Center Of Worship Research Articles

A Review Of Mircea Eliade's Perspective On The Sacred Symbols Of The Ka'bah And The Cross

Symbols of sacredness such as the Kaaba and the cross play a central role in Islamic and Christian traditions, representing spiritual, theological, and sociocultural aspects. This research examines the sacred dimensions of these two symbols using the perspective of Mircea Eliade, known for his phenomenological approach to understanding religion and symbolism. The main issues raised are how the Kaaba and the cross can become sacred centers of spirituality, and how their symbolic meanings are understood in a cross-religious and cultural context. This research explores the meaning and function of the Kaaba and cross symbols, using a qualitative method based on comparative studies. Data collection techniques were conducted through a literature review that included books, academic articles, and other relevant documents. Data were analyzed through the classification, reduction, and interpretation stages, focusing on the relationship of these symbols to religious experience and socio-cultural context. The results show that the Kaaba, as the center of Muslim worship, is a symbol of spiritual unity associated with monotheism, while the cross in the Christian tradition symbolizes victory over sin and death, and is central to the sacrificial theology of Jesus Christ. Both symbols function as manifestations of hierophany, as per Eliade's theory, which creates a sacred space in the midst of worldly life. The research also reveals the role of the Kaaba and the cross as a means of forming the collective identity of their respective communities, whose relevance is maintained despite the challenges of modernity.

A Historical Perspective Through the Lens of the Islamic City Theory: Konya Example

The concept of the Islamic city elucidates the spatial structures specific to Islam religion and civilization, deeply influencing the lives of Muslims. Despite geographical, ethnic, and cultural diversities, it has been observed that the fundamental influence of the religion shaped similar urban formations in the Islamic geography. A key determining factor in the transition from traditional bedouin tribal life to urban civilization is the need for more suitable settlements to meet the multifaceted requirements and rituals of Islam. Societies embracing Islam have restructured their ways of life, with mosques becoming centers of worship, simultaneously reshaping legal, administrative, educational, and commercial structures, thereby becoming central to urban life. Islamic cities, reaching their zenith during the Golden Age of Islam, gradually weakened over time during the processes of modernization/secularization, with the rise of rational/bureaucratic powers diminishing their role as the primary shaping force of space. Konya, representing the characteristics of the Islamic city during the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires, underwent significant transformations approaching the modern era, affecting its physical, social, economic, and administrative fabric. Particularly in the Republican era, the Islamic city features were sidelined due to modernist spatial shaping, but have recently regained importance with the emergence of Islamic political movements and approaches by National Vision (Milli Görüş) municipalities. This study examines the Islamic city from a historical perspective, highlighting common characteristics of Islamic cities worldwide, scrutinizing the erosive effects of secularization/modernization trends on the Islamic city, specifically focusing on Konya, and finally evaluating recent revitalization policies directed towards the Islamic city in Konya.

Human health risk of exposure to potentially toxic metals (PTMS) in indoor settled dusts from selected worship centres (WCS)

The study aimed to determine the concentration of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and the health risk of exposure to indoor dust from worship centres in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Twenty-four (24) dust samples were collected from various corners of selected worship centres. One (1) gram of the sieved dust was digested using aqua regia. PTM analyses were done using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The result revealed the presence of Iron (Fe)> Zinc (Zn)>Manganese (Mn)> Lead (Pb) > Copper (Cu) >Nickel (Ni) > Cadmium (Cd) (1050; 81.6; 72.5; 3.304; 2.43; 0.516; 0.076 mg/kg) respectively. The PTMs were within the permissible limit for PTMs in dust stated by UK and Dutch Intervention. Pollution indices revealed Zn as the primary pollutant in the dust. A significant association between Zn, Cu, Ni and Cd while that of Mn and Fe suggest a common origin of anthropogenic and lithogenic sources respectively (p<0.01). Health risk assessment revealed inhalation as the major pathway of PTM exposure with the children population being the most susceptible. Hazard index (HI) values were <1, showing a non-significant non-cancer effect on exposure while the cancer risk estimate shows no carcinogenic risk. Conclusively, the selected worship centres have no PTM concentration of health concern at the time of the investigation. However, regular wet cleaning and close monitoring of the worship centres should be considered.

Simulating the effect of counterfactual changes in religious tourism on economic growth in Saudi Arabia

PurposeThe literature has well-documented the positive economic effects of both leisure and religious tourism. However, certain events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and others, can impair the positive effect. Hence, the purpose of this study is to simulate the effect of counterfactual changes in religious tourism on Saudi Arabia’s economic growth during the MATAF expansion project and the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs novel dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (DARDL) and kernel-based regularised least squares (KRLS) estimation techniques to analyse data spanning 1970–2022.FindingsThe results refuted the positive effect of spiritual tourism, especially during the two events. The simulation results show that a shock in predicted religious tourism will lower economic growth marginally in the short term but substantially in the long run.Practical implicationsThe Saudi Arabian government should prioritise strategic infrastructural development such as expanding roads, airports and renovating worship centres during periods of low demand to promote economic growth through religious tourism. This will allow for the accommodation of a growing number of pilgrims without disrupting religious activities. In addition, it is imperative for the government to engage in international cooperation with other governments to proactively avert future pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueEven though many studies have examined the effect of religious tourism on economic growth, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first one that simulates the effect of counterfactual changes in religious tourism on economic growth during the MATAF expansion project and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some Notes on Aeolian Neonteichos and Temnos

According to Herodotus, the Aeolians, who migrated to the coast of Western Anatolia in waves, established 12 cities in the region. Among these, Neonteichos and Temnos played key roles in terms of geostrategic importance, especially during the rule of the Pergamon Kingdom. These settlements later became strongholds during Persian attacks. However, Neonteichos, situated between the cities of Temnos and Larisa, did not have a significant presence in historical events and is therefore rarely mentioned in ancient sources. The fact that the raw material for the coins minted in Neonteichos was copper indicates the city's passive development, as it remained overshadowed by its neighboring cities. Neonteichos was initially founded as a military base to capture Larisa, which hindered its growth into a well-established urban center. In contrast, Temnos gained a well-deserved reputation as a garrison city frequently mentioned in historical geography. Its strategic position overlooking the Hermos River, the absence of powerful nearby cities, and its location on important routes from the coast to the interior positively influenced its economy. Additionally, the city was the center of worship for the cult of Apollo Kynneios, which elevated its status to a level that could rival the city of Gryneion, a key city of the Aeolian League. This article analyzes the developmental trajectories of Neonteichos and Temnos—cities for which there is little comprehensive information in historical sources and which have not been sufficiently studied in modern literature due to the lack of archaeological research—focusing on their socio-cultural, economic, and political dimensions.

The Role of Armenians in Eskişehir's Urbanisation in the 19th Century Ottoman Empire

During the 19th century, the Armenian community played a significant role in the urbanization of Eskişehir within the Ottoman Empire. This article aims to explore the cultural, economic, and artistic impact of Armenians residing in Eskişehir on urbanization. This topic is crucial for studying the social and urban history of Ottoman cities, as Armenians have been an integral part of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. The Armenian quarter has made significant contributions to the identity of the city through its centres of education, entertainment, and worship, as well as its involvement in the meerschaum (lületaşı) trade. However, in the 21st century, the traces of the Armenian culture of the 19th century have disappeared from sight in the city. We research the concept of the Armenian quarter that existed in the past and use various sources to investigate the history of the city.

Pengembangan Fasiltas Dan Sumber Daya Masjid Untuk Mendukung Kegiatan Keagamaan Dimasjid Al-Anshr Desa Padang Ulak Tanjung

Both the center of worship and the media for the development of the community as a whole. To support religious activities in Padang Ulak Tanjung village, the facilities of the Al-Anshr mosque are discussed in this paper. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach through documentation, field notes, and interviews. The Al-Anshr Mosque in Padang Ulak Tanjung village is the place of research. The results of the study indicate that Al-Nashr in Padang Ulak Tanjung village is a mosque that has the ability to revive the spirit of the movement to support religious activities in the fields of religious spirituality, economy, education, social community, and the development of arts and culture. Community empowerment activities based on the mosque in Al-Anshr, Padang Ulak Tanjung village were successful thanks to adequate facilities and resources, as indicated by the ideal organizational structure of the mosque's board of directors, and the ability of the preachers to communicate well.

The Tiber Island in the history of dermatology and venereology, including the curious history of “K syndrome,” the fictitious disease that scared the Nazis

Tiber Island in Rome has a rich history as a center of worship and health care. Its origins date back to ancient times, with the establishment of the Temple of Asclepius marking its role in healing practices. Over centuries, it evolved into a hub for medical innovation and refuge during epidemics and conflicts. During World War II, Fatebenefratelli Hospital on Tiber Island played a pivotal role in sheltering Jews from Nazi persecution. Using a fictitious disease termed “K syndrome,” doctors helped endangered Jewish patients evade capture and deportation to concentration camps by exploiting Nazi fears of contagion. Patients diagnosed with “K syndrome” were shielded from apprehension, highlighting the hospital's innovative tactics to save lives amidst wartime atrocities. This episode underscores the hospital's courageous efforts and enduring legacy as a beacon of compassion in the face of adversity.

Developing church leaders in Kenya for transformative leadership: Lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic presented the world with a new, unanticipated challenge, more scandalous than we had experienced before. For the first time in history, the world encountered the collapse of socio-religious, political, and economic structures. The closure of learning institutions, the transport sector, public gatherings, economic hubs, worship centres, and so on proved to be more hazardous than what had previously been experienced. In Kenya, the church leaders remained helpless and powerless as people, including Christians, lost their lives, businesses closed down, institutions collapsed, the socio-religious and political web crumbled. Poverty encroached into every sector of the society. The question we need is, ‘Are church leaders in Kenya and Africa a whole well-equipped to meet unanticipated emerging challenges as Covid-19 was? This study investigated whether church leaders in Kenya receive holistic training to enable them handle every situation that may come among Christians at any time. Are church leaders trained to become transformative leaders who can help their followers amidst disconcerting challenges such as Covid-19? Investigations were made at some selected universities and theological colleges in Kenya where church leaders are trained to find out whether the leadership training they receive in helps them become transformative leaders. To achieve this, the curricular of some purposely selected universities including St. Paul's University, Catholic University in East Africa, KAG-EAST University, Africa International University, Kenya Methodist University and the Presbyterian University of East Africa. 100 respondents including 50 priests/ministers/ and 50 ordinary Christians drawn from various Churches in Kenya, provided information that was used in the compilation of this article. Although the Church has remained one the main agents of change in the world over the centuries, in Kenya she has failed to offer the urgently needed socio-economic, religious and political transformation. This can largely be attributed to the church leaders' lack of transformational leadership skills. The article suggests that the intuitions where church leaders in Kenya and the rest of Africa are prepared and the in-service training should prepare them to become transformational leaders.

Coffeehouse as a cultural symbol of Vienna

The article examines the phenomenon of Viennese coffee houses, for which the Austrian capital is famous. A brief excursion into the history of the emergence of the first coffee houses in Vienna is given, the period of the birth of the first cafes, the stage of their heyday and crisis is examined. An attempt was made to determine the role of the coffee shop in modern urban culture. In the context of a study of the cultural dominants of the capital of Austria, Vienna, the national characteristics of the Viennese coffee culture are revealed. The thesis is substantiated that Viennese coffee houses, with their cozy atmosphere and refined sophistication, democracy and respectability, are a symbol of a European city and a center of coffee worship, a symbol that reflects the national picture of the world, partially objectified by means of language.

Evaluasi Lanskap Sejarah dan Budaya Berdasarkan Konsep Taman Islami di Area Masjid Agung Keraton Sumenep

The Islamic garden is a garden inspired by the garden of paradise which is often mentioned in the Qur'an and the Hadith of the Prophet. Jannah et al. (2015) conducted a study on Islamic gardens with the method of approaching the value of the content of the Qur'an and hadith, which examined the elements and characteristics of the park as well as sharia boundaries that must be considered in an Islamic garden. This study aims to continue the research which is applied to the mosque garden landscape through the evaluation stage, so that the final result can be recommended in the form of a design based on the concept of an Islamic garden. The research object chosen is the Landscape of the Jamik Sumenep Mosque. This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method and literature study, which consisted of the following stages: 1) Evaluation of the mosque garden landscape based on Islamic concepts, 2) User perception analysis, and 3) Preparation of recommendations for the mosque garden landscape design concept. The process of collecting qualitative descriptive data is done by direct observation in the field, interviews with related parties, distributing questionnaires and documentation. While the literature study was taken from the main literature in Islam, namely the Qur'an and hadith, along with other scientific literature related to the Islamic garden. Based on the results of the evaluation and perceptions of respondents, in general the garden landscape of the Jamik Sumenep Mosque is in accordance with the criteria for garden inspiration based on Islamic concepts, there are no garden elements and characteristics that are contrary to sharia. The resulting design recommendations are in the form of a site plan, adding plant species to the garden, adding a sinage, a fountain element, arranging parking lots, structuring circulation paths and adding trash cans. Respondents' perception stated that the garden landscape of the Jamik Sumenep mosque played a very important role in supporting the function of the mosque as a center of worship.
 
 Keywords: Mosque, Landscape Evaluation, Islamic Garden.

Evaluating the Effects of Building Characteristics of Worship Auditoriums on Speech Intelligibility in Makurdi Metropolis

To enjoy the comfort of the indoor environment of any enclosed space, it is important to have a reasonable measure of understanding of any spoken word in the room. In line with the above this study assessed the characteristics of worship auditoriums with regards to speech intelligibility in Makurdi metropolis with the view to identifying building characteristics that affect speech intelligibility worship auditoriums. The study was carried out through the employment of walkthrough survey and physical observation; a well structured checklist was employed for the study. Measurements of lengths, widths and heights were carried out, from which the room volume was obtained to have an insight of the space under consideration. The auditoriums of ten worship centres in Makurdi Metropolis were studied. The findings that showed all the auditoriums were rectangular in shape. It was found that there was use of inappropriate application of materials for surface finishes in the auditoriums. In terms of room volume, it was found that G recorded the highest volume with 17064.00m3 while E recorded the lowest volume of 756.00m3 . The mean volume of the auditoriums was calculated to be 517.64m3 , the Standard Deviation (SD) was 4733.44 and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) was found to be 81.36%. The study recommended that proper selection and application of surface finish materials be ensured during construction of worship centres. Also, that acoustic treatment is applied in auditoriums where defects are identified, with the aim of effectively enhancing speech intelligibility in worship auditoriums in Makurdi Metropolis.

Disciples and Friends: Investigations in Disability, Dementia, and Mental Health

Disciples and Friends: Investigations in Disability, Dementia, and Mental Health

Disciples and Friends: Investigations in Disability, Dementia, and Mental Health

Disciples and Friends: Investigations in Disability, Dementia, and Mental Health

Relationship between Quality of Marriages, Marital Counseling and Management of Oral Lesions among Married Female Worshippers attending Religious Worship Centers in South Western Population in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/ AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
 Quality of marriage is a strong indicator of human health. Happily married people tend to show signs of better health when compared to the unmarried. Women in unhappy homes are under chronic stress, they show impaired social behavior, mental stress disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Information on the effects of marriage on oral health is very scanty despite the huge influence of oral health care on the quality of life. 
 METHODOLODY
 This is a longitudinal designed study of female religious worshippers in a south western state of Nigeria. Religious Worship Centres (RWCs) were selected at random in the city. Married females in the selected RWCs were contacted through their leaders on the scheduled date. They were offered health education and were asked to complete a structured questionnaire on their oral health and quality of their marriages. Extra oral and intra oral examination were carried out and the findings recorded. Scaling and polishing, marital counseling with emphasis on the needs to maintain quality marriages, and appropriate routine dental treatments were delivered to all participants. Data analysis was done with STATA 16 software. Relationship between frequency of oral lesions before and after intervention was analyzed for using ttest, p >0.01.
 RESULTS
 A total of 113 married female religious worshippers participated in the study. Their mean age was 57.9 years SD 12.8. Majority (101, 92%) currently reside with their husbands, 2(2%) divorced and 7% widowed. 81 (71.7%) had good quality of marriages while 32 (28.3%) had poor quality of marriages. Oral lesions seen before intervention are periodontitis (30, 26.5%), xerostomia (25, 22.1%), mouth odour (22, 19.1%) and Orofacial/TMJ pain (27, 23.3%). Lesions are significantly more prevalent among those with poor quality of marriages. After intervention the prevalence of mouth odour, periodontitis, xerostomia and extra marital romantic relationship reduced significantly by 82% (p=0.04), 53% (p=0.001), 76% (p=0.001) and 89 %( p=0.024) respectively.
 CONSCLUSION
 One third of married, self employed women in their fifth decade of life had poor quality of marriages. Oral lesions are more prevalent among married women with poor quality of marriage and they also have 94.4% chance of getting involved in extra marital romantic relationship. Significant oral lessons were mouth odour, Orofacial pain, xerostomia and periodontitis. Treatment of oral lesions coupled with marital counseling significantly reduced the prevalence of oral lesions and enhanced their marital life.
 Key words: Quality

Maṭhas in Early Medieval Bengal: A Delineation from Two Inscriptions

Abstract The Brahmanical monastic institution called maṭha was an important element of the religious landscape of early medieval Bengal. Its history from the mid-sixth century onwards can be traced in fragmentary inscriptional references. The Paschimbhag copperplate inscription and the Bangarh stone slab inscription give exceptionally rich information on the organisation of the maṭha and activities around it. The maṭhas in both inscriptions were complexes established by royal patronage and functioned as centres of worship and learning. They do, however, show some differences closely related to their different locational and social contexts. The maṭha in the Paschimbhag plate functioned as the centre of a newly-settled brāhmaṇa community in a rural area, while that in the Bangarh inscription functioned as the semi-urban residence of a lineage of Śaiva ascetics connected with a wider monastic network. This difference had implications for the later histories of their respective constituencies.

Building a Community Partnership for the Development of Health Ministries Within the African American Community: The Triad Pastors Network

African Americans continue to have worse health outcomes despite attempts to reduce health disparities. This is due, in part, to inadequate access to healthcare, but also to the health care and medical mistrust experienced by communities of color. Churches and worship centers have historically served as cultural centers of trusted resources for educational, financial, and health information within African American communities and a growing number of collaborations have developed between academic institutions and community/faith entities. Herein, we describe the infrastructure of a true and sustainable partnership developed with > 100 prominent faith leaders within the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina for the purpose of developing or expanding existing health ministries within houses of worship, to improve health literacy and overall health long-term. The Triad Pastors Network is an asset-based partnership between the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and faith leaders in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina that was created under the guiding principles of community engagement to improve health equity and decrease health disparities experienced by African American communities. A partnership in which co-equality and shared governance are the core of the framework provides an effective means of achieving health-related goals in a productive and efficient manner. Faith-based partnerships are reliable approaches for improving the health literacy needed to address health disparities and inequities in communities of color.

Telaah Pentingnya Masjid dan Perannya dalam Islam Menurut Al-Imam Khomiini dalam Kitab al-Masjid Ahmiyatahu Wadu>rohu fi> al-Isla>m

Muslims often use mosques as centers of activity. The mosque being the axis of Islamic activities is very appropriate to be implemented in society, apart from being used for worship, it can also be used as a basis for society in life. This article explains the study of the importance of mosques and their role in Islam according to Al-Imam Khomiini in the book al-Masjid Ahmiyatahu Wadu>rohu fi> al-Isla>m. The primary data source in this research comes from the book al-Masjid Ahmiyatahu Wadu>rohu fi> al-Isla>m. Using secondary sources of information from books and articles relevant to the research theme through documentation techniques is a common and effective approach in research. Documentation techniques involve collecting data from various existing documents and literature. Then in content analysis, this research found the role of mosques according to Al-Imam Khomiini, namely: (1) mosques as the axis of Islamic activities (2) mosques as places of worship (3) mosques as a place to educate the next generation (4) mosque in building society. The results of the research show that mosques have a significant role in community life such as centers of worship, education centers, economic centers for the people, centers of social activities, and centers for the benefit of the people in Islamic society.

Preservasi Sejarah: Eksplorasi Warisan Kesultanan Serdang di Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai

This paper aims to explore the heritage of the Serdang Sultanate in Serdang Bedagai Regency, there are Serdang Sultanate sites that still exist and are maintained as a preservation effort that is widely recognized and preserved. The type of research used is qualitative with a historical approach, primary data is collected through literature study, observation and documentation of existing historical sites, secondary data completes studies related to themes related to the title through published scientific writing sources; books, theses and journal articles as support for this research. The findings explain the importance of understanding and maintaining the history of the Serdang Sultanate as an integral part of cultural heritage. The construction of a replica of the Darul Arif Palace is concrete evidence of care and determination to maintain authenticity and revive the history of the Serdang Sultanate. The renovation of the Sulaimaniyah Mosque shows a commitment to maintaining the continuity of the main function of the mosque as a center of worship and a silent witness to the development of the Serdang Sultanate. The maintenance of the tombs of sultans reflects a deep appreciation for historical figures.

Implementation Of The Al-Qur’an Literacy Education Program At The Darussalam Foundation, Cibubur Tourism City

Al-Quran Literacy Education is part of the development of a mosque, where the mosque becomes the center of education and worship for Muslims. The Qur’an is primary literature among Muslims, both used as guidance and worship. Moreover, Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 21 of 2016 concerning Educational Content Standards states that reading and understanding the Al-Qur'an is an important component in Islamic Religious Education. The reality is that the Al-Quran literacy index in Indonesia is not high, in fact tends to be low, there are around 60-70% of Indonesian Muslims who cannot read the Al-Qur'an. Therefore, the Darussalam Mosque in the tourist city is implementing a Qur'an literacy education program which is religious education to overcome Al-Qur'an illiteracy/Qur'an illiteracy for the community. The targets in this research is the Management of the Darussalam Mosque. The research method uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The results show that the educational service program is the Qur'an Workshop. The Qur'an Workshop program is a Qur’an learning education for elderly people ranging from 50-60 years and over as an effort to enlighten the Muslim community so that they can read and understand the holy book of the Koran as a guide to life based on activities taught by teachers at the mosque (ustadz and ustadzah) who really have the ability to teach Qur’anic literacy to the elderly community. The presence of the Qur'an workshop program is expected to be able to overcome the very high number of Qur'an illiteracy in the community.