In honor of Father’s Day, the June issue of the Ah-Man Newsletter focuses on “The Divine Masculine.” In this month’s blog, I am sharing just a glimpse of what The Divine Masculine may look like.
Islam is very much like Judaism and Christianity, as are far as rituals go. All three religions perform rituals to bring them closer to God by proclaiming their faith, cleansing themselves of impurities, by helping others, fasting and making pilgrimage.
I will show comparisons as I go through what is known as the “Five Pillars of Islam.”
Shahada is the first pillar of Islam. Here, words are used to proclaim the uniqueness of God and the importance of the Prophet: “There is no god but God (Allah) and Mohammad is the messenger of God.” Shahada is a testimony of the faith of Islam and provides the basis of conversion. By sincerely reciting these words, a person proves his or her acceptance of the faith.
In Christianity, the ritual is called Confirmation, an initiation of faith. In Judaism, it is known as a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah; an initiation into the faith and community.
Salat (ritual prayer) is the second Pillar of Islam. A Muslim prays five times a day facing toward Mecca. Also, a congregational prayer takes place on Friday afternoon.
Christians and Jews pray throughout the day: in the morning thanking God, at meals and before bed might be the usual times for them. Then, on either Saturday or Sunday they go to church or temple and join in communal prayer.
Zakat is the third pillar. Muslims are obliged to help the needy by giving alms. Zakat embodies the notion that God can be worshiped indirectly, by showing gratitude for God’s favor.
Some of the greatest humanitarians have been of the Jewish faith. Religious orders of Christianity have dedicated their lives to helping others. A recent saint would be Mother Theresa.
Sawn (fasting) is the forth pillar. Sawn is observed during the month of Ramadan, the ninth lunar year. During this period, Muslims will not eat or drink from dawn until dusk.
During certain holidays and different times of the year, fasting is required for both the Jewish and Christian faiths.
Haji is the fifth pillar. This is when Muslims are required to make pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Pilgrims wear white unsewn clothes, which are later used as their burial shrouds.
In Christianity, visiting shrines and the Holy Land is important, but not mandatory. In Judaism, it is not mandatory either.
All the methods described above can bring you to God Realization; thinking of God first and experiencing the love of God.
Remember that I am just giving you a glimpse of what the Divine Masculine may look like. The Divine Masculine is a path of actions that bring results. So we do certain things to achieve a particular type of result. This is the Masculine. The Feminine, you’ll recall, is to do nothing and just receive what is already there.
To learn more about The Divine Masculine, visit http://www.mythiclove.net/sunyata/divine_masculine.html.
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