'What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?
A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.
Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week?
Or sells eternity to get a toy?
For one sweet grape who will the vine destroy?
Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown,
Would with the sceptre straight be strucken down?

--The Rape of Lucrece, Shakespeare I wrote previously a blog "Why Study Islam" and explained that there are many spiritual dimensions to faith that need to be understood to understand Islam. I have sought the help of teachers at Qibla Online Academy to help me in a series of blogs on this issue. I hope through this series of blogs to first and foremost reach out to Muslims who may have an untrue understanding of Islamic teachings toward other faiths, and then to address non-Muslims who are concerned or fear Islamic teachings given the tide of misinformation on Islam and current political affairs. These blogs will explore Islamic teachings on God, the prophets, faith and guidance, and other important beliefs. They will be from a lens of how Muslims understand their own faith. Also this Sunday, January 1st at 2pm CST - there will be a live online event at Qibla Academy. The event titled The God of Christianity & Islam is the God of Abraham, will examine Islamic teachings as well as how genuine concern and engagement with people of other faiths, can help build and repair bridges and strengthen our faith in God and His messengers (peace be upon them).
The next blog coming up is an interview with Qays Arthur, one of the teachers at Qibla. I will begin with a personal interview, and then a conversation exploring the attributes of God. As time permits, I will read civil comments and discuss any questions raised with the teachers.