The Quran says "For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean."
I see it played out here in Afghanistan. Reaching out to the omnipotent God, Allah, Muslims pray five times each day. One inter
esting ritual before the praying is the act of ablution. This act signifies the washing away of the impurities of life before they approach God. They wash everything, over and over. Check it out on the link above. We all long to make ourselves pure...we long to be pure like our Maker. Yet, it's not good enough, not even 99% is good enough. There is an easier way...through H
is love, His pure love, displayed in the birth of His Son.
I listened to Gateway's song "Pure" 10 times in a row today. I could not get it out of my head as I walked back to the office. The musical declaration that everything we need lies in His love...His pure love. I'm taking the easy way today.
Exodus 28:33–34 directed that images of pomegranates be woven onto the borders of Hebrew priestly robes. 1 Kings 7:13–22 describes pomegranates depicted in the temple King Solomon built in Jerusalem. Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol for righteousness, because it is said to have 613 seeds which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot or commandments of the Torah. Interestingly, there have been studies that seem to show the legitimacy of this claim.
This is the season for "anar" or pomegranates. The ones from Kandahar are famous...so large and juicy and so good for you. The Afghans have it with most meals during this season. If you figure out how to cut and peel it, you might agree. The novice ends up with a mess and stained clothes, but the rewards are worth it!
They're probably $3.00 back home...they're 50 afghanis here...about a quarter. Well worth the trouble. Still, I don't plan on counting the seeds to check the theory above.
Props for the blog where I found this info.."My Classroom Called Life" and of course wiki. Let me know if you try it and what you think! On to find my next hidden treasure in Afghanistan...
esting ritual before the praying is the act of ablution. This act signifies the washing away of the impurities of life before they approach God. They wash everything, over and over. Check it out on the link above. We all long to make ourselves pure...we long to be pure like our Maker. Yet, it's not good enough, not even 99% is good enough. There is an easier way...through H
is love, His pure love, displayed in the birth of His Son.
