In a unique blend of technology and spirituality, a company in Saudi Arabia has introduced an innovative product that allows consumers to "drink" verses from the Quran. This novel concept involves printing Quranic verses on dissolvable paper, which can then be infused into water, creating a drink that is both nourishing for the body and the soul.
The product, which has garnered attention both locally and internationally, is designed to provide a tangible way for individuals to internalize the holy text. The dissolvable paper is made from food-safe materials that disintegrate in water, leaving behind the ink that contains the sacred verses. This ink is also edible and safe for consumption, ensuring that the product adheres to health and safety standards.
His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein is the 43rd generation direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammed. King Abdullah assumed his constitutional powers as King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on February 7, 1999, the day his father, the late King Hussein, passed away.
The absence of early materials is the first issue we face while attempting to learn more about the Historical Jesus. Only the obviously mythical Christ of Faith is mentioned in the oldest writings. We have grounds to doubt these early sources because they were all written by Christian authors who were motivated to spread Christianity and were assembled decades after the purported occurrences. The Gospels' authors do not identify themselves, explain their credentials, or offer any critique of their primary sources, which they also do not name. Given their abundance of legendary and non-historical material and extensive editing over time, the Gospels should not persuade skeptics to believe even their more banal assertions.
Whether modern depictions of the appearance of Jesus are historically accurate has long been a subject of debate, and one rumor related to that debate holds that the modern image of Jesus is largely based on the appearance of Cesare Borgia, a 15th century Italian nobleman.
Claims about Cesare Borgia’s likeness forming the basis for all modern depictions of Jesus are scattered. An online “encyclopedia” of dubious merit asserts the rumor as a “little known fact,” crediting French novelist Alexandre Dumas for the notion that Borgia “influenced many images of Jesus Christ painted during and subsequent to his career.”
Access to the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque in Mecca was indeed restricted at various points during the COVID-19 pandemic as a measure to control the spread of the virus. The Saudi Arabian government took several unprecedented steps to ensure the safety of worshippers and the broader community. These measures included temporarily suspending the Umrah pilgrimage, limiting the number of worshippers allowed inside the Grand Mosque, and implementing strict health protocols such as social distancing, wearing masks, and frequent sanitization.
During the peak of the pandemic, the Grand Mosque was closed to the public for the first time in its history, and the annual Hajj pilgrimage was significantly scaled down, with only a limited number of domestic pilgrims allowed to participate. These restrictions were gradually eased as the situation improved and health measures were put in place to ensure the safety of all visitors.
These actions were part of a broader effort by Saudi Arabia to manage the pandemic while balancing the spiritual needs of Muslims around the world. The restrictions were lifted in stages, with careful consideration of health and safety guidelines, to eventually allow the resumption of normal religious activities.