Monday, July 24, 2006

Save Lebanon


“Who takes vengeance or bears a grudge acts like one who, having cut one hand while handling a knife, avenges himself by stabbing the other hand.” Jerusalem Talmud, Nedarim 9:4

As is well known, the Israeli war against the people of South Lebanon was apparently begun in retaliation of Hezbollah’s crossing of the "blue line" in an attack on Israeli troops. Hezbollah’s actions, apparently, were committed both in solidarity with the people of Gaza (who were under Israeli military attack) and the holding of Lebanese in prison in perpetuity (thus, Hezbollah demanded a prisoner exchange).

So, from the start of hostilities Israel has digressed to the following report:

“At least 381 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 20 soldiers and 11 Hezbollah fighters, according to security officials. At least 600,000 Lebanese have fled their homes, according to the World Health Organization. Lebanon's finance minister put the number at 750,000, nearly 20 percent of the population...Israel's death toll stands at 36, with 17 people killed by Hezbollah rockets and 19 soldiers killed in the fighting, which began when the guerrillas snatched two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others in a brazen cross-border raid July 12.” Click here for the full story.

Meanwhile, the Israeli disregard for civilian life has increased. "They have been hitting civilian cars all over the place," said Peter Bouckart of Human Rights Watch, who had just returned to Beirut from Tyre. "I have been in many war zones, but this is one of the most dangerous places I have seen." Click here for the full story.

The Rose Crescent House of Peace appeals to all Israelis to immediately and unilaterally cease-fire.

Many analysts claim that Israel, who underestimated Hezbollah’s fighting ability, has been following a strategy designed to inflict maximum punishment against the people of Lebanon to turn them against Hezbollah. We believe the policy is both misguided and a violation of human rights.

If Hezbollah were to be utterly destroyed through a long bloody and costly war, the result would be new groups of men bent on avenging the bloodshed (and near genocide) that such a protracted war would inflict. These new groups would probably carryout terrorist operations beyond the immediate zone of conflict. A second, and serious consequence of a protracted “scorched earth” war, we believe, is the collapse of a central Lebanese authority, and the creation of a Lebanese failed state (a “black hole”) of extreme circumstances, suffering and extremist politics.

The best strategy to save Lebanon, we believe, is for Muslim countries, Israel, the USA and the EU to pursue is as follows:

(1) Assist the Lebanese central authority to continue to grow;
(2) Assist the economy of Lebanon to grow
(3) Guarantee the security and integrity of the Lebanese borders
(4) Recognize Hezbollah as it currently is (a state within a state)
(5) Dialogue with Hezbollah (and encourage them to join a broader Lebanese democratic framework) while encouraging it to become a charitable organization only

In addition, we encourage prisoner exchanges and non-partisan international troops along the border (as well as in Gaza and the West Bank).

The logic is simple: if there is no perceived threat to southern Lebanon, than there will be no justification for Hezbollah’s militia. Hezbollah would then slowly disarm within the framework of a democratic Lebanon, and become solely a charitable organization. (In fact, prior to the outbreak of hostitilities Lebanon's parliament was in the process of discussing the disarming of Hezbollah).

In summary, we believe the current war against Hezbollah will probably: (a) strengthen extremists in south Lebanon; (b) undermine the central authority of Lebanon; (c) wreak economic havoc on Lebanon for decades to come; and (d) create far more dangerous terrorist splinter groups, who will break away from Hezbollah.

The Rose Crescent calls on the international community to save Lebanon and to follow a path of sanity. In addition, we call on Hezbollah to follow a path of non-violence. We also endorse the Brussels-headquartered International Crisis Group call for an immediate cease-fire (click here).

What can you do? First, send a letter to your government representative; second, donate to a humanitarian organization of your choice (such as the International Red Crescent), working to assist the people of Lebanon.

(For an ongoing report on the situation visit Juan Cole's blog).

Related news: Lebanon Timeline

The following is updated regularly. Please check in for links.

"Watching Lebanon" by Seymour M. Hersch (click here)

India has condemned Israeli actions (click here )

Qatar warns against UN Mideast Draft (click here)

U.S. Media bias in the Lebanon War (click here)

Israel responded to an unprovoked attack by Hizbullah, right? Wrong Commentary by George Monbiot claiming Israel's attack was premeditated and offering a proposal for Israel to secure peace in the Middle East. (click here for complete commentary)

"Three of Israel's most successful authors and intellectuals — Amos Oz, David Grossman and A.B. Yehoshua — on Thursday urged Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to focus on diplomatic rather than military initiatives." (Click here for full story)

Hezbollah "The Best Guerrilla Force in the World" (Click here)

Many Israeli Soldiers are Angry and Critical (click here)

Ex-CIA Senior Official: "...new landscape...Hezbollah clear winner" (click here)

U.N. Official Condemns Israeli use of Cluster Bombs (many of which were dropped in the last 72 hours - with peace on the horizon) on civilian areas (which are now killing innocent children). (click here)

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Lebanon - UN Horrified - What you can do to help

"Mr Egeland, the UN's emergency relief chief, described the destruction as "horrific" as he toured the city...He said the "disproportionate response" by Israel was a 'violation of international humanitarian law'. " Click here for the full story.

What can I do to help?

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching a preliminary appeal for 1.3 million Swiss francs (€ 846,000/1 million US$) to support the assistance programmes set up by National Red Crescent Societies for people fleeing hostilities in Lebanon. Click here to learn more about how you can help.

Oxfam has an excellent site, which includes petitions, real time blogs of events on the ground, and work in progress. Assist Oxfam to help the people of Lebanon by clicking here.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Appeal to Israelis

"I demand MERCY, not sacrifice." Hosea 6:6


Saturday, July 15, 2006

Middle East War: Israel, Lebanon and Gaza

At this moment the crises in the Middle East is intensifying as Israeli tanks and troops occupy Gaza, Israeli planes bomb Lebanon and Hezbollah forces rocket attack Israel. Innocent civilians are dying and being wounded.

The Rose Crescent House of Peace calls on all sides to cease hostilities. We propose the following plan:

1. 48 hour immediate cease fire.
2. The release of all hostages ceased by either Hezbollah or Palestinian militia groups within 12 hours.
3. The withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and Lebanon within 72 hours.
4. The handover of Palestinian and Hezbollah prisoners to a United Nations court (within fourteen days) where they will be tried and: (a) if guilty sentenced; or (b) if innocent released.
5. A formation of a mediation assembly, including Israelis, Palestinians and Lebanese (including Hezbollah) - with representation of women - to listen to the concerns of the others and express their needs and grievances .
6. The establishment of economic ties to foster stronger links, grow the economies of the region and promote peace.

So mote it be!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Fatwa Alert: Train Bombings in India

Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

The Rose Crescent House of Peace unanimously condemns the train bombings in India that killed close to 150 people and wounded several hundred more (regardless of who committed this heinous act). We call on all Muslims and Sufis to pray for peace in the region, to pray for the souls of those killed, the health and healing of those injured, and that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Islam is a religion of peace, and – according to the Qur’an - if warfare should be engaged in, innocent lives, animals, crops and economies must be safeguarded. We call on all nations, peoples, non-governmental organizations and individuals to refrain from violence and protect the innocent.

So mote it be!

Islamic Fundamentalism

The Rose Crescent House of Peace states that (so-called fundamentalist) groups that use a literal exegesis of the Qur'an (and other divinely revealed Holy Scriptures), and have made the "Lesser Jihad" the central tenet of Islam (and/or control of land, resources and peoples a central tenet of Judaism or Christianity) are in grave error.

Below we share an article by Karen Armstrong:

===========================


Violent Islamic radicals know they are heretical. Extremists are proud of their deviance, and moderate Muslims can't be held responsible

by Karen Armstrong Saturday July 8, 2000 The Guardian

"A few years ago at a conference in the US, a Christian fundamentalist erupted into the hall and launched a vitriolic attack on me and my fellow panellists. His words were tumbling over one another incoherently, but the note of pain was clear. We had obviously assaulted him at some profound level. For three days my colleagues and I had discussed complex and radical issues in theology, not once at a loss for words; but stunned by the impact of this attack, we could find nothing to say. Dumbfounded, we gazed bleakly at our assailant across an abyss of incomprehension, until he was hustled out.

This type of incident is now common. Increasingly, people find it difficult to communicate with their co-religionists. The divide is as great as that between religious and secular people. Many of the faithful feel threatened by those who interpret their tradition differently; it seems their sacred values are in jeopardy. An apparently impassable gulf yawns between liberal and fundamentalist Christians, reform and orthodox Jews, traditional and extremist Muslims. Because of our preoccupation with the so-called clash of civilisations, this internal tension is often overlooked.
It is a year since the London bombings, an act committed in the name of Islam by a viciously disaffected minority, but which violated the essential principles of any religion. Doubtless with this anniversary in mind, the prime minister has complained that British Muslims are not doing enough to deal with the extremists. The "moderate" Muslims, he said testily, must confront the Islamists; they cannot condemn their methods while tacitly condoning their anger. The extremists' anti-western views are wrong, and mainstream Muslims must tell them that violent jihad "is not the religion of Islam".

This regrettable step will put yet more pressure on a community already under strain. It ignores the fact that the chief problem for most Muslims is not "the west" per se, but the suffering of Muslims in Guantánamo, Abu Ghraib, Iraq and Palestine. Many Britons share this dismay, but the strong emphasis placed by Islam upon justice and community solidarity makes this a religious issue for Muslims. When they see their brothers and sisters systematically oppressed and humiliated, some feel as wounded as a Christian who sees the Bible spat upon or the eucharistic host violated.

It is disingenuous of Tony Blair to separate the rising tide of "Islamism" from his unpopular foreign policy, particularly when Palestinians are being subjected to new dangers in Gaza. He is also mistaken to imagine that law-abiding Muslims could bring the extremists to heel in the same way that he disciplines recalcitrant members of his cabinet. This is just not how religious groups operate.

During the 20th century, a militant piety erupted in almost every major world faith: in Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Confucianism, as well as in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is often called "fundamentalism". Its aim is to bring God and/or religion from the sidelines back to centre stage, though very few fundamentalists commit acts of violence. Coined by American Protestants who wanted a return to Christian "fundamentals", the term is unsatisfactory, not least because it suggests a conservative and backward-looking religiosity. In fact, fundamentalists are rebels who have separated themselves irrevocably and on principle from the main body of the faithful. Fundamentalist movements are nearly always the result of an internal dispute with traditional or liberal co-religionists; fundamentalists regard them as traitors who have made too many concessions to modernity. They withdraw from mainstream religious life to create separatist churches, colleges, study groups, madrasas, yeshivas and training camps. Only later, if at all, do fundamentalists turn their wrath against a foreign foe.

Thus Sayyid Qutb (1906-66), whose ideology is followed by most Sunni fundamentalists, had no love for the west, but his jihad was primarily directed against such Muslim rulers as Jamal Abdul Nasser. In order to replace secularist Fatah, Hamas began by attacking the PLO, and was initially funded by Israel in order to undermine Arafat. Osama bin Laden began by campaigning against the Saudi royal family and secularist rulers such as Saddam Hussein; later, when he discovered the extent of their support for these regimes, he declared war against the US. Even when fundamentalists are engaged in a struggle with an external enemy, this internal hostility remains a potent force.

It is unrealistic to hope that radical Islamists will be chastened by a rebuke from "moderate" imams; they have nothing but contempt for traditional Muslims, who they see as part of the problem. Nor are extremists likely to be dismayed when told that terrorism violates the religion of Islam. We often use the word "fundamentalist" wrongly, as a synonym for "orthodox". In fact, fundamentalists are unorthodox - even anti-orthodox. They may invoke the past, but these are innovative movements that promote entirely new doctrines.

Fundamentalist Christians who claim that every word of the Bible is literally true are reading in an essentially modern way; before the advent of our scientifically oriented culture, Jews, Christians and Muslims all relished highly allegorical interpretations of their holy texts. Religious Zionists who regard Israel as sacred also fly in the face of tradition. A hundred years ago, most orthodox rabbis condemned the idea of a Jewish secular state in the Holy Land. In making the assertion that a cleric should be head of state, Ayatollah Khomeini flouted centuries of Shia orthodoxy, which separated religion and politics as a matter of sacred principle.

The same is true of the new emphasis on violent jihad. Until recently, no Muslim thinker had ever claimed it was the central tenet of Islam. The first to make this controversial, even heretical, claim was the Pakistani ideologue Abu Ala Mawdudi in 1939. Like Qutb, he was well aware that this innovation could only be justified by the godless cruelty of modernity. Informed extremists today do not need to be told that their holy war is unorthodox; they already know.

The extremists believe that mainstream Muslims have failed to respond to the current crisis and are proud of their own deviance. Attempting to shift the blame to the already beleaguered Muslim community could further alienate the disaffected. It will certainly not prevent another London bombing."

· Karen Armstrong is the author of The Battle for God, A History of Fundamentalism

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Qur'an Surah 33:72 - Sufis, the Earth and the Trust

“We did indeed offer The Trust to the Heavens, the Earth and the Mountains. But they refused to undertake it, being afraid of the responsibility thereof. But humans undertook it. They were indeed unjust and foolish.”

How is it that the Qur’an claims that the heavens, earth and mountains can make choices? What is the Trust?

The modern Ahrimanic world view puts forward that all “things” around us (e.g. plants, rivers, land, mountains, rocks, caves) are essentially soulless. They neither think nor feel. They can be exploited by man for whatever purpose man dictates. This paradigm, introduced to the world by the demon Ahriman, would even state that animals have neither cognition nor feelings, and can thus be hunted, tortured and experimented on. There are those, under the influence of Ahriman, who would even take this view to the next logical step, namely: humans are nothing more than biological machines, complex computers, without souls.

Another paradigm puts forward that the Earth is alive. It is our “mother.” All of its “children,” (e.g. animals, plants, insects, rivers, mountains, etc.) both have a soul and are animated by spirit. In fact, like humans, each plant, tree, river, mountain, cave, etc. has a higher spirit that is aware and has cognition. The spirits behind and within everything are seen as agents in the spirit realm and are capable of healing, helping, etc.

What does the Glorious Quran reveal to us?

Surah 33:72 reveals that all “things” of the world are alive, aware, capable of reason, of making choices, have power and have direct contact with Allah.

Depending on the station, the Sufi (very much like the Native American Shaman), is one who exercises the Trust positively. What is the Trust? According to the Rose Crescent tradition, The Trust is the Spiritual Power to purposefully affect change on the physical and spiritual planes for the purpose of achieving balance, harmony and beauty. The Sufi carries out the Trust by:

* Knowing that all things are alive and have spirit;
* Communicating with the spirits of all things (e.g. mountains, rivers, animals, plants, etc.);
* Working with the spirits of all things to affect change (e.g. healing) on the physical plane;
* Participating in a spiritual assembly with all spirits (e.g. mountains, rivers, animals, plants, etc.);
* Praying for the well being of all spirits; and
* Asking the spirits to intercede on her/his or others behalf with Allah.

Surah 33:72 also implies a warning: The Trust is dangerous. The unjust and the foolish easily fall prey to demonic enemy forces and use the Trust for one’s own egotistical and destructive ends (hence “black sorcery”), as Ahriman would have us do by destroying the earth and enslaving humanity.

To learn more about the Recital given by the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), visit our site on the Quran.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Qur'an Surah 15:21 - Islam and Archetypes

“And there is not a thing, but with Us are its archetypes. And We send it not down except in due measure.”

Surah 15:21 confirms the Prophet Plato (PBUH) and his revelation of the “Forms” as well as the inspired wisdom of Saint Ibn-Arabi and the insights of the 20th century psychologist C.G. Jung’s concepts of archetypes.

As revealed to humanity in the Glorious Qur'an, every being “down” in this world (e.g. humans, animals, plants, insects, etc.) as well as qualities (e.g. love, goodness, justice, etc.) are built on ascending archetypes. We all have Higher Selves that dwell in the super-sensible realm. And those Higher Selves are derived from still higher heavenly archetypes that are part of the Umm al-Kitab (the archetypal Mother Book – located on the First Aeon).

According to the Rose Crescent, we can know our archetypal Higher Selves and the universal archetypes through meditation, recollection and study.

To learn more about the recital, visit our site on the Qur'an.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

The Sacred Earth

Table of Contents

Surah 6:38 - Animal Rights in the Qur'an
R.C. House of Peace supports Spain's Recognition of Rights of Apes
Surah 33:71 - Heavens, Earth, Mountains and the Trust
Sunflower Queen and Consort Bumble Bee (click here)
Sacred Datura and the Sphinx Moth (click here)
Bibi Fatima - The Rose Garden (click here)

External Links:

Sekem (click here and here)
Earth Policy Institute (click here)
Biodynamic Gardening (click here and here)
Findhorn Foundation (click here)

The Spirit of Wisdom

The Spirit of Wisdom in Islam and Sufism

What is the Spirit of Wisdom and how is the Spirit of Wisdom revealed in Islam and Sufism?

According to the Rose Crescent tradition, the Spirit of Wisdom is a created being of the first Aeon. “She” is the partner of the Logos-Rasul.

What is the difference between the Logos-Rasul and the Spirit of Wisdom?

The difference is in their cosmic function. The Logos-Rasul has the task to warn beings. The Logos-Rasul usually brings a revelation with “him.” “He” is usually interested in the establishment of civilization (based on a reflection of divine law), the promotion of justice and the providing of a text (book) which reflects the Mother Book. Moreover, the Messenger (aka: Warner) often battles with one or more enemies. The Spirit of Wisdom, on the other hand, is a Comforter of all beings, aiding them in their afflictions and providing wisdom and guidance. In addition, "Her" role is often to temper the harsher - justice oriented - revelation of the Messenger (Logos-Rasul). However, there have been Messengers that did not come with a book, and Comforters who did.

What other revelations speak of the two Divine Spirit beings?

The Greeks called them Logos and Sophia. The Indian/Tibetan cultures call them Buddha and the Bodhisattva (Kuan Yin being the most famous). The ancient Egyptians spoke of Osiris and Isis. The Jewish Holy Scriptures speaks of the Messiah and Wisdom (See: Proverbs 8)

What is the relation between the individual human and the Spirit of Wisdom or the Logos-Rasul?

The two Divine Spirits usually possess the individual. Thus we find that Christian imagery of the “dove” (the Logos-Rasul) descending upon Jesus at his baptism [give scripture]. Once the human body dies that individual ascends into the spirit realm and continues his/her ministry as a manifestation of one of the Divine Spirits.

Are all manifestations of the Logos-Rasul men and all manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom women?

No. There have been male and female Messengers (Logos-Rasul) and male and female comforters (Spirit of Wisdom). However, in point of fact most Messengers have been males and most comforters have been females. This has to do with the openness of the individual human (their predilection) than any ontological necessity. Islam clearly, and rightly, teaches that at the soul level there is no difference between human males and females.

Who were the first manifestations?

Adam was the first Messenger. Eve was the first comforter.

What about Jesus?

Jesus was truly unique. He was a Manifestation of the Logos-Rasul, but (as revealed in the Glorious Qur'an) he was strengthened by the Spirit of Wisdom.

Are there any manifestations today?

Muhammad was the last Messenger, ending the incarnation of the Logos-Rasul. However, the Spirit of Wisdom continues to possess humans on earth.

For more information on Islamic-Sufi Gnosticism visit our site.

For more information on the Spirit of Wisdom visit our site.

***
For a non-Rose Crescent perspectives on the Divine Feminine in Islam click here. For an informative and interesting non-Rose Crescent book see: "Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure" by Camille Adams Helminski.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Qur'an Surah 6:38 - Animal rights in the Qur'an

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim

How does the Qur'an present the relation between animals and humans? Should animals have rights? Do animals have a soul? Do animals have eternal life? Surah 6:38 provides the answer.

This is a foundational verse in the Holy Qur’an. The verse, along with the one preceding it and the one following it, provides a key to understanding the ontological essence of animals and their relation to humans and God.

Let’s look at the first part of the revelation:

"There is not an animal that exists on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but that they form communities like you."

Here the Spirit clearly reveals the equality between humans and other creatures. The Quranic revelation completes the Abrahamic tradition by revealing that humans and animals are co-equals before God, thus setting a clear precedent for animal rights. Moreover, the revelation startlingly concludes:

"And they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end."

Not only are animals like humans (and thus deserving of rights), but they also have a soul, share in eternal life and will be gathered together in the Kingdom of Heaven. The revelation given to Muhammad (PBUH) includes animals as partners of humans, gathered eternally together before Allah.

Surah 6:38 answers the unbelievers of 6:37 who constantly complained that “Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?” In other words, why doesn’t the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) bring signs (miracles) as did Jesus (PBUH)? Why doesn't he raise people from the dead?

The answer that the Spirit gives is to direct us back towards the greatest of all miracles – the earth (life) in all its splendor and recognize the miracle of creation, of beauty. Our animal brethren are the miracle of Allah!

But most people, unfortunately, refuse to recognize the fact that humans and animals are equals. Few people are prepared to grant animals their rights or to recognize that every being has an eternal soul (be it mammal, bird, fish insect, etc.).

The Qur’an is clear that those who reject this sign (6:39) -

“Are deaf and dumb, in the midst of darkness profound.”

The Sufi is one who recognizes the eternal soul in every being and joins it in praising Allah; the Sufi aids, protects and cares for animals whenever possible.
And what, we ask, would happen if all Muslims and Sufis gave the necessary weight to Surah 6:38 that it rightfully deserves? Certainly Islam and Sufism would be transformed. No animal would ever be injured. All Muslims and Sufis would consider it their highest duty to protect all animals. (Joining Jains and Buddhists) Muslims and Sufis would help prepare the earth for the Kingdom, when animals and humans will join together in peace and co-existence. So mote it be!

To learn more about the recital, visit our site on the Qur'an

Spain to Recognize Rights of Apes

The Rose Crescent House of Peace fully supports Spain's recognition of the rights of apes. We implore all Sufi and Muslim groups and lands to recognize the rights of animals in accordance with the revelation given to humanity (Quran Sura 6: 37-39).

So mote it be!