Ihsan

• Excellence in Character and All Actions– Spiritual relationship with God– Following the Golden Rule

• What is the Golden Rule?

Muslim Ideals

• Unbiased Justice

• Mercy to all creation

• Peaceful co-existence

• Sanctity of human life

• Respect for human dignity

• Universal brotherhood

Islamic Achievements

Arabesque style art. Remember, there are no pictures of religious peoples in Islam. Thus, the art style that became indicative to Islam is the arabesque design. Here it is seen

on prayer rugs.

Here it is seen on glasses. You could find it on plates, bowls,

etc. as well.

Or even in architecture

-- These are columns

and arches with

arabesque designs.

The Dome of the Rock

in Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock and the Waling Wall

The Waling Wall

A Contentious Issue:

Control of the Wailing Wall is a contentious issue between Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem. When that portion of Jerusalem was under Arab control, it was difficult for Jews to visit the Wailing Wall to pray. Now that it is under Israeli control, both Muslims and Jews have access. However, there are many Jews who regard the reconstruction of Solomon's Temple as a primary goal and this would require the destruction of the mosques above.

To Muslims:For Muslims, it is not only part of the huge

platform which forms the foundation of the Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, but it is also

believed to be the gate through which Muhammad was carried by a mythical creature

known as the Buraq when he arrived at Jerusalem for his ascent to heaven (miraj).

To Jews: No one knows when it the Jewish tradition of offering prayers there, but it is believed that

this portion of the Temple (Solomon’s Temple) was not destroyed because the Shekhinah (divine presence) continues to reside there. Thus, praying there is like praying directly to God through the wall.

Blue Mosque of Istanbul

• Inside the Blue Mosque of Istanbul

A Mosque in Baghdad

SHIPS OF THE DESERTSHIPS OF THE DESERT

The Old Silk Road -- Trade