“Let us get together on what is common between us and you”
سلام, Peace, שָׁלוֹם, ειρήνη
‘Amen’ is the most widely known word in human speech; very familiar to Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The word Amen [Arabic:آمين ; Hebrew:Nma; Greek Αμήν] is used at the conclusion of a prayer, or in other connections, to express affirmation, approval, or desire. It is a declaratio n of affirmation found in the New Testament [50 times,(twice in Mathew, once in each of other 3 Gospels) and Old Testament /Hebrew Bible (23 times):
“And blessed be His Glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His Glory; Amen, and Amen”(Psalms;72:19).
“After this manner therefore pray: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”(Jesus, Matthew;6:9-13 )
In Islam, آمين (Amen) is the standard ending to Dua (supplication), also recited at the end of obligatory recitation of Surah Al-Fateha’ (Chapter-1, Opening of Qur’an) in each prayer:
“Praise be to the Lord, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;. Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.” [آمين, Amen ]
This word can also be used colloquially to express strong agreement. Similar word ‘Ameen’ in Arabic, means “Trustee, Trustworthy” which is one of the honorary titles attributed to the last Prophet of Islam by the pagans of Makkah, due to his honesty and trustworthiness. In this meanings it occurs 14 times in Qur’an. أمن ‘Aman’ is an other similar Arabic word, means “safety, peace”, like Salam or Salm., while ‘Aiman’ إيمان stands for Faith or Belief. All the three faiths have the spiritual links, with Abraham:
“Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham.”(Glatians;3:6-7).
“If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did.” (Jesus, John; 8:39).
“Abraham was not a Jew, nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright man who had surrendered (to God), and he was not of the idolaters.”(Qur’an;3:67)
Despite their divergent perceptions and doctrinal differences, focus on common aspects will help in developing batter understanding wjhich can become basis for dialogue rather than confrontation to achieve peace:
“Let us get together on what is common between us and you: that we shall worship none but God; that we shall not associate any partners with Him and that we shall not take human beings for our lords besides God;” If they turn away then tell them: “Bear witness that it is we who have surrendered ourselves un to Him. Lo! those of mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe (with him); and God is the Protecting Friend of the believers.”(Qur’an;3:64-65).
The world today is in a state of turmoil, one of the reason being lack of trust resulting in mutual confilcts among claiments of legacy of Abraham. Many people are deprived of physical, spiritual and mental peace. Hence the humanity in general and all the claimants of legacy of great Patriarch and Prophet ABRAHAM should ‘Endeavour Peace’ for the overall benefit of mankind. One of the ways is, sharing knowledge to clear concepts & remove misunderstandings. Abujak is involved in the pragmatic research on Semitic religions since 1999. The research work has been compiled in the form of books & articles also published in the magazines like DJ. The books & articles along with collection of selected writings of renowned scholars, on comparative religions, philosophy, psychology, current affairs, and general subjects of interest have been placed on the web for public benefit. Amen3 has been chosen as an emblem for ‘mutual understanding and peace’ and among the followers of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. God may grant sucess in this noble cause: Amen.
Abujak
http://endeavour-peace.page.tl
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