Sun, Sea, and New Knowledge

We have recently returned from what I can only describe as my "dream vacation". I have wanted to experience Greece and Turkey for as long as I can remember, and feel fortunate that the opportunity came when we were able to go. This trip met all my expectations. Aside from two days and nights in Turkey, (Istanbul and Kusadasi), all our cruising days were to various Greek Islands. Looking back over the two weeks, there are two impressions I am left with. One: The Islam religion is not in any way based on or condones violence or directives to overcome the world's people. Two: The Greek Isles are without doubt one of the most historical and beautiful places on earth, but the Greek people (and/or government) have lost interest in caring for these majestic surroundings.

The day we spent in Istanbul, we of course were guided to the Blue (Fatih) Mosque, which is a well known tourist destination. (99% of all Turks are Muslim.) Religious customs dictate that women cover their bare arms and everyone remove their shoes before going into the mosque. The men at the entrance provided shawls and bags for our shoes. (It's really hard to take pictures with a shawl around your arms.) The mosque was decorated in various blue-tile designs, hence the name. Learning about the Islam religion was what captivated me more than the beautiful building.

Around 610 AD, Muhammad spent time alone thinking and contemplating the mysteries of life in a cave near the town of Mecca. Muhammad was respected among his friends and family because he was always honest in his dealings with others. Toward the end of the lunar month of Ramadan, the revelations of the Qur'an began to be transmitted through Archangel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. He continued to receive these revelations for 23 years. The verses were memorized and written down, which is the same book Muslims read today.

Islam is the last of the three Abrahamic religions preceded by Judaism and Christianity. It is a religion based on revelation that believes in the One God and the guidance revealed by Him to the prophets. The prophets of Islam include Abraham, Moses, Solomon, Jesus, Muhammad and many others. All have been sent to bring the message to humankind of their creation by God and their eventual return to Him.

The five pillars of Islam faith are: 1)The recitation of the shahadah; "There is no god but Allah." This is the declaration of the belief in the absolute oneness of God, along with the second part of the declaration; "And Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." 2) Obligatory prayer 5 times a day. 3) The giving of charity. 4) Fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.
5) The pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime for those who have the means to undertake the journey.

Every serman given by the imam ends with this verse from the Qur'an: "Surely Allah enjoins the doing of justice and the doing of good to others and the giving to the kinsfolk, and He forbids indecency and evil and rebellion; He admonishes you that you may be mindful." (Qur'an 16:90)

(Notice there is no mention of the so-called "rewards" awaiting certain Muslims in heaven.)

This is certainly not intended as a soap box to preach religious tolerance, but like other religions that have experienced strife; whether it be the molestation of children or the publicized affairs of religious leaders, not all members (or clergy) of any religion should be painted with the same brush as those who have mis-interpreted or taken advantage of their positions.

I truly value my new-found understanding of a religion I had never had any exposure to other than the media depiction of some of it's members. I will now listen, (and hear) with new ears.

As far as my comment and message to those on the Greek Isles: Pick up the garbage on the streets and roadsides! Tear down or renovate the buildings that are falling to pieces at your feet. Pick up your cigarette butts from the sidewalks and gutters. Dispose of your garbage, wrecked cars and old appliances somewhere other than the street, alley, or your yard. You live in the most beautiful places on earth. Love your country as the rest of us do!!

Blessings to all...