Muhammad & Hadith Essay Example for Free

Muhammad Hadith Essay Muhammad, whose name was taken from the Arabic word hamada which means â€Å"to praise, to glorify,† was born in Mecca, Western Arabia, in 570 CE to Abd bin Al-Muttalib and Amina bint Wahb. His parents were believed to be descendants of Abraham and Hagar, the Egyptian slave who mothered Abraham’s son, Ishmael. The story goes that Abraham fled to Mecca with Hagar and Ishmael after his wife, Sarah, also gave birth to a baby boy (Isaac) and became extremely jealous of Hagar and Ishmael. It was with the assistance of Ishmael that Abraham later built the Ka’bah, Islam’s holiest sanctuary, in Mecca. It is now the destination of pilgrims during the hajj (Fisher. 2005). Muhammad married at the age of twenty-five to Khadijah, a forty-year-old businesswoman who owned the caravans which he was managing at the time. His wife later became his main source of support when he was experiencing difficulties during the early years of his mission. Muhammad recounted an incident which happened when he was forty years old. As his story went, an angel appeared to him when he was in a cave in Mt. Hira during one of his spiritual retreats and told him to recite something. Because he was illiterate, he reportedly refused three times. However, the angel insisted and when Muhammad, at last, relented, the angel gave him the words that would later become the Qur’an’s first words. That was the first of a series of revelations, the exact words of which had been: Proclaim! (or Recite! ) In the name Of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created – Created man, out of A (mere) clot Of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord Is Most Bountiful,- He Who taught (The use of) the Pen,- Taught man that Which he knew not (Fisher, 2005). That first revelation undoubtedly referred to the creation. It was followed by more revelations which occurred intermittently. Muhammad described the revelations as follows: â€Å"Revelation sometimes comes like the sound of a bell; that is the most painful way. When it ceases I have remembered what was said. Sometimes it is an angel who talks to me like a human, and I remember what he says. † Initially, Muhammad only shared what was revealed to him with his wife and the few people who believed him. However, after three years had elapsed, he was instructed to start preaching to the public what he had received from the revelations (Fisher, 2005). Although he succeeded in winning converts to Islam, his group was persecuted by the Qurayshites (the aristocrats) in spite of the protection provided by his influential uncle, and exiled to an isolated place where they were forced to eat the leaves of trees and the wild foods they could gather in order to survive. The persecution persisted even after his band of Muslim converts was allowed to go back to Mecca after three years. The darkest period in Muhammad’s life was when he turned fifty. It was called the â€Å"Year of Sorrows† because his wife and his uncle who was protecting him died. The Islamic tradition explained that it was approximately during that period of hardship that the â€Å"Night of Ascension† occurred. It was claimed to be the occasion when Muhammad was supposed to have ascended into heaven and met the earlier prophets like Adam, Abraham, and Jesus Christ in Divine proximity, observed what hell and paradise were, and was later blessed by the Divine Presence (Fisher, 2005). As a consequence of the persistent Qurayshite persecution that they experienced in Mecca, however, Muhammad and his Muslim followers decided to leave Mecca and head for Medina in 622 CE. Their migration, which was referred to as the hijrah, is now considered as the beginning of the Muslim era. (Risher, 2005).

Revenge In Hamlet Essay -- essays research papers

What do you consider to the main theme(s) of Hamlet? Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a complex play where many themes are intertwined – themes that are essential to the development of the play. The issue of death and disease, both physical and emotional is very prevalent throughout the duration of the play, as well as fate and divine providence. The play also questions madness and whether it can be feigned, as well as corruption and its moral implications. Of course, who could forget the famous ‘To be or not to be’ soliloquy, where Hamlet not only questions life and death, but many of life’s other uncertainties as well. Undoubtedly, the most essential theme in the development of Hamlet is revenge and question ‘Does revenge pay?’ Revenge is a frighteningly bloodthirsty emotion, which causes people to act blindly and without reason. Revenge is a theme that is cleverly built upon throughout the extent of the play; with it being the driving force behind two of the main characters in the play. The play is introduced by the appearance of the ghost of Hamlet’s father in the first scene, which automatically gives the impression that something is amiss. This is later clarified by the statement that â€Å"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark† (Act1 Scene 4 Line 90). The ghost emerges before Hamlet and insinuates that his death was not as nocent as it may seem. The ghost urges Hamlet to â€Å"Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder† (Act1 Scene 5 Line25) and informs him that â€Å"The serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown â€Å"(Act1 Scene5 Line 38). This appears to indicate that Hamlet’s father’s death was actually murder, and that the deed was committed by King Hamlet’s brother, Claudius, who had now taken over as King of Denmark. The Ghost taunts Hamlet, telling him that it is part of every man’s honour to avenge his death. Hamlet then becomes a part of Denmark’s foulness and wre tchedness when he agrees to avenge his father’s death. This is the beginning of a vicious cycle of hatred, death and revenge that destroys many lives. Soon after Claudius marries Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, Hamlet feigns madness as a ploy to cover up his attempts to avenge his father’s death and to bring him closer to Claudius. One of the first things Hamlet does in his attempt to prove Claudius’ guilt is to have ‘The Mousetrap’ performed in court. ‘The Mousetrap recreates ... ...amned Dane, Drink off this potion. Is thy union here? Follow my mother.† Laertes dies, content that justice has been served and Hamlet himself dies soon after, his father’s death finally avenged. The obsession and need for revenge displayed by our two main characters eventually led them both to their downfall. Not only did it hurt themselves, but many others close to them. Ophelia’s death, for example could be blamed on Hamlet’s desire for revenge, whilst Hamlets death occurred as a result of Laertes quest to avenge his father’s death. Hopefully, it is easy to see why I believe that revenge is the core theme in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Revenge shapes the entire plot of the play and could be blamed for corrupting Hamlet and Laertes, making them almost evil in their final intentions. Shakespeare highlights the moral implications of revenge, and how a person can be corrupted by their need for revenge. The age-old saying ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’ is outlined perfectly in Hamlet. You cannot receive a punch, return a punch and then all sit down together for a lovely dinner. The second that you retaliate, it starts a horrible chain that is almost impossible to break.

?Considering a Social Dilemma in Practice: Using a Code of Ethics to Inform Decision Making

Abstract Social dilemmas have the potential to define an entire population, leading to the need to assess and understand the implications associated with trends. This study uses the social trap of carbon fuel pollution to illustrate the manner and means of defection and cooperation that are possible in order to create progress. This research will be of use to any person researching social science and the need to build on a fundamental level. 1. Introduction Found in every society, culture and region, the common definition for a social dilemma is held to be an instance where there is the potential for individual gain at the cost of the larger group (Baqlliet et al., 2013). In a very real sense, this environment is created in order for an individual to profit from selfishness; however, if everyone chooses this alternative, the entire group stands to lose, indicating a win or nothing social condition. McCarter et al. (2011) argue that issues begin to arise as too many of the target population choose the negative option preferring the sense of immediate satisfaction over the group’s long-term interests. This outlines a sense of non-committal on the part of the population, speaking to the tendency to put off social experiences and dilemmas that often take various forms across a wide variety for fields and disciplines. With illustrations of social issues including climate change, pollution as well as human overpopulation, there is a fu ndamental platform that must be achieved in order to effectively identify and correct errant or negative trends. This study addresses the question of the social dilemma of fossil fuel consumption.Argued to be a commonly experienced social trap found in the use of carbon fuels in the environment day-to-day social operations (Chen et al., 2012). A social trap is created when there is a drive to experience and create immediate rewards as opposed to waiting to offset the potential negative, leaving much of the defining nature of the experience to the individual. Carbon pollution and the burning of fossil fuels creates the social dilemma by creating and fundamentally building a infrastructure around behavior patterns that have produced rewards in the short term, or current and past generations, but clearly hold a diminishing return when considered in context with the future and larger environmental picture (Khachatryan et al, 2013). The elements of a condition that create social traps are identified as reinforces that tend to build a stronger pattern of behavior in small cases yet, serves to punis h larger instances. In this case defection is defined as the unbridaled consumption of fossil fuels, with the cooperative social position being defined as an on going effort to reduce that very same use of carbon fueld. In a short term capacity, carbon fuels and combustion engines have transformed technology and the way of life for an entire civilization, yet, the use of the technology without restraint has enabled negative consequences to arise. In short it is the short term gain for society that serves to encourage the use of the carbon fuels, yet the long term price in terms of negative environment impact and loss of wildlife and natural resources becomes consequential. 2. Analysis Social issues cross boundaries to impact every science and branch of study (Sagiv et al., 2011). With this recognition, there are wide ranges of theories that have the potential to apply to this social trap/dilemma of employing carbon fuels in day to day activities. Leading among many researchers is the economic game theory, or expected utility theory (McCarter et al., 2011). This approach argues that any person is a rational actor that is solely motivated to make the most of their personal positions, or utility in terms of a person’s economic self-interest. In this instance the short term gains of employing polluting technology are seemingly insignificant in the face of day to day travel needs (Balleiet et al., 2013). With a willful form of defection, there is the sense of putting off the payment for future generations, leaving many of the population that seeks a cooperative solution with little recourse. According to the Game theory, there is much more likely for socially non-cooperative outcome, simply due to the ease of use and social acceptance, despite the documented negative instances related to the collection and consumption of these resources. Many social dilemmas evoke conflict amongst moral values, making the correct choice less clear to decipher (Banks, 2006). Banks has implied how decision making about another’s welfare can frequently involve issues which are both personal and painful, thus judgements will need to be made which are ethical and promote human welfare (Banks, 2012). In knowledge of this, it is crucial to have proper justification for actions and in-actions. A second relevant theory of Utilitarianism has been developed by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832): ‘Utilitarianism incorporates how actions have consequences, which should balance advantages and disadvantages, relatively within a certain course of action,’ (Parrott 2010, p. 54). When putting this principal into action it is acceptable for one person to suffer, if this translates to a greater number of people being happy. Two existing principles pertain to the theory of utilitarianism, and these are justice and utility. Understanding the p rinciple of justice can be captured in respect for equality and fairness, everyone’s happiness should be considered with the same weight. Utility as a principal infers the greatest good for everyone. However, both of these principles can clash if the minority of people are unhappy. Beauchamp and Childress (2001) have outlined the principal of justice: which accounts for distribution of fair benefits, risks and costs; this encapsulates the notion that similar cases should be treated similarly. In a clinical role it is regarded as being within the job role to effectively ‘assess the whole situation, while working for outcomes while considering everyone’s best interests’ (Banks 2012). Yet, each individual in the society has the option to disagree, and therefore defect from the effort, weakening the end results. An alternative complimentary approach is Virtue ethics and the theory of this principal investigates individual character. A persons ‘virtue ethics’ are thought to be guided and developed through their personal beliefs, and this process is said to determine overall character. As an approach Virtue ethics are carried out ‘according to which the basic judgments in ethics are judgments about character’ (Statman, 1997, p. 7). This argument indicates that a person could be co-operative by appealing to their better nature, rather than depending on the satisfaction of their immediate desires. It is recognised that issues of an ethical nature will often be embedded in personal responsibility or relationships. Linking the fight for a long term, environmentally balanced and healthy society with the need to provide a better future for the next generations, there is evidence that substantial progress can be made for the co-operative efforts (McCarter et al., 2011). A further area of social science that applies to this case is referred to as Radical often recognized as ‘critical’ or ‘activist’ work (McCarter et al., 2011). Within this radical position the viewpoint taken is of a transformational approach, where concerns are placed on the transformation of society as this will benefit those who are most oppressed, or those suffering in adverse environmental conditions, in comparison to focusing on the individual profit, or day to day consumers (Hill, 2010). In addition, McIntyre (1982) as cited in Payne (2004) determined radical approaches and criticisms being that; traditionally, social work can lower complex social problems and turn them into individual psychological ones, while potentially cutting off service users from contact to others who have similar problems. Yet, in in the case of pollution and using offered technology seems to translate to creating isolation between workers and those who need the service 3. Reducing Defection Among the many possible solutions to decreasing defections and increasing possible cooperation is the option of motivational solutions (Khachatryan et al., 2013). Providing opportunities for mutual gain, both in the short and long term, creates an incentive for long term, effective cooperation and progress. There components of a must be assessed in order to create a reduced or improved environment (McCarter et al., 2011): Individualism or the presence of the tendency for a person to act selfishly Competition or the capacity to measure outcomes relative to others The opportunity for cooperation In this case is seems possible to incorporate all three elements into an effective anti-defection strategy. Emphasizing the positive aspects of using alternative fuels has the potential to inspire the individual to work outside the acceptable social net by not using fossil fuels. Furthermore, the creation of a competitive form of reporting would serve to build a measureable means for people to assess their own efforts, as well as that of others. The first two are pro-self-approaches while the third is considered a prosocial orientation (Chen et al., 2012). Prosocial and pro-self-persons react differently when faced with a similar situation, making the need to find a solution that can bridge the gap between them critical. Prosocial views often concern themselves with the moral implications, thereby seek out cooperation. This can be seen in this context as the drive to harvest less from a common resource, thereby reducing overall dependency and negative consequences. Strategic solutions also have the potential to increase cooperation and reduce defections in the social dilemma of carbon fuel pollution (Ballet et al., 2013). This is an approach that uses interactions to create an environment of cooperation as the society uses a Tit for tat strategy. This approach seems to be present in the current discourse about carbon pollution with many consumers making a cooperative move, while at the same moment mirroring decisions of the partner. TFT applies to this dilemma in that it is a real-world strategy that has a proven record of success, thereby inciting many consumers to take part in the effort. These forms of structural changes alter the game by modifying the social dilemma or removing the issue completely. In this case a reduction in consumption has the potential to move on completely from the carbon fuel based system. Furthermore, research on conservation repeatedly illustrates that incentives are effective in decreasing consumption of resource s as well as the adoption of renewable resources (Chen et al., 2012). Many case studies illustrate that cooperation is based on various factors, including the ability to monitor the situation in order to punish defectors leading to an external structure that opts to cooperate and self-organise with the inherent ability to communicate and share in order to effectively resolve social delimmas. 4. Conclusion In conlusion, when evaluating the strengths the social dilemma of using carbon fuels, the need of the day to day consumer must be considered in the light of long term cost. Using a cooperative approach that serves to provide incentives and alternatives to possible defectors serves to enhance the underlying effort and add impact to the arguments that desire cooperation. Overall, it is certain that the core of the burden translates to effective planning while accounting for the present situation. With many possible solutions, this study has illustrated that following a radical approach could lead to empowerment of the service user, enable individuals to overcome social stigma attached to the pollution issue as educate them with skills needed to be independent in future. In the end, in order to encourage cooperation there needs to be a viable alternative that makes sense on a day to day basis as well as being affordable to the common person. Lacking a comprehensive strategy will only e ncourage those that resist change to depend on the technology of the past in order to face the challenges of the future. 5. References Balliet, D., & Ferris, D. (2013). Ostracism and prosocial behavior: A social dilemma perspective.Organizational Behavior And Human Decision Processes, 120(2), 298-308. doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2012.04.004 Banks, S. & Gallagher, A. (2009). Ethics in professional life: virtues for health and social care. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Banks, S. (2012). Ethics and Values in Social Work. (fourth edition). Basingstoke & New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford university press. Beckett, C. (2007). The reality principle: Realism as an ethical obligation. Ethics and Social Welfare, 1(3), 269-281. Beckett, C. (2012). Values and ethics in social work. Sage. Chen, X., Szolnoki, A., & Perc, M. (2012). Risk-driven migration and the collective-risk social dilemma. Physical Review E, 86(3). doi:10.1103/physreve.86.036101 Clifford, D., & Burke, B. (2008).Anti-oppressive ethics and values in social work. Palgrave Macmillan. Darwall, S. (1995). The British Moralists and the Internal’Ought’: 1640-1740. Cambridge University Press. Dolgoff, R., Loewenberg, F. M., & Harrington, D. (2009). Ethical issues for social work practice. Derlega, V., & Grzelak, J. (1982). Cooperation and helping behavior. New York: Academic Press. Hill, L. (2010). Radical indecision: Barthes, Blanchot, Derrida, and the future of criticism. Johnson, R. (2008). Kant’s moral philosophy. Khachatryan, H., Joireman, J., & Casavant, K. (2013). Relating values and consideration of future and immediate consequences to consumer preference for biofuels: A three-dimensional social dilemma analysis. Journal Of Environmental Psychology, 34, 97-108. doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2013.01.001 McCarter, M., Mahoney, J., & Northcraft, G. (2011). TESTING THE WATERS: USING COLLECTIVE REAL OPTIONS TO MANAGE THE SOCIAL DILEMMA OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCES. Academy Of Management Review, 36(4), 621-640. doi:10.5465/amr.2011.65554629 Parrott, L. (2010). Values and ethics in social work practice. SAGE. Payne, G., & Payne, J. (2004).Key concepts in social research. Sage. Saleebey, D. (1996). The strengths perspective in social work practice: Extensions and cautions. Social work, 41(3), 296-305. Statman, D. (1997). Virtue ethics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Sagiv, L., Sverdlik, N., & Schwarz, N. (2011). To compete or to cooperateValues’ impact on perception and action in social dilemma games. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 41(1), 64-77. doi:10.1002/ejsp.729 Thompson, N. (2007). Power and empowerment. Russell House Pub. Wilson, K. (2008). Social work: An introduction to contemporary practice. Pearson Education. Wilson, K., Ruch, G., Lymbery, M., & Cooper, A. (2008). Social work. Essex: Pearson.

Exegetical Study of Matthew 77-11 and Luke 119-13

Exegesis Paper God’s Answering of Prayer 9 â€Å"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10For every-one who asks receives, and everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 1 1Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for x a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how much to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!† Luke 11:9-13 Introduction: This paper will present an exegetical study of Matthew 7:7-11 and Luke 11:9-13, God’s Answering of Prayer. The genre and form†¦show more content†¦11 Is there anyone among you who if your child asks for a fish, will give you a snake instead of a fish? (Luke 9:11). Alternatively Matthew asserts, â€Å"Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread will give a stone? (Matt 7:11). In the time of Jesus, the limestones were the same shape and color of bread. In Luke the serpent or eel resembled fish. In Jewish law the eel would be considered unclean and not fit for consumption. This passage stresses, â€Å"An earthly father will not give a son who begs of him something for sustenance (a fish or an egg) something similar-looking, but which is a possible source of evil to him† (Luke X 914). Just as an earthly father will protect their child, our Heavenly Father and His infinite wisdom will only answer prayers in an infinite way. He will give to them the extreme gift of the Holy Spirit from those that seek it. 12 Or if a child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion (Luke 9:12). When a scorpion is curled up it is a dangerous small animal. If a father gave his son a scorpion instead of an egg and the scorpion stung him, the sting would be extremely painful and quite possibly lethal (Barclay 271). The metaphor of the scorpion and an egg clearly shows the deception of how a gift can ultimately be deceiving and evil. Man fails to see how these greater gifts will affect his life. In this passage about the scorpion and the egg Jesus is trying to convey the importance of the Holy Spirit. Spiritualism isShow MoreRelatedEssay on Matthews Christology1423 Words   |  6 Pagesexpectation, Jesus’ role as a Jewish teacher and Jesus as inaugurator of God’s Kingdom. Matthew is a Semitic gospel written as an encouragement to Jewish Christians and as an apologetic to unbelieving Jews. From the outset Matthew identifies Jesus as one of royal Davidic lineage and Abrahamic descent. Matthew immediately identifies with Judaic tradition portraying Jesus with the Immanuel figure of Isaiah 7:14 (1:23). This motif of the Jewishness of the gospel is especially prevalent in its depictionRead MoreAnalysis Of Genesis 2 : 1-3 And Implications For Today s Leaders3809 Words   |  16 PagesAn Exegetical Analysis of Genesis 2:1-3 and Implications for Today’s Leaders The importance of rest, the Sabbath and 7th day cycles found in Genesis 2:1-3 (NRSV) have lost their meaning in today’s world of secularism. Kingdoms, governments, social-economic conditions, political climate changes, technology and globalization have distorted, reduced, eliminated and retrofitted these concepts to meet individualistic purposes. Bridging the original text meaning, comparing the biblical and present dayRead MoreBiblical Models of Servant Leadership13223 Words   |  53 Pagessuccessful enterprise; in particular, the business of leadership built upon principles of servant leadership. Jesus referred to it as â€Å"counting the cost,† or the â€Å"taking up of one’s cross† as a reference to considering the consequences of the task ahead (Luke 9:23). Suffice it to say that few are willing to take the slow path of preparation and so face the temptation of choosing to cut corners and move ahead to the next rung of taking up leadership responsibility even without being prepared. It isRead MoreComparing and Contrasting Preterist and Futurist Interpretations of Revelation2579 Words   |  10 Pagesan echo of Psalms 16:5: The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup. Just as the Old Testament looked forward to the coming of Christ, so too, the futurist holds, the New Testament looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ. In Matthew 5:5, the futurist hears: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. The preterist cannot explain this passage without delving into the realm of figurative speculation. The Futurist Interpretation: Most Accurate Therefore, it appearsRead MoreEssay on Daniel 9: 24-27 - The Prophecy Of The Seventy Weeks 2733 Words   |  11 Pagesprophetic prediction in Jeremiah 25:11-12, which declares that the Jews would serve the king of Babylon in captivity for seventy years. Now that the seventy years were almost at the end Daniel, in penitential prayer and confession, is petitioning Yahweh on behalf of his people. While in prayer, the angel Gabriel approaches Daniel to give him understanding concerning the future history of the Jewish nation under the illustration of seventy weeks. In Daniel 9:24-27, the account of the seventy weeksRead MoreThe Authorship Of John The Baptist3627 Words   |  15 PagesAffiliation) (Date) Contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 How is the Gospel of John differing from the Synoptic Gospel? 5 a. The Debate. 5 b. Length of Jesus Ministry 6 c. Jerusalem 6 d. The Last Supper and the Crucifixion 7 Who Wrote the Gospel of John? 7 Conclusion 9 Reference 10 Introduction Following the ministry of Jesus here on earth, the several accounts were recorded in the first four books of the bible. The gospel, as they were referred to have similarities in all aspects and theyRead MoreExploring The Historical And Cultural Context Of The Passage4128 Words   |  17 Pagesthrough a few temptations at the hand of the devil. He endured these temptations and persevered righteously in spite of them. A few lessons can be learned by how Jesus handled these temptations. This paper will explore the exegetical insights I gained from studying Matthew 4:1-11. The first part will present the context gained from the broader and immediate discourse. The second section will help you understand the historical and cultural context of the passage. The major segment of this paper will