Some religions are well-known, while others follow beliefs that are unusual and bizarre to outsiders.

Religion has always played a significant role in human civilization, shaping cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Here are some of the strangest religious beliefs and practices around the world.

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1. Shingo Pilgrimage

In the small village of Shingo, Japan, there exists a religious belief that believes Jesus Christ did not die on the cross. Instead, it was his younger brother, Isukiri, who was crucified in his place.

The story claims that Jesus fled to Japan, lived there as a farmer, and eventually died at the age of 106. Today, his supposed grave in Shingo attracts curious pilgrims and tourists, despite the lack of historical evidence supporting this claim.

2. Faizrakhmanist

Founded by Faizrakhman Sattarov in 1966, the Faizrakhmanist sect is a religious group that remained hidden for decades in Kazan, Russia. Sattarov, who believed himself to be the reincarnation of Allah, instructed his followers to live a secluded and ascetic life underground.

The sect blended Sufism, Islamic mysticism, and esoteric teachings, creating a closed-off world beneath the surface. In 2012, Russian authorities raided the compound and discovered that some of the children had never seen daylight, shocking the outside world.

3. The Aetherius Society

The Aetherius Society is a religious movement founded in the 1950s by George King, a British spiritualist who claimed to have received messages from extraterrestrial beings. According to their beliefs, Jesus was not the son of God but rather an advanced alien being sent to Earth to guide humanity.

The group also believes that advanced cosmic beings called “Space Masters” communicate with them and assist in global healing.

4. The Church of Euthanasia

Unlike most religions that promote life and spirituality, the Church of Euthanasia takes a shocking stance on humanity. Founded in the 1990s by Chris Korda, this religious sect believes that the Earth’s resources are being depleted due to overpopulation.

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To “restore balance” between humans and other species, they promote voluntary suicide, abortion, cannibalism (of those who are already dead), and an anti-reproduction ideology. Their controversial slogan, “Save the Planet, Kill Yourself,” has been widely condemned.

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5. Digambara Jain Monks

In Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, a sect called Digambara monks follows a strict practice of renouncing all worldly possessions, including clothing. These monks live entirely naked, believing that material attachments hinder spiritual enlightenment.

They eat with their hands, sleep on the ground without blankets, and use a broom to gently sweep the ground in front of them to avoid harming insects.

6. Raëlism

Raëlism is a UFO-based religious movement founded by Claude Vorilhon (Raël) in the 1970s. The group believes that life on Earth was created by extraterrestrials known as the Elohim.

One of their most controversial beliefs is their desire to clone historical figures, including Adolf Hitler, so that he can be tried for his crimes posthumously. Raëlians also advocate for free love, human cloning, and space exploration.

7. Aghori

The Aghori are a Shaivite Hindu sect known for their extreme practices that challenge traditional taboos. They believe that purity and impurity are illusions and that spiritual liberation comes from embracing all aspects of existence, including death.

Aghori monks live in cremation grounds, cover their bodies with ashes from burned corpses, use human bones for rituals, and sometimes even consume human flesh as part of their spiritual practices.

8. Heaven’s Gate

Heaven’s Gate was a religious group that believed they could ascend to a higher plane of existence by leaving their physical bodies behind. Led by Marshall Applewhite, the group believed that an extraterrestrial spacecraft was following the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997.

Convinced that they needed to “shed their earthly vessels” to board the spaceship, 39 members committed mass suicide in what became one of the most shocking cult tragedies in modern history.

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It’s the 14th day of Ramadan, and we need to pause to reflect on our journey so far. Have we remained sincere in our worship?

Have we drawn closer to Allah? Have we embodied the patience, generosity, and humility that fasting teaches?

Ramadan is an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth. It is a time to turn to Allah in prayer, seek forgiveness, and embrace the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Let today be a day of gratitude, remembrance, and renewed intention.

Ramadan day 14 prayers

A powerful prayer for today focuses on seeking forgiveness, guidance, and steadfastness in faith:

“O Allah, forgive my sins, guide my heart to righteousness, and strengthen my faith. Grant me patience in times of hardship, sincerity in my worship, and the ability to do good. Help me complete this Ramadan with devotion and accept my fasting. Ameen.”

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Dua of the day

Dua (supplication) is one of the greatest acts of devotion. Here is a meaningful dua for the 14th day of Ramadan:

“اللَّهُمَّ لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنِي فِيهِ بِالعَثَرَاتِ، وَأَقِلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الخَطَايَا وَالهَفَوَاتِ، وَلاَ تَجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ غَرَضًا لِلْبَلاَيَا وَالآفَاتِ، بِعِزَّتِكَ يَا عِزَّ المُسْلِمِينَ.”

“O Allah, do not hold me accountable for my mistakes. Pardon my sins, protect me from calamities and harm, and grant me Your mercy. O Mighty One, strengthen me in my faith. Ameen.”

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Hadith of the day

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reminds us of the value of fasting and self-control:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)

This hadith reminds us that fasting is more than just abstaining from food; it is about purifying our actions, words, and intentions. Ramadan teaches us discipline, sincerity, and kindness.

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Ramadan Day 14 Quotes

Let these reflections inspire you as you continue your fast:

1. Quranic Reflection:
   “Indeed, the righteous will be in the midst of gardens and springs, receiving what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were doers of good.” – (Quran 51:15-16)

2. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
   “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, but in both there is good.” – (Sahih Muslim 2664)

3. Islamic Scholar:
   “Ramadan is like a rare flower that blooms once a year, and just as you begin to smell its fragrance, it disappears.” – Imam Al-Ghazali

As we continue our Ramadan journey, let us use this time to seek forgiveness, strengthen our faith, and increase our good deeds. May our fasting, prayers, and duas bring us closer to Allah and purify our hearts.

May Allah accept our fasts, grant us patience, and fill our hearts with peace and gratitude. Ameen.

Day 15 Tahajjud (Qiyamul Layl)

Tahajjud is one of the most beautiful and rewarding prayers in Islam. It is a voluntary act of worship that brings us closer to Allah in the stillness of the night.

Allah describes those who wake up for Tahajjud in Surah Al-Isra (17:79):

“And rise from sleep for prayer in the night, as an additional prayer for you; it may be that your Lord will raise you to a praiseworthy position.”

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:

“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during the last third of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.” – (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3579)

As we prepare for another day of fasting, let us commit to performing Tahajjud on Day 15 for spiritual elevation and divine blessings.

May Allah grant us the strength to wake up for Tahajjud, accept our prayers, and bless us with His mercy during this sacred month. Ameen.

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The Gleams Foundation, in partnership with REAKTOREnergy Drink, today announced the launch of its highly anticipated School Tour 2025, themed; “Rising Above Limitations.” The initiative, set to kick off in April 2025, will empower thousands of Nigerian youths across five universities (OAU, LAUTECH, UI, BELLS & UNILAG) through panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and electrifying concerts. 

At a press conference held in Ikeja GRA, key stakeholders from the entertainment, entrepreneurship, and media industries gathered to discuss the transformative potential of the initiative. Rex Moses (Otunba Gleams), Founder and CEO of Gleams Foundation, spoke with unwavering conviction about the Foundation’s mission: 

Our dream is to empower thousands of African creatives annually, starting with this School Tour. We’re not just hosting events; we’re building a movement that will redefine what’s possible for Nigeria’s youth.

Franklyn Eluagu, Digital Media Manager at REAKTOR, shared why the partnership was a natural fit: 

REAKTOR is committed to empowering young people, coincidentally the school tour themeRising Above Limitations interprets our Push Your Limits slogan, and Gleams Foundation’svision aligns perfectly with our values. Together, we’re creating platforms for creativity, innovation, and growth.

Ibrahim Oladele Kadiri, Managing Director of Boomplay, highlighted the importance of talent development: 

Nigeria is brimming with untapped potential. Initiatives like this School Tour are critical to nurturing the next generation of African stars.

Veteran Nollywood actor Tony Umez echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for mentorship: 

We have a responsibility to guide young Nigerians, equip them with creative skills, and show them the path to a brighter future.

The press conference, attended by media houses and industry stakeholders, set the stage for what promises to be a groundbreaking initiative. 

The Rising Above Limitations School Tour will kick off in April 2025 with: 

– Panel Discussions: Featuring industry leaders like Tony Umez, Phyna, and Rotimi Salami amongst others. 

– Concerts: Headlined by Nigerian artists, with REAKTOR as the official ticket partner.

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