The Golden Ages of Africa

by John G. Jackson

It is commonly assumed that there has never been a Black culture, and this conjecture has served white supremacists well. But in this succinct essay, Professor John G. Jackson demonstrates that assumption is absurd. He outlines the achievements of the various Black cultures, including the Egyptian so often reported as white. In his words, “The advocates of Aryan and Semitic priority in ancient history have failed to sustain their case ."

Genres: Africa

Paperback

Published June 1, 1987

About the author

John Glover Jackson (April 1, 1907 – October 13, 1993) was an educator, lecturer, author, and man of principle. He was born on April 1, 1907, into a family of Methodists. In old age, he averred he had been an atheist since he became old enough to think. The family minister once asked him when he was small, "Who made you?" After some thought he replied from his own realization, "I don't know."

He lived for nearly fifty years in New York City, lecturing at the "Ingersoll Forum" of the American Association for the Advancement of Atheism (1930–1955). During a parallel period he wrote articles for the Truth Seeker magazine. From 1932 to 1972 he was a writer and associate of the Rationalist Press Association in London, England. A pioneer in the field of African and Afro-American studies, he taught such courses from 1971 to 1980 at Rutgers University, New York University, and in Illinois.

Reviews

[Hiba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that i choose It talk about Islam and how it respect women so its helps me understanding more about my religion. Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that there is only one God, called Allah.
Islam is mainly followed in the Middle East, Asia, and the north of Africa .The prophet Muhammad , who was born in A.D. 570 at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is often regarded as the founder of Islam. He was the last prophet to be sent by Allah. However the first prophet was Adam.
There were many prophets before Muhammad (pbuh) including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (Isa), peace be upon them.
The Arabic word 'Islam' means submission and obedience, and derives from a word meaning 'peace'.
Islam is based on the ministry of a man named Muhammad (peace be upon him), and on the words that Allah gave to the world through Muhammad.
(NB. Muhammad is so esteemed by Muslims that it is usual to utter the blessing "peace be upon him" after his name.)
A Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam. What do Muslims believe?
The basic belief of Islam is that there is only one God, whose name in the Arabic language is Allah, and who is the sole and sovereign ruler of the universe.
Muslims have 6 main beliefs
1. Belief in Allah as the one and only God.
2. Belief in angels.
3. Belief in the holy books.
4. Belief in the Prophets (special messengers).
e.g. Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus).
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgement...
The day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell.
6. Belief in Predestination...
That Allah has already decided what will happen.
Muslims believe that this doesn't stop human beings making free choices
What is so special about how Muslims pray?
Muslims are required to :
• pray five times a day (prayer times are fixed by the sun and change daily),
• wash themselves before prayer and
• face in the direction of Mecca (Mekkah) while praying.
Why do Muslims face Mecca when praying?
Mecca or Makkah is the birthplace of prophet Muhammad, peace is on him. In the center of the mosque in Mecca, is the cube-shaped building called a Kaaba (Ka'bah) is found. All Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba during ritual prayer (Salat).
Muslims believe that the Kaaba is the holiest place on earth. It is generally thought to have been built by Prophet Abraham. It is used only as a focal point for prayer (not worshiped) and simply signifies a direction, imposed by God to maintain unity and uniformity among worshipers.
The Kaaba is draped with a black cloth, which is covered with Koranic verses that are embroidered in gold and silver thread. During performing the Hajj ceremony a Muslim walks seven times around the Kaaba and then he or she kisses and touch the Black Stone.
Every Muslim family, no matter where they live, knows what direction the Kaaba is from their house.
(The Kaaba is also called Bakka )
When do Muslims pray?
Each period for prayer has a special name and each time is separated by two hours.
These essential times are:
1. After first light and before sunrise ( Fajr )
2. Between the sun reaching its height and mid-afternoon ( Dhuhr )
3. Between mid-afternoon and sunset ( Asr )
4. After the sun has finished setting ( Maghrib )
5. In the dark of the night ( Isha )