Solara
Core Belief: Solara centers on the belief in one God, the same deity worshipped in Judaism (Yahweh), Christianity (God), and Islam (Allah). It acknowledges that God has guided humanity through various prophets, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, emphasizing that all these messages are unified expressions of divine truth. Solara aims to bridge the spiritual and moral teachings of the three faiths, fostering harmony and understanding among believers.
Scripture: The sacred text of Solara is called the “Lumen” (meaning "light" in Latin). It is a compilation of selected teachings from the Torah, the Gospels, and the Quran, emphasizing the shared moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance found in these scriptures. The Lumen serves as a guide for living a life of unity, compassion, and devotion to God.
Core Principles:
- Oneness of God: Solara upholds the absolute unity of God, transcendent and compassionate. Followers reject any divisions or partnerships in God's essence, adhering to a strict monotheism.
- Unity of Prophets: Prophets are viewed as messengers of God who brought divine guidance to humanity. Solara honors key figures like Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, as well as other prophets from each tradition, as part of a continuous line of spiritual leaders.
- Scriptural Harmony: Solara respects the Torah, the Gospels, and the Quran as divine revelations that collectively express God’s will. The Lumen harmonizes their teachings into a unified spiritual framework.
- Moral and Ethical Living: Followers are called to live lives of justice, charity, love, and humility, following the moral teachings from all three faiths, including the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Five Pillars.
Rituals and Worship:
- Daily Prayers (Solara Prayers): Prayers are observed five times a day, incorporating recitations and meditative elements from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
- Day of Reflection: A day combining the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday), the Christian Sunday, and the Islamic Friday congregational prayers. Followers gather for communal worship, reflection, and service.
- Holy Month (Illuminare): Solara has a unified month of fasting and reflection called Illuminare, blending the spiritual practices of Ramadan and Yom Kippur, focusing on purification, gratitude, and renewal.
Holidays and Festivals:
- Festival of Liberation: A celebration merging elements of Passover, Easter, and Eid, focusing on freedom, renewal, and God’s guidance through history.
- Prophet’s Unity Day: An occasion to honor the prophets of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, reflecting on their teachings and the message they carried.
- Solara Light Festival: This festival combines Hanukkah, Christmas, and Mawlid al-Nabi, symbolizing the shared divine light and hope among believers.
Places of Worship: Worship centers are called "Unity Chapels." These chapels blend elements of synagogues, churches, and mosques, offering spaces for congregational prayer, study, and meditation, oriented toward a central symbol representing unity.
Symbol: The symbol of Solara is the "Sun of Unity", featuring a central sun with three rays extending outward, representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam converging into one radiant source of divine light.
Dietary Guidelines: Solara promotes dietary guidelines that respect both kosher and halal principles. Followers abstain from pork and alcohol, and meals are blessed with prayers from each tradition, symbolizing gratitude and the shared divine bounty.
Life Cycle Rituals:
- Birth Blessings: Newborns are welcomed with blessings incorporating prayers from all three traditions, emphasizing the child’s connection to the divine and the community.
- Marriage Ceremonies: Marriages are conducted with elements from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, ensuring that all unions honor the shared values of love, fidelity, and devotion.
- Funeral Rites: Funerals include prayers and practices from the three faiths, honoring the deceased with respect and uniting believers in the hope of eternal life.
Community and Charity: Solara emphasizes the importance of charity and community support, encouraging followers to engage in tzedakah (charity), zakat (almsgiving), and volunteer work, ensuring social justice and helping those in need. Community projects and initiatives aim to strengthen bonds among members and uplift society as a whole.