American Culture : The Lord of the Rings

                       I really enjoyed The Lord of the Rings Movie. It was really exciting to watch. The story was mixed with fiction and reality. That's why, I liked it very much, watching the great scenery and the beautiful characters. In my opinion, this movie has mixed facts with fantasy because our life is based upon a message that we hold till the end. The message of goodness and peace. Until at the end when the hero has the victory over the evil. He was holding the ring which all powerful people of the world wanted to have. The ring resembles the key for goodness, peace and happiness.  The wars took place until the good Holder of the ring won the battle.

               On Wikipedia we can find various information about everything and I took some information about the movie from there. It said in (2003) : "The Lord of the Rings is a film series consisting of three epic fantasy adventure films co-written and directed by Peter Jackson and based on English author J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The films are, by subtitle, The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003). They were distributed by New Line Cinema. It is considered to be one of the biggest movies that had an overall budget of $281 million, the entire project took 8 years. Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the three films follow the hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he and a Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, and thus ensure the destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord Sauron. The Fellowship becomes divided and Frodo continues the quest together with his loyal companion Sam (Sean Astin) and the treacherous Gollum (Andy Serkis). Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), heir in exile to the throne of Gondor, and the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) unite and rally the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, who are ultimately victorious in the War of the Ring."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_%28film_series%29

American Culture Class: KSA Economy

              
                 My country Saudi Arabia is doing a good job of rising the economy but not good enough. The economy of Saudi Arabia is not growing much because it is affected by the world's economy. For example, if the stocks of the global markets are low the stocks of the same markets in Saudi Arabia is influenced. Also the global banks we have in Saudi Arabia which are run with the same system gets affected with the main banks in the western countries. However, only few Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia are managing its banks with the Islamic system that is based on no interest. In other words, when they don't use usury at all in these banks. For instance, Aljazaera, Alrajhi, Albelad and other banks are known to use the Islamic system in the whole bank or in some of its gates. Moreover, the verse in Quran says :  Those who devour usury will not stand except as stands one whom the devil by his touch has driven to madness. That is because they say: Trade is like usury: but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.... Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity, for He loves not any ungrateful sinner.... O you who believe, fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are indeed believers. If you do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His messenger, but if you repent you shall have your capital sums; deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly. And if the debtor is in difficulty, grant him time tin it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if you only knew. [Surah al Baqarah, verse 275-280]. In bible it is also said in : Ezekiel 22:12 ESV / 17 helpful votes In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten, declares the Lord God. Deuteronomy 23:19 ESV / 17 helpful votes “You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest. 

                   Saudi Arabia is also known by some main products such as petrol and palm trees. Furthermore, tourism for Muslims in Mecca and Madina is also giving good incomes. Also tourism in some cities such as Jeddah which has a lot of malls that people around the world like to visit from every religion and country. On the other hand, we as Saudis need to work and be an independent country like Malaysia or China. Malaysia for example is known to make cars and have their own manufacturing. Also China is now the most powerful country because they depend on their own industry and trade to the whole world.

Call it a Challenge

Life is full of tests and trails

the time you fail or fall

you can wake up and redraw your goal

and we can call it a challenge

You may lose somethings

but in the other hand you have gained many things

made you strong and gave you a push

so we can call this a challenge

when you want to reach a goal

when you want to keep the right rule

you can call this a challenge

when you need to hold your self

when you need to trust your will

you can call this a challenge

when you give and never wait a reply

when you keep the smile and the peace inside

you can call this a challenge

when you feel that your on your own

And want to crush the barricades have grown

keeping you from success and seeing the dawn

you can call this a challenge

when you shade the tears of pain

and make it through the rain

you can call this a challenge

when you believe in some thing so much

and the world have stood on your face

you can take this as a challenge

when you see the light no matter how it's dark

when u keep the faith no matter how it's hard

you can call this a challenge

if you don't succeed in a mission

you can dust your self and try again

till you achieve your task and pass the session

Remember any problem could be a challenge!!

~ A poem written by me in 2007 and edited in 2013

Rights for the Oppressed Ones

             

 

               All religions of God and humanisms agree about the rights of mankind. However, the opinions of some people around the world differ about the method of how it should be done. It is stated in the authentic books of faith in the meaning of "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". However, some people argue to end this rule that people should not think about returning the oppression because in their view this will increase the war rate. If this will increase the war rate then why people now are killing each other easily and often the ones with more weapons or are taking advantage of this and oppress. When criminals will have nothing to fear from that will lead them to more crimes. If the authority will not make rights for those who got oppressed and put some fair methods of punishment, they actually contradict their theory for human rights! When a criminal for example murders someone or steal his house, is it fair to not ask the oppressed person if he wants to forgive that criminal or not? Then if he wants to forgive him with money or without, this actually depends on his decision. In Islam if the rulers were just, they will study the crime case first from all sides and follow the conditions about each specific crime, then apply the penalty. However, it's recommended by God for a Muslim to forgive the person who done the crime for the best reward from God. Moreover, our religion has presreved our blood, self, money, mind and honor. Kesas in Islam which is slaughtering the criminal from his nick, is the best method for execution because it is a faster way to kill the criminal and not make him suffer much pain.

American Culture Class: The Clock Tower in Mecca

 

               The Clock Tower in Mecca is one of Abraj Al-Bait Towers, also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower. It is a building complex in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and it is considered a part of the King AbdulAziz Endowment Project. The aim of this project is to modernize the holy city of Mecca and make it more enjoyable to the pilgrims. This amazing structure recorded as the tallest clock tower in the world and has the largest clock face. The complex's hotel tower became the second tallest building in the world for 2012, surpassing Tiwan's Taipei 101 and surpassed only by Dubai's Burj Khalifa. The building is infront of the largest and the most important mosque for Muslims, where they preform some mainly apprecaited kind of worshiping to God which are known as Hajj and Umra. The developer and contractor of the complex is the Saudi Binladin Group, the Kingdom's largest construction company. While Muslims are staying in these towers, they can enjoy the seen from above and take some beautiful pictures. Although, only Muslims are allowed in  holy cities, non Muslims can still see live seens of this tower on the T.V. or the internet.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraj_Al_Bait

American Culture Class: Fashion

     

                Fashion has changed over time and also the opinions towards it. Throughout history, wearing clothes was more sort of modesty and differs according to standards of living and events. Nowadays, people have inclined to this new concept which came when women cared more about their look and showing their beauty. In some cultures, they consider showing beautiful parts of your body a sign for modernization, liberty and elegance. However, in some conservative cultures which are more religious they care about the modest kind of fashion which help them preserve their beauty, honor and dignity. In my opinion, the real beauty depends on how modest you wear and how moral you act. Furthermore, our God and prophet peace be upon him have taught us that women should preserve their beauty for their own sake and protection. 

           In our culture, women must not show their bodies' beauty to anyone except for the partner of her life; the one who will be the father of her children. Moreover, she can show her apparent beauty such as, hair and hands to her relatives. For example, her parents, brother, sisters, uncles, aunts, father in law etc... However, she is also required to wear modestly even in front of her sisters or mother; because we are taught that devil may always find a way to manipulate people. For instance, we can note the high rate of rape cases, homosexual and also crimes like relatives' fornication in our world today. This imbalance is caused by the lake of modesty, morals, religion and awareness. It's totally wrong to limit beauty under the name of fashion, or say you are never beautiful until you follow the globalization and wear like everyone else! I believe the real beauty is the hidden beauty not only in the mere body, it's about your heart, mind and soul. What about them? Why are they often neglected when it comes to what our eyes can see?! 

             Many people accuse Islam and say it loads too much pressure on women especially, but I say that we are really oppressed when we are away from the exact rules of this world. We are really oppressed when we only allow our ideas to flow in one direction. For example, some people think we are never liberal, modern, educated and respected until we follow fashion to every extent or do whatever we want without any limitation! What if we are proud to believe what we believe and convinced in our choices? What if I told you that I believe strongly I will never find my comfort, freedom, and prosper without following these rules? Isn't it also a part of the freedom of choice?!

            It's been said before that, not because many people follow one way, then simply it's the correct path! On the other hand, I confess that many Muslims are taken away by the glamour of modernization and they imitate without thinking. The question that we have to ask ourselves honestly is: what's the purpose of wearing clothes? Will following every kind of fashion be in my own good or for how well people may view me? Modern Science has shown studies stating that how men look at women's body is different from how women look to men's body. In fact, they differ in the way they think about each other and love one another. It supports when Islam ordered women to wear more modestly and not show their beauty to strangers. It happened for our own sake and protection!

            In a word, beauty and fashion are concepts that differ from one culture to another and beauty is not only based on how you look or how you wear. It's actually based on how you behave and how good is your heart.

American Culture Class: Space Explore

             Nowadays, technology and science have taken us far away. Some people have gone into space and reached the moon. Furthermore, they have discovered life on Mars and put the possibility for other creatures who might be living there. If my country launched a space station to travel in space and explore other planets, I would agree to be selected to go, because I would like to try new things, discover new aspects of life and increase my belief in God.

               The first reason that I agree to be selected to explore space is because I would like to try new things and experience things that might be beneficial to me. For example, traveling on a space trip is a kind of experience that needs a lot of braveness and patience, so I can learn them through this kind of adventure. 

           The second reason for my agreement to go on such a mission is because that will help me discover new aspects of life. For example, we might discover new creatures or new life on another planet. However, I don't believe it's possible for us just to leave earth and live on Mars! Actually, I believe that this universe has a lot of unknown things to discover; what if there are aliens living on other planets? Discovering  this will always help science and might help us in some ways we may never imagine.

             The third reason to agree to travel to space is that it will increase my belief in God's ability in creation. For instance, what a grand great God could have built this whole universe in such a perfectness in only a few days without getting tired or taking a rest! He is not a normal God who could possibly be compared to any human. He is as what we believe unique and unimaginable! In fact, God has led us to discover those things as signs of His greatness and existence. Moreover, when we see other planets, the lake of necessity of life there and the spacious lands without plants or sense of beauty; this will help us to meditate and thank God for his grace.

        Ultimately, trying new things like exploring space is something good which will help us learn to be brave, discover new things which help science, and rise our faith in our great Lord who has created this perfect universe.

American Culture Class: Cars

Wahaj first Saudi invention by seraj group from the university of betrol

       

            The world has become like a small village were all people use the same facilities for living in each city all over the world. Nowadays, cars are used in the majority of countries around the globe. It makes life easier for people to transport from one place to another in their cities and even around the city. However, cars can tell you something about the person who owns it. For example, if you see a young man drive a car like a Ferrari, you might feel he is a teenager and just wants to show off or that he likes to drive at a fast speed and do dangerous things. Moreover, a moderate looking, strong and little fuel consumption kind of car will tell you that the person is maybe practical and also wise in choosing things that suits the environment where he lives. I think that the best kind of cars are those which consume little fuel and at the same time are nice looking and comfortable. On the other hand, I believe we must start to reduce the bad effects of cars on the environment like pollution, by starting to make public transportation for citizens and for every individual to start to use them instead of owning many cars. Also, we can lessen the amount of cars every home owns by sharing one or two cars for every family. Ultimately,  I believe nothing is going to last forever so we have to search for alternative sources of energy, so  that we can be ready for all possibilities may happen in the future. For instance, using solar energy and running cars by the energy of the sun will be very helpful.

American Culture Class: Peace Movements

Here Malcom X is preforming the Islamic prayer Salat.

          There are many peace movements that happened through out history. For example the one here in the USA by black people such as Martin Luther King Jr.. Also there is Malcom X, who were calling for peace and justice between black and white people in the USA by violence. Malcom X at then end of his life learned about Islam and learned about Islam's belief in equality between mankind and that it came to free people from slavery. He embraced it and started to write about it. I read his book translated to Arabic Malcom X Journey to Mecca. It was an amazing book. In my opinion, freedom and justice are related in some ways. The meaning of freedom varies between people's opinions and beliefs. For example, in my religion Islam freedom has a unique meaning in life. As you are a Muslim you are free to do and say what is allowed and prescribed upon you. Actually, if someone took a deep look at Islam; one will notice that only few things are not allowed. For instance, you are not allowed to drink or to eat pork. However, you can eat and drink every thing else. Not to mention, that what is not allowed is discovered to be not good for you anyway! I think every one can find freedom, peace and justice by following the Islamic rules, which provide us all those things along with comfort and satisfaction for every human. Muslims now have awaken to the fact that they must return to their religion and follow it's original rules from Quran and Sunna. Thus we shall be successful like in our golden ages.