The Vikings of the Scandinavian north worshipped the many gods and goddesses of Norse mythology. Thanks to surviving ancient texts, sagas and archaeological discoveries we know a great deal about these deities and how they were viewed by the Vikings. The Norse gods belong to two major clans: Æsir and Vanir. Odin, Frigg, Thor, Loki, Balder, Hod, Heimdall and Tyr […]
The angels are mystical beings that Allah the Almighty created from light. They can take multiple forms, and they cannot be described as males or females. Belief in angels, as mentioned in the Qur’an and the authentic narrations from the Prophet (peace be upon him), is an indispensable part of the Muslim faith. In Arabic, angels are called Malaika, which […]
For Hindus, there is a single, universal god known as the Supreme Being or Brahman. Hinduism also has numerous gods and goddesses, known as Deva and Devi, who represent one or more of Brahman’s aspects. Foremost among the many Hindu gods and goddesses are the Holy Triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of worlds (in […]
After death memory is all we are left of a loved one and we need to cherish that. Death is an inevitable passage for every human being. Indeed, death leaves behind an indescribable bitterness and a huge void. A deceased person always has value in the eyes of his family. It is, therefore, not uncommon to see families making great […]
Fasting as a way to regain or refocus spirituality is common in many religions. Some Christians observe Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on either Holy Thursday, Palm Saturday or Palm Sunday — depending on what you believe. Others may also choose to follow the Daniel Fast, which isn’t tied to a specific religious holiday. During the month-long […]
Death is a painful event that occurs when you least expect it. It can happen in a hospital, in a public place, at work, or at home. Regardless of where it occurs, there are certain steps that the deceased’s loved ones must take as soon as possible. In the particular case of a death at home, the steps to be […]
Cultist groups have permeated society ever since people could chat and share ideas en masse, although modern cult experts today often clash about what, exactly, makes a group of people a cult. What’s a loony or eccentric organization to one expert is often seen by others as a religion or sect, which are terms loaded with less cultural stigma. Whatever […]
You’ve got to admit: It’s wild that individuals are capable of brainwashing entire groups of people to such an extreme that they’d abandon everything they’ve ever known and lose grasp on the difference between good and evil. Learning about the sexual, physical, and psychological abuse that took place in various infamous cults will seriously send shivers down your spine—but there’s […]
A lot of what most people think they know about Islam is found in the media, where tales of fundamentalism and violence are the norm. The five pillars – the declaration of faith (shahadah), prayer (salah), alms-giving (zakat), fasting (sawm) and pilgrimage (hajj) – constitute the basic norms of Islamic practice. They are accepted by Muslims globally irrespective of ethnic, […]
With all their diversity of beliefs, the major religions are in accord in one great teaching: Human beings are immortal and their spirit comes from a divine world and may eventually return there. Since the earliest forms of spiritual expression, this is the great promise and hope that religions have offered to their followers. It is the believer’s eternal answer […]