The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca perform by Muslims, who should do this at least once in their lives. This forms one of the five pillars of Islam and brings great rewards, benefits and complete forgiveness of any sin from Allah (SWT). The Hajj pilgrimage took place in the last month of the Muslim year, Dhul Hijjah, and the first day of Hajj took place on the eighth day of the month. Its purpose is to give Muslims the opportunity to begin anew in the eyes of Allah (SWT), to purify themselves of any possible sins as they seek the forg…
In Islamic culture, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It's a time for spiritual reflection and growth, as well as helping those in need and spending time with loved ones, for Muslims. It's also the month of Ramadan, when Muslims all across the world fast during daylight hours. Continue reading to learn more about Ramadan traditions and practices, as well as why it is so significant to the Islamic faith. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the Muslim lunar calendar's ninth month. Muslims observe Ramadan to commemorate the reve…
The Tribe of Kalash The Kalasha Valleys surrounded by beautiful Hindu Kush Mountains in Chitral District consists of Kalash people. Today, around 3000 in number, the Kalash refuse to accept Islam which is the root cause for their marginalization in the region. For the longest time, Pakistan has been known for hatred and disgust towards religious minorities. This led to creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Pakistan has unfair (or even non-existing policies) for minorities, such as Muhajirs, Balochis, Shias, Ahmadis, Ismailis, and more. Even th…
Magic is an ancient element that is the result of human thought combined with primitive tools and empty hands. Humans have employed it in disasters, and it has long dominated human society's public culture. According to the history of religions, people believed in magic and witchcraft in several aspects of their lives at the time. And, in times of crisis and despair, people's beliefs become even stronger. It may be stated that humans were attempting to obtain prosperity in some way. One of the causes that drove humans to practice mag…
Islam and Hinduism Around the globe, millions of modern-day worshipers of God still practice ancient religions. Of the various religions, only one has the Christian religion, which has more believers than any other Muslim or Hindu religion. Islam is practiced by about 1.6 billion people worldwide, but mainly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Hinduism is also practiced by the 1 billion people found mainly in the Indian subcontinent. Muslims believe in one God, or one religion. Their Prophet Muhammad founded their religion in the seventh ce…
Religious Minorities in Pakistan In terms of religion, Pakistan is quite homogenous with a 95% Muslim population. However, the remaining 5% of Pakistanis consist of Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Ahmadis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Shias, Bahais, etc. While Pakistan was created on the premise that Muslims needed a land of their own where they could practice their religion without judgment and persecution, every citizen of Pakistan was to be guaranteed the freedom to practice his or her own faith. Ironically, even the Shias, a Muslim community in the m…
Religion and mental health Religion and spirituality are both based on an attempt to understand the purpose of life and, in some cases, how strong relationships can influence that definition. Although religion and spirituality are the same, they are very different in function. Religion is a system of beliefs, based on society, while spirituality resides with the individual and what he himself believes. “Religious and spiritual perceptions are like a rectangle compared to a square. Religion is spiritual, but if you are religious, it does no…