Podcasts about Shia Islam

Tim Franks speaks to a British-Syrian Alawite who came under attack, along with her family, during the sectarian violence on Syria's coast in March.The Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shia Islam and its followers make up around 10 per cent of Syria's population, which is majority Sunni.The recent violence came after fighters loyal to the country's overthrown former president, Bashar al-Assad, who is an Alawite himself, led deadly raids on the new government's security forces.Those attacks resurrected deep-seated anger over Assad's repressive dictatorship, with Alawite civilians seen by some as complicit in the crimes of his regime - and as part of the insurgency that followed his fall.The new Sunni Islamist-led government had called for support from various military units and militia groups to respond to the attacks on its security forces – which then escalated into a wave of sectarian anger aimed at Alawite civilians.Human rights groups estimate that around 900 civilians, mainly Alawites, were killed by pro-government forces across Syria's coastal region in early March.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Tim Franks Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

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WHERE DO DEMONS come from? The Book of 1 Enoch answers that question. This week, we discuss Enoch's mission to deliver God's reply to the petition of the rebel Watchers for mercy—not just for them, but for their monstrous offspring, the gigantic Nephilim. In short, God's reply was “no”—the Watchers would not be allowed back into heaven because they'd given up their divine natures and defiled themselves by acting like humans. That's not an insult, it's simply that the Watchers were created for the unseen realm while we are created for the natural world. That's why Jude describes these Watchers as having left their proper domain. Then God decreed the punishment of the giants:  And now, the giants, who are produced from the spirits and flesh, shall be called evil spirits upon the earth, and on the earth shall be their dwelling. Evil spirits have proceeded from their bodies; because they are born from men and from the holy Watchers is their beginning and primal origin; they shall be evil spirits on earth, and evil spirits shall they be called. (1 Enoch 15:8–10, R.H. Charles translation)Interestingly, this was the understanding of the pagan Greeks. We discuss Hesiod's description of the origin of daimones, from which we get the word “demon,” and the link between Greek demigods like Herakles and the Rephaim of the Canaanites, which were the spirits of the Nephilim.Question of the week: Have you seen the videos of the guy claiming to be the Mahdi and the true successor to Peter—the legitimate pope? (Yes. He's leading a small cult, an offshoot of the Twelver sect of Shia Islam.) Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821) Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

WHERE DO DEMONS come from? The Book of 1 Enoch answers that question. This week, we discuss Enoch's mission to deliver God's reply to the petition of the rebel Watchers for mercy—not just for them, but for their monstrous offspring, the gigantic Nephilim. In short, God's reply was “no”—the Watchers would not be allowed back into heaven because they'd given up their divine natures and defiled themselves by acting like humans. That's not an insult, it's simply that the Watchers were created for the unseen realm while we are created for the natural world. That's why Jude describes these Watchers as having left their proper domain. Then God decreed the punishment of the giants:  And now, the giants, who are produced from the spirits and flesh, shall be called evil spirits upon the earth, and on the earth shall be their dwelling. Evil spirits have proceeded from their bodies; because they are born from men and from the holy Watchers is their beginning and primal origin; they shall be evil spirits on earth, and evil spirits shall they be called. (1 Enoch 15:8–10, R.H. Charles translation) Interestingly, this was the understanding of the pagan Greeks. We discuss Hesiod's description of the origin of daimones, from which we get the word “demon,” and the link between Greek demigods like Herakles and the Rephaim of the Canaanites, which were the spirits of the Nephilim. Question of the week: Have you seen the videos of the guy claiming to be the Mahdi and the true successor to Peter—the legitimate pope? (Yes. He's leading a small cult, an offshoot of the Twelver sect of Shia Islam.)

Shahadat of Imam Jaffer As-Sadiq (AS)25th Shawwal 1446 AHThursday, April 25th 2025- "Ja‘fari" refers to Shī‘ī fiqh based on Imam Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq had a major role in shaping Shī‘ī identity. - Shī‘ī school is rooted in the Prophet's ḥadīth of the Qur'ān and Ahlul Bayt. - Clear distinction formed between Shī‘a and Sunni (al-‘āmmah) schools. - Imam trained scholars to preserve and teach true beliefs. - Differences in ḥadīth due to unreliable or biased narrators. - Authenticity of ḥadīth must be verified, not dismissed. - Imam taught methods to resolve conflicting narrations. - Imam advocated opposing views of al-‘āmmah due to their historic opposition to Imam ‘Ali. - Imam ‘Ali recited “Bismillah” aloud in prayer; this was upheld by Imam aṣ-Ṣādiq. - Imam corrected Abū Ḥanīfah using Qur'anic references. - Jealousy against Ahlul Bayt mentioned in Qur'an (4:54). - Imam's last will narrated by his wife, Hamida.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)

Just hours after the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, we take a step back to examine the enduring role of religion in shaping global politics. As crises multiply and chaos spreads, a growing number of people, especially young adults, are turning back to faith. But what does this resurgence mean for international relations?We explore how religious structures—from the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to the decentralised force of Evangelicals—shape policy differently. We dive into the influence of Orthodox Christianity in Russia, Sunni and Shia Islam in the Middle East, and the unique roles played by Confucianism in China and even Buddhism on the global stage.From legitimising war and empire to underpinning human rights discourse, religion has always had a seat at the table of power. The question is—how will that seat be used now?This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, write us an email at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.

As Syria emerges from decades of dictatorship, people in the Assad family's ancestral home of Latakia province are both overjoyed and anxious. Assad and his family are Alawite, an offshoot of Shia Islam, and the people of his former region fear the new Sunni-controlled government will target them. Leila Molana-Allen reports from Assad's hometown, a crumbling vestige of the regime. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As Syria emerges from decades of dictatorship, people in the Assad family's ancestral home of Latakia province are both overjoyed and anxious. Assad and his family are Alawite, an offshoot of Shia Islam, and the people of his former region fear the new Sunni-controlled government will target them. Leila Molana-Allen reports from Assad's hometown, a crumbling vestige of the regime. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Druze of southern Syria, a religious offshoot of Shia Islam, want Israel to annex its territories because they've seen their relatives inside Israel treated better than they would be under a fundamentalist Sunni Muslim government.5) Syrian Druze want to live under Israeli rule; 4) Israel and Saudi Arabia deny report of breakthrough in normalization talks; 3) School shooter in Madison, Wisconsin reportedly obsessed with death; 2) China's share of global auto production now 39% while US share falls to 3%; 1) New York men die of rare lung infection after smoking marijuana fertilized with bat poop.FOLLOW US!X: @WatchSkyWatchTV | @Five_In_TenYouTube: @SkyWatchTelevision | @SimplyHIS | @FiveInTenRumble: @SkyWatchTVFacebook: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHIS | @EdensEssentialsInstagram: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHisShow | @EdensEssentialsUSATikTok: @SkyWatchTV | @SimplyHisShow | @EdensEssentialsSkyWatchTV.com | SkyWatchTVStore.com | EdensEssentials.com | WhisperingPoniesRanch.com

Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Yaakov Katz, bestselling author of “Shadow Strike – Inside Israel's Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power”, “Weapon Wizards – How Israel Became a High-Tech Military Superpower” and “Israel vs. Iran: The Shadow War.” Shadow Strike was recently adapted into a docudrama by Reshet Media and his books have been published in a number of languages including English, Hebrew, Czech, Polish, Japanese and Mandarin. Yaakov's forthcoming books – tentatively titled “Precision Strike” and "While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East" are scheduled for publication by St. Martin's Press in 2025. Yaakov Katz is the senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute, as well as columnist and former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post. Key topics on America's Roundtable with Yaakov Katz: — Update on the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and its potential fallout - impacting Israel, the region and the United States. — Yaakov Katz's op-ed via Newsweek: "Israel Can Save the World From a Nuclear Iran. It Must Strike Now." (https://www.newsweek.com/israel-can-save-world-nuclear-iran-it-must-strike-now-opinion-1999951) — How will the incoming Trump administration's policies impact the Middle East and US-Israel relations. — The future of the Abraham Accords. Will Saudi Arabia take the historic step and officially recognize the Jewish state of Israel? — ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, its assault on Israel and the US, and how it adversely affects the West's rule of law nations. Yaakov served for close to a decade as the Jerusalem Report's military reporter and defense analyst and was a lecturer at Harvard University where he taught an advanced course in journalism. He also served as Israel correspondent for Jane's Defence Weekly. Prior to taking up the role of editor-in-chief, Yaakov served for two years as a senior policy adviser to Naftali Bennett during his tenure as Israel's Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs. In 2013, Yaakov was one of 12 international fellows to spend a year at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @yaakovkatz @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program - a strategic initiative of International Leaders Summit, focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 65 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

In this episode of The Spiritual Rabbit Hole, Nicole, Glenda and Kristin explore the world of Islam, from its meaning—"submission to the will of God"—to its foundational beliefs. We'll cover the Five Pillars, which shape Muslim life, and trace the history of Islam, from the Prophet Muhammad's revelations to the faith's rapid spread across regions. You'll also learn about the differences between Sunni and Shia Islam, the mystical practices of Sufism, and Islam's cultural impact during its Golden Age. Finally, we touch on spiritual experiences, like Prophet Muhammad's revelations and Prophet Joseph's gift for dream interpretation. To learn more about Nicole, Kristin, and Glenda and their spiritual community, visit the Soul on a Voyage website, ⁠soulonavoyage.com⁠. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Nicole Glosser, you may do so through her website, ⁠nicoleglosser.com⁠. To find out more about the services Kristin Daniels has to offer, visit her website ⁠balancewithKristin.com⁠. If you want to work with Glenda, email her at ⁠gsintuitivecalling@gmail.com⁠.

We review the absurdity of viewing ethics and truth as depending on person, group or culture, like it would for one's taste in ice cream or music.In Messiah: 2030 ­ an astounding, bold and very biblically focused little book ­ Clive Douglas Campbell makes the case that biblical and historical chronology, as well as the figurative meanings of biblical texts, indicate the year but not the day and hour of the coming of the Messiah, God¹s King Who is coming to reign. In addition to a strong case being made for a seven-millennia plan and time line of God, Campbell puts forward some astounding new thoughts:Between probably 4 1/2 billion B.C. and 3966 B.C., the earth was further from the sun. The creation "week," which began in 3970 B.C., was seven years long. The moon is a figure for the Holy Spirit in the fourth "day" of the creation "week." The garden of Eden was at the site of Jerusalem. God likely tilted the earth's axis at the Fall. The World Trade Center Towers are in the Bible. The fifth Arab-Israeli war will be over in 2003. Animal sacrifices at a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem will begin about 2020. At the Rapture, in 2023, the Lord will return with Moses and Elijah,both who have immortal bodies, to receive "the dead in Christ" and those "who are alive and remain," respectively. The Antichrist will come out of the ten-nation C.I.S.Druze (/ˈdruːz/ DROOZ;[19] Arabic: دَرْزِيّ, darzī or دُرْزِيّ durzī, pl. دُرُوز, durūz), who call themselves al-Muwaḥḥidūn (lit. 'the monotheists' or 'the unitarians'),[20]are an Arab and Arabic-speaking esotericethnoreligious group from West Asia who adhere to the Druze faith, an Abrahamic, monotheistic, syncretic, and ethnic religion whose main tenets assert the unity of God, reincarnation, and the eternity of the soul.Most Druze religious practices are kept secret. The Druze do not permit outsiders to convert to their religion. Marriage outside the Druze faith is rare and strongly discouraged. The Druze maintain Arabic language and culture as integral parts of their identity, and Arabic is their primary language.The Epistles of Wisdom is the foundational and central text of the Druze faith. The Druze faith originated in Isma'ilism (a branch of Shia Islam),and was influenced by Christianity, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Zoroastrianism, Gandharan Buddhism, Manichaeism,Pythagoreanism, and other philosophies and beliefs, creating a distinct and secretive theology based on an esoteric interpretation of scripture, which emphasizes the role of the mind and truthfulness. Druze believe in theophany and reincarnation.

The Outer Realm Radio welcomes Leo Lyon Zagami. Hosts: Michelle Desrochers, Amelia Pisano Date: May 29th, 2024 Episode: 444 Discussion: Leo will be talking about his latest book " CONFESSIONS OF AN ILLUMINATI -VOLUME 10 -Islamic Freemasonry and the Secret Societies Behind the Eternal Conflict in the Middle East" Please Support us: Like, Subscribe, Share, Comment About Our Guest: Leo Lyon Zagami has written over a dozen books, including the best seller Pope Francis: The Last Pope? released in the U.S. by CCC Publishing. In 2019, Leo moved to Palm Springs, California with his wife, Christy, who runs Cursum Perficio publishing house to avoid political and religious persecution in Europe. This book, like Volume 4, Volume 5, Volume 6.66,Volume 7, and Volume 9 was written in the English language, and not translated from Italian like previous books. Volume 10 is the result of almost three decades of research, personal experience, and studies conducted by the author in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Turkey. This is his first book published as a recently naturalized American citizen. About The Book: The Rosicrucian manifestos, Freemasons, and the Illuminati have all been profoundly influenced by Islam and by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish culture. For example, Aleister Crowley,with is new pseudo religion, Thelema, and even Adolph Hitler,who embraced the secret practices of Turkish Sufi Freemasons.As the crisis in the Middle East intensifies, you will read about the dangerous secrets that connect the Western Illuminati and their Middle Eastern counterparts. Earlier on, the Knights Templar worshipped a mysterious figure called Baphomet, who was inspired by a secret alliance with the Order of Assassins, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam which laid the foundations of modern Jihadism. Jihadists are the nail in the coffin that the Illuminati are employing to destroy Western Civilization and manifest the Apocalypse, but nobody has ever explained how they reached this crucial role thanks to Freemasonry and Sufism. For the first time, Leo Zagami, who was once involved with Islam on behalf of the Illuminati as Khaled Saifullah Khan,helps us understand the involvement of the many different sects and denominations of this religion, and the discovery of the mysterious Cairo Lodge, whose knowledge predates the rise of Islam, in the eternal conflict in the Middle East. The author also includes personal shocking revelations about his only son now in the hands of the main Islamic representative of the World Economic Forum. Find The Book:Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4TJY5PH?ref=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S5TPN48RWMA353DC1QCP&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S5TPN48RWMA353DC1QCP&social_share=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S5TPN48RWMA353DC1QCP&language=en_US Links: X https://x.com/OrdoUniversalis Rumble https://rumble.com/user/LeoZagami YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theleozagamishow-lesule/videos If you enjoy the content on the channel, please support us by “Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting: Thank you All A formal disclaimer: The opinions and information presented or expressed by guests on The Outer Realm Radio are not necessarily those of the TOR Hosts, Sponsors, or the United Public Radio Network and its producers. We will however always be respectful and courteous to all involved. Thank you, we appreciate you all!

The Outer Realm Radio welcomes Leo Lyon Zagami. Hosts: Michelle Desrochers, Amelia Pisano Date: May 29th, 2024 Episode: 444 Discussion: Leo will be talking about his latest book " CONFESSIONS OF AN ILLUMINATI -VOLUME 10 -Islamic Freemasonry and the Secret Societies Behind the Eternal Conflict in the Middle East" Please Support us: Like, Subscribe, Share, Comment About Our Guest: Leo Lyon Zagami has written over a dozen books, including the best seller Pope Francis: The Last Pope? released in the U.S. by CCC Publishing. In 2019, Leo moved to Palm Springs, California with his wife, Christy, who runs Cursum Perficio publishing house to avoid political and religious persecution in Europe. This book, like Volume 4, Volume 5, Volume 6.66,Volume 7, and Volume 9 was written in the English language, and not translated from Italian like previous books. Volume 10 is the result of almost three decades of research, personal experience, and studies conducted by the author in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Turkey. This is his first book published as a recently naturalized American citizen. About The Book: The Rosicrucian manifestos, Freemasons, and the Illuminati have all been profoundly influenced by Islam and by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish culture. For example, Aleister Crowley,with is new pseudo religion, Thelema, and even Adolph Hitler,who embraced the secret practices of Turkish Sufi Freemasons.As the crisis in the Middle East intensifies, you will read about the dangerous secrets that connect the Western Illuminati and their Middle Eastern counterparts. Earlier on, the Knights Templar worshipped a mysterious figure called Baphomet, who was inspired by a secret alliance with the Order of Assassins, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam which laid the foundations of modern Jihadism. Jihadists are the nail in the coffin that the Illuminati are employing to destroy Western Civilization and manifest the Apocalypse, but nobody has ever explained how they reached this crucial role thanks to Freemasonry and Sufism. For the first time, Leo Zagami, who was once involved with Islam on behalf of the Illuminati as Khaled Saifullah Khan,helps us understand the involvement of the many different sects and denominations of this religion, and the discovery of the mysterious Cairo Lodge, whose knowledge predates the rise of Islam, in the eternal conflict in the Middle East. The author also includes personal shocking revelations about his only son now in the hands of the main Islamic representative of the World Economic Forum. Find The Book:Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4TJY5PH?ref=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S5TPN48RWMA353DC1QCP&ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S5TPN48RWMA353DC1QCP&social_share=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S5TPN48RWMA353DC1QCP&language=en_US Links: X https://x.com/OrdoUniversalis Rumble https://rumble.com/user/LeoZagami YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theleozagamishow-lesule/videos If you enjoy the content on the channel, please support us by “Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting: Thank you All A formal disclaimer: The opinions and information presented or expressed by guests on The Outer Realm Radio are not necessarily those of the TOR Hosts, Sponsors, or the United Public Radio Network and its producers. We will however always be respectful and courteous to all involved. Thank you, we appreciate you all!

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a Text Message.The Rosicrucian manifestos, Freemasons, and the Illuminati have all been profoundly influenced by Islam and by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish culture. For example, Aleister Crowley, with his new pseudo religion, Thelema, and even Adolph Hitler, who embraced the secret practices of Turkish Sufi Freemasons. As the crisis in the Middle East intensifies, you will read about the dangerous secrets that connect the Western Illuminati and their Middle Eastern counterparts.Earlier on, the Knights Templar worshipped a mysterious figure called Baphomet, who was inspired by a secret alliance with the Order of Assassins, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam which laid the foundations of modern Jihadism.Jihadists are the nail in the coffin that the Illuminati are employing to destroy Western Civilization and manifest the Apocalypse, but nobody has ever explained how they reached this crucial role thanks to Freemasonry and Sufism.For the first time, Leo Zagami, who was once involved with Islam on behalf of the Illuminati as Khaled Saifullah Khan, helps us understand the involvement of the many different sects and denominations of this religion, and the discovery of the mysterious Cairo Lodge, whose knowledge predates the rise of Islam, in the eternal conflict in the Middle East. The author also includes personal shocking revelations about his only son now in the hands of the main Islamic representative of the World Economic Forum.BUY LEO'S BOOK HERE:https://a.co/d/5S4eihG

Send us a Text Message.SUBSCRIBE TO GET ACCESS & RECEIVE THE EXCLUSIVE FULL LENGTH AUDIO INTERVIEWS!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308373/subscribeBECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON TO RECEIVE THE FULL LENGTH VIDEO INTERVIEWS.https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheforbiddenThe Rosicrucian manifestos, Freemasons, and the Illuminati have all been profoundly influenced by Islam and by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish culture. For example, Aleister Crowley, with his new pseudo religion, Thelema, and even Adolph Hitler, who embraced the secret practices of Turkish Sufi Freemasons. As the crisis in the Middle East intensifies, you will read about the dangerous secrets that connect the Western Illuminati and their Middle Eastern counterparts.Earlier on, the Knights Templar worshipped a mysterious figure called Baphomet, who was inspired by a secret alliance with the Order of Assassins, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam which laid the foundations of modern Jihadism.Jihadists are the nail in the coffin that the Illuminati are employing to destroy Western Civilization and manifest the Apocalypse, but nobody has ever explained how they reached this crucial role thanks to Freemasonry and Sufism.For the first time, Leo Zagami, who was once involved with Islam on behalf of the Illuminati as Khaled Saifullah Khan, helps us understand the involvement of the many different sects and denominations of this religion, and the discovery of the mysterious Cairo Lodge, whose knowledge predates the rise of Islam, in the eternal conflict in the Middle East. The author also includes personal shocking revelations about his only son now in the hands of the main Islamic representative of the World Economic Forum.BUY LEO'S BOOK HERE:https://a.co/d/5S4eihGSupport the Show.

Dive into the labyrinthine world of secret societies and ancient mysteries with Leo Zagami in his electrifying podcast, where he unveils his latest book, "Confessions of Illuminati, Volume 10." Journey with Zagami as he pulls back the veil on Islamic Freemasonry and the tumultuous Middle East conflict, offering an unflinching look at truths that many prefer to ignore. This is not a dialogue for the faint-hearted but a clarion call for honesty, challenging censorship, and embracing uncomfortable truths. In this groundbreaking episode, Zagami emphasizes the necessity of open dialogue to dismantle confusion and brainwashing, particularly within academic circles. His book, resonating in Islamic academic rankings without backlash, highlights a global hunger for understanding and truth. Through an exploration of the Muslim Brotherhood's impact, Egypt's political landscape under Mubarak, Obama's Middle East policy, and the fragmented nature of Islam, Zagami provides a nuanced view that avoids taking sides or offending any group. Zagami shares his personal experiences within the Islamic world, recounting his involvement with the Gulen Movement and the aftermath of the 2016 Turkish coup attempt. He dissects the intricate interplay of politics and religion in Islam, touching on the early fragmentation post-Prophet Muhammad, the emergence of Shia Islam, and the influence of the Fatimid dynasty. From the origins of the Illuminati and Freemasons to the controversial depiction of Baphomet, no stone is left unturned. The conversation delves into historical alliances, such as those between the Knights Templars and Assassins, and their enduring influence on events like 9/11. Zagami illuminates the evolution of holy war concepts in Christianity through Islamic encounters and traces the rise and fall of knightly orders, showcasing their contributions and ethical quandaries. Zagami highlights the flourishing of Islamic culture during its Golden Age, the vital role of knowledge centers in Cairo and Baghdad, and their impact on the European Renaissance. He examines the historical forces, including the Ottoman and British Empires, that have shaped today's Middle Eastern crises. From the British support of Wahhabism to the enduring wisdom of ancient secret societies, Zagami paints a vivid picture of historical continuity and upheaval. Listeners will be captivated by discussions of the Order of Assassins, the tactics of historical warfare, and figures like Jamaleddin Al-Afghani, who shaped modern Islamic thought and movements. The origins of the Muslim Brotherhood, its Masonic connections, and the discovery of Egypt's first Masonic sword are meticulously explored, shedding light on the deep historical roots of Freemasonry in Egypt. Zagami navigates the complex legacy of figures like Aleister Crowley, whose ties to Islamic societies and mystical brotherhoods reveal a fascinating interplay of espionage, secret rituals, and cultural fusion. From MI5 and MI6 to the Tabula Rasa Lodge, Zagami's revelations about Crowley's ambitions and connections are both intriguing and chilling. As the conversation unfolds, the intricate web of historical events, conspiracy theories, and cultural interconnections becomes apparent. Zagami urges listeners to confront their own cultural histories critically, moving beyond blame to understand the multifaceted influences that shape our world. Through examining alliances, political manipulations, and historical research, Zagami calls for a deeper, more accurate engagement with the past to foster understanding and prevent future conflicts. Join Leo Zagami in this epic podcast adventure, where history, mysticism, and geopolitics intertwine in a narrative that challenges, enlightens, and compels. It's a journey into the heart of darkness and light, revealing the truths that lie hidden within the annals of time. Join host Michael Jaco, Ex-Navy Seal, who teaches you how to tap into your Intuition and Unleash the Power within, so you can become the Master of your Reality. Connect with Michael Jaco at his website - michaelkjaco.com Leo Zagami - leozagami.com Amazon: Confessions Of Illuminati 10 Leo's Books: https://cccpublishing.com

Episode 510: The Origins Of Secret Societies The Rosicrucian manifestos, Freemasons, and the Illuminati have all been profoundly influenced by Islam and by Arabic, Persian, and Turkish culture. For example, Aleister Crowley, with his new pseudo religion, Thelema, and even Adolph Hitler, who embraced the secret practices of Turkish Sufi Freemasons. As the crisis in the Middle East intensifies, you will read about the dangerous secrets that connect the Western Illuminati and their Middle Eastern counterparts.Earlier on, the Knights Templar worshipped a mysterious figure called Baphomet, who was inspired by a secret alliance with the Order of Assassins, a sect within the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam which laid the foundations of modern Jihadism.Jihadists are the nail in the coffin that the Illuminati are employing to destroy Western Civilization and manifest the Apocalypse, but nobody has ever explained how they reached this crucial role thanks to Freemasonry and Sufism.For the first time, Leo Zagami, who was once involved with Islam on behalf of the Illuminati as Khaled Saifullah Khan, helps us understand the involvement of the many different sects and denominations of this religion, and the discovery of the mysterious Cairo Lodge, whose knowledge predates the rise of Islam, in the eternal conflict in the Middle East. The author also includes personal shocking revelations about his only son now in the hands of the main Islamic representative of the World Economic Forum. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaeldecon/support

Today we will be covering a few topics: 1) Current Events 2) Off Grid Communications (Project Disconnect) 3) Iran / Hezbollah and what Shia Islam teaches 4) Understanding the threat and getting the solutions 5) God will prevail 6) Take dominion over your communications ANSWER I have for you Email me @ kingdombiz@protonmail.com Get on my email list @ https://kingdombusinesslifestyle.com Get my book on audio at https://bornagainaskings.com Or order on Amazon "Born Again As Kings" by Cory Gray Share this episode with your family. Ask them what their plan is if communications go out. It wiould be wise to have a solution in place to be able to reach family, and know what is going on in the country. Hit me up after listening to this and hear my solutin for you at my email. 

Millions of Muslims are accessing toxic content online, sometimes stumbling upon discussions about women and masculinity. The Red Pill vs woke liberal movement is gaining massive traction, attracting streamers and influencers who convert to Islam and are indoctrinated to believe that Shia Muslims are kuffar. Joining us is Brother Hassan Al-Qadri, who offers insights from an Islamic standpoint. This conversation is essential, covering topics from understanding feminism and masculinity in the eyes of Allah (swt) to reinforcing our Shia Muslim beliefs. Tune in for laughter, invaluable advice, and profound discussions.

FREE BOOK: Courtesy of IVP Academic, we are giving away two brand-new copies of the third edition of Win Corduan's landmark book, Neighboring Faiths - A Christian Introduction to World Religions. Just drop host Apologetics Profile host Daniel Ray an email with a current mailing address to DRAY@WATCHMAN.ORG. We will select at random two listeners and notify you by email if you have been selected.What is the best way to share the Gospel with someone from another religious tradition? There is no one right way, no simple formula for how to do it. But it is necessary to keep in mind the concept of contextualization. How cognizant are we of the biblical cultures and times? The cultures and beliefs of those with whom we are sharing the Gospel? Or, the assumptions and biases of our own culture and beliefs? Here on part two of our conversation with author, scholar, and world-religions expert Dr. Win Courduan, we examine some basic premises about contextualization and how Jesus "fits into" other faith traditions. Winfried Courduan (PhD, Rice University) is professor emeritus of philosophy and religion at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana. He has led many undergraduate tours focusing on the lived religious traditions of various parts of the world. He is the author of several books, including Handmaid to Theology, Reasonable Faith: Basic Christian Apologetics, Neighboring Faiths (3rd Edition), and A Tapestry of Faiths.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Animism by James C. Ventress: www.watchman.org/Animism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Pantheism by Dr. Douglas Groothuis: www.watchman.org/Pantheism Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shi'a Islam by Dr. Mike Edens: www.watchman.org/Shia Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Tibetan Buddhism by Dr. C. Fred Smith: www.watchman.org/TB Additional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Today, we delve into Surah al-Insan (76), verse 8, reflecting on the profound teachings it holds. But first, let's honor the birth of Imam Hasan ibn Ali, the revered second Imam of Shia Islam. Born into the esteemed lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hasan's life was marked by wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion to his family. In a heartwarming tale narrated by Ibn Abbas, we glimpse into the selflessness of Imam Ali, Lady Fatima, and their noble children, Hasan and Husayn. Despite their own hunger, they sacrificed their meager provisions to feed a beggar, an orphan, and a war-captive, embodying the virtues of compassion and generosity. This story not only underscores the importance of selflessness and empathy but also exemplifies unwavering faith in Allah's providence. As we reflect on these timeless lessons, let us strive to emulate the noble example set by Imam Ali's family, fostering a culture of compassion and service in our communities. Join us as we explore the profound teachings of this narrative and draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of the Prophet Muhammad's noble family.

On this week's episode we overcome the temptation to take a week off recording and discuss the fascinating claims outlined in a post made to an Anonymous image board by someone claiming to be an initiate of the inner, esoteric core of the Alawite religion which abounds in Syria, originates as an occult off-shoot of 9th Shia Islam and resembles in its hidden teachings the wisdom of the early Christian Gnostics. In the free section of the show we explore a unique vision of the tyrannical gnostic demiurge, the obscure occult traditions which informed Freemasonry, the anatomy of the astral dimensions, reincarnation, the origin of the Jinn and what the archons have to do with aliens.  In the extended show we discuss the metaphysical origins of the demiurge, the Al-Dud or shadow of the soul, spirit gates upon the Earth, Alawite holy books, a simple edible recipe to induce lucid dreaming, Kabbalistic worlds, assassin Jesus, the gnostic Sophia and of course methods on how to visit the mind of God. Thank you and enjoy the show!In this week's episode we discuss:Origins of the Alawite ReligionTraditions of the Inner OrderThe Gnostic DemiurgeThe Dark GatesAnatomy of the Astral RealmHow to ManifestTemplar RitualsHow to Travel through the AstralSecrets of CreationReincarnation as Women and Insects?In the extended show available at www.patreon.com/TheWholeRabbit we go further to discuss:Shape of the Human SoulThe World of The FormsEscaping The SimulationThe “Lion” / YaldabaothThe ShadowFallen Angels and JinnVampiric GodsHomemade Lucid Dreaming Potion RecipeThoth / TehutiKing Solomon's PowerEach host is responsible for writing and creating the content they present. In the notes: red sections are written by Luke Madrid, green sections by Malachor 5, purple written by Heka Astra and blue by Mari Sama…Where to find The Whole Rabbit:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0AnJZhmPzaby04afmEWOAVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_whole_rabbitTwitter: https://twitter.com/1WholeRabbitMusic By Spirit Travel Plaza: https://open.spotify.com/artist/30dW3WB1sYofnow7y3V0YoSources:Original posts archived can be found here:1. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/369312222. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/369761683. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/370232684. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/370935155. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/371341966. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/372373927. https://archive.4plebs.org/x/thread/37333243Support the show

This video discusses the concept of the Antichrist in Islam. We explore the interpretations of the Antichrist in both Sunni and Shia Islam. This video mentions the mark of the beast and its significance in Christianity. This video also references the Messiah and the connection between the Antichrist and individuals mentioned in The Book of Daniel.

GUEST: Third Rail with Omar speaks against Israel on Palestine Hamas war and takes calls! The Hake Report, Friday, December 15, 2023 AD GUEST LINKS:  https://www.youtube.com/@third_rail  //  https://twitter.com/thecomforter_1  //  TIME STAMPS * (0:00:00) Start/Guest coming: Third Rail with Omar* (0:01:00) Hey, guys! Obvious Globe (Hake tee)* (0:03:24) OMAR (sound off at first) THIRD_RAIL* (0:05:55) KEITH, IL: ADL vs Kyrie, not colleges* (0:14:40) OMAR & KEITH: Israel, genocide, Hamas* (0:18:13) Palestinians genocided by occupying Israel* (0:20:50) Did Hamas make it worse for Palestinians?* (0:25:13) International Law, Indians, Palestine, Israel* (0:36:39) AUSTIN, NC: Cut off water? Trump v Biden. "Subhuman." * (0:47:01) ANTHONY, MO: Gov'ts for Devil, Zionism, Jesuits, War money* (0:52:19) The war racket, immigration* (0:56:44) "I Wonder as I Wander" - Phil Hahn and Steve Johnson (Songs of Christmas)* (0:58:58) Supers: Hostages, Israel abuse, Hamas Islamic law* (1:03:46) Supers: Hake Swag, Economy, Indoor hat* (1:09:48) JOSH, GA: Christmas, Paul* (1:14:28) JOSH: Grammatically correct, practical? Israel over Palestine* (1:18:47) JOSH vs OMAR: Ben Shapiro, Zionists vs Muslims to Christians* (1:24:14) MARK, CA: ADL, Holocaust, Jesus a Jewish Muslim* (1:27:37) MARK: Lies, history, WWII, Israel-founding* (1:29:30) MARK: Hitler, Islam, National Socialists, Jewish people* (1:31:06) MARK: Alliance, Nazis with Arabs, scientists* (1:33:33) LUCAS, CA: Hamas "freedom fighters" how?* (1:40:28) Taqiyya, Shia Islam, staying alive* (1:41:23) DAVID, FL: Israel, God, hate, anti-Christ* (1:43:19) DAVID: Christian Zionist? OT, Zechariah 14, Deut 29, Messiah?* (1:45:38) FREDERICK, CA: Cornel West not Trump* (1:48:50) Super: Landlord-Tenant, Oppressor-Oppressed?* (1:50:08) MAZE, OH: …Who's David? Judeo-Christian?* (1:54:43) Third Rail with Omar 7 PM ET * (1:56:10) "Eight Days of Hanukkah" - Verona (2004, All I Want for Christmas compilation, Lujo Records)BLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2023/12/15/third-rail-with-omar-israel-palestine-drama-continues-fri-12-15-23 PODCAST by HAKE SubstackLive M-F 9-11 AM PT (11-1 CT / 12-2 ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 – thehakereport.com  VIDEO  YouTube  |  Rumble*  |  Facebook  |  X  |  BitChute  |  Odysee*  PODCAST  Apple  |  Spotify  |  Castbox  |  Substack  (RSS)  *SUPER CHAT on asterisked above, or  BuyMeACoffee  |  Streamlabs  |  Ko-fi  SUPPORT HAKE  Substack  |  SubscribeStar  |  Locals  ||  SHOP  Teespring  ALSO SEE  Hake News on The JLP Show  |  Appearances (other shows, etc.)  JLP Network:  JLP  |  Church  |  TFS  |  Hake  |  Nick  |  Joel  Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

The Gospel must be preached to all nations because God has elected some from every tribe, language, people, and nation to be in heaven. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT - Turn in your Bibles if you would, to Mark, chapter 13, and you can also turn as well to Matthew 24. We're going to be looking at both of those places. The Scripture reveals that despite all of its swirling complexity, human history has a purpose. We are moving to a destination. We're going somewhere with all of this. It's not just random chaos, but God has a plan and a purpose. The destination the Bible reveals, to which we're going, is a perfect universe, a perfect world free from all sin and a beautiful radiant city. The New Heavens and the New Earth are that perfect universe and that radiant city is called the New Jerusalem. The Bible reveals that the light source of that new universe and of the New Jerusalem, according to Revelation 21 and 22, is the glory of God, the glory of God. Revelation 21:23 says, "The city”[the New Jerusalem] "does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it for the glory of God gives it light and the lamb is its lamp." Again, in the next chapter, Revelation 22:5 it says, "They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light." But what is that? What is the glory of God? In my studies and my meditations, I've thought a lot, it's an important topic. I believe the glory of God is the radiant display of the attributes or the perfections of God. Sometimes it's just brilliant light, as 1 Timothy 6:16 says, "God dwells in unapproachable light." Well, think about that, unapproachable light. How amazing must that be? For this reason, the Seraphim in Isaiah's vision were constantly covering their faces, though they had no sin or guilt, but just in that unapproachable light, the presence of the glory, they were covering their faces. For this reason also, the theophanies, or the displays of God, where God shows up in human history are frequently attended by overpowering light, like in Ezekiel's vision of the likeness of the glory of God by the Kibar River east of Babylon. Ezekiel 1 says, "High above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. And I saw from what appeared to be his waist up, He looked like glowing metal as if full of fire. And that from there down He looked like fire and brilliant light surrounded Him, like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell face down." So radiant, light, brightness connected with the glory of God. Also at the time of the birth of our Lord in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to shepherds outside Bethlehem and it says in Luke 2:9-10, "There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over the flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified." This was a glory of the eye, not of the mind or heart. It was just bright light, and it stunned the shepherds that night. But the glory of God is seen not just in brilliant light, sometimes it's in the radiant display of the perfections of God, the attributes of God woven into the tapestry of historical events. That takes the eye of faith to see it, but it's there. The attributes of God woven into the tapestry of history. The perfections of God, attributes of God, include His wisdom, His power, His love, compassion, justice, patience, kindness, mercy. These are attributes. God has ordained history, the story of history, for this reason to put Himself on display in the sequence of events and unfolding history. He put Himself on display in a history, a story, that He predestined before Christ began, written in His own mind before time began. The sequence of events, this history, has all been written out by the author of history and it's intrinsically connected with the Christ event, the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said in Revelation 22:13, "I am the alpha and the omega. I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end." History is linear, and Jesus is history. Jesus is what the story is all about. The radiant display of the glory of God in heaven, I believe, will consist in part in a retelling of His mighty works in saving His people from their sins and in their individual context all over the world, across the centuries, a retelling of the mighty works of God and saving sinners. I believe it's the most glorious thing God has ever done. His glory is greatly on display in salvation. Revelation 7:9-10 says, "After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes, and they were holding palm branches in their hands, and they cried out in a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.'" "The radiant display of the glory of God in heaven, I believe, will consist in part in a retelling of His mighty works in saving His people from their sins and in their individual context all over the world, across the centuries." Here's a multitude, a huge quantity of people, from all over the world, every imaginable context, standing around the throne of God in heaven praising God for salvation. The specific stories of these individual people that make up these millions from every nation on Earth, will bring infinite and eternal glory to God. A few verses later, Revelation 8:13, "Then one of the elders asked me, 'These in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?'" As I've said many times before, that story will take forever to tell fully. It is so complex, but it is woven through with light, it’s woven through with glory. "These redeemed," who are they and where do they come from? Well, how long do you have? We have all eternity. So, pull up a chair and let's hear the story of how God redeemed this one and that one and the other one from all over the world. Heaven will be filled with the stories of the greatness of God put on display in the amazing tapestry of history that He wove in every century. This is the story of missions. The spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth across every generation of history, that unspeakable glory as before us this morning. We're going to focus just on two verses of scripture. Mark 13:10, right in the middle of our Mark study, and then a parallel verse, Matthew 24:14. Mark 13:10, "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations." Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come." I want to tell you something about the science of Bible interpretation. The Gospels, there are four of them, three of them basically take the same approach to the life of Jesus. Matthew, Mark ,and Luke. They're called synoptic because they see things from about the same perspective. Then the fourth Gospel, John, comes at it from a different perspective, but they all tell the same thing. We believe that all scriptures God-breathed is perfect, so therefore these are four perfect accounts of the life of Christ, but they have some differences with one another. When we have those differences between, let's say, Matthew and Mark, we harmonize. We don't pit them against each other, we put them together. We try to harmonize, and that's not always easy to do. Generally, I look on it as a two-for-one sale. I'm going to take both statements here as true, and if one of them tells me one thing, He said that and that's true, and if one of them tells something else, He said that, and I just harmonize, I put it together. I. Context: Jesus’ Prediction of the Destruction of the Temple Let's talk about the context here. We're moving through the Gospel of Mark. Mark 13 is Jesus's description of the history of the end of the world and the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the end of the world. It came from a statement Jesus made in Mark 13:2: "Not one stone will be left on another. Everyone will be thrown down." This was a prediction of the destruction, at least of the Temple, but probably really of the whole city of Jerusalem and focused on the temple. It was the final week of Jesus's life. Things were hurdling to a conclusion, the dramatic turbulent events culminating in His arrest and His trial before the Jewish leaders. His condemnation by them is being handed over to Pontius Pilate for condemnation by the Romans and then His crucifixion by Pontius Pilate and the Romans. So that's where we're heading. Jesus has given a seven-fold denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees, the spiritual leaders of the Jewish nation. It's fully depicted in Matthew 23. It's just quickly summarized in Mark. But it culminates in this statement in Matthew 23: 38-39, "Jesus says, 'Behold your house is left to you desolate.'" This is a very important statement—your house is left to you desolate. “Desolate” means “empty." The reason I'm saying that is, "For, I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say ‘Blessed is He comes in the name of the Lord.’" “Not seeing Me again” is the essence of your desolate house. That's what makes your house desolate. Then Jesus dramatically walked out of the Temple, never to return again. The disciples came up at that moment and chose that moment to talk about how beautiful the Temple was. We shouldn't be surprised at this. This is what the disciples, the apostles were like, frequently off message. This is who we are as well. “As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, teacher, what massive stones, what magnificent buildings.’ ‘Do you see all these great buildings?’ replied Jesus. ‘Not one stone here will be left on another, every one will be thrown down.’" That must've been incredibly distressing to them. They come to Him later, privately, when He's out of the city, He's up on the Mount of Olives, across the Kidron Valley, they're out of the city and they're there. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, Matthew 24:3, “The disciples came to Him privately. 'Tell us,' they said, 'When will this happen and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’" Matthew 24 and Mark 13 cover roughly the same ground, but Matthew 24, in much more detail. There's almost nothing found in Mark 13 that's not found in Matthew 24, and there are other things besides in Matthew 24, so I have my eye on both. Matthew 24 has the full question the disciples asked and the fuller answer that Jesus gives. The three parts of the question in Matthew 24 are, "Tell us, when will this happen?" And, "What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?" The complexity of Matthew 24 and of Mark 13 comes in discerning and kind of to some degree, unweaving the tapestry of Jesus's answer. What is He talking about right now in this part? Is He talking about the destruction of Jerusalem in 870 AD by the Romans? Is He talking about the end of the world? What is it? They weave it through. Jesus, I believe, is giving a history of the world between His First and Second Comings. It's bigger than just the destruction of the Temple. Just to tell you, if you look at Mark 13:10, a key word for me in that is the word “first.” First. "This gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations." First before what? Before the destruction of the temple? That didn't happen. So clearly, Jesus's scope is bigger than the destruction of the Temple. He's looking at, I believe, all history, from the First to the Second Comings of Christ, and He's traveling and traversing that history. Look at verses 5-13, Mark 13. Jesus has said to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name claiming I am He and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There'll be earthquakes in various places and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. You must be on your guard. You'll be handed over to local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of Me, you'll stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them." Here's our focus verse, verse 10, "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given to you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents, and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Last week, we traced out those thirteen verses and looked at the whole answer. Just to summarize, it begins with a warning against false teaching. He goes from that to a prediction of the ordinary convulsion of events of history, wars and rumors of wars. That happens in every generation, almost every year of history, nation rising against nation, kingdom against kingdom. That's all the time. There'll be famines, earthquakes, various places. He calls all this the beginning of birth pains. The birth pains means a terrible convulsion or pain resulting in something beautiful and wonderful. We're heading to a good destination, but we have a lot of pain to go through first. That's what “beginning of birth pain” means. Then He mentions persecution. They will be handed over to the local councils. They'll be flogged in synagogues. These will be opportunities for them to be witnesses to Him. They will testify to Jesus. "On account of me, you'll stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them." The flow of human history is a canvas on which the masterpiece of redemptive history is being painted. These commonplace convulsions, wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, arrests, trials, all of that is being sovereignly controlled to accomplish the spread of the Gospel, to accomplish the salvation of God's people, to accomplish the glory of God. That's what's going on here. It's amazing how God controls history even down to the micro-level, to achieve His purposes. I found a number of years ago a great example of this in the life of John Calvin. John Calvin is a great reformer who spent most of his life in Geneva, a great theologian, tremendous leader. However, he was not originally Swiss. Geneva is a city in Switzerland. He was French and he was basically a refugee, a religious refugee running for his life because he believed in the Reformation. The Catholic King of France was persecuting what they called Lutherans, and he was running for his life. By this time, he had already written a significant theological work, and he was on his way to the French city of Strasbourg. He had in mind a quiet life as a scholar. He was going to be quiet in his room and eat little bowls of gruel and write theology books, and that was going to be his life. That would've made him happy. He was that kind of person. At any rate, he was a scholar but already well known. Amazingly, en route to Strasbourg, he couldn't go there because an obscure war had broken out between the King of France and Charles the Fifth, the Holy Roman Emperor. It's not at all one of the most famous wars ever. It's one of those wars and rumors of wars that Jesus talked about. But as a result, the straight road to Strasbourg was blocked with troop movements. So here, this fleeing man, this refugee has to divert through the city of Geneva. At any rate, there he is in Geneva, and William Farel, who started a Reformation work there hears that Calvin is there, and he thinks this is just the guy that we need for the Reformation here in Geneva. He was right, but Calvin had no such intention. When Farel came and said, "I want you to work here in Geneva," he said, "No, no, I'm going to go have a quiet life writing books in Strasbourg." He didn't say it just like that, but it probably went something like that. After Farel tried to persuade him and wasn't successful, Farel rose up in what Calvin called intemperate zeal and threatened him with the judgment of God if he chose a quiet life of academia rather than taking part in the Reformation in Geneva. Calvin was wired to fear that kind of thing and said, "Okay, I guess I'll stay in Geneva,” and he did. He was there most of the rest of his life. What's my point? Wars and rumors of wars for a purpose. "Are you saying that God orchestrated a war between Catholic King Francis of France and Catholic King Charles the Fifth, so that John Calvin would end up in Geneva and not Strasbourg?" Yes, that's what I'm saying, and other things too. Other things too, but at least that. That's what God does. Isn't it amazing that history has a purpose? Even as it seems to be churning and random and destructive, God is at work in the midst of all of it. The central work of all of this is, "You will be witnesses for me. You'll be my witnesses. You are going to proclaim this gospel." Look at verse 10, "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations." The power of the Holy Spirit is central to this mission. He said, "Do not worry ahead of time what to say, what to speak. It will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit." The Spirit is the driving orchestrator and force of the spread of the gospel, the third person of the Trinity, that is His role and He's extremely good at his job. As Acts 1:8 says, "You'll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes in you and you'll be My witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea, Samaria to the ends of the Earth." In the midst of all this, there'll be a tremendous amount of pain for the witnesses, painful betrayals, family relationships will be compromised. Your own closest relatives will turn their backs on you. "Everyone will hate you because of Me," Jesus says. Intense persecution, and that's what makes this journey so glorious. The courage, the boldness, the suffering, the willingness to pay the price. That's the story. That's big picture. II. A Command in Mark Let's zero in on the command, Mark 13:10, “And the gospel must first be preached to all nations." In Mark's version, Mark 13:10, it takes a command form, effectively. It's a command in Mark. It uses the Greek word “dei”, which means “it is necessary,” but that's frequently a command, a sense of a command. It is necessary for the Gospel first to be preached to all nations. What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the message of the kingdom of God with Jesus as the King of the kingdom of God. He's the centerpiece, he is the King, he's the Lord, he's the Savior. The Gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ and all that that means. That's what the Gospel of Mark has been unfolding all along. It's a message about the kingdom of God, that God is King. "What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the message of the kingdom of God with Jesus as the King of the kingdom of God. He's the centerpiece, he is the King, he's the Lord, he's the Savior. The Gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ and all that means." The kingdom is the spiritual realm where the subjects of the King are delighted to have God as their King, and they're pleased to obey Him and to follow Him. They're delighted about it. God's sovereignty over rebels is a different matter, but the advancing kingdom of God has to do with individuals who throw down their weapons of rebellion and come in gladly under the kingship of Christ. The Gospel is, as we've said before, God, man, Christ, response. That God created the universe, the heavens and the Earth, and as the Creator, He has the right to make laws and rules by which we live our lives. God, the Creator, God the King, God, the Lawgiver and God the Judge. That's God. Man, we are created in the image of God to have a relationship with Him, to have a love relationship with Him and to love each other, but we have sinned. We have broken the two Great Commandments. We have not loved God with all of our hearts, all mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have sinned. Therefore, we stand under God's judgment, physical death, eternal death in hell. Christ is God's answer to that problem. The Son of God, fully God, fully man, born, took on human flesh. We celebrate it this time of year. He lived a sinless life under the laws of God. He died in our place as our substitute, a transfer of guilt effected. When we believe in Jesus, our guilt put on Jesus, He dies in our place, His righteousness is given to us, and that's the white robes that we're going to stand in on Judgment Day and for all eternity. The imputed righteousness of Christ, that's what Christ came to do. Then the response, we need to repent of our sins, turn away from our rebellion against God the King. Believe in Jesus, trust in Him, and we'll receive forgiveness of sins. That's the Gospel: God, man, Christ, response. It is necessary for that message to be preached, to be proclaimed to all nations. That's what He's saying. That has to happen first, before the end of the world. That's what first, first is tied to the end of the world. Why? Why is it necessary? Why don't I give you four reasons, four reasons why it is necessary for the Gospel. Let's keep it simple, because Christ the King commanded it. We'll start there. Christ told us to do this. These were his last words before He ascended back to heaven. The Great Commission, so-called, which is a commandment to all of His followers, to make disciples of all nations, is in all four Gospels, a different version but in all four Gospels and in Acts. The most famous version is Matthew 28, "Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I'm with you always to the very end of the age.’" To all nations in all eras of history, that's the Great Commission. It is necessary, therefore, that this happened because it is the will of God and of Christ for us. Secondly, it is necessary because the Gospel is the only way for sinners to be forgiven and reconciled to God. There is no other way. There is no other plan. The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Or as it says in Romans 10:12 -15, "There is no difference between Jew and Gentile. The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then, can they call on one they have not believed in and how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they're sent?" As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News?’” That's the logic of missions. It's a logical work that Paul does in Romans 10, using a series of rhetorical questions, assuming negative answers. The statement is made worldwide, anyone in any nation on Earth who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus in faith will be saved. But how can someone call on someone they've not believed in? They can't do that, can they? No, of course, they can't. No one can believe in someone they've never heard of, can they? No, of course they can't. And no one can hear without someone preaching or proclaiming the message. No, they can't. Absolutely not. And no one can do that preaching unless they're sent out. Hence, the need for missions. That's the logic of missions, and it's the answer to why it is necessary for this Gospel to be proclaimed. Thirdly, it is necessary for the Gospel to be proclaimed to all nations because God has chosen people in every tribe and language and people and nation. They're called the Elect, chosen before the foundation of the world. God wants those people reached. Jesus said in John's Gospel, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. They must be brought in, and there'll be one flock and one shepherd." Those are people, not just Jews, but all the ends of the Earth. God has people out there. There will be people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. It's been ordained. They were chosen in Christ before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless and they have to be brought in, and the only way they're going to be brought in is by the preaching of the Gospel. That's the third reason. The fourth, it is necessary for the Gospel to be preached for the maximum glory of God. That's the ultimate reason for everything. It is for the glory of God that this be done. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, "In Him we're also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him, works out everything in conformity to the purpose of His will, in order that we who are the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of His glory, that we might be, exist, for the praise of His glory and that we might praise His glory, that we might ourselves notice His glory.” So we will be glory, and we will see glory, and we'll praise Him for it. That's the reason why. Or again, in Romans 15:9, "That the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy." So those are four reasons why it is necessary for the Gospel to be preached. To whom should the Gospel be preached? What we've already said, to all nations. To all nations, the Greek is “panta ta ethne”. The word “ethne” is from which we get the word “ethnic”, and that's the key. We as Protestants, as Evangelicals, we have had a progressive, growing understanding of missions over the last 500 years. Little by little by little, we've understood more and more clearly our obligation in this matter. For the first three centuries, the church just exploded all over the Roman Empire. People were going everywhere preaching the gospel. Apostles, non-apostles, everybody, and it was spreading everywhere. It went as far north as Scotland, it went as far south as Sub-Saharan Africa. There's clear evidence of this. It went as far east as India. It went as far west as Tarshish, which is like Gibraltar. It was all over the place, and the Gospel was spreading. However, once the Dark Ages fell and politics wove together with some form of Christianity, Christendom came about. We had the Crusades, which are the most abhorrent misconstrued incident of mission that's ever been in history; we still paying the price. But there was this mixture of church and state, and it was a mess. To make matters worse, the Gospel itself, for the most part, was lost in a false “gospel of works" religion. The Dark Ages fell, but praise God, the Reformation came and scraped away all that darkness and the Gospel was reclaimed. The Gospel of justification by faith alone, apart from works of law, was shining in those Protestant churches, Lutheran churches, Calvinist churches, the Anabaptist churches. But those folks weren't doing missions initially. They were really just trying to survive. Missions, at that point, was done mostly by Roman Catholics through the Jesuits, who were spreading the power of the Pope and of their Catholic kings, like the King of Spain and the King of Portugal to distant places like Japan and other places. But they didn't bring the true Gospel with them. Meanwhile, the Protestants continued to establish doctrine and to reach their own countries, but not doing missions. But God worked in Protestant churches, little by little, a clearer understanding of our obligation concerning missions in four key steps. The first step, or insight, comes from William Carey. He was a Baptist, a cobbler, a blue collar guy, and he wrote an incredible work called An Inquiry into the Obligation Christians Have to Use Means for the Evangelization of the Missions to the Heathen. Heathen will be pagans or lost people. He was a trailblazer in Protestant missions. The insight is that we Protestants should do missions. We should go to distant lands and share the Gospel. Not just the Jesuits should do that, we should do it. That was step one. Step two came from a leader named Hudson Taylor. Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China. He went on his first missionary trip and just like most missionaries did in the mid-nineteenth century, he stayed on the coastlands such as Shanghai, port cities. He had a vision for the inland regions of China, teeming hundreds of millions of Chinese that had no hope of hearing the Gospel. He founded something called the China Inland Mission. So step number two is, we need to get off the coast and go into the dark heart of Africa, the dark heart of India and of China, and find people there who have no physical access to the Gospel. Step two, inland missions. Step three came from a leader at the end of the 19th century into the beginning of the 20th century named Cameron Townsend. He was a missionary in Latin America and South America. He was working with some tribal people, and they were doing all of their work in Spanish, the trade language. At one point, one of these tribal men said, "If your God is so smart, how come he doesn't speak my language?" Good question, right? Good question. So Cameron Townsend started a ministry called Wycliffe Bible Translators to get the Bible into the heart language of people all over the world, and that work continues to this very day. Insight number four came in the middle of the 20th century from a missionary leader named Donald McGavran, and he began to see that the issue wasn't reaching political nations, like nations that are represented at the United Nations. It had to do with understanding the word ethne as a people group, a group of people characterized by a language and a culture and a heritage and a self-identifying focus. And so that started the people group conception of the work. “Panta ta ethne” means to all people groups. Now, how many people groups are there in the world? No one knows, only God knows. It's very difficult to see lines of border and demarcation between people groups. Donald McGovern did his work in India, and there are probably at least 5,000 people groups, if not more, in India, but there's a lot of overlap. Joshuaproject.net, which you can go and check that out, they say 17,446. As an MIT engineer, I'm like, "I don't think there's that many significant figures." I would say roughly 18,000. or roughly 16,000. I don't think we can get down to 17,446. However, there's a lot. There's a lot of people groups. IMB has a smaller number of people groups. Then you go to the next level, which is “unreached people groups.” What are unreached people groups? It's defined as less than two percent evangelical in that nation. When I was a missionary to Japan, the Japanese were the largest unreached people group in the world, less than two percent evangelical. Since then, they've been superseded by another group. But that's a people group. That's what “unreached” means. “Unengaged,” another U is added, meaning, as far as the IMB knows, there is no effort to try to reach that people group. There's no one working on that, as far as they know. So you've got the UUPG, which is unengaged, unreached people groups. That's the focus. That's where the work should go. It is necessary for us to do that, for the church to do that. It is necessary for us to reach them with the Gospel. And this stands as a permanent command from our Lord and King Jesus Christ. "If you love Me, you'll keep my commandment." That's Mark 13:10, the command. III. A Prophecy in Matthew Look over at Matthew, where it comes across as a prophecy, or perhaps a promise. I'm okay with either one. Look what it says in Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as the testimony in all nations and then the end will come.” So prophecy, promise. What is Jesus saying there? "And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as the testimony of all nations, and then the end will come." The preaching of the Gospel to every tribe, language, people, and the nation is as guaranteed as the end of the world is. They're equally guaranteed. It's going to happen. This is a remarkable assertion by Jesus, more remarkable than not one stone left on another. Picture Jesus on that tiny little rocky outcropping there in the Mount of Olives surrounded by a band of followers that were frequently off message. You know those guys. Surrounded by a very small number of people saying, "This thing that we're doing here is going worldwide, everyone on Earth will hear about this." All peoples on Earth, all peoples, all nations will hear. That's incredible. Effectively, then, “the Jewish conception of their own kingdom will end, the Messianic kingdom, and My kingdom will be established and will reign for all eternity." That's awesome. How does He know that? He knows it because He's God, but He also knows it because the Old Testament scripture predicted that this would happen. God willing, next week, we'll look at Isaiah 49, but in Luke 24, "This is what is written. The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." It's going to happen. Which scriptures? Many. There are many scriptures. But I'm going to look at Isaiah 49 next week. Isaiah 49, 1 and 6, "Listen to me, you islands, hear this, you distant nations." Islands and nations, distant nations. God says to Jesus, "It is too small a thing for You to be my servant, to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make You," [Jesus] "a light for the Gentiles that you may bring My salvation to the ends of the Earth.” Jesus is actually not saying anything different than Isaiah the prophet said or that many other prophecies gave. Friends, this is a great encouragement. How does a team play if it's guaranteed, if they think they're absolutely going to win? They're going to play better than if they think they're going to lose. How does an army fight if they think ultimate victory is guaranteed? They fight better. We are going to win because Christ is going to win. This gospel is going to win. The task seems difficult. 3,150 unreached, unengaged, unreached people groups. None of them are easy to reach, or they would've been reached. They're in very difficult situations or places. I went through and thought about some of our units. If you guys don't know what the word “units” means, it means either a married couple, like a family or single. That's why we use the word units because some of them are single men and women, but sometimes family. We call them a mailing address or a group, a family unit. That's what we mean by it. I was reading about units in Turkey, 1.29 million practice Shia Islam. They speak North Levantine Arabic, a significant minority in Turkey. Their goal is to keep their Arabic culture alive in the secular Muslim state of Turkey and pass that on to their children and grandchildren. They mix elements of Sufism, which is Islamic mysticism and Shia Islam. Then we've got Thailand, where we have some units, I won't say their names, but they're there working, and there are people there that are following a certain flavor of Theravada Buddhism. Then in Bangladesh, overwhelmed with poverty, where we have another family unit there. People there are practicing Sunni Islam. They're tragically poor, and they're in darkness, in the grip of darkness. When we think about how difficult it is, and how long it takes to learn a language well enough to share the Gospel in it, and how long it takes to learn a culture, and how long it takes to make friendships, and then that whole journey, and then how long it takes to see one person cross over from darkness to light, that's the challenge in front of us. We need to be encouraged. Remember the lesson of the fig tree that we preached on a number of months ago? Mark 11:23-24, "Truly, I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he has said will happen, will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mountain moving, faith-filled prayer is made for the Great Commission. That's the mountain that needs to be moved. Remember what I said about prayer at that time. Prayer is not you giving God an idea He didn't have before or persuading Him to do something He didn't want to do. That's not what prayer is. Prayer is you learning from Scripture what God is doing in the world and asking Him to do what He has decreed and ordained to do but hasn't done yet. That's what it is. God has decreed and ordained that people from every tribe and language and people and nation will be standing in those white robes around that throne. That's what He's decreed. It is encouraging to see the progress of the Gospel. Those other signs, wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, those don't mark anything. They're characteristics of every generation. But the progress of the Gospel, that's like a ticking clock to the end of the world. If you were to put dots on a map all over the world of what we would consider to be healthy Bible-believing, gospel-preaching churches in the year 1550, where would you put the dots? It would be almost all Central and North Europe, 1550. If you advance 50 years later, [1600] you would see more dots in those same areas, but still nowhere else. If you put dots where you had healthy Bible-believing, gospel-preaching churches in 1650, by then you would have to add some North American colonies, in Virginia, and New England, and other places, and more over Europe, but nowhere else [1650]. If you advance another 50 years, many more dots up and down the 13 colonies. Many more dots in Europe, and nowhere else. By 1750, by then you had the Great Awakening, lots of dots all over the 13 colonies that eventually became the United States of America. You have some dots in the Caribbean where some Moravian missionaries went and sold themselves into slavery to preach the Gospel to the slave population there. Then, of course, Central and North Europe, some in the Catholic areas in Europe as well, but nowhere else. By 1800, William Carey's in India. So you put a dot there. But all the rest, just more dots in those same areas. As the new country of the United States spreading westward, there's more dots there, et cetera. In 50 more years, unbelievable. The 19th century, called the great century of missions, and they started to explode. By this time you've got Hudson Taylor in the inland regions. You've got dots in China. You've got a lot more dots in India, definitely dots in Burma. Because by the time Adoniran Judson finished his work, there were 25,000 baptized Burmese Christians. Now in 1850 there are dots all over. And by this time you can start putting them in Sub-Saharan Africa and other places. Add another 50 years, 1900, the great century of missions has ended. You got churches all over Asia, Mongolia, India, Burma, South America, Sub-Saharan Africa. In 50 more years, post-World War II, you've got the Gospel spreading to the islands of South Pacific, Irian Jaya, and Papua New Guinea. Soldiers that had fought there then went back to some of those places with the Gospel. Remarkable. 50 years later, the year 2000, the map's covered with dots, the entire world map. There's not a political nation on earth that doesn't have a healthy church. Not one. All the nations, I don't know how many nations are in the United Nations,230 some odd, all of them have some healthy church planted. But still, you've got those unreached people groups. So big picture, I can't tell you this progression without smiling. We are winning, the Gospel's spreading. The Holy Spirit is good at His job. He puts a compulsion on people, and they go where He wants them to go, and they lay down their lives as He wants them to, and the Gospel spreads. But there's still work to be done. I'm not going to burden you with statistics, that would be hard to communicate. But there's been a kind of a flattening of mission endeavor over the last 10 or 15 years. It's a little discouraging as you look, and it's just a narrow window, but missionary thinker Ralph Winter said, "More of the same will not get it done.” The burden is laid on churches like us and many other churches around the world to recommit ourselves to missions, recommit ourselves to the work left to be done, and to give sacrificially as we are called to do. IV. Applications First and foremost, if you're here listening to this mission sermon, but you came in here not a Christian, your work is to believe in Jesus. No point in talking about missions if you're lost. First and foremost, you've heard the gospel: God, man, Christ, response. I'm calling on you while there's time, repent and believe in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. If you're already a Christian, understand both the command in Mark 13 and the promise or the prophecy in Matthew 24. Take it seriously. This is the command laid on us, but rejoice in the sovereignty of Christ to get it done. Be confident in the final outcome. The Lord is going to win. He will be glorified. I'm looking forward to all eternity of hearing those stories. It's going to be phenomenal. Pray confidently in the spirit of Matthew 9 for more laborers, laborers in the harvest field. Churches like ours send out two precious commodities to the mission field: people and money. That's what IMB does. We gather people, and we gather money from Southern Baptist churches and point them strategically in directions. The Lottie Moon Christmas offering that we take every Christmas, our goal is $150,000. The Southern Baptist Convention exists in part for that. It was originated for that, and it's why we do. It's the crown jewel, I think, of our cooperation with Baptist churches all over the country. We pool resources to do a job too big for any one church to do. We couldn't afford to send very many fully-supported missionaries, just one church, to these various places. So we pool resources with thousands of churches. Truly, 100% of the money you give to Lottie Moon goes to missions. I was a trustee for nine years. What that means is we take more money in than Lottie Moon. It takes more money than Lottie Moon to put those missionaries on the field. I don't know how they tag dollars that go... Whatever, it gets pooled. The point is, the budget is bigger than the Lottie Moon offering. Where does the rest of the money come from? It comes from something called the Cooperative Program, where throughout the year, 12 months a year, we pool resources and a chunk of that goes to missions as well. A hundred percent of your giving goes, and our goal is $150,000. What I always say to you as a member of this church is engage, pray about your financial giving. We also have the opportunity through our home fellowships and through just your own initiative to get to know our friends that are serving overseas. We live in an iPhone or a smartphone world. You can contact them and be with them real-time. I FaceTime with these folks. You can find out what they're going through, support them, pray for them. I'm going to end this time now in prayer, and then we can get ready for the Lord's Supper. Father, thank You for the message that we have heard, the Gospel message of the Gospel going to the ends of the Earth and to the end of time. Now as we turn our hearts to the Lord's Supper, we thank You for the Word that we've heard and for the ordinance we're about to partake in. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Send us a Text Message.What was the role of Shia Islam in the 1906 Iranian revolution? Is there any correlation between the 1906 revolution and the Young Turks movement?These and many more questions were put to the Professor of Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews, Ali Ansari for episode 3 of our new series!This podcast followed his lecture ‘Iran's Constitutional Revolution of 1906' which was given on 17th October 2023.You can find information about his lecture and others in his series here:https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/iran-1906Support the Show.

It's Monday, November 6th, A.D. 2023. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Nigerian Muslims killed 17 Christians in Benue State On Sunday, October 29th, Fulani Muslim herdsmen and other terrorists killed six Christians in Benue State, Nigeria, following the slaughter of 10 others earlier last month, reports Morning Star News. In addition, another Christian in Benue State, 80-year-old Washima Erukaa, was killed after being kidnapped on September 23rd. A relative said, “His captors had demanded that we pay a ransom of $6,340, but we were not able to raise the money.”  So, the Muslim terrorists killed him on October 23rd. Please pray that God would comfort the families who are grieving. Nigeria is the sixth most dangerous nation worldwide for Christians Turkey withdraws ambassador from Israel, breaks off ties As the death toll among Palestinian civilians has soared in the war between Israel and Hamas, the Muslim terrorists, Turkish President Recep Erdoğan said Saturday that he was recalling its ambassador to Israel and breaking off contacts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in protest at the bloodshed in Gaza, reports AFP. The Muslim leader announced the decisions on the eve of what promises to be a difficult visit to Turkey by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Turkey, a Palestinian ally, had been mending torn relations with Israel until last month's start of the Israel-Hamas war. Iranian Muslims recruiting suicide bombers to hit Israel A hard-line Iranian group has been actively recruiting potential suicide bombers for operations in Israel, reports 24/7 News Around the World. The group responsible for this recruitment drive, Hezbollah, different from the Lebanese militant group with the same name, has initiated a campaign in the southeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, a significant place in Shia Islam. Posters featuring calls for 'martyrdom' have appeared on the streets of Mashhad, imploring residents to submit their personal details for consideration. These posters declare, “It's time for Jihad,” as they seek people to join a “special battalion of martyr seekers for Palestine.” Int'l House of Prayer Founder Mike Bickle accused of sexual abuse The Roys Report revealed that Mike Bickle, founder of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri, is facing allegations of clergy sexual abuse “spanning several decades,” according to an October 28th statement from the ministry's leaders. Titus 1:6a declares, “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife.” Stuart Greaves, the Executive Director of the International House of Prayer, read an announcement during the 11 a.m. service at the Forerunner Church in Grandview, Missouri. GREAVES: “We are heartbroken to share that we recently became aware of serious allegations of sexual immorality directed against Mike Bickle. Our leadership team takes these allegations very seriously. And we are laboring for truth, light, redemption and righteousness.” Mike Bickle has led the House of Prayer since 1999. It is a 24/7 charismatic, prayer ministry with about 2,500 full-time staff, students, and interns, which attracts people from around the world. Ohio Catholic churches vandalized over pro-life convictions ahead of Nov. 7th vote Just days ahead of a statewide vote on whether to enshrine abortion into the Ohio Constitution, vandalism is reportedly on the rise against Catholic churches in the Buckeye State because of their outspokenness against the pro-abortion constitutional amendment, reports LifeSiteNews.com. According to the Ohio Attorney General's Office, the Issue 1 amendment would go far beyond even Roe v. Wade.  It would block prohibitions on partial-birth and dismemberment abortions, allow abortionists to target disabled babies, and end parental consent requirements for abortion. Plus, if Issue 1 passes tomorrow in Ohio, it would empower minors to make their own decisions about contraception, sterilization, and so-called “gender transition.” 10-year-old quadruple amputee to climb mountain to raise money And finally, a 10-year-old quadruple amputee is going to attempt to summit a 656-foot mountain to raise money for other children with disabilities, reports Good News Network. The climber, Luke Mortimer, is determined to summit Embsay Crag, in North Yorkshire, England which he can see from his rural home. The kind-hearted youngster has dubbed the peak his ‘Everest,' and is undertaking the challenge as an attempt to “return the favor” to charities which have helped him. Luke was just seven years old when he contracted the severe bacterial infections meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Although he survived the deadly illnesses, he lost all four of his limbs and needed 23 painful surgeries over a ten-week period to replace missing skin and address his wounds. Charities and fundraisers set up in the wake of Luke's amputations managed $18,000 worth of donations from an army of well-wishers, allowing him to get his prosthetics. During the two-mile journey to the top of the summit, Luke will be wearing a set of shortened knee-length prosthetics called ‘stubbies' for the climb. Here at The Worldview we salute Luke Mortimer and pray that he successfully completes his mountainous journey and that the people of Britain would be generous as they bless other children who face amputations. Close And that's The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Monday, November 6th in the year of our Lord 2023. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com).  Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

204 The  Baha'i Faith [Part 2] with Steve Matthews and James WalkerJesus once asked His disciples who they thought He was. Rightly did Peter confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Such a confession was not revealed to Peter by flesh and blood, but by the Father, as Jesus told Him. There are adherents of the Bahai'i Faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam that began in 1844, who claim they follow the teachings of Jesus too. There are some 8,000 Baha'i centers of worship in the U.S. and many Americans adhere to the Baha'i faith. But who do the Baha'i say that Jesus is? Is he the same Jesus of the Bible? This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews, who continues to unpack the syncretistic and contrary doctrines and practices of the Baha'i faith. Steve Matthews  is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Baha'i Faith by Robert Pardon: watchman.org/Bahai Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shia Islam by W. Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: watchman.org/Ahmadiyya Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

You have probably seen the bumper sticker "COEXIST" made up of several different symbols representing different belief systems and religions. But that bumper sticker is a command, an imperative. The fundamental question about that bumper sticker is "Who is issuing this command?" The Baha'i Faith is no exception to this inclusivism. They attempt to affirm that other religions are valid revelations of God and even ascribe to some of the teachings of Jesus. But this inclusivism is not really inclusive, as the only proper interpretation of the world's religions is given through the ultimate authority of the Baha'i faith, Baha'u'llah, who died in 1892. This week James Walker, the president of Watchman Fellowship, speaks with counter-cult apologist Steve Matthews who gives us an in-depth analysis of the Baha'i faith and why their doctrines of inclusivism and of Jesus are both contradictory and in error. Steve Matthews  is a Christian countercult apologist who is not only passionate about researching the more established cults, but also in responding to the newer emerging groups as well. He has his M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Trinity International University and is involved in launching ExaminingTheCults.Related Links: Free access to some related Watchman Profiles: Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Baha'i Faith by Robert Pardon: watchman.org/Bahai Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Shia Islam by W. Dr. Mike Edens: watchman.org/Shia Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam by Eric Pement: watchman.org/Ahmadiyya Watchman Fellowship 4-page Profile on Islam by James Walker: watchman.org/IslamProfile Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Oxford scholar Maryam Aslany calls Iran a neo-colonialist regime exporting its unique brand of harsh Shia Islam to the region. And she says the recent UN speech by Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi reveals the bigger plan. 

Exclusive conversation about football and faith. This week, we are joined by Iraq's national team and AFC Wimbledon striker Ali Al-Hamadi, along with community youth leader Ali Jenabi. Ali Al-Hamadi delves into the challenges he has faced while practicing Shia Islam as a professional footballer and shares personal faith-based encounters both on and off the pitch. Our co-hosts and guests explore opening up to past sins, the Saudi Pro League, the presence of Muslims in sports, and discussing many other engaging subjects!

Dr Mansooreh Saniei (King's College London) While considering the relationship between ethics, religion, and regulatory policy in the field of emerging life sciences and technologies, this presentation focuses on the politics of embryo, specifically embryo donation for modern medically assisted reproduction and embryo research, and debates about its status in the context of Shiism, with particular reference to Iran with a majority Shia population in the Middle East and North Africa. It shows that the meaning of laws and moral values attributed to the human embryo is closely related to the notions of reproduction and kinship. In addition, this confirms that Iran has recorded these policies and their applications in several fields: the coherence of positions between religious, medical and legal authorities — at the intersection of the sacred and the secular, political and medical institutions, complex total values and norms, professional interests—such as individuals 'choices, and the emergence of commercial agencies.

Brother Talib, who was raised amongst the urban culture of London and discovered Islam in a unique way. His journey into Islam revealed a startling truth: many lack exposure to different Islamic perspectives. Talib, however, embraced Shia Islam, but was initially discouraged from exploring it further and was told to stay clear from pivotal events like Ghadeer and Karbala, and was told that Shias had a separate religion. With his unique urban background, Talib offers us a fresh perspective that sheds light on the complexities of faith in the modern world.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "Lighter Reflection" podcast. Today, we delve deep into the significance of reciting the Majalis of Imam Hussain As-salam. Discover the profound impact of remembering the tragedy of Karbala, not just in large gatherings but in the intimate setting of our homes. Understand that our true audience isn't just those physically present but the unseen witnesses, including the Ahlul Bayt As-salam and the angels. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or someone just beginning to explore the depths of Shia Islam, this episode will inspire you to connect more deeply with the events of Karbala and the teachings of Imam Hussain As-salam.

Welcome back to the "Light of Reflection" podcast! In this episode, we delve into a transformative dialogue between Dr. Hatim and a non-Shia Muslim scholar. Witness the power of combining logic with knowledge as we tackle 14 pivotal questions about Shia Islam. From understanding the Prophet's unique role to the significance of Imam Ali's succession, this conversation promises to enlighten and challenge your perspectives. Whether you're a born Shia or someone curious about the faith, this episode offers a logical sequence to deepen your understanding. Subscribe for more insightful discussions and stay tuned for our upcoming book based on this dialogue.

Welcome to our podcast, dear listeners. In this episode, we discuss a very important question: which is more important, the life of the Imam or the life of the Shia of the Imam? We analyze examples from the lives of Sayyeda Fatima Zahra, Imam Al-Hasan, and Imam Al-Hussain to provide insight into this question. We explore the significance of the Imam in Shia Islam and how protecting their life is the ultimate goal. Join us as we delve deeper into this topic and gain a better understanding of the importance of the Imam in our faith. Don't forget to follow us on our social media platforms and listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Thank you for tuning in, and may Allah bless you all. Haqq Muhammad wa ala Muhammad wa salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ByfUTjswIssZ6WfxCpKtA Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/reflectin_light Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/reflectinglight Apple Podcast: The Light of Reflection

From Becoming the Head of Religious Education, co-authoring educational textbooks on Shia Islam to visiting the Vatican libraries alongside Sayed Ammar Nakshawani and Father Chritopher Clohessy. Zameer talks us through his journey in his profession and what he has learnt from his time as an RE teacher today.

This podcast delves into the existence of Imam Mahdi, a significant figure in Shia Islam who is believed to bring justice and peace to the world. Despite some skepticism and belief that his existence is a Shia myth, there is evidence from a variety of non-Shia Muslim scholars who have confirmed his existence. The podcast uses storytelling and the Socratic method to keep the audience engaged and answer common questions about Imam Mahdi's existence. The podcast explores the writings of non-Shia Muslim scholars who have written about Imam Mahdi, including Allama Mirza Hussain Noori Tabarsi, Shaykh Muhammad Raza Tabasi, and Fazil Muasir Ali Muhammad Khail. These scholars have written books and chapters that discuss the history of Imam Mahdi's birth, Imamate, and occultation. Even famous Persian poets like Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi Sahib Masnavi and Sheikh Muhammad Attar have praised the 12 Imams in their books and mentioned the occultation of Imam Mahdi. The podcast emphasizes that the existence of Imam Mahdi is not just a religious tenet but a source of hope for many Muslims worldwide. It highlights the wide acceptance of this belief among Muslims of various backgrounds and the fact that over the past 1200 years, 66 Sunnah scholars have written about the narrations about Imam Mahdi.

This podcast delves into the existence of Imam Mahdi AS, the twelfth and last Imam in Shia Islam. With over 2870 traditions related to him in Islamic hadiths, there is a plethora of evidence supporting his existence. The podcast explores various traditions, such as those stating that there are twelve Imams, the last of which is Imam Mahdi AS, and those describing the circumstances surrounding his birth. The podcast also mentions traditions that give glad tidings about the reappearance of the Mahdi AS, such as filling the world with justice and the religion of Islam dominating the world. Agha Safi Gulpaigani collected this data from both Shia and Sunnah traditions, which adds weight to the evidence for Imam Mahdi's existence. Despite some still questioning his existence, it's important to have faith and pray for his reappearance. By educating ourselves and others about the significance of Imam Mahdi AS in Islam, we can strengthen our faith and prepare ourselves for his coming.

In this second part in our series about Shia Islam, we explore the esoteric Isma'ilis, their history and Neoplatonist-influenced theology.Thanks to Dr. Khalil Andani for the help. Check out his channel here:https://www.youtube.com/@KhalilAndaniSources/Recomended Reading:Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press.Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris.Andani, Khalil (Forthcoming). "The Moden Resurrection of Nizari Ismaili Islam: The Reforms of the Aga Khans". In "The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Reform" (ed. Emad Hamdeh & Natana Delong-Bas). Forthcoming. Badakhchani, S. Jalal (Edited and Translated by) (2005). "The Paradise of Submission: A Medieval Treatise on Ismaili Thought". A New Persian Edition and English Translation of Tusi's Rawda-yi Taslim". The Institute of Isma'ili Studies. I.B. Tauris.Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.Haider, Najam (2014). "Shi'i Islam: An Introduction". Cambridge University Press.Ormsby, Eric (Translated by) (2012). "Between Reason and Revelation: Twin wisdoms reconciled". An annotated English translation of Nasir-i Khusraw's Kitab-i Jami al-hikmatayn. The Institute of Isma'ili Studies. I.B. Tauris.Virani, Shafique N. (2020). "Hierohistory in Qadi l-Nu'man's Foundation of Symbolic Interpretation (Asas al-Taw'il): the Birth of Jesus". In "Studies in Islamic Historiography (Edited by Sami G. Massoud). Brill.A good source for Isma'ilism is also Isma'ili Gnosis: https://ismailignosis.com/#Islam #ismaili #esoteric Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too few people know that parts of the Arab world and Iran were once home to large Jewish communities. This Mizrahi Heritage Month, let's change the story, with the final episode of the first season of The Forgotten Exodus, the first-ever narrative podcast series devoted exclusively to the rich, fascinating, and often-overlooked history of Mizrahi and Sephardic Jewry. Thank you for lifting up these stories to celebrate Mizrahi Heritage Month. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to listen to the rest of The Forgotten Exodus, wherever you get your podcasts.   __ Home to one of the world's oldest Jewish communities, the story of Jews in Iran has been one of prosperity and suffering through the millennia. During the mid-20th century, when Jews were being driven from their homes in Arab lands, Iran assisted Jewish refugees in providing safe passage to Israel. Under the Shah, Israel was an important economic and political ally. Yet that all swiftly changed in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ushered in Islamic rule, while chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” rang out from the streets of Tehran.   Author, journalist, and poet Roya Hakakian shares her personal story of growing up Jewish in Iran during the reign of the Shah and then Ayatollah Khomeini, which she wrote about in her memoir Journey From the Land of No. Joining Hakakian is Dr. Saba Soomekh, a professor of world religions and Middle Eastern history who wrote From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women between Religion and Culture. She also serves as associate director of AJC Los Angeles, home to America's largest concentration of Persian Jewish immigrants.  In this sixth and final episode of the season, the Hakakian family's saga captures the common thread that has run throughout this series – when the history of an uprooted community is left untold, it can become vulnerable to others' narratives and assumptions, or become lost forever and forgotten. How do you leave behind a beloved homeland, safeguard its Jewish legacy, and figure out where you belong? __ Show notes: Listen to The Forgotten Exodus and sign up to receive updates about future episodes.  Song credits:  Chag Purim · The Jewish Guitar Project Hevenu Shalom · Violin Heart Pond5:  “Desert Caravans”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI), Composer: Tiemur Zarobov (BMI), IPI#1098108837 “Oud Nation”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI); Composer: Haygaz Yossoulkanian (BMI), IPI#1001905418 “Persian”: Publisher: STUDEO88; Composer: Siddhartha Sharma “Meditative Middle Eastern Flute”: Publisher: N/; Composer: DANIELYAN ASHOT MAKICHEVICH (IPI NAME #00855552512), UNITED STATES BMI Zarobov (BMI), IPI#1098108837 “Sentimental Oud Middle Eastern”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI), Composer: Sotirios Bakas (BMI), IPI#797324989. “Frontiers”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI); Composer: Pete Checkley (BMI), IPI#380407375 “Persian Investigative Mystery”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI); Composer: Peter Cole (BMI), IPI#679735384 “Persian Wind”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Sigma (SESAC); Composer: Abbas Premjee (SESAC), IPI#572363837 “Modern Middle Eastern Underscore”: Publisher: All Pro Audio LLC (611803484); Composer: Alan T Fagan (347654928) “Persian Fantasy Tavern”: Publisher: N/A; Composer: John Hoge “Adventures in the East”: Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI) Composer: Petar Milinkovic (BMI), IPI#00738313833. ___ Episode Transcript: ROYA HAKAKIAN: In 1984, when my mother and I left and my father was left alone in Iran, that was yet another major dramatic and traumatic separation. When I look back at the events of 1979, I think, people constantly think about the revolution having, in some ways, blown up Tehran, but it also blew up families. And my own family was among them.  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: The world has overlooked an important episode in modern history: the 800,000 Jews who left or were driven from their homes in Arab nations and Iran in the mid-20th century. This series, brought to you by American Jewish Committee, explores that pivotal moment in Jewish history and the rich Jewish heritage of Iran and Arab nations as some begin to build relations with Israel. I'm your host, Manya Brachear Pashman. Join us as we explore family histories and personal stories of courage, perseverance, and resilience. This is The Forgotten Exodus.  Today's episode: Leaving Iran MANYA: Outside Israel, Iran has the largest Jewish population in the Middle East. Yes, the Islamic Republic of Iran. In 2022. Though there is no official census, experts estimate about 10,000 Jews now live in the region previously known as Persia.  But since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Jews in Iran don't advertise their Jewish identity. They adhere to Iran's morality code: women stay veiled from head to toe and men and women who aren't married or related stay apart in public. They don't express support for Israel, they don't ask questions, and they don't disagree with the regime. One might ask, with all these don'ts, is this a way of living a Jewish life? Or a way to live – period?  For author, journalist, and poet Roya Hakakian and her family, the answer was ultimately no. Roya has devoted her life to being a fact-finder and truth-teller. A former associate producer at the CBS news show 60 Minutes and a Guggenheim Fellow, Roya has written two volumes of poetry in Persian and three books of nonfiction in English, the first of which was published in 2004 – Journey From the Land of No, a memoir about her charmed childhood and accursed adolescence growing up Jewish in Iran under two different regimes.  ROYA: It was hugely important for me to create an account that could be relied on as a historic document. And I did my best through being very, very careful about gathering, interviewing, talking to, observing facts, evidence, documents from everyone, including my most immediate members of my family, to do what we, both as reporters, but also as Jews, are called to do, which is to bear witness. No seemed to be the backdrop of life for women, especially of religious minorities, and, in my own case, Jewish background, and so I thought, what better way to name the book than to call it as what my experience had been, which was the constant nos that I heard. So, Land of No was Iran. MANYA: As a journalist, as a Jew, as a daughter of Iran, Roya will not accept no for an answer. After publishing her memoir, she went on to write Assassins of the Turquoise Palace, a meticulously reported book about a widely underreported incident. In 1992 at a Berlin restaurant, a terrorist attack by the Iranian proxy Hezbollah targeted and killed four Iranian-Kurdish exiles. The book highlighted Iran's enormous global footprint made possible by its terror proxies who don't let international borders get in the way of silencing Iran's critics.   Roya also co-founded the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, an independent non-profit that reports on Iran's human rights abuses.  Her work has not prompted Ayatollah Khameini to publicly issue a fatwa against her  – like the murder order against Salman Rushdie issued by his predecessor. But in 2019, one of her teenage sons answered a knock at the door. It was the FBI, warning her that she was in the crosshairs of the Iranian regime's operatives in America. Most recently, Roya wrote A Beginner's Guide to America: For the Immigrant and the Curious about the emotional roller coaster of arriving in America while still missing a beloved homeland, especially one where their community has endured for thousands of years. ROYA: I felt very strongly that one stays in one's homeland, that you don't just simply take off when things go wrong, that you stick around and try to figure a way through a bad situation. We came to the point where staying didn't seem like it would lead to any sort of real life and leaving was the only option. MANYA: The story of Jews in Iran, often referred to as Persia until 1935, is a millennia-long tale. A saga of suffering, repression, and persecution, peppered with brief moments of relief or at least relative peace – as long as everyone plays by the rules of the regime. SABA SOOMEKH: The history of Jews in Iran goes back to around 2,700 years ago. And a lot of people assume that Jews came to Iran, well at that time, it was called the Persian Empire, in 586 BCE, with the Babylonian exile. But Jews actually came a lot earlier, we're thinking 721-722 BCE with the Assyrian exile which makes us one of the oldest Jewish communities.  MANYA: That's Dr. Saba Soomekh, a professor of world religions and Middle Eastern history and the author of From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women between Religion and Culture. She also serves as associate director of American Jewish Committee in Los Angeles, home to America's largest concentration of Persian Jewish immigrants. Saba's parents fled Iran in 1978, shortly before the revolution, when Saba and her sister were toddlers. She has devoted her career to preserving Iranian Jewish history.   Saba said Zoroastrian rulers until the 7th Century Common Era vacillated between tolerance and persecution of Jews. For example, according to the biblical account in the Book of Ezra, Cyrus the Great freed the Jews from Babylonian rule, granted all of them citizenship, and permitted them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple.  The Book of Esther goes on to tell the story of another Persian king, believed to be Xerxes I, whose closest adviser called Haman conspires to murder all the Jews – a plot that is foiled by his wife Queen Esther who is Jewish herself. Esther heroically pleads for mercy on behalf of her people – a valor that is celebrated on the Jewish holiday of Purim.  But by the time of the Islamic conquest in the middle of the 7th Century Common Era, the persecution had become so intense that Jews were hopeful about the new Arab Muslim regime, even if that meant being tolerated and treated as second-class citizens, or dhimmi status. But that status had a different interpretation for the Safavids. SABA: Really things didn't get bad for the Jews of the Persian Empire until the 16th century with the Safavid dynasty, because within Shia Islam in the Persian Empire, what they brought with them is this understanding of purity and impurity. And Jews were placed in the same category as dogs, pigs, and feces. They were seen as being religiously impure, what's referred to as najes. MANYA: Jews were placed in ghettos called mahaleh, where they wore yellow stars and special shoes to distinguish them from the rest of the population. They could not leave the mahaleh when it rained for fear that if water rolled off their bodies into the water system, it would render a Shia Muslim impure. For the same reason, they could not go to the bazaars for fear they might contaminate the food. They could not look Muslims in the eye. They were relegated to certain artisanal professions such as silversmithing and block printing – crafts that dirtied one's hands.  MANYA: By the 19th century, some European Jews did make their way to Persia to help. The Alliance Israélite Universelle, a Paris-based network of schools founded by French Jewish intellectuals, opened schools for Jewish children throughout the Middle East and North Africa, including within the mahalehs in Persia.  SABA: They saw themselves as being incredibly sophisticated because they were getting this, in a sense, secular European education, they were speaking French. The idea behind the Allianz schools was exactly that. These poor Middle Eastern Jews, one day the world is going to open up to them, their countries are going to become secular, and we need to prepare them for this, not only within the context of hygiene, but education, language.  And the Allianz schools were right when it came to the Persian Empire because who came into power was Reza Pahlavi, who was a Francophile. And he turned around and said, ‘Wow! Look at the population that speaks French, that knows European philosophy, etc. are the Jews.' He brought them out of the mahaleh, the Jewish ghettos, and said ‘I don't care about religion. Assimilate and acculturate. As long as you show, in a sense, devotion, and nationalism to the Pahlavi regime, which the Jews did—not all Jews—but a majority of them did. MANYA: Reza Pahlavi took control in 1925 and 16 years later, abdicated his throne to his son Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. In 1935, Persia adopted a new name: Iran. As king or the Shah, both father and son set Iran on a course of secularization and rapid modernization under which Jewish life and success seemed to flourish. The only condition was that religious observance was kept behind closed doors. SABA: The idea was that in public, you were secular and in private, you were a Jew. You had Shabbat, you only married a Jew, it was considered blasphemous if you married outside of the Jewish community. And it was happening because people were becoming a part of everyday schools, universities.  But that's why the Jewish day schools became so important. They weren't learning Judaism. What it did was ensure that in a secular Muslim society, that the Jewish kids were marrying within each other and within the community. It was, in a sense, the Golden Age. And that will explain to you why, unlike the early 1950s, where you had this exodus of Mizrahi Jews, Arab Jews from the Arab world and North Africa, you didn't really have that in Iran.  MANYA: In fact, Iran provided a safe passage to Israel for Jewish refugees during that exodus, specifically those fleeing Iraq. The Pahlavi regime considered Israel a critical ally in the face of pan-Arab fervor and hostility in the region. Because of the Arab economic boycott, Israel needed energy sources and Iran needed customers for its oil exports.  A number of Israelis even moved to Tehran, including farmers from kibbutzim who had come to teach agriculture, and doctors and nurses from Hadassah Hospital who had come to teach medicine.  El Al flew in and out of Tehran airport, albeit from a separate terminal. Taking advantage of these warm relations between the two countries, Roya recalls visiting aunts, uncles, and cousins in Israel.  ROYA: We arrived, and my mom and dad did what all visiting Jews from elsewhere do. They dropped to their knees, and they started kissing the ground. I did the same, and it was so moving. Israel was the promised land, we thought about Israel, we dreamed about Israel. But, at the same time, we were Iranians and, and we were living in Iran, and things were good.  This seems to non-Iranian Jews an impossibility. But I think for most of us, it was the way things were. We lived in the country where we had lived for, God knows how many years, and there was this other place that we somehow, in the back of our minds thought we would be going to, without knowing exactly when, but that it would be the destination. MANYA: Relations between the Shah and America flourished as well. In 1951, a hugely popular politician by the name of Mohammad Mosaddegh became prime minister and tried to institute reforms. His attempts to nationalize the oil industry and reduce the monarchy's authority didn't go over well. American and British intelligence backed a coup that restored the Shah's power. Many Iranians resented America's meddling, which became a rallying cry for the revolution. U.S. officials have since expressed regret for the CIA's involvement.  In November 1977, President Jimmy Carter welcomed the Shah and his wife to Washington, D.C., to discuss peace between Egypt and Israel, nuclear nonproliferation, and the energy crisis.  As an extension of these warm relations, the Shah sent many young Iranians to America to enhance their university studies, exposing them to Western ideals and values.  Meanwhile, a savvy fundamentalist cleric was biding his time in a Paris basement. It wouldn't be long before relations crumbled between Iran and Israel, Iran and the U.S,. and Iran and its Jews.  Roya recalls the Hakakian house at the corner of Alley of the Distinguished in Tehran as a lush oasis surrounded by fragrant flowers, full of her father's poetry, and brimming with family memories. Located in the heart of a trendy neighborhood, across the street from the Shah's charity organization, the tall juniper trees, fragrant honeysuckle, and gold mezuzah mounted on the door frame set it apart from the rest of the homes.  Roya's father, Haghnazar, was a poet and a respected headmaster at a Hebrew school. Roya, which means dream in Persian, was a budding poet herself with the typical hopes and dreams of a Jewish teenage girl.  ROYA: Prior to the revolution, life in an average Tehran Hebrew Day School looked very much like life in a Hebrew Day School anywhere else. In the afternoons we had all Hebrew and Jewish studies. We used to put on a Purim show every year. I wanted to be Esther. I never got to be Esther. We had emissaries, I think a couple of years, from Israel, who came to teach us how to do Israeli folk dance. MANYA: There were moments when Roya recalls feeling self-conscious about her Jewishness, particularly at Passover. That's when the family spent two weeks cleaning, demonstrating they weren't najes, or dirty Jews. The work was rewarded when the house filled with the fragrance of cumin and saffron and Persian dishes flowed from the kitchen, including apple and plum beef stew, tarragon veal balls stuffed with raisins, and rice garnished with currants and slivers of almonds.  When her oldest brother Alberto left to study in America, a little fact-finding work on Roya's part revealed that his departure wasn't simply the pursuit of a promising opportunity. As a talented cartoonist whose work had been showcased during an exhibition in Tehran, his family feared Alberto's pen might have gone too far, offending the Pahlavi regime and drawing the attention of the Shah's secret police.  Reports of repression, rapid modernization, the wide gap between Tehran's rich and the rest of the country's poor, and a feeling that Iranians weren't in control of their own destiny all became ingredients for a revolution, stoked by an exiled cleric named Ruhollah Khomeini who was recording cassette tapes in a Paris basement and circulating them back home.  SABA: He would just sit there and go on and on for hours, going against the Shah and West toxification. And then the recordings ended up in Iran. He wasn't even in Iran until the Shah left. MANYA: Promises of democracy and equality galvanized Iranians of all ages to overthrow the Shah in February 1979. Even the CIA was surprised.  SABA: I think a lot of people didn't believe it. Because number one, the Shah, the son, was getting the most amount of military equipment from the United States than anyone in the Middle East and in the Persian Gulf. And the idea was: you protect us in the Gulf, and we will give you whatever you need. So they never thought that a man with a beard down to his knee was able to overthrow this regime that was being propped up and supported by America, and also the Europeans. Khomeini comes in and represents himself as a person for everyone. And he was brilliant in the way he spoke about it. And the reason why this revolution was also successful was that it wasn't just religious people who supported Khomeini, there was this concept you had, the men with the turbans, meaning the religious people, and the you know, the bow ties or the ties, meaning the secular man, a lot of them who were sent by the Shah abroad to Europe and America to get an education, who came back, saw democracy there, and wanted it for their country.  MANYA: Very few of the revolutionaries could predict that Tehran was headed in the opposite direction and was about to revert to 16th Century Shia Islamic rule. For almost a year, Tehran and the rest of the nation were swept up in revolutionary euphoria.  Roya recalls how the flag remained green, white, and red, but an Allah insignia replaced its old sword-bearing lion. New currency was printed, with portraits bearing beards and turbans. An ode to Khomeini became the new national anthem. While the Shah had escaped on an Air France flight, corpses of his henchmen graced the front pages of newspapers alongside smiling executioners. All celebrated, until the day one of the corpses was Habib Elghanian, the Jewish philanthropist who supported all of Iran's Hebrew schools. Charged and convicted as a Zionist spy.  Elders in the community remembered the insurmountable accusations of blood libel during darker times for Iran's Jews. But younger generations like Roya's, who had not lived through the eras of more ruthless antisemitism and persecution, continued to root for the revolution, regardless of its victims. Meanwhile, Roya's Jewish day school was taken over by a new veiled headmistress who replaced Hebrew lessons with other kinds of religious instruction, and required robes and headscarves for all the students.  ROYA: In the afternoons, from then on, we used to have lessons in a series of what she called: ‘Is religion something that you inherit, or is it something that you choose?' And so I think the intention, clearly, was to convince us that we didn't need to inherit our religions from our parents and ancestors, that we ought to consider better choices. MANYA: But when the headmistress cut short the eight-day Passover break, that was the last straw for Roya and her classmates. Their revolt got her expelled from school.  Though Jews did not universally support Khomeini, some saw themselves as members of the Iranian Communist, or Tudeh Party. They opposed the Shah and the human rights abuses of his monarchy and cautiously considered Khomeini the better option, or at least the lesser of two evils. Alarmed by the developments such as Elghanian's execution and changes like the ones at Roya's school, Jewish community leaders traveled to the Shia holy city of Qom to assure the Supreme Leader of their loyalty to Iran.  SABA: They did this because they wanted to make sure that they protected the Jewish community that was left in Iran. Khomeini made that distinction: ‘I am not against Jews, I'm against Zionists. You could be Jewish in this country. You cannot be a Zionist in this country.'  MANYA: But that wasn't the only change. Right away, the Family Protection Law was reversed, lifting a law against polygamy, giving men full rights in divorce and custody, and lowering the marriage age for girls to nine. Women were banned from serving as judges, and beaches and sports events were segregated by gender.  But it took longer to shut down universities, albeit for only two years, segregate public schools by gender, and stone to death women who were found to have committed adultery. Though Khomeini was certainly proving that he was not the man he promised to be, he backed away from those promises gradually – one brutal crackdown at a time. As a result, the trickle of Jews out of Iran was slow.  ROYA: My father thought, let's wait a few years and see what happens. In retrospect, I think the overwhelming reason was probably that nobody believed that things had changed, and so drastically. It seemed so unbelievable. I mean, a country that had been under monarchy for 2,500 years, couldn't simply see it all go and have a whole new system put in place, especially when it was such a radical shift from what had been there before. So I think, in many ways, we were among the unbelievers, or at least my father was, we thought it could never be, it would not happen. My father proved to be wrong, nothing changed for the better, and the conditions continued to deteriorate. So, so much catastrophe happened in those few years that Iran just simply was steeped into a very dark, intense, and period of political radicalism and also, all sorts of economic shortages and pressures. And so the five years that we were left behind, that we stayed back, changed our perspective on so many things. MANYA: In November 1979, a group of radical university students who supported the Iranian Revolution, took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, seized hostages, and held them for 444 days until President Ronald Reagan's inauguration on January 20, 1981. During the hostages' captivity, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Iran. The conflict that ensued for eight years created shortages on everything from dairy products to sanitary napkins. Mosques became distribution centers for rations. ROYA: We stood in line for hours and hours for eggs, and just the very basic things of daily life. And then it became also clear that religious minorities, including Jews, would no longer be enjoying the same privileges as everyone else. There were bombings that kept coming closer and closer to Tehran, which is where we lived. It was very clear that half of my family that was in the United States could not and would not return, because they were boys who would have been conscripted to go to war. Everything had just come apart in a way that was inconceivable to think that they would change for the better again. MANYA: By 1983, new laws had been passed instituting Islamic dress for all women – violations of which earned a penalty of 74 lashes. Other laws imposed an Islamic morality code that barred co-ed gatherings. Roya and her friends found refuge in the sterile office building that housed the Jewish Iranian Students Association. But she soon figured out that the regime hadn't allowed it to remain for the benefit of the Jewish community. It functioned more like a ghetto to keep Jews off the streets and out of their way. Even the activities that previously gave her comfort were marred by the regime. Poetry books were redacted. Mountain hiking trails were arbitrarily closed to mourn the deaths of countless clerics.  SABA: Slowly what they realize, when Khomeini gained power, was that he was not the person that he claimed to be. He was not this feminist, if anything, all this misogynistic rule came in, and a lot of people realize they, in a sense, got duped and he stole the revolution from them. MANYA: By 1984, the war with Iraq had entered its fourth year. But it was no longer about protecting Iran from Saddam Hussein. Now the Ayatollah wanted to conquer Baghdad, then Jerusalem where he aspired to deliver a sermon from the Temple Mount. Meanwhile, Muslim soldiers wounded in the war chose to bleed rather than receive treatment from Jewish doctors. Boys as young as 12 – regardless of faith – were drafted and sent on suicide missions to open the way for Iranian troops to do battle.  SABA: They were basically used as an army of children that the bombs would detonate, their parents would get a plastic key that was the key to heaven. And the bombs would detonate, and then the army would come in Iranian army would come in. And so that's when a lot of the Persian parents, the Jewish parents freaked out. And that's when they were like: we're getting out of here.  MANYA: By this time, the Hakakian family had moved into a rented apartment building and Roya was attending the neighborhood school. Non-Muslim students were required to take Koran classes and could only use designated water fountains and bathrooms.  As a precaution, Roya's father submitted their passports for renewal. Her mother's application was denied; Roya's passport was held for further consideration; her father's was confiscated.  One night, Roya returned home to find her father burning her books and journals on the balcony of their building. The bonfire of words was for the best, he told her. And at long last, so was leaving. With the help of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Roya and her mother, Helen, fled to Geneva, and after wandering in Europe for several months, eventually reunited with her brothers in the United States. Roya did not see her father again for five years. Still unable to acquire a passport, he was smuggled out of Iran into Pakistan, on foot.  ROYA: My eldest brother left to come to America in the mid-70s. There was a crack in the body of the family then. But then came 1979, and my two other brothers followed. And so we were apart for all those very, very formative years. And then, in 1984, when my mother and I left and my father was left alone in Iran, that was yet another major dramatic and traumatic separation. So, you know, it's interesting that when I look back at the events of 1979, I think, people constantly think about the revolution having, in some ways, blown up Tehran, but it also blew up families. And my own family was among them.  MANYA: While her father's arrival in America was delayed, Roya describes her arrival in stages. She first arrived as a Jewish refugee in 1985 and found her place doing what she had always done – writing in Persian – rebuilding a body of work that had been reduced to ashes.  ROYA: As a teen I had become a writer, people were encouraging me. So, I continued to do it. It was the thing I knew how to do. And it gave me a sense of grounding and identity. So, I kept on doing it, and it kind of worked its magic, as I suppose good writing does for all writers. It connected me to a new community of people who read Persian and who appreciated what I was trying to do. And I found that with each book that I write, I find a new tribe for myself.  MANYA: She arrived again once she learned English. In her first year at Brooklyn College, she tape-recorded her professors to listen again later. She eventually took a course with renowned poet Allen Ginsberg, whose poetry was best known for its condemnation of persecution and imperial politics and whose 1950s poem “Howl” tested the boundaries of America's freedom of speech.  ROYA: When I mastered the language enough to feel comfortable to be a writer once more, then I found a footing and through Allen and a community of literary people that I met here began to kind of foresee a possibility of writing in English. MANYA: There was also her arrival to an American Jewish community that was largely unaware of the role Jews played in shaping Iran long before the advent of Islam. Likewise, they were just as unaware of the role Iran played in shaping ancient Jewish life. They were oblivious to the community's traditions, and the indignities and abuses Iranian Jews had suffered, continue to suffer, with other religious minorities to keep those traditions alive in their homeland.   ROYA: People would say, ‘Oh, you have an accent, where are you from?' I would say, ‘Iran,' and the Jews at the synagogue would say, ‘Are there Jews in Iran?' MANYA: In Roya's most recent book A Beginner's Guide to America, a sequel of sorts to her memoir, she reflects on the lessons learned and the observations made once she arrived in the U.S. She counsels newcomers to take their time answering what might at first seem like an ominous or loaded question. Here's an excerpt: ROYA: “In the early days after your arrival, “Where are you from?” is above all a reminder of your unpreparedness to speak of the past. You have yet to shape your story – what you saw, why you left, how you left, and what it took to get here. This narrative is your personal Book of Genesis: the American Volume, the one you will sooner or later pen, in the mind, if not on the page. You must take your time to do it well and do it justice.” MANYA: No two immigrants' experiences are the same, she writes. The only thing they all have in common is that they have been uprooted and the stories of their displacement have been hijacked by others' assumptions and agendas. ROYA: I witnessed, as so many other Iranian Jews witness, that the story of how we came, why we came, who we had been, was being narrated by those who had a certain partisan perspective about what the history of what Jewish people should be, or how this history needs to be cast, for whatever purposes they had. And I would see that our own recollections of what had happened were being shaded by, or filtered through views other than our own, or facts other than our own. MANYA: As we wrap up this sixth and final episode of the first season of The Forgotten Exodus, it is clear that the same can be said about the stories of the Jewish people. No two tales are the same. Jews have lived everywhere, and there are reasons why they don't anymore. Some fled as refugees. Some embarked as dreamers. Some forged ahead without looking back. Others counted the days until they could return home. What ties them together is their courage, perseverance, and resilience–whether they hailed from Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, or parts beyond. These six episodes offer only a handful of those stories–shaped by memories and experiences. ROYA: That became sort of an additional incentive, if not burden for me to, to be a witness for several communities, to tell the story of what happened in Iran for American audiences, to Jews, to non-Iranian Jews who didn't realize that there were Jews in Iran, but also to record the history, according to how I had witnessed it, for ourselves, to make sure that it goes down, as I knew it. MANYA: Iranian Jews are just one of the many Jewish communities who in the last century left their homes in the Middle East to forge new lives for themselves and future generations.  Many thanks to Roya for sharing her family's story and for helping us wrap up this season of The Forgotten Exodus. If you're listening for the first time, check out our previous episodes on Jews from Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. Go to ajc.org/theforgottenexodus where you'll also find transcripts, show notes, and family photos. There are still so many stories to tell. Stay tuned in coming months. Does your family have roots in North Africa or the Middle East? One of the goals of this series is to make sure we gather these stories before they are lost. Too many times during my reporting, I encountered children and grandchildren who didn't have the answers to my questions because they never asked. That's why one of the goals of this project is to encourage you to find more of these stories.  Call The Forgotten Exodus hotline. Tell us where your family is from and something you'd like for our listeners to know such as how you've tried to keep the traditions and memories alive. Call 212.891.1336 and leave a message of 2 minutes or less. Be sure to leave your name and where you live now. You can also send an email to theforgottenexodus@ajc.org and we'll be in touch. Tune in every Friday for AJC's weekly podcast about global affairs through a Jewish lens, People of the Pod, brought to you by the same team behind The Forgotten Exodus.  Atara Lakritz is our producer, CucHuong Do is our production manager. T.K. Broderick is our sound engineer. Special thanks to Jon Schweitzer, Sean Savage, Ian Kaplan, and so many of our colleagues, too many to name, for making this series possible. And extra special thanks to David Harris, who has been a constant champion for making sure these stories do not remain untold. You can follow The Forgotten Exodus on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can sign up to receive updates at AJC.org/forgottenexodussignup. The views and opinions of our guests don't necessarily reflect the positions of AJC.  You can reach us at theforgottenexodus@ajc.org. If you've enjoyed the episode, please be sure to spread the word, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review to help more listeners find us.

In this episode, I attempt to give you an overview of the vast and complex Twelver school of Shi'ism across history.Sources/Suggested Reading:Abdulsater, Hussein Ali (2017). "Shi'i Doctrine, Mu'tazili Theology: Al-Sharif al-Murtada and Imami Discourse". Edinburgh University Press.Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (1994). "The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism: The Sources of Esotericism in Islam". Translated by David Streight. State University of New York Press.Amir-Moezzi, Mohammad Ali (2011). "The Spirituality of Shi'i Islam: Beliefs and Practices". I.B. Tauris.Bayhoum-Daou, Tamima (2005). "Shaykh Mufid". Makers of the Muslim World Series. Oneworld Academic.Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.Knysh, Alexander (2017). "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism". Princeton University Press.Meisami, Sayeh (2013). "Mulla Sadra". Makers of the Muslim World Series. Oneworld Academic.Tabataba'i, Hossein Modarressi (1984). "An Introduction to Shi'i Law: a bibliographical study". Ithaca Press London.#Shia #Islam #Religion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jason Rigby picks up the topic of “Sufi” Mysticism. Sufism is a way of life. Sufism is a body of mystic practice, found mainly within Sunni factions of Islam but also within Shia Islam which is characterized by a focus on Islamic spirituality, ritualism, asceticism, and esotericism.    Western observers consider Sufism as mere “Islamic” mysticism that upholds crude practices, free from religion, and mostly composed of oriental stereotypes.   Sufism emphasizes introspection and spiritual closeness with God. It coincides with the fundamental teachings of love.  Just like in the Ra Material, it's about love and light. It is more on the inward aspects or submission to enlightenment.    Beneath the background of this topic, Jason also discusses how sufism conflicts with the modern world. We are still suffering from the same institutional meltdowns that drags us backwards from progressiveness. Everything is based on the fear of others, hence, we cannot understand our spiritual affinity. Let us join Jason as he talks about Sufism. www.higherdensityliving.com

In February 1983, a group of 42 Shia devotees left a quiet village in the Chakwal district of Pakistan and embarked on an epic journey to Karbala in Iraq. This was no ordinary pilgrimage but had been ordained by Mahdi, the last spiritual leader or Imam of Shia faith. His instructions were communicated to the faithful in miraculous messages channeled through an 18 year old woman. The caravan left in two trucks on the 1300 kilometre journey to the port city of Karachi where they were to cross the Arabian Sea for Iraq. What happened next is a story of extreme sacrifice in the name of the Shia Islamic faith and would result in the deaths of 18 men, women and children. In this programme reporter Shumaila Jaffery returns to their village before she travels to Hawkes Bay to discover what really happened on that moonlit night four decades ago. She tracks down survivors to explore if what the sacrifice of the devoted may tell us about Shia Islam today, asks; ‘could something like this ever happen again'?

It takes a rare individual who becomes deeply and personally familiar with something that is wrong, and then dedicates her life to righting that wrong. That person is our special guest today. Catherine Perez-Shakdam is a French journalist, political analyst and commentator. She specializes in West Asian and Islamic affairs. Catherine is a former consultant for UNSC on Yemen, and she is an expert on Islamic Terrorism, Radicalization, and Antisemitism from personal and professional perspectives that she shared with our audience.   Catherine discussed what it would be for Iran's next constitution to enshrine the rejection of antisemitism to become the first country to make such a stance, and why it is not possible. In addition, what she has learned about the way Iran wants to portray themselves to the world in her interviews with their political figures. Catherine spoke in detail about being born to Jewish parents, and being a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, and also a fighter of Nazis, then married a Muslim and converted to Islam, and also published books and many articles about Shia Islam. Later, she came to detest Islam. Catherine explained about being accused of spying for Israel against Iran, and their claims that she infiltrated Iran. She talked about Yemen, and why is there such a humanitarian crisis there. The biggest issue and fear that we have, according to Catherine, is that there is a tremendous rise in radicalism in the Middle East, and how it is affecting the entire world. It must be resisted!

It takes a rare individual who becomes deeply and personally familiar with something that is wrong, and then dedicates her life to righting that wrong. That person is our special guest today. Catherine Perez-Shakdam is a French journalist, political analyst and commentator. She specializes in West Asian and Islamic affairs. Catherine is a former consultant for UNSC on Yemen, and she is an expert on Islamic Terrorism, Radicalization, and Antisemitism from personal and professional perspectives that she shared with our audience.   Catherine discussed what it would be for Iran's next constitution to enshrine the rejection of antisemitism to become the first country to make such a stance, and why it is not possible. In addition, what she has learned about the way Iran wants to portray themselves to the world in her interviews with their political figures. Catherine spoke in detail about being born to Jewish parents, and being a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor, and also a fighter of Nazis, then married a Muslim and converted to Islam, and also published books and many articles about Shia Islam. Later, she came to detest Islam. Catherine explained about being accused of spying for Israel against Iran, and their claims that she infiltrated Iran. She talked about Yemen, and why is there such a humanitarian crisis there. The biggest issue and fear that we have, according to Catherine, is that there is a tremendous rise in radicalism in the Middle East, and how it is affecting the entire world. It must be resisted!

Angie D'Errico is an Argentinian solo female traveler who has been on the road since 2012. Like many Westerners, Angie grew up with the idea that terrorism and Muslims meant the same, but in September of 2019, she decided to see how much truth there was in those headlines and, without much thought, bought a ticket to Iran. Angie spent the next sixty-two days traveling through Iran and Kurdistan, but also exploring different aspects of a culture that was completely foreign to her. She had to cover her hair before even getting off the plane, was part of the most important celebration in Shia Islam and was the guest of honor at a Kurdish wedding. Between spontaneous friendships, dinners spent sitting on rugs, forbidden dances, calls to prayer, and constant threats from the United States, Angie was able to meet the people behind the tabloid news. And then when an old man with tears in his eyes asked her to show the world that their country was not one of terrorists, Angie vowed to make it a personal mission. In this episode we discussed about this experience and much more... To get in contact with Angie: Her website: https://titinroundtheworld.com/ Her Instagram: @titinroundtheworld To get in contact with me: @thesolofemaletravelerpodcast --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesolofemaletraveler/support

The 12th of September 2018 is a day Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert will never forget. The Australian-British academic had travelled to Iran to attend a seminar on Shia Islam and was about to return to Australia when she was suddenly detained by the feared Islamic Revolutionary Guards at the airport gate in Tehran.

In this episode I sit with Shia Alex and we talk about his conversion to Shia Islam. We have some back and forth dialogue and we answer questions about both Shia Islam and Catholicism. If you have any more ideas on topics you would like for me to discuss, join my discord channel at the link below: https://discord.gg/3pP6r6Mxdg If you like this video, be sure to hit that subscribe button so you can keep up with future videos on my channel. If you would like to follow me on social media, or become a patron, click on the linktree or patreon link below to support this channel: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ApologiaAnglicana Patreon: patreon.com/militantthomist