Head-dibs

The death of The Prophet Muhammad is not a celebratory event for Muslims; however, the anniversary of his death reminds Muslims to reflect on the teachings of Islam. There is much discrepancy regarding the death of The Prophet. The first part of the difficulty is “when” and the problem stems from the calendar itself. Did The Prophet die in January or June? We use a much different calendar system than Ancient Middle Eastern world, so it is difficult to say whether The Prophet died in June or January. Compounding the difficulty concerns the fact that days were often recorded and recalled in a different manner than we would. For example, a “springtime” day does not necessarily mean a day between what we know as March, April or May. Those of us who live in the South know first-hand that temperatures can reach the 70’s in the middle of December, a “springtime” day. Some holding to a June demise of Muhammed often refer to the day being a warm day, but this does not mean the day fell in warm...

Ok, I had to look this one up, but that’s ok because I learned something today that I did not know yesterday. Today is an holiday called, “Arbaeen of Imam Hussain.” “Arba’een” means “forty,” marking 40 days after the death of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala. 40 days is the time of mourning in Islam. This time is used to observe the establishment of justice and taking a stand against injustice, though interpretations of these details are disputed. Some observe peacefully, while others protest even with terrorism. Regardless, the Arba’een has been observed for centuries by walking to the tomb of Imam Hussain (with the exception of the 30 year ban of the holiday under the rule of Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq). Significant eternal promises are attached to this journey: One may think of this a kind of New Year’s observance, as 40 days is more than enough time to establish a habit, a lifestyle change. This is a day to do something di...

Surah 4:157: "And in reference to the Jews who said, 'We killed the Messiah, Jesus the Son of Mariam, the apostle of God,' they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear to them. And indeed those who differ in the matter are surely in doubt about it. They have no knowledge about it except following mere assumption. But of a certainty they did not kill him." Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified together with the Messiah. So it is no longer I who live, but the Messiah living in me. And this fleshy life I now live, I live by faith in the Son of God, the one who loved me and gave himself in my place. " (ht: John Samson)

Someone from the Philippines wrote and asked [only spelling errors have been corrected], “One day, I told them about Christ but they don't believe. They ask me ‘Jesus is a prophet. Allah sent Him to us but He is not a prophet because He prayed to the God of Heaven like us. Why do you worship Him?’ What would be the answer?” First I would ask, “You say first, ‘Jesus is a prophet,’ then you say ‘He is not a prophet.’ What do you mean by ‘prophet’? How can He be a prophet and not be a prophet?” Islam teaches that Jesus is both “nabi” (prophet) and “rasul” (messenger). The Prophet Moses wrote, “ The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him .” (Deuteronomy 18:15) Jesus is the prophet of whom Moses spoke. Jesus is the greatest of the prophets, many of whom go unnamed in Islam. Without these prophets, most of the scriptures we call the Old Testament would be missing. Praise God that no one is greater than He, w...

What do the 16 digits on a credit card mean? Dr. Larson asks, " Is There Logic To Support Pakistan's Blasphemy Law? " "The smallest objects that the unaided human eye can see are about 0.1 mm long. That means that under the right conditions, you might be able to see an ameoba proteus, a human egg, and a paramecium without using magnification. A magnifying glass can help you to see them more clearly, but they will still look tiny."  This sliding scale will help you see even smaller !

November 14 - 18 is the date of the Muslim pilgrimage called "Hajj." This is a very interesting 15 minute video on what Muslims experience while on Hajj to Mecca. For a more detailed and personal look at Hajj experiences, watch the documentary, National Geographic: Inside Mecca . I have found a very interesting verse in the Qur’an, and I have a question for Muslim friends. The Qur'an says: ‘ If you are in doubt as to what we have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before you .’ (10:94) This verse says that Muslims should consult the other holy books which were revealed before the Qur’an. Would you like to study the other Holy books with me?

A parachute jump from 23 miles (120,000 feet)?  I think Red Bull is the operative word here . November is Novel Writing Month .   Here are " 20 Questions To Ask of A Novel " and some " Neat Stuff for Writers ." Dr. Warren Larson helps us understand " A Christian Response to Islamic Terrorism ." They can get the billets and the bullets, but not the ballots .  Really, Mr. President?

Mortimer Adler gently explains " How To Mark A Book ." Dr. Warren Larson answers the question, " Is Islam Violent or Peaceful ?" Best-selling author, pastor, and Columbia International University graduate Robert J. Morgan was the keynote speaker during the 2010 Christian Life Conference at CIU: " Don't Give Up On People " Ex 1:1-5 " Don't Worry about Fame and Fortune " Ex. 1:6-23 " Put Your Burdens in the Bulrushes ." Ex 2:1-10

"If you are in doubt as to what we have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before you." (Surah 10:94) Are you a person of The Book? The Qur'an says to consult the other holy books which were revealed before the Qur’an. Would you like to study the other Holy books with me during Ramadan? "O People of the Book! you have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord." (Sura 5:71)

Here is a short video on what happened to an evangelism team that distributed The Gospel of John at a Muslim festival in Dearborn, Michigan, USA.

Abu Lahab, the uncle of Muhammad, as representative of Muhammad’s own father, was expected to look after his nephew as if he was one of his own children; but, Abu Lahab would not accept any of the teachings of Muhammad. Understand that at this time, Muhammad was just starting to preach the message of Islam and many people had not yet believed him to be the Prophet. Abu Lahab’s animosity was seen in how he forbade his own two sons to visit their own father unless they divorced their wives (they were married to two of Muhammad’s daughters). Also, as Muhammad began preaching Islam, Abu Lahab would follow him, throwing stones and warning people not to listen, even calling Muhammad a liar. Abu Lahab’s increasing hostility to Muhammad was considered to be an obstruction to the progress of Islam. The Qur’an records that Allah Himself placed a curse on Abu Lahab (by name!) and his wife because of their opposition to the spread of Islam. Surah 111 of the Qur’an is called “Al-lahab,” which reads...

Here is my first TEDtalk , using the TEDtalk generator : "(Laughter.) Thank you very much. You know, you don't diverge from the path et cetera, et cetera. That's why I think the way to true happiness also means keeping your back straight et cetera, et cetera. But most importantly, you need the brain to recognize the exact way it's supposed to think et cetera, et cetera. It is like French phrases such as "et cetera, et cetera". But I should be more specific when referring to a milky weak coffee making you jittery et cetera, et cetera. So I thought maybe a mirror will not get something bad fixed et cetera, et cetera. It's therefore much better to create a choice to consciously solve a problem. To illustrate my point, I'll give you a very dramatic example of a patient who came in bored but all of a sudden this intense need for creativity made him feel alive again. I could use this data to gain insight, but not make decisions." ************ Please ta...

Dr. Beyer explains why pastors need to visit the land of the Bible . This should help you know if you are at a Christian concert or not. A little girl saved her friends' life-- thanks to Spongebob Squarepants ! But as many as 25 people walked past this homeless man who bled to death on the sidewalk after saving a woman from an attacker. If the LDS Church is true, then repentance is something that can actually be achieved. Have you met the requirements of repentance as defined by the LDS Church ? A friend made a joking comment on "Earth Day" last week that we would strip mine the other planets later. Turns out he's not the only one with the same idea for other planets. "We have met the enemy, and he is Power Point ." Dr. Larson answers the question, " Are Muslims Masters of Deceit ?"

Here's hoping for long delays! Massage parlors, beds, swimming pools . . . why even get on the plane ? Ever wonder about how " youthtastic " your Youth Minister (Student Pastor) is? Dr. Larson provides insight about economic sanctions against Iran . Want to see 5000 years of religion in 90 seconds ? Which is bigger: logic; or, sin ? Oh, and on this day, April 15 (the day we file our taxes): The Titanic sunk, Lincoln was assassinated, San Franciso rocked in an earthquake (1906), not to mention the Fall of Saigon (1975), Chernobyl (1985), the Los Angeles Riots (1992), Oklahoma City bombing, the Columbine shootings, and the introduction of "New Coke" (1985)? I'm starting to see a pattern here . . .

Dear friend at "Reality About Islam" at http://anti-efsha.blogspot.com/ Thank you for your recent visit to my blog from Tehran, Iran. I welcome you to visit my page any time! Be my guest! Are you a person of peace? Are you a person of The Book? I have been reading the Qur'an and have many questions. " If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee ." (Sura 10:94) I am very interested in talking with you more. Please contact me through my e-mail, in my profile, or leave another comment.

Dr. Warren Larson , Director of Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies and Professor of Muslim Studies and Intercultural Studies at the Seminary and School of Missions of Columbia International University has published a "top 5" book list. Click on the link to read the article. My Top 5 Books on Islam Christianity Today A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Dr. Warren Larson , the director of the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies at Columbia International University is often sought out by the media for a biblical view on Muslim-Christian relations. As Americans commemorate the anniversary of the 9-11 attack on the United States, Larson recorded an interview with the nationally broadcast radio show "Prime Time America" on the Moody Radio Network. In the interview, Larson is asked how Muslims view 9-11, and how Christians should be responding to them. You can hear Larson's comments on the Sept. 11th broadcast of "Prime Time America," beginning at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Log on to listen .

By Jody Barr COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - With protests in Iran reaching a fever pitch, many Americans are watching the situation with curious eyes. Columbia International University's Dr. Warren Larson spent 25 years of his life in the Middle East. He now teaches Muslim studies in Columbia. Larson says all Americans can relate to the demonstrators filling the streets in Iran. "What they're saying is down with the dictator," said Dr. Larson. Read the rest of the article and view the video at http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?s=10574972 .

Psalm 119:89, 100 "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven . . . I understand more than the ancients because I have kept Your precepts." A Brahmin once said to a missionary: "We are finding you out. You are not as good as your Book. If you were as good as your Book, you could conquer India for Christ in five years." Scripture reveals the truth and sheds light on our shortcomings. If scripture excuses sin, how can it be God's word? God's word is timeless and does not change. God protects His word, and even pagans know this to be true. Picture a column, a permanent station, something put into place, rock solid. This is the sense of the meaning of God's "settled" word. This is the Hebrew word used to describe the built altar in Genesis 33:20, Rachel's grave marker in Genesis 35:20, a monument in 1 Samuel 15:12. American theologian Albert Barnes (1798–1870) explains, "The meaning here is, that the word - the law - the promise - of ...