Who is Daniel Haqiqatjou?Daniel Haqiqatjou was born in Houston, Texas. He attended Harvard University where he majored in Physics and minored in Philosophy. He completed a Masters degree in Philosophy at Tufts University. Haqiqatjou also studies traditional Islamic sciences part-time. He writes and lectures on contemporary issues surrounding Muslims and Modernity.
What is Zionism?Zionism is a political movement that supports the self-determination and homeland for Jewish people in Israel. Zionists advocate for the existence and continuation of Israel, but is used by Israel's settler movement to justify expansion and occupation into internationally recognized Palestinian lands.
The 'Greater Israel' project is a frequently contentious, right-wing Zionist project linked to settlement expansion and greater land annexation concepts for a Jewish state. The project may include the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea (including the West Bank and Gaza) to biblical, larger borders stretching from the River Nile to the Euphrates.
Jewish, Christian and Muslim Zionists are those Jews, Christians and Muslims who support Israel in its objectives in the 'Greater Israel' project.
Where is Israel?Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in the Middle East. Located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan on the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest.
What is Salafi?Salafi refers to a fundamentalist movement within Sunni Islam that emphasizes a return to the practices of the early generations of Muslims. These are often described as the "pious predecessors" (al-salaf al-??li?). Salafis adhere to a literal interpretation of the Quran and the Sunna (the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and practices). The movement is characterized by its emphasis on purifying Islam from what it perceives as later accretions and innovations.
What is Islam?One of the major religions of the world, Islam literally translates to "submission," as a follower of Islam (Muslims) devotes their life to that of their God. The religion began with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. The theology of Islam is based on the Qur'an, which was given to Muhammad by God. Some of the major fundamental principles of Islam include the Five Pillars, which hope to unite all Muslims into a community. Two different factions of Muslims exist - the majority are known as Sunni, with a small percentage known as Shi'a - both predominantly reside throughout the Middle East.
Muhammad died in 632 AD and the religion of Islam formally started after his death. The Quran was formally compiled and finalised in 650 AD, prior to which it was 'memorised' and written across many parchments.