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Muslim Culture and Traditions

Muslim Culture and Traditions

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Published by: anggunsha on Mar 24, 2014
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Muslim Culture and Traditions

Islamic or Muslim culture and traditions are unique to Arabia. As Islam spread throughout the world its culture and traditions were influenced by Mongol, Persian, Turkic, Berber, Indian and Indonesian cultures. The current Islamic practices and customs are the result of amalgamation of local culture and Muslim beliefs. Ads by Google Find Muslim Women Now Meet Muslim Women Seeking Marriage and Matrimony. Join Free Now! www.Muslima.com/Matrimonials

There are over a billion Muslims throughout the world, and though they speak hundreds of different languages and live in dozens of different countries, they still share a common Muslim culture. This culture is embedded in certain common beliefs that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger. Muslim customs and traditions include Islamic/Muslim clothing, food, wedding traditions and other aspects of Islamic life that Muslims have adopted in their respective countries. Understanding Muslim Culture Muslim culture represents the unification of all the cultures influenced by common beliefs and practices. The guiding religious phenomena and cultural aspects bind its people historically. The religious practices and beliefs of Muslims are centered around the religion of Islam. The original Muslim literature is in Arabic, the Prophet's language. Most of the literature is religious in nature. It comprises communication and documentation of the belief system from the Quran, Sira and Hadith. Secular Muslim literature developed in the Umayyad empire. It was taken by the Arabs to distant lands and became part of a popular culture. In due course of time, Persian became one of the main languages of the civilization. In the sub-continent, syncretistic poetry from the Sufis propagated the foundations of Muslim culture. The Quran is considered to be the source of many aspects of Islamic culture. Certain acts or rituals that Muslims do almost subconsciously are actually encouraged, or allowed by Allah, or mandated, in the Quran. The standard greeting amongst all Muslims the world over is "AsSalaamu Alay-kum." Also, when speaking of future events Muslims say Inshallah (If Allah Wills), and say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) before doing just about anything. Festivals and Marriage Festivals like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha and Lailat al Miraj are classic examples of the influence of religion in the lives of Muslim people. According to Mohammed, 'half of religion'. The bonding

While creating such spaces or places of worship. sayings.of two souls in holy matrimony is looked upon as a legal bond and social contract. Islamic architecture is common in the following features:           Large courtyards Central prayer halls Minarets A wall niche indicating the direction to Mecca Domes Iwans to separate sections Repetitive art forms Arabic calligraphy Fountains Bright color Music Islamic music is mostly played in public services. It was much later. The musical preferences of Muslim people have traversed the trade routes. Though the architectural form and simplicity of the mosque remained. The common music forms include Arab classical and North Indian classical music. the traditions. While the engravings and calligraphic quotes portray the very essence of humility and submission to God. Muslim art is always devoid of depictions of the animate. the artistry and sometimes grandeur inspires awe. Instead. that a style evolved wherein. Arabic calligraphy is a recognized art form used to write verses from the Qur'an. a third dimension of spirituality was created through colors. Portraiture is taboo to the culture and traditions. the 'One who cannot be represented by imagery'. patterns and calligraphic designs based upon quotations from the Koran. while women wearing the hijab. The outcome of such an approach today stands out as the hallmark of Islamic art in architecture. and stories of Prophet Muhammad and his companions provided basis for today's traditions and practices that are called the Hadith. decorative and floral designs are unique to Islamic art and architecture. especially human beings according to the dictates of Islam or Muslim religion. As Islam spread. materials for columns and beams were taken from other edifices of previous cultures. Devotional music is enjoyed by contemporary Muslims all over the world. embellishment and monumentality were certainly not the predefined objectives. Islamic art focuses on the omnipresence of Allah. The abstract. Art and Architecture Art is an important part of Muslim culture. Using a stick called miswak for cleaning teeth and shaking hands when greeting someone. Men trimming the mustache growing their beards. frequently. the first mosques to be built outside Arabia were definitely influenced by the local houses of worship and churches. Using the right hand to eat with and the left hand for the bathroom. The Sufis are credited with taking the music of the mystics far and wide. with the contribution of creative builders and artisans. Some practices amongst Muslims were never mentioned in either the . Muslim Customs and Traditions The Quran does not mention many practices that are prevalent in the Muslim world today.

Salah or prayer. This comprises his teachings and revelations. Many Islamic customs or traditions that are practiced today are not supported by the Word of Allah in the Quran or the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in the Hadith. Here are some examples: In the Middle East. Muslims believe that the Quran is the outcome of dialogs between the God and the Prophet. By Gaynor Borade . Islam propagates the five laws that are fundamental duties to unite Muslims in spirit. Whereas in Pakistan. Haj. The term Muslim means 'submission to God'. Zakat. promoted by previous prophets like Abraham and Jesus Christ. These are:      Shahadah or the worship of one God only. but are simply local customs assumed to be Muslim culture. after greeting someone. the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca. The Sunnis on the other hand. In Africa. believe in the 'words' of the Prophet.Quran or the Hadith and were introduced by the societies and cultures that accepted Islam. at least five times a day. while greeting men kiss each other on the cheek. The two popular sects in the religion are the Shias and the Sunnis. or fasting during Ramadan. In today's troubled world. Sawm. The latter believe that Mohammed is the restorer of the faith. it is important to differentiate between what is truly Islamic and what is just culture as Muslim culture covers a wide variety of subjects. Islam is now recognized as the second-largest world religion. words that were spoken by Him. Muslims bow down when one's child has reached 40 days old. or donation of alms. it is customary to put their hand to your head.

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