Discover Egypt Pre-dynastic history Archaeological evidence suggests that Egypt was inhabited by hunters over 250,000 years ago when the region was a green grassland. The Palaeolithic period around 25,000BC brought climatic changes which turned Egypt into a desert. The inhabitants survived by hunting and fishing and through a primitive form of cultivation. Desertification of Egypt was halted by rains which allowed communities of cultivators to settle in Middle Egypt and the Nile Delta. These farmers grew wheat, flax and wove linen fabrics in addition to tending flocks. The first indigenous civilizations in Egypt have been identified in the south of the country through archaeological excavations. The Badarian culture is the earliest known developed Egyptian civilization based on farming, hunting and mining. Badarians produced fine pottery and carved objects as well as acquiring turquoise and wood through trading. The Naqada lived in larger settlements about 4,000BC and produced decorated pottery and figurines made from clay and ivory which indicate they were a war-like people. Naqada artefacts from 3,300BC show further development both in terms of culture and technology. Evidence of irrigation systems and more advanced burial sites, as well as the use of alien materials like lapis lazuli, indicate a cultural diversity and the development of external trading. Throughout most of its pre-dynastic history Egypt encompassed a multiplicity of settlements which gradually became small tribal kingdoms. These kingdoms evolved into two loosely confederated states: one encompassed the Nile valley up to the Delta (with the Naqada dominating) with Hierakonpolis as capital, represented by the deities Seth and White Crown; the other encompassed the Delta, with Buto as its capital and represented by the deities Horus and Red Crown. The two kingdoms vied for power over all the land of Egypt. This struggle led to the victory of the south and the unification of the Two Lands in 3100BC under the command of Menes who is also known as Narmer. This was the beginning of the dynastic period of the Pharaohs. |
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In distant lands of shifting sands Where the threat of thrist still looms Where hearts so bold, seek treasures gold Locked in ancient tombs A river runs beneath the sun The life blood of the land Along whose banks, stand the ranks Of monuments to man And cliffs beside, the river wide Hold secrets of the dead In the west lay those in rest With gifts from those who led On before to that distant shore Where live the light of heart And all shall go, and all shall know Though none may ever depart |
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In the Name of Allah, The Compassionate, The Merciful |
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Discover Islam What is Islam? The proper name of the religion is Islam, which is an Arabic word meaning peace. In the religious context the word Islam means total submission to the Will of Allah and obedience to His Law. The proper name of the followers is called Muslims. The proper name of God, in Arabic, is Allah, and it is a unique term because it has no plural or feminine gender. Islam is not a new religion it is the continuity of Divine Messages. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance, which God revealed to all prophets before Prophet Muhammad. Allah says in the Quran: "Say (O Muhammad: We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat (the offspring of the twelve sons of Yaqub (Jacob) and what was given to Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam)" (Quran 3-84) The Five Pillars of Islam (Declaration of the Islamic Faith) In order to enter into the fold of Islam i.e. to be Muslim, one has to know, believe, accept totally in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat (the offspring of the twelve sons of Yaqub (Jacob) and what was given to Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. and make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) and have submitted (in Islam) . and sincerely apply the five basic principles (Pillars) on which Islam is based: 1. None has the right to be worshiped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (To testify "La Ilaha Illallah Wa Anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah") 2. Five times a day prayers at the prescribed times and according to the way that the Prophet Muhammad used to perform it with all its rules and regulations. (To perform Salat) 3. Obligatory fixed proportion of the wealth and of every kind of property to be paid yearly for the benefit of the poor people in the community. (To pay Zakat ) 4. Fasting during the month of Ramdan - i.e. not to eat or drink or have sexual relations from before the dawn (Fajr) prayer till sunset. (To observe Saum) 5. Pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in his lifetime on condition that he is capable of doing so physically and financially. (To perform Hajj) |
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About Islam and American Muslims What is Islam? Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent. Who are Muslims and what do they believe? There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. No more than 20 percent of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia. Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. God's eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all). One becomes a Muslim by saying, "There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God." By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God's messengers. What is the Quran? The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The text of the Quran was cross-checked during the life of the Prophet. The 114 chapters of the Quran have remained unchanged through the centuries. What are the "Five Pillars" of Islam? 1) The Declaration of Faith - This consists of the two sentence declaration described above. 2) Prayer - Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood. A learned Muslim chosen by each congregation leads the prayers. 3) Zakat - One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings. Zakat, or charitable giving, "purifies" wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. This payment is usually two and a half percent of one's capital. 4) Fasting - Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. The fast is another method of self-purification. 5) Pilgrimage - A pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically or financially able. What about the American Muslim community? There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in America. The Muslim community in America is made up of people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and national origins. There are almost 2,000 mosques, Islamic schools and Islamic centers in America. Muslims are active in all walks of life. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world. What about Muslim women? Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education and otherwise take part in community life. Men and women are to be respected equally. The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to both women and men equally. (Men cannot expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or silk, etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does so in spite of Islam, not because of it. What is Jihad? "Jihad" does not mean "holy war." Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., - having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression. |
This page was last updated on: 11/20/05