Understanding Philosophy: Origins, Branches, and Historical Periods
Philosophy in Ancient Greece
Philosophy was born in ancient Greece between the V-VI century BC. The word itself, philosophy, comes from the Greek words philos (lover) and sophia (wisdom), signifying a desire for knowledge.
Mythological Knowledge
Myths are imaginative stories that attempt to explain the nature of the world. They occupy an important place in the culture of many peoples, providing early descriptions and explanations of the world. Key characteristics of myths include:
- Legendary figures
Foundations of Islam: Beliefs, Practices, and Historical Insights
Understanding the Holy Quran
Literal and Terminological Meaning
The word Qur’an is derived from the Arabic word قراءة (qira’ah), which means ‘to be read’ and also ‘to collect one thing with another’. In this sense, it refers to the scripture that is read. The Word of Allah is called Al-Qur’an in the same sense, meaning ‘the book to be read’.
Terminologically, the Qur’an is defined as: It is Allah Almighty’s miraculous speech revealed to Hazrat Muhammad Rasoolullah Khatam-ul-Nabieen (the Seal of
Read MoreMosque Architecture: Key Features and Historical Significance
Mosques serve as places of prayer for individuals or collectives, particularly on Fridays. Within a mosque, there is no divinity or images of the Imam; it is solely a place of worship. Despite this, mosques are often linked to teaching, with madrassas or theological schools typically located in the yard. They also function as places of asylum and refuge.
A mosque generally comprises two main parts: the courtyard, known as the Sahn, and the prayer hall, or Haram. The courtyard is the space preceding
Key Figures and Movements in Christian History
Saint Benedict of Norcia: Life and Legacy
Born in 480 in the small town of Norcia, Italy, Saint Benedict belonged to a noble family of modest and solid virtues. He sought to succeed in life, but one day he journeyed to Subiaco. There, he settled in a difficult-to-access cave to seek God in solitude and prayer as a hermit. He met a monk named Romanus, who opened his heart and served the young Benedict with great zeal. For three years of his life, his fame for holiness and wisdom spread, and he founded
Read MoreMajor World Religions: Beliefs, Practices, and History
Hinduism: Core Beliefs and Practices
Hinduism is a profound way of life, deeply embraced by its practitioners. Central to the Hindu worldview is the Karma-Samsara-Moksha doctrine, a foundational framework for understanding existence.
The Cycle of Rebirth and Liberation
- Atman (Self/Soul): The individual self is believed to be reincarnated into the world, cycling through various forms.
- Samsara (Cycle of Rebirth): This continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth is driven by karma.
- Karma (Action
Alpha Phi Alpha Principles, History, and Notable Members
Sphinxman Principles and Values
The Sphinxman Credo
As a Sphinxman, I will uphold high scholastic standards, high moral character, brotherly love, personal progress, loyalty, and respect for womanhood to the best of my ability.
The Sphinxman Hymn
The mystic Sphinx for us the name does signify,
We love and guard its customs and ideals.
Our task is hard, our vigil long and dutiful,
Our hearts are ever mindful of our task.
And should we cross those burning sands that guard our aims,
We pledge ourselves as mandates