By now I think everyone has heard of or read Princeton professor Bernard Lewis's piece in the Wall Street Journal OP ED section. It has sparked a
debate regarding the date August 22nd that has hit the mainstream, with all kinds of speculation regarding Iran.
Source
What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427.
This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the
farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date
for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events
precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind.
Well, that is one interesting perspective, but in my opinion, I think Mr. Lewis only provided enough information that would inspire the MSM, there are
some 'other' things he left out that may or may not matter.
For example, Astrologers expect a low crescent Moon over the Middle East on the night of August 22nd. Interestingly enough, there will be a star
visible behind the crescent, a bright star, in fact, it will be the same star as represented through the crescent and star that represents Islam.
Did you know that Mercury, Saturn, Venus, and the crescent Moon are grouped together low in the East on August 22nd? Did you know that behind this
formation will be the Beehive cluster? The expectation is, if you are in the Middle East and you look at this crescent moon, Venus will be visible in
a position that similarly represents the crescent and the 5 pointed star. If you use special equipment, you will see 5 points around the Venus star.
Hmm...
This picture shows how the stars will be aligned.
www.astroplanet.org...
This is very interesting to me, because the star in the
Islamic symbol of the crescent
and the star, and the star has 5 points. This star in the Islamic symbol has been said to symbolize Venus. Venus often appears prominently
close to the Moon at the first sighting of the new crescent (also known as the hilal) after New Moon, usually shortly after sunset, and this marks the
start of the first day of a new month in the lunar Islamic calendar.
Charles Krauthammer took his shot at the prediction market back in March and
discussed Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's religious philosophy by saying the man is attempting to bring about the end of the world, and
expects to this by fulfilling Islamic prophecy of the 12th Imam. Is Krauthammer a nut job? I don't know, maybe, am I?
Krauthammer bases his beliefs on a series of
speeches Ahmadinejad gave back in
2005.
According to Shi'ite Muslim teaching, Abul-Qassem Mohammad, the 12th leader whom Shi'ites consider descended from the ProphetMohammed,
disappeared in 941 but will return at the end of time to lead an era of Islamic justice.
"Our revolution's main mission is to pave the way for the reappearance of the 12th Imam, the Mahdi," Ahmadinejad said in the speech to Friday
Prayers leaders from across the country." Therefore, Iran should become a powerful, developed and model Islamic society."
[...]
Ahmadinejad refers to the return of the 12th Imam, also known as the Mahdi, in almost all his major speeches since he took office in August.
Krauthammer also bases his opinion on the
speech Ahmadinejad gave at the "The World Without
Zionism" conference. That is the transcript of his speech for those who want to know what he is actually saying, as opposed to Krauthammer's
version.
Either way, Ahmadinejad is clearly a religious nut. But is stars in the sky enough of a religious sign to convince non-believers? Well...
Lets not forget, the experts have already said that Iran will be able to build the bomb by August 2006. While some people consider Juan Cole the
expect in Iranian nuclear technology, I tend to go with the
US Military
Assessment. After all, what Juan Cole perhaps forgot was, the US built a nuclear bomb using 1940s technology in 5 years by itself from scratch,
while Iran has been using modern technology, assistance from Russia and A. Q. Khan, and has been developing its nuclear program for
at least 7
years according to the IAEA.
Am I sold August 22nd is the start of some Islamic Armaggedon? Nope. But I do find it interesting that on the eve of August 22nd, a significant
religious holiday occurs with ties to the 12th Imam, and on the evening of August 22nd there will be a low crescent moon with Venus positioned in a
way that will light the sky with the symbol of Islam.
While not probable, it is certainly possible Ahmadinejad has every intention to capitalize on as much symbolism as possible, and try to lead as many
Islamic believers as he can around the world down a path of war with the West. Given the politics of today, the conflicts in the Middle East, and the
central position Iran plays in both the prophecies, the day in quesiton, and current conflicts in the world, it certainly is something worth watching
carefully, just in case the prophecy is self fulfilled by the politicians who can't get enough war.
for the thread, very well put and informative. Luckly the 22 is only 11 days away, so I wont forget about it before it gets here. 
