is somewhat demonstrated in the hermit pondering in his
solitary, unbroken silence, the sorcerer with her captivating
witchcraft, the village healer with his pot herbs and the charmer in is
dervish manner repeating stanzas using his magic powers to ward off evil
or bring good fortune and it culminates in a spectator falling into a
trance.
All of these relate to the distant past when our ancestors held fast
to their own forms of religion.
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The concept of equality in Islam
M.Y.M. Meeadh
Equality: The term equality has a wide meaning and significance in
Islam. It generally means that all humans are equal in the sight of
Almighty Allah. No man or woman is greater than the other except in
piety to Allah.
Therefore, the concept of equality is one of the very important
fundamentals of Islam. In fact, Islam treats all human beings equally
sans any discrimination. But, Islam honours humans on the basis of their
good deeds. In this regard, Allah says as follows in the Holy Quran:
"You are one from another" (4:25)
From the above Quranic Verse, it is quite clear that one is equal to
another.
The Prophet (sal) also substantiates the Quranic verse by the
following Hadees: "You are all offsprings of Adam (Alai). Adam was
created out of clay" (Muslim - Abu Dawood) from this Hadees, it is quite
evident that all humans descent from one human who was first created by
Almighty Allah.
Then, all those descendants of Adam are equal in creation without any
differences whatsoever. It is only one human race.
It is further elucidated in the following statement: "We divided you
in to tribes and families in order that you might identify one another."
All Muslims are equal in birth. There is no doubt about it. In fact,
the main objective of creating them as tribes and families is to help
them know one another. It is not for domination of one family upon
another family. It is not for fighting for superiority of one tribe over
another tribe.
Thus, according to Islam, no human should not expect any special
concession on the basis of one's tribe or family or colour or Land
ownership.
Hence, Islam puts an end to the racial pride and glory among Muslims.
It expects the same values to be followed by non-Muslims too, as it
is a Universal religion.
The criterion that Islam has prescribed for recognising one's higher
status is one's good actions. Those who are in the highest stage of
piety are the highest in rank in the sight of Allah. On the contrary,
those who are in the lowest stage of Piety will be treated as the lowest
in rank in the sight of Allah.
So, equality being one of the very vital Islamic ideals has deep
roots in the shariah or Islamic Laws.
Equality before Law
Equal treatment of all before Law is based on the justice meted out
by Islam. It means that the Law belongs to all. It controls all equally
without any prejudice. Hence, Islamic Laws do not consider any
differences based on colour, race and birth. Besides, Islam does not
take into account any differences based on wealth and blood
relationship.
All are equal before Law. In other words, Islamic Laws are considered
to be suitable for Muslims and non-Muslims as well. But, Islamic Laws
are not suited for non-Muslims in the matters of religious belief and
worship. The condition as to faith and practice (worship) is totally
different.
The Prophet Muhammad (sal) has elucidated the above concept as
follows. "Surely, we destroyed your predecessors because they spared the
privileged without punishing them whenever the latter committed the
crime of theft. In the meantime, they punished the Poor whenever they
wronged. By God, even if Muhammad's beloved daughter Fathima committed
theft, I would be determined to amputate her hand."
Therefore, Muslims should not discriminate between the poor and rich,
whites and blacks - men and women. Muslims also should aim at observing
tolerance towards non-Muslims and promoting good understanding with them
for a peaceful and harmonious life.
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Family which prays together stays together - Rev. Fr.Ignatious
Senanayake
Alex Perera Hali Ela Corr.
BANDARAWELA: Family way of the cross a new book was in circulation
during the recently concluded Lent season.
Commenting on "Family Way of the Cross" organised by the devotees of
St. Anthony's Church, Bandarawela Fr. Senanayake underlined the
importance of praying as a family.
The booklet on "Family Way of the Cross" was authored by him for the
use of his flock at Bandarawela and that of the diocese of Badulla.
Fr. Senanayake said that he intended to revise the book and to make
it available to any Catholic in the country in the time to come and he
was happy that the book has been of great help to his flock at
Bandarawela during the season of the Lent. "The book has helped the
devotees to meditate better the Passion of Christ. It is directed for
the use of the family as the family, the smallest unit in the society
and is the good soil, the plot of land on which the children grow with
good customs and live an ethical life under the guidance of the parents.
The family helps to grow human values and adopt to an exemplary
behaviour," he pointed out.
If the family is disturbed it would be felt by the whole society. It
is everybody's business to safeguard the family, the vital unit that
forms the big family, society. The book helps to mediate on these
themes, Fr. Senanayake added.
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Anuradhapura Diocese Silver Jubilee on May 5
Walter Dayarathne, Anuradhapura district spl. corr.
Anuradhapura: The Catholic Diocese of Anuradhapura will mark the
silver jubilee on May 5 and celebrate the annual festival of St. Joseph
Cathedral on May 6, with Colombo Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis
officiating as chief celebrant at the festive High Mass.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Nobert Andradi, OMI, NCP Governor Karunaratne Divulgane,
Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayaka and other dignitaries are
expected to participate. An exhibition on the theme 'Creative hands for
a peaceful world' will be held as part of the celebrations on May 5 and
6. A musical show will also come on stage at 9 p.m. on May 5.
The Catholic education service 'Seth Saviya' and Christian section of
the NCP Education Department has organised the event.
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Holy Prophet Muhammed, 'A Mercy unto all creation'
M. Liyawdeen
Continued from last week
MESSENGER OF GOD:W. Montgomery Watt in his book Muhammed at Mecca
(1953) states "To suppose ;Muhammed an imposter raises more problems
than it solves.
Moreover none of the great figures of history is so poorly
appreciated in the west as Muhammad....".
Thomas Carlyle, the famous Philosopher in his work "On Heroes,
Hero-worship and Heroics in History (1888) says Mahomet himself after
all that can be said was not a sensual Man.
We shall err widely if we consider this man as a common voluptuary
intent mainly on base enjoyments - nay on enjoyment of any kind. His
household was of the frugalest; his common diet barley-bread and water;
sometimes for months there was not a fire once lighted in his hearth. -
They record with just pride that he would mend his own shoes, patch his
own cloak. A poor, hard toiling, ill-provided man; careless of what
vulgar men toil for...."
And more wonderful still is what Reverend Bosworth Smith remarks:
"Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one;
but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions and Caesar without the
legions of Caesar; without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without
a police force, without fixed revenue.
If ever a man had the right to say that he ruled by a right divine it
was Muhammed, for he had all the powers without their support. He cared
not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was
in keeping with his public life."
Stanley Lane Poole in the Speeches and Table Talk of the Prophet
Muhammad (1882) declares: "He was gifted with mighty powers of
imagination, elevation of mind, and refinement of feeling.
'He is more modest than a virgin behind her curtain' it was said of
him. He was most indulgent to his inferiors and would never allow his
little page to be scolded whatever he did. He was very fond of children:
he would stop them on the streets and pat their little heads. He never
struck anyone in his life. He was the most faithful protector of those
he protected, the sweetest and most agreeable in conversation.
Lamaratine, the well-known French Historian in Volume 2, Historic de
la Turquie (1854) poses:- "If greatness of purpose, smallness of means
and astounding results are the three criteria a of human genius, who
could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammed?
Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior conqueror of ideas,
restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of
twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire that is Muhammad.
As regards all standard by which human greatness may be measured, may
we well ask, is there any man greater than he?..
D.G. Hogarth says in his work a History of Arabia (1922) "serious or
trivial his daily behaviour has constituted a canon which millions
observe to this day with conscious memory. No one regarded as perfect
man has been imitated so minutely.
The conduct of the founder of Christianity has not governed the
ordinary life of his followers. Moreover; no founder of a religion has
been left on so solitary an eminence as the Muslim apostle. Annie
Bessent, the renowned theosophist wrote in her 'The life and Teaching of
Muhammed (1932).
"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of
the great Prophet of Arabia, who knew how he taught and how he lived
feel anything but reverence for the mighty Prophet, one of the great
messengers of the Supreme....."
Continued next week
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Ten Commandments: Unifying laws for Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Tuan Rassool
Continued from last week
FAMOUS TEXT: The meaning of this Commandment is further strengthened
when Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) made an important declaration on
unity of God in the New Testament, "Hear O Israel, the first commandment
is that Thy God is One and there is none other than He" (Mark 12:28, 32,
Matthew 22:34-40).
To lay emphasis on the importance to keep the Creator separate from
His creations, Jesus (peace be upon him) forbid the reference of
divinity to himself: "Why call me good? Only God is good." (Matthew
19:16-17)
This biblical law is beautifully expressed in the first part of the
Islamic testimony of faith (Shahada), "There is nothing worthy of
worship except Allah (God Almighty)."
Both the Islamic testimony and the first commandment begin with a
negation, and end with an affirmation to emphasise clarity without
leaving room for any ambiguity or misinterpretation. The Holy Qur'an is
littered with such statements, e.g. "Know therefore that there is no god
but God." (Al-Qur'an 47:19) "Do not associate another deity with God"
(Al-Qur'an 17:22).
The similarity of this law in the Bible and Holy Qur'an is
irrefutable. It is no coincidence that the Holy Qur'an and the Bible
have placed this commandment above all others.
The Second Commandment
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image - any likeness of
anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or
that is in the water under the earth." (Bible, Exodus 20, 4-6)
The Muslim community has taken this commandment literally to heart,
carved images are not found in either mosques or at homes.
Continued next week |
