Zakat is a form of alms-giving treated in Islam as a religious obligation or tax, which, by Quranic ranking, is next after prayer in importance. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, zakat is a religious duty for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth.
The Nabateans were like the Mayans of the Middle East. The ancient people were developed in agriculture, spirituality and architecture. Archaeologists dig into how they dealt with drought in Jordan, one of the driest countries on earth.
They were harmonious with other peoples' gods; they were nomads and travellers and master builders and expert at conserving rare winter rains. Some history of the Nabateans, forerunners alongside the major religious groups and we people we know today in the Middle East. What they teach us? Why can't we all just get along?
The Bedouin have an ancient and fascinating history of life hacks. Here is one: crushed scorpion paste for your baby to keep the sting at bay. Recipe inside.
The transition between paganism and three major monotheistic religions in the southern Levant is one of themes that intrigues Professor Robert Schick from the University of Mainz in Germany. Pagans were very connected to the cycles of the earth, and like all ancient people reckoned with nature to understand why they exist and how to survive.