Meditations
Fasting and Pilgrimage: The Final Pillars of Islam
August 23, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Islam teaches that by “disciplining our bodies we nourish our souls. That idea informs our examination of the last two of the five pillars of Islam: Pillar four, fasting and the holy month of Ramadan, and pillar five, the pilgrimage, or the Hajj.
Islam’s Third Pillar: Almsgiving and Concern for Those in Need
August 17, 2021
By Kathy Keary
A common thread among the many faith traditions of the world is that our relationship with God is lacking if we are not giving ourselves to others. An authentic spirituality expresses itself in service and almsgiving. This teaching is the third pillar of Islam.
What Muslims Can Teach Christians about Prayer, Part 2
August 2, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Many faith traditions teach that gratitude is key in fostering a sense of personal wellbeing. It’s not uncommon for spiritual leaders to encourage followers to daily list all the blessings for which they are thankful. This applies to Islam as well.
What Muslims can teach Christians about prayer
July 26, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Muslims are called to prayer five times a day, which is known as the salat. This practice is among the most important obligations in Islam. Furthermore, the tradition places great value on communal worship, a common thread running through many faith traditions.
Glowing Among Us: My experience of the visible and invisible
July 19, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 14. In my last article, we delved into the visible and invisible worlds. This past week I experienced a deeply moving encounter with the invisible world that I feel compelled to share.
The Visible and Invisible: The Two-Fold Work for Transformation
July 12, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 13. The journey to inner transformation is a two-fold path. Work in the social, visible realm brings personal growth, while practicing silence, prayer, mediation and mindfulness connect us to the invisible, boundless Mystery.
Love as Mystical Experience: Muhammad’s Night Journey
July 6, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 12. The Qur’ān promises that at the end of time, those who have lived righteous, loving lives will be reunited with the Ultimate Love. It is a message that has many parallels in Christianity. What do we learn when we compare the parallels?
Three contemplative insights from Muhammad’s Night of Power
June 28, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 11. Examining what Muslims call “the Night of Power,” when God began his revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, offers insights into our study of contemplative living.
The Messenger of God: The First Pillar of Islam, Part Two
June 21, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 10. Islam recognizes many prophets, people God raised up to inspire others by their words and actions. Among these are Moses, Job, Jesus and Mary. The last and greatest prophet is Muhmmad, whom the Qur’ān calls “the Messenger of God.”
Embracing the Mystery of God: The First Pillar of Islam
June 14, 2021
By Kathy Keary
Part 9. Just as the Nicene Creed defines and guides Christians’ lives of faith, the Five Pillars Islam define and give shape to the everyday lives of the Muslim faithful.