Religion | Razan Masri

I was so happy to see the Quran displayed for people to look through at The Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding, not because it is the Quran per say but because of the fact that I believe religions in general have been misunderstood. We make of them what we want, we look at them from different perspectives, and rigidity in such is what brings much complications. But how the Quran were displayed was a welcoming way to retell us what it really is; a book of faith, that its goal is not to divide but to unite, is not to differentiate and separate but to guide us to love and accept. Just because I am Muslim and I choose to read the Quran, it does not make me any less of a Christian or a Buddhist. They all call for one God and for one Love. If I choose to go with one it should not mean I have abandoned the other, I instead chose to respect them all and accept them all. I am not deviant if I choose to read the Bible or visit the Synagogue. I believe they are all books of faiths and homes to connect with the higher power. All temples that are respected and that we feel we can spiritually connect with should not be or seen otherwise. Or thats just me. But thats how I feel when I see books that call for faith. I see love. And when we try to facilitate them to encourage us to love, then they suddenly shine upon the world.

January 1st 2015,

Webdeh, Fuheis, Amman, Jordan

Stereotypes are pathetic… Yes the Middle-East is a mess, but the people are as human as everyone else around the world. We are people from different backgrounds, mentalities, beliefs, and profession. The Grinch never steals christmas from the hearts of those who wish to celebrate it, and the Grinch did not steal Christmas or New Year from the Middle-East. At least I am sure about Jordan & Palestine.

Jordan has flourished in celebrating this year, it has been very festive in several locations, and areas, Santa was all over the city, and Christmas Trees were decorated in public main attractions and in-front of houses and neighborhoods. Christmas is not only celebrated by Christians, many Jordanians and Palestinians who practice Islam or other religions also like to celebrate Christmas, write resolutions and wish everyone a happy New Year.

It is a mess almost everywhere around the world, let us work together to create love, we do not need the Politicians or the Media to tell us what to think of one another ,or how to predict the lives of other nations, or judge the differences, we are all human, we share the basics of soul, energy and heart. Religion was never the reason for war, or hate, politics only use it to cover themselves with and effect on the mass, all religions preach for peace love and unity. And I am not saying that from only knowledge, but also as a Muslim who has excessive passion to meeting people from all around the world who practice different lifestyles and beliefs.

Today is the first day of a new year, let 2015 be peaceful upon us, by being part of every celebration and away from any discrimination, let us hold hands and accept one another as souls of the earth, no matter how each one of us might like to interpret the meaning of our existence or the meaning of life, it doesn’t matter, what matters is bringing up the new generation in the name of Love. Have a wonderful and blessed New Year, where ever you are around the world, no matter what you believe in and what you do not believe in, we always deserve second chances, so let us make it a happy 2015.

Love my Canon 70D