Website of the Week - AL JAZEERA

In honor of Ramadan, as well as the Maghreb countries on the continent, my website of the week is:

 http://english.aljazeera.net/

This is actually a good website on which to read the news as it gives you a decidedly non-western perspective on current events.  And I think a lot of the problems we face and have faced as a nation stem from a lack of global perspective and knowledge. 

"Kullu am wa antum bi-khair" (May you be well throughout the year)

The Meaning of Ramadan

        Ramadan is celebrated during the 9th month of the year by over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control.

       The third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam, fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control.

          It was during Ramadan that the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. According to legend, he was sitting alone in the wilderness when suddenly the angel Gabriel came to him with a golden tablet in his hands. The angel told Muhammad to read what was written on the tablet. What was on this golden tablet is said to be the essence of the Koran, just as the Tablets of the Law that Moses received on Mt. Sinai were the basis of the bible's Old Testament.