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Contributions of Ancient Arabian and Egyptian Scientists on the Development of Physics & Technology

Md. Wasim Aktar

Deptt. of Agril. Chemicals, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India.

The Muslim scientists studied deeply the fundamental questions of physics. For instance Ibn Sina made a profound study of such phenomena as force, motion, light, heat, vacuum, etc. A great progress was made in theoretical and applied mechanics. Useful work was done in the field of mechanics on the wheel, axle, lever, pulley, inclined plane, windmill, water-wheel, toothed wheel, etc. The physicist and astronomer al-Khazini wrote a book on mechanics, hydrostatics and physics, named Kitab Mizan al-Hikmah (Book of the balance of wisdom) which is the most remarkable medieval work on these subjects. It gives a theory of the force of the attraction of the earth (gravity), according to which the universal force is directed towards the centre of the universe, which was supposed at that time to be the centre of the earth. It includes the tables of specific gravity of many liquids and solids (based on the work of al-Biruni), and a history of the subject; the gravity of air; observations on capillarity; the use of aerometer for the measurement of densities and the appreciation of the temperature of liquids; the theory of lever; the application of balance to leveling and to the measurement of time. The analysis and extracts of this book have been published in Arabic and English. (1)

In another book on balance al-Khazini stresses the need to remove, as far as possible, the influences of temperature variation during weighing. When al-Khazini’s other studies are considered, he seems to be a precursor of Galileo.

Al-Khazini’s full name was Abu’l Fath ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Mansur al-Khazini (or al-Khazin). He flourished about 1115—1121. He was a Greek (Rumi) slave. His master ‘Ali al-Khazin àl-Marwazi arranged for his good scientific and philosophical education in Marw. Al-Khäzin Compiled the astronomical tables called al-Zij al-Mu’tabar al-Sinjari (The esteemed Sinjaric Tables) which were named after Sinjar Ibn Malikshah Ibn Alp Arsalãn, governor and later Sultan of Khurasän (1097—98 to 1157—58). They give the position of the stars for the year 1115—1116.

Before al-Khazini, Umar al-Khayyam did the greatest work on the balance. Ibn Sina and al-Razi contributed to the theory of the balance. Banü Müsä (the sons of Musä), who flourished during the reign of the Caliph al-Ma’mun, wrote many mechanical works. An important work on the balance called Farastün’ or ‘Qarastun is ascribed to them. Al-Räzi (d. 923—24) made investigations on specific gravity by using the hydrostatic balance. This balance was called al-Mizan al-Tabi’i (the physical balance). (2)

Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali Ibn Rustam al-Khurasani was a famous constructor of clocks and, therefore, he was called al-Sa’ati (the clock maker). Between 1146 and 1169, he constructed a clock placed in the Bab Jairün. (often called ‘Bab al-Sa’ah, the door of the clock). Al-Sa’äti remained in charge of his clock until his death in 1184—85. (3)

Another Muslim mechanician of the 13th century was Abu’l-Isa Ismã’il Ibn Razzãz (the son of rice merchant) Badi’al-Zamàn al-Jazari. He was patronized from 577—578 to 601—602 A.H. 1181—1182 to 1205—1206 A.C.,by the Urtuqid rulers of Diyar Bakr, a district of al-Jazirah. He wrote a treatise on the knowledge of the geometrical mechanical contrivances entitled Kitab fi Ma’rifat al-Hiyal al-Handsiyyah, which was dedicated to the Urtuqid Nasir al-Din Mahmüd (ruled from 1200 to 1222). It deals mainly with hydraulic apparatus (elepsydras, fountains, etc.). This important work is interesting from the technical point of view, and represents the best Arabic work on applied mechanics. It is divided into six parts. The first part which deals with the various types of the elepsydras indicating either equal or temporal hours is the most important. Muslims divided the day into twenty-four equal hours. But they adopted another type of division. They divided the day and night each into twelve hours of varying length according to the season. Such type of hours were also used by the Christians in Europe e.g., Italy, until the middle of the 18th century.

The book was translated into German, and commentaries on it were also written. (4)

Al-Sä’ãti’s son Ridwän repaired and improved the clock, and also wrote a book to describe its construction and use. This book is an important source of the study of early Muslim clocks. Ridwan was a mechanician, physician and poet, and had knowledge of literature and music. He played the flute. Originally he belonged to Khurasan. He was appointed as wazir by the Ayyubi prince al-Faiz Ibrahim and his brother al-Mu’azzam Isã. Ridwan also wrote a supplement to Ibn Sinà’s treatise on grapes, and a commentary on his Qanün (Canon). (5)

Qaisar Ibn Abu‘l-Qasim, the Egyptian mathematician, astronomer (d. 1251 A.C.) made a celestial globe. He probably made improvements on the water-wheels or water-mills. Such improved types of water-wheels are still seen on the Orontes, and are among the glories of Hama. He constructed these water-wheels (naura) for al-Muzzaffar al-Taqi al-Din Mahmud, the ruler of Hama from 1229 to 1244 A.C. (6)

The philosopher Abu Nasr al-Farabi refuted the existence of a vacuum. He wrote a remarkable essay on the elasticity of the air. It is an original piece of research. (7)

The Muslim scientists took interest in the determination of the specific gravity of various substances. Sanad Ibn ‘Ali, a scientist of the ninth century made investigations on specific gravity. Al-Biruni determined the specific gravity of 18 precious stones and metals. Ibn Sinã and al-Rãzi also made research on this subject.

Ibn Yunus (d. 1009 A.C.) applied the pendulum to the measurement of time. Al-Biruni devised a time machine based on the Roman calendar. He constructed it for use in the mosque of Ghazna. But the Imam of the mosque rejected it saying that it was based on a non-Muslim work. At this Al-Biruni was very much annoyed. He said that the, determination of time is a purely secular matter. It is, therefore, of little value whether it is based on a Muslim calendar or a non-Muslim one. Only convenience should be taken into consideration.

Al-Biruni made reference to a certain kind of wells which are obtained by boring the earth to that level of water which is submitted to the hydrostatic pressure in which case due to the pressure water is driven upward as in the natural springs. He correctly explains the action of such wells by the principle of communicating vessels. (8)

The Muslims developed the techniques of bathing. They constructed the hot, steam bath called Hammäm (from the Arabic root Hamm meaning to heat). When the European Crusaders came to the East and experienced the comforts of these baths, they introduced them into their own countries.

The Muslims were the first to apply the directive property of the magnetic needle to the determination of the direction of their journey while traveling on sea. The Chinese were the first to discover this property. The maritime trade between the Muslims gave much importance to the southern end of the needle than the northern one as it is done these days. This was probably because in some places like Syria and Asia Minor the southern end pointed roughly towards Makkah. Thus this end of the needle gave the general direction of the Qiblah. In the West the compass was first of all used by the Italian sailors. Some Muslims have referred to the compass in their writings. For instance, Bailak al-Qabajaqi in his book entitled Kanz al-Ahjär described the use of a floating compass witnessed by him in l242—43. (9)

‘The Muslims were also the first to invent guns and cannons and use explosive material in them. The purpose of this invention was to throw bullets at the enemy from a long distance. The Chinese used sodium nitrate only. But the penetrating power of explosives was discovered and made use of only by Muslims. The historians generally write that first of all guns were used in the war of Cressi, but from the writings of many Muslims it is revealed that guns had been used a long time ago. In one of these writings there is a story that some ruler named Ya’qüb besieged in 602 A.H. (1205 A.C.) an African town Mehdra which was under the control of his chief rebel, and attacked the walls with the help of sounding guns and machines. From every machine there came out a number of showers of big stones and fire balls.

The statement given by Ibn Khaldün in his ‘History of Berbers’ also proves the use of the guns at the time of war. He writes “Abu Yusuf, the Sultan of Morocco besieged in 672 A.H. (1273 A.C.) the city of Sijilmasa. He installed the instruments for besiege in front of the city. These instruments consisted of Manjneeq, Urawe and Handam with which the bits of iron were thrown. These bits were filled in the box of Handam, and the explosives kept behind them were set on fire. Its effect was strange and its results could be called an act of Allah. One day with the help of a stone thrown by Manjneeq, part of the wall fell, and from there the attack was made on the city. (10)

The Muslims developed the science of optics. Ibn al-Haitham (Latin Alhazen) made a remarkable contribution towards this science. Indeed modern optics began with him. Before Ibn al-Haitham it was generally thought by the Greek, Roman and Muslim scientists that rays are emitted from the eyes towards the objects seen. Plato suggested that there was another set of rays which emitted from the object seen. Alexandrians believed that the vision lies in the lens of the eye. Ibn Sina and al-Biruni also believed that the ray went from the object to the eye. Aristotle’s ideas were very near to modern conception. The atomists put forward an atomical theory. Hunain Ibn Ishãq in his work entitled “Questions on the eye’ put forward a theory which was somewhat like that of Plato. In his opinion the lens was the central organ of vision. Both the visual force coming from the brain and the image of the object coming from without were received in the lens. Al-Razi, too, in his monograph on the nature of vision showed that the eyes do not radiate light. (11)

Ibn al-Haitham changed the traditional view by putting forward the theory that the objects are seen by rays passing from them towards the eye and not by the opposite process. Most of his successors did not agree with his view, but Al-Birüni and Ibn Sina independently and fully agreed with him. Ibn al-Haitham solved a number of optical, problems on the basis of the mathematical knowledge of his day.

Ibn al-Haitham dealt with such a medley of topics as the structure of the eye, optical illusion, perspective, binocular vision, vision of outlines, shadows and colours, the ancient catoptrics and dioptrics with new developments, camera obscura, Alhazen’s problem, mirages, comets, the Milky Way, rainbows, halos, etc.

Ibn al-Haitham conducted research catoptrics which contains the problem known Alhazen’s problem. It is as follows:-

‘From two points in the plane of a circle to draw lines meeting at a point of the circumference and making equal angles with the normal at that point’. This leads, to an equation, of the fourth degree. Ibn al-Haitham solved it by the help of an hyperbola intersecting a circle. He also solved the so-called al-Mahani’s cubic equation.

Ibn al-Haitham showed a marked progress in experimental techniques. He made research on spherical and parabolic mirrors; spherical aberration and dioptrics. He noticed that the ratio between the angles of incidence and reflection does not remain constant. He described the magnifying power of a lens and studied atmospheric refraction. He stated that the twilight only ceases or begins when the Sun is 19° below the horizon, and tried to measure the height of the atmosphere on that basis. He gave a better description of the eye and vision. He tried to explain, binocular vision, and gave a correct explanation of the apparent increase in the size of the sun and the moon near the horizon. He gave the first mathematical treatment of the ‘camera obscura’.

Thus he deals with the problems which now come under at least seven subjects including anatomy, physiology, psychology, mathematics, astronomy, physics and meteorology.

The full name of Ibn al-Haitham is Abu ‘Ali Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan Ibn al-Haitham. He was a native of Basra and was born in 354 A.H. (965 A.C.). He migrated to Egypt where he lived till his death. He was a noble person and a genius who had the knowledge of many sciences. He was the greatest mathematician of his age and one of the greatest opticians in history. He was also well versed in medicine and Arabic language. When the Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amrillah, who was very fond of philosophy, heard about Ibn al-Haitham, he had a great desire to see him. Al-Häkim was informed that Ibn al-Haitham had disclosed that if he had been in Egypt, he might have done something in connection with the river Nile, so that it would become beneficial in every case, whether the level of water was high or low. According to Ibn al-Haitham, the river water fell from a high place lying in the territory of Egypt. Hearing this report Al-Hakim became more fond of meeting Ibn al-Haitham .Al-Hãkim sent a great amount of money to him, and persuaded him to come to his court. Ibn al-Haitham left for Egypt. When he reached near Cairo al-Hakim went to receive him. They met in a village near Bàb al-Qahirah (the gate of Cairo). Al-Hakim honored him, provided him with all the facilities, and asked him to fulfill his promise regarding the river Nile. A group of workers was provided to help him in executing his plan. When Ibn al-Haitham made the survey of the site and came to a place called ‘Janadil’ (now called Shaläl), which lies near Aswan on an elevated ground, he realized the difficulties involved. Finding himself unable to fulfill his promise, he became very ashamed, Now he feared al-Hàkim and to get rid of him he acted as a mad man, and remained in the condition of madness until the death of al-Hãkim. Then he came to his senses and settled in Qubbah near the gate of Jami’ah al-Azhar, and engaged himself in writing books. He died in 1038.

Ibn al-Haitham is the author of many works. He summarized Aristotle’s works, and wrote commentaries on them. He also summarized many medical works of Galen. His writings on mathematics and physics are 15 and on metaphysics and physics are 44 in number. His books include the one on plants and one on the properties of simple and Compound drugs. (12)

His kitab al-Manazir (the optical thesaurus), is one of the leading classics which influenced scientific thought for more than six centuries. The Latin, Muslim and Hebrew writers such as Roger Bacon, John Peckham, Witelo, Ahmad Ibn Idris al-Qarafi, Qutb al-Din al-Shirãzi, Levi Ben Gerson based their works on this great book.

Ibn Sinã made a deep study of light. He observed that if light is emitted due to the ejection of some sort of particles by the luminous source, the speed of light must be finite. (13) Al-Biruni noticed that the speed of light is immensely greater than that of the sound. (14)

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi wrote two books on Optics. One of them, is entitled Al-Mabahith fi In‘ikãs al-Shu‘a‘at wa In‘itafiha (Research on the reflection and refraction of rays), contains a proof of the equality of the angles of incidence and reflection.

The other is entitled ‘Tahrir kitab al-Manãzir. In the preface the author remarks that one perceive objects because of the light rays emanating from them, but that everything happens as if the rays emanated from our eyes. (15)

Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi, (d. 1311) who was one of the greatest scientist of all times presented his views on Optics in his astronomical works. In one of such works, entitled ‘Nihãyat al-Idrãk fi Dirãyat al-Aflak(Highest understanding of the knowledge of the Spheres); he discusses questions of geometrical optics, the nature of vision, and finally the rainbow. He was the first to give a satisfactory account of the rainbow. His explanation of the rainbow is based on his study of the passage of a ray of light through a transparent sphere (drop of water). He discovered that the rainbow is formed when the rays are refracted twice and reflected once (or tunice in the case of the secondary rainbow) in the humid atmosphere. (16)

Another, important physicist and mathematician of the 14th century, was Kamal al-Din Abu’l- Hasan al-Farisi. He wrote a book entitled ‘Tanqih al-Manazir (Correction of optics) which is an elaborate and original commentary on Ibn al-Haitham’s Kitäb al-Manãzir (the book of optics). It covers not only physical and physiological optics, but also meteorology, perspective and many other subjects. It includes remarks on serial perspective, colour effects, etc.

Kamal al-Din suggested the use, of hyperboloidal lenses in order to avoid spherical aberration. He gave an account of the refraction of light. According to George Sarton, this account implies the following facts; the speed of light is finite but very great; the speed of light in different media is inversely proportional to the optical density (not the same as the material density). The second of these facts seems to be an adumbration of the wave theory of light as against the corpuscular theory.

Kamãl al-Din performed a number of experiments on camera obscura and improved its use initiated by Ibn al-Haitham. He showed that the images obtained on a screen in a dark room by means, of the rays of light passing through a narrow hole, are independent of the shape of the ho1e, and that the smaller the hole, the sharper the images. It was also proved that the images of many objects are formed separately on the screen, but the images and the directions were reversed. With the help of the camera he observed eclipses and the movements of the clouds and birds. (17)

Al-Hasan al-Rammah (the lancer) Najm al- Din al-Ahadab (the hunchback) wrote on military subjects. He flourished in Syria. He wrote two treatises on horsemanship and the art of war, (1) Kitab al-Furusiyah wa’l Munasab al-Harbiyah (Horsemanship and war stratagems), (2) Nihayat al-Su’ul wa’l ‘Umniya fi Ta’allum al-A’mal al-Furusiyah.

The first treatise deals with the military matters such as the military operation, means of using lances, bows, siege engines, and the method of fighting at sea and the communication of fire etc. It contains various pyrotechnic recipes; Al-Hasan considered saltpeter the fundamental substance of pyrotechnics. He explained the methods of preparing and purifying it by means of potash and of repeated crystallizations.

In the opinion of George Sarton, that is more important than it may seem, for the impurities of saltpeter are hygroscopic, and thus tend to destroy its value. To discover saltpeter and its uses was one thing, to purify it was another. (18)

The Muslims improved the art of shipbuilding, taught Mediterranean seamen to construct lighter sailing-ships or caravels (garaf), to caulk their boats with tar still known in Romance languages by the Arabic name of gatran (Fr goudron, It. caltrame)—to handle sails and cables (Ar. habl). (19)

REFERENCES :-

1. A1-Khazini, ‘Abd al-Rahmän, ‘Mizan al-Hikmah, Hyderabad Deccan, 1359 A.H. pp. 1—170.

2. Al-Qifti, ‘Ali Ibn Yüsuf, Tarikh al-Hukama, Leipzig, 1903, p. 271.

3. Sarton, George, Introduction to the History of Science, Carneige Institution of Washington, 1951, Vol. I, p. 632.

4. Ibid., p. 631.

5. Ibid., 632.

6. Ibid., vol. II, Part II, p. 623.

7. Al-Qifti, op. cit., p. 277.

8. Sarton, op. cit., vol. I, p. 707.

9. Ibid., Vol. II, Part I, p. 24.

10. Balgirami, ‘Ali, Tamaddun-e-Arab, (Urdu translation of a French work by Lebon), Hyderabad Deccan, p. 441.

11. Ibid., vol I, p. 609.

12. Ibid., p. 721.

13 Isma’il Basha al-Baghdadi, Hadiyyah al-Arifin, Istanbul, 1951, Vol. II, p. 66.

14. Sarton, op.cit., p. 707.

15. Ibid., p. 709-713.

16. Ibid. vol. II, Part, II, p. 1009.

17. Ibid.,p. 1018.

18. Ibid., Vol III, part I p. 707. Al-Fárisi, Kamál al-Din, Tãnqih al-Manazir, Hyderabad Decean, India.

19. Sarton op. cit., Vol. II, Part II, p. 1039.

20. Briffault, Dr. Robert, The Making of Humanity, Islamic Book Foundation, 1980, p. 205.

The Special Places to visit on an Egyptian Holiday

You will be familiar with the most famous of places that everyone will want to visit when in Egypt which are the Pyramids of Giza, the famous pyramids created over 4,000 years ago attracts millions of visitors each year. Cairo is another popular place to visit; the bustling city offers the tourist a modern city with traders looking to sell you the local goods. However you can also discover a city rich in history in the Islamic region of Cairo.

If you are planning a holiday to Egypt then there are less known but impressive places to visit including Dakhla Oasis.

The oasis of Dakhla houses two small towns, Al-Qasr and Mut, with Mut being the larger of the two as it has more hotels for visitors to stay. Near Al Qasr you will find 600 hot springs as well as an Ethnographic museum. For those who love to learn about the history there are many tour guides who will take you through the narrow alleyways, mosques and houses and show you forges that are still being used to this day.

The small town of Al-Qasr is home to around 700 inhabitants and can be found of the limestone cliffs and on the edge of the oasis. It has a great presence as it hasn’t changed much from medieval times. Waiting to be found are many lintels which beautifully decorate the old houses. Some of these date back to the Ottoman and Mamluk era of around 900 AD.

The mosque are also very old, it is a three-story, 21 metre high building that is made from mud and brick with wooden lintels decorating the building with local inscriptions at the entrance. You can see more old local sites such as an old corn mill and a pottery factory. Al-Qasr offers you the chance to see how primitive some towns are in Egypt and are well worth visiting in addition to the famous pyramids on an Egypt holiday.

Egypt is hot all year round so if extreme heat isn’t for you then you can have an Egyptian experience later in the year, October-December time may suit you better and as it is out of the peak season you should be able to find good value Egypt holidays that suit your budget.

Jason Becker – Eleven Blue Egyptians studio verson with some pictures.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Egyptian Prisons’ escapees rush for Jihad against Israel

 

 

The commander of Central Sector of Hamas at Gaza strip Ayman Nofal was one among them and had been the master mind of Rocket launches that fell on Beersheba in Israel.

Other Operatives belonging to the Islamic Jihad with fugitives have quickly embarked upon planting Improvised Explosive devices at the Gaza Strip border posts with Israel. Israeli Counter Offensive The Israeli Defence Forces at once returned the Rocket attacks and bombing sprees by striking the bases of these operatives. At least one Palestinian belonging to the Islamic Jihad was killed along with three others wounded who belonged to the Al Qassam Brigade of the of the Hamas according to the Jerusalem Battalion website of the Islamic Jihad.

Between 23rd February to26th, IDF carried out air strikes that destroyed a training camp, ammo dump, tunnels weapon manufacturing sites. At Gaza City itself a base at Netzarim was snuffed out. Muslim Brotherhood alliance with Hamas The Hamas has increased its sphere of influence in the after math of Egyptian Uprising. The Brotherhood already had been fronting Hamas’ objectives since the foiled attempt at a Gaza Flotilla to break through the naval cordon.

Israeli Navy had intercepted huge gun smuggling that ship in rockets and arsenals that are brought in from the Iranian sponsors and black market. Judea and Samaria erupts Unrest in the Arab world had been quickly sought to be turned around the Palestinian issue. At Judea and Samaria the Brotherhood escapees fomented huge demonstrations that ended up with head on collision with Israeli security forces. Bilain and Ni Lin strongholds of Islamic Jihad were made a pilgrimage for Protesters from abroad who converged for the show.

This was even as Rocket attacks were hiked up targeting civilian centres inside Israel to draw out a response from Israeli defence forces.

 

Now all that you read above was posted at my TV blog some days before the murder of a Rabbi’s family in the settlements.

 

Not surprsingly, the settlement sits inside Samaria.

 

Though Palestininas authorities distanced themselves from that quite macabre slaughter, when both parents were killed even as two surviving kids watched, what shocked the observers was the kniving of a baby in the cradle and a 11 year old as well.

Netanyahu during his condolence visit quipped to the inconsolable family-

“They kill.We build.We will build”

Next day Isreal anounced the expansion of the Settlements.

What we had posted then was a probe whether the Prison escapees had a hand in that slaying.

Reason? Inspite of all the bad blood between Palestinians and Jews, the barbarity displayed points to such long incacerated convicts and felons who alone would be capable of such deeds.

Ofcourse the hard boiled ideolgue among ranks of Radicals would agree to pursue and slay the last Jew hiding behind the stone that would cry to give his hide away, here is the convergence of both such elements- when most dreaded elements among the ranks of the Islamic Jihad organisation walked scot free in droves in a simultaneous jail break, that resulted in many Prison guards’ death by gunfire- indicating involvement of both the Islamic Jihad and Hamas operatives assisting the Prison break.

Now comes after a long spell of relative immunity from Terror strikes, the bus station bombing on the 24rth March at Jerusalem that killed a woman and seriously injured 3 others including children.

In the back drop an another round of escalation of Rocket attacks into Israel from Palestinian territory.

 

If anything, this just confirms our saying that the Prison break is a part of a larger islamist grand uprising that is seeking dramatic theatre action in a battle with Israel to galvanise the Arab unrest behind it, in its quest for a Pan Islamic Neo-Kalifate.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the ‘Egypt Uncovered’ series: “Deities and Demons”.

Why God Love Killed All the Egyptian Cattle in Bible Versus Quran? , (83)

God Love killed all the Egyptian Cattle, Horses, Asses, Camels, Oxen, Sheep and Beasts

This is obvious and clear cut in Exodus 9

If this act has been done by a Muslim guy, all the Western media and the societies of Animals Rights would have been said that this is a barbarian act and emphasizes that Islam is an inhuman religion!

Now, what if this act had already been done by God Love?

Exodus 9 (King James Version)

1Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,

3Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.

4And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel.

5And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.

6And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.

7And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

8And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

9And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.

10And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.

11And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.

12And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

13And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

14For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.

15For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.

16And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

17As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

18Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.

19Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

20He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

21And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.

22And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.

23And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

24So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

25And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

26Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.

27And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

28Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

29And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD’s.

30But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.

31And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.

32But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.

33And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.

34And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

35And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.

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As I said, If this act has been done by a Muslim guy, all the Western media and the societies of Animals Rights would have been said that this is a barbarian act and emphasizes that Islam is an inhuman religion!

Now, what if this act had already been done by God Love?

However, This story is not found at all in the Quran.

In the Quran, Allah said in verse 6:164

QARIB: say: ‘should i seek a lord other than Allah, who is the lord of all things? every soul earns only to its account no soul shall bear another’s burden. then to your lord you shall be returned, and he will inform you about that in which you differed. ‘

SHAKIR: say: what! shall i seek a lord other than Allah? and he is the lord of all things; and no soul earns (evil) but against itself, and no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another; then to your lord is your return, so he will inform you of that in which you differed

PICKTHAL: say: shall i seek another than Allah for lord, when he is lord of all things? each soul earneth only on its own account, nor doth any laden bear another’s load. then unto your lord is your return and he will tell you that wherein ye differed.

YUSUFALI: say: “shall i seek for (my) cherisher other than Allah, when he is the cherisher of all things (that exist)? every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear of burdens can bear the burden of another. your goal in the end is towards Allah: he will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed.”

Back to the main issue of my series of articles; this is my question to you smart readers: “Is the Quran quoted from the Bible “?

The Benefits of Egyptian Cotton Bedding

When choosing new bedding there are some important things to consider. Egyptian Cotton is a nice alternative and here is why.

Why one hundred% Cotton?
Nature has given cotton attributes that makes it a smoother, softer and more comfy choice. It’s “breathable,” thus cotton sheets never feel sticky against your skin. Cotton sheets get rid of soil simply, thus they wash clean. Cotton sheets are excellent for any season providing year-spherical comfort. The fibre provides cool comfort within the summer and holds a layer of heat air within the cold weather. They additionally have the very best wear resistance of all the principal textile fibres; after all, they become softer with repeated washings and use. It’s also currently generally accepted that cotton is kinder to the skin of eczema sufferers or folks with sensitive skin, unlike the fibres in wool, nylon and different man-made fabrics, that tend to irritate the skin.

Why Egyptian Cotton?
A fine, lustrous, long staple cotton grown in Egypt. Long staple cottons are a lot of expensive than the commonly available cottons, because they’re synonymous with quality and have a higher thread count.

What is Thread Count?
Thread count is the amount of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric. High-quality sheets have at least 180 threads per square in. and are called Cotton Percale. The higher the thread count, the softer the “hand” or feel of the sheet, and the additional pill-resistant it is. The standard and feel of a sheet depends on the fibre the material is created from and the quantity of threads woven per inch. The upper the thread count, the softer and additionally sturdy the sheet.

Luxury Bedding : Egyptian Cotton Sateen Or Pima Cotton Percale?

When choosing for some new luxury linens one of  the very first thing to consider should be the type of weave of the fabric. This is the actual way each and every single thread is woven into a fabric fine texture. It is an often overlooked feature that can make a big difference on the way made up luxury bedding products look and feel.

Percale and Sateen weaves are the most common type of weaves  and are the two main options  available in the luxury linens market.

Sateen weave add luster and drape to luxury bedding  for a soft silky hand. The fabric has a lustrous and smooth surface, with a luminous sheen, while the back side shows  a slightly rugged texture.

Percale is a plain weave with a matte finish and a supple lofty hand. Percale cotton luxury linens are light and crisp yet incredibly soft. Both the top and back sides of the fabric look and feel exactly the same showing a textured surface.

The choice depends basically on the individual preference for luxury bedding  with a soft-as-silk touch and a luminous shine or rather a crisp hand with a matte surface.  Percale fabric is also lighter in weight and more breathable making it suitable for the summertime or the hot climate. Sateen is usually a little thicker and more tightly woven showing the highest thread counts. 

While 100% cotton luxury bedding is mostly recommended for the understated quality of a natural fiber, still not all cottons are created equal.

Among the finest quality available worldwide are Egyptian cotton, mostly woven into Sateen, and Pima cotton for Percale weave.

Egypt produces the best quality, longest fiber and most valued raw cotton worldwide. It is grown and hand harvested along the fertile banks of the Nile river delta where unique climatic conditions give rise to the finest long staple and extra long staple cotton fibers that are woven into world’s softest luxury linens.

Sea Island or American Pima cotton is a very strong, high-grade, long staple cotton quality developed from selected Egyptian cotton crops in the southwest of the United States. Because of the fineness of Pima cotton, more fibers can be spun into a yarn of a given count, which will enhance the feel, softness, drape and brilliance of a luxury bedding fabric. It is named after Pima County in southern Arizona, location of the experimental farm on which it was developed in the early 1900s. It now accounts for only 3% of US annual cotton production and is mainly cultivated in the San Joaquin Valley, California.

There’s not really one best choice in luxury bedding between Sateen or Percale as it is left to the personal preference of the individual shopper. It’s  important here to be aware of the substantial difference among  the two types of weave to get the maximum return on the investment in high quality luxury linens.

 

I Fell In Love With An Egyptian God Of Wisdom

Hermes Trismegistus is the Greek version of the Ancient Egyptian God, Thoth. Hermes Trismegistus means ‘The Thrice Great’ or ‘Three Times Great teacher’ and ‘Divine Magician.’ Thrice great is his perfect and vast wisdom and knowledge.

I fell in love with Hermes because he taught me what I can only describe as etheric beauty and profoundness while bringing magic into my life. He brightened each and every day of my life as I accepted his wisdom. He blessed me with great joy and excitement while putting a smile on my face and tremendous love in my heart.

If you allow yourself to learn and use his concepts in your daily life they will be extremely beneficial to you; as they have been to me in the most miraculous of ways. It is the foundation of this torrid and passionate love affair that I will attempt to explain.

Before Hermes became my lover he was my teacher. He intrinsically imparted the fact that when the student was ready, that he, the teacher, would appear. And so it began…

He embraced me and taught me about ‘Divine Magic’ which is the magic that all of us have within ourselves. He instructed me in the laws and showed me how to apply them daily. The way he did this was by gently nudging me with the Seven Secrets of Manifestation that follow:

1. Mentalism 2. Correspondence 3. Vibration 4. Polarity 5. Rhythm 6. Cause and Effect 7. Gender

He presented the concept of Mentalism: “The All is Mind; the universe is mental. He explained that the entire universe (including yourself and your life) is composed of an all-encompassing Divine Mind, it’s thoughts, and thought forms. I began to embrace the concept of mentalism in it’s purest form. I began to consciously create with my mind.

I adored him as he propelled me towards my first conscious creation. As my creation manifested, and although I had been expecting it, I was surprised when it occurred. I was very grateful for each NEW manifestation, yet I remained somewhat amazed!

The reaction of those who witnessed this phenomenon thought that it was nothing short of ‘miraculous.’ It’s funny…the way you can expect a thing, and know it is going to happen, yet be surprised when it occurs. I guess it is the astonishment of the ability to create.

He bestowed upon me the understanding of Correspondence which is summarized by the the phrase: “As above, so below’ as below, so above. He clarified that the world is divided into three planes: physical, mental and spiritual and that each plane operates by the same spiritual laws.

The main premise here is that each plane vibrates at a different rate and these vibrational differences are the only distinguishing factors between planes. By applying this understanding I was able to elevate my consciousness and life to a higher plane of existence.

He tenderly allowed me to embrace the concept of Vibration which states: Nothing rests, everything moves; everything vibrates. He illustrated how everything in the universe moves. Even so-called inanimate objects because they are filled with vibrating atoms and the energy of ‘The All.’ I learned to apply this principle by accelerating or decelerating the vibrational rate of objects or situations that I wished to attract, change, or banish.

Hermes Trismegistus gifted me with the comprehension of Polarity. I believe that ‘Polarity’ is the easiest of the Seven Sacred Principles to apply to your daily life. It is one that you can easily use to bring about immediate change in your life.

Polarity summarized is: Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike, are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled.

Polarity explains that every experience and choice is the same in truth. What appears to be opposite is actually the same, but with different degrees of the same ingredients. To use polarity we will use the example of prosperity and poverty which are opposites.

Picture a pole running north and south. At the south end of the pole you have poverty and at the north end you have prosperity. Imagine a lever on the pole that you can freely move up and down.

Move the lever as far to the top of the pole towards propserity as your mind will allow. If you are able to move your lever all the way to the top of prosperity you will immediately begin to move towards prosperity and away from poverty. Even if you are only able to move your lever just a little, you will experience more in the direction it is moving. Ideally you want to move your lever all the way to the top. It may take time and practice to get it there!

You can apply the principle of polarity to any imaginable situation in your life by applying opposites. Use this principle to transmute unwanted situations and emotions into something more desirable, merely by changing their vibration to the highest end of each pole.

As I embraced Hermes, I embraced the Fifth Sacred Principle of Rhythm: Everything flows, out and in; everything has it’s tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates.

According to the Fifth Sacred Principle, the Universe operates in precise and predictable rhythms. If you allow these rhythms to master you, then your moods and life will fluctuate up and down. However, by mastering the rhythms, you become immune to downward turns in emotions or life experiences. As an example, implement this principle by becoming aware of the rhythm of the moon and using the waxing and waning of the moon to your advantage.

As I grasped Cause and Effect (the Sixth Sacred Principle) the love in my heart blossomed and unfolded greatly. I was shown that this is a perfectly ordered Universe and that nothing happens by chance or accident.

There is always a Cause behind every Effect and life mastery occurs when you become a conscious Cause of the Effects you desire, instead of being carried along by the wills or desires of others. You can use this principle to effect healing and manifestations.

Understanding Cause and Effect is to recognize it as Universal Law. For example, if you put a seed in the ground, the Universal Law states that it will grow…and grow it does. The sun rises in the east every morning and sets in the west every evening.

That is the law, a perfectly ordered Universe. By implementing these Seven Sacred Principles, you begin to set your own Cause and let the Universe freely deliver it’s Effect to you!

The Seventh Sacred Principle is that of Gender. Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes. This has nothing to do with sex. It refers to masculine and feminine energies. A Yin/Yang principle.

I am extremely blessed to have received the wisdom and guidance of Hermes Trismegistus. It is for this reason that I Fell In Love With An Egyptian God Of Wisdom.

Data collected with Gephi Graph Streaming. This is a preliminary result of the network of retweets with the hashtag #jan25 at February 11 2011, at the time of the announcement of Mubarak’s resignation. If you retweeted someone, or has been retweeted, it is possible that your username is in this network. The data were collected through the Twitter streaming and search APIs by André Panisson, and is part of a research project involving the Computer Science Department of the University of Turin (www.di.unito.it), the Complex Networks and Systems Group of the ISI Foundation (www.isi.it), and the Center for Complex Networks and Systems Research of Indiana University (cnets.indiana.edu). You can find other similar videos about dynamic networks analysis on www.youtube.com More commends posted in: gephi.org
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Jaco Not Wait for Egyptian Open

Jaco van Zyl was certainly taken aback while finalising his plans to play in the European Challenge Tour’s Egyptian Open to find that Ryder Cup hero Rory McIlroy, a member of both the US PGA and European Tours, had his name on the list of Cairo entrants.

Taking on the Northern Ireland star is a daunting prospect, but looked at in a different way, it also offers Van Zyl a great opportunity to showcase his A-game with one of golf’s hottest properties in attendance, and, with world-ranking points up for grabs, a chance to start his campaign to play regularly on the European Tour in the future.

The field also boasts 15 tournament winners from the 2010 Challenge Tour schedule as well as promising local and regional talent.

Defending champion Steven Tiley is currently placed 28th on the Challenge Tour rankings, and a successful defence would leapfrog him into the top 20 and put him in a position to join McIlroy on the European Tour next year.

Van Zyl will have to do things the hard way if he is to get a place on the European stage – he is playing in the European Tour’s Final Stage Q-School in December.

But a good showing at the JW Marriott Mirage City Golf Club in Cairo, and maybe even a final-round showdown with McIlroy, would go a long way to cementing his burgeoning domestic reputation in a foreign context.

He didn’t have the best of times in his last tournament – he finished 17th in the Vodacom Business Origins of Golf Final at Oubaai after opening with his worst tournament round of the year, a four-over 76.

But that was only the fourth time this year in 18 starts that he has been outside the top 15, and one of those occasions was when he retired from the Vodacom Championship in Pretoria due to illness.

“I’m very excited about the chance of playing in Egypt for the first time,” McIlroy said. “It’s not a country you would necessarily think of as a home for golf, but I have heard great things about the courses there, the whole history of the Egyptian Open and the developments that are coming about.”

McIlroy is excited at the prospect of returning to the Middle East, having won his maiden European Tour title at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic and finishing runner-up at the Dubai World Championship later in the year.

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Article 364: The Egyptian Uprising is Commended for the non-Violence Victory for Social Justice and Radical change

Hasan Yahya, Ph.Ds, the Honorary Dean of the Arab Writers in North America

Dreams always neglected in the Arab land for almost fifty years. But as Americans say: Dreams come true” Dreams of Arabs come true too in the recent uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. The young people who almost always unfairly accused by western media and (unfortunately) in their local national media under corrupt regimes, to be savage terrorists follow al-Qa’idah terrorist groups, with hollow unguided minds and dreams. These Arab youth proved to the world that they were not only equal to youth in advanced countries, but supersede other  civilized nations in their revolution according to several respected analysts and observers globally.

Time has changed, and new technologies were used in a civilized manner. With no violence observed except from the regimes forces who feared their positions are shaken. The people of Egypt proved to be uniquely civilized dealing with their dreams for freedom and regaining dignity, not only for the people of  Egypt, but for all Arab people from the ocean to the Gulf.     

The opposing parties partly supporting  the government, and partly calling for change with no efforts, have taken back position behind the pure non-ideological youth, who decided to make change, by making their dreams come true. And they did it. Their carriage, stand off their requests, they achieved one of the great goals in their march to freedom and innovation (with no violence)  in modern history.  

Now, the way is open for excellence and expertise not loyalty and obedience. But by scientific critical thinking, problem solving, high-tech designs to achieve social justice, freedom and equal opportunities.   

 The Egyptian Uprising proved that the impossible (for tens of years) is possible after the 25th of January.  This golden technological model of communication and understanding the spirit of age, was calling attention for respect and admiration among all nations and all generations, and I believe it should be commended regionally, and globally.

Their logical steps for change include many logical points including: Resolving both the party, and the people  Council, Dismissing the Urgency Laws, Abolishing the constitution, Releasing the political prisoners, and forming Temporary Technocrat Government to introduce Election for public posts including the President post in addition to request to protect the Egyptian resources and wealth.  (397 words) www.askdryahya.com

Egyptian Art-the First Great Artist

 

Everyone remembers the treasures Howard Carter brought out of King Tut’s Tomb. The solid gold mask golden shrines, but what do we really know about these treasures? Most likely the gold is what we remember, but to an artist or historian there is much more. What you see when you look beyond the gold is something amazing. the artistry and craftsmanship that set the ancient Egyptians apart from the rest.

The Greeks and Romans who were also great artist usually get the credit but remember, Egyptian art out-dates both the Greeks and romans by at least two thousand years. Some of the greatest works of art of the ancient world came from the Egyptians around the 18th to the 20th Dynasty’s. Just look at some of this art from the golden mask of King Tut (Cairo Museum in Egypt) to the beautiful bust of Queen Nefertiti (Dahlem Museum in Berlin Germany) which is considered one of the greatest works of art of all time.

More of this artwork can still be seen today on the walls of the pharaohs tombs and the walls of the great temples that still stand today. One of these temples is Abu Simbol where Pharaoh Ramses II had four large stone statues of himself built. How such large stone figures could be built with the detail they possess is beyond words.

Even as the paint fades away from a stone relief of an ancient god on a temple wall, one can only imagine what it looked like thousands of years ago with it’s bright colors. One has to give respect where it is due, to these skilled artist whose work has stood the test of time and can be seen to this day.

www.ted.com Wael Ghonim is the Google executive who helped jumpstart Egypt’s democratic revolution … with a Facebook page memorializing a victim of the regime’s violence. Speaking at TEDxCairo, he tells the inside story of the past two months, when everyday Egyptians showed that “the power of the people is stronger than the people in power.”