One of the most well known and important pillars of this faith is Ramadan. This is an Islamic commemoration of Muhammad’s reception of the divine revelation recorded in the Qur’an. This celebration begins on the ninth month at sight of the new moon. It is customary for Muslims to follow a regime of strict fasting from sunrise to sunset during this period. This event not only concerns a person’s diet but also is a period when family and friends unite, strengthening family and community ties through worship and contemplation. Mealtimes before sunrise and sunset are prepared and eaten together with the whole family and are said to have a special sense of family spirit. It is believed that the person who observes Ramadan properly will have all his past sins forgiven. Ramadan is a means of self-scrutiny and cleansing your conscience. (Neal Robinson, 1999)
“Whoever observes the Fast, believing and counting, has all his past sins forgiven”
(Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdudi, 1985)
Islam could be perceived as having a strong hold over a Muslim’s life. Women and men have different roles and lives in a Muslim society, although theoretically everyone is equal before God. A male has a more liberal and dominant role in comparison with a female. To a Non-Muslim it could be envisaged that a female leads a restricted and degrading life. The practise of polygamy i.e. marriage to more than one person at the same time (Collins dictionary and encyclopedia 1968) is permitted by a male Muslim. To a Non-Muslim this may be seen as unfair in a relationship, leaving a female Muslim with a feeling of degradation. However at a closer examination it is obvious that this is an exception rather than a rule. As quoted in the Qur’an;
“Marry women of your choice 2, 3 or 4 but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them) than only one”. (Qur’an 4.3) (www.islam-world.net)
Therefore the religion demands that those with several wives should treat all of them justly with the highest respect and those who fail to carry this out should not have more than one. To support this concept of polygamy, it could be argued consequently that Muslim men may justly have more than one partner with respect for each individual whilst men of other traditions may be restricted to one partner but carry out acts of infidelity.
Another controversial Islamic custom which has been in the forefront of the news recently is the obligation that a female must wear the veil (hijaab). This has been seen as a subjugation of women under Islamic laws. A female Muslim may make the choice to wear a veil and protect her modesty. However in the more strict Muslim states e.g. Saudi Arabia and Iran it is obligatory for all women to be covered, Muslim or Non-Muslim. In such countries a woman is not allowed to show any part of her body except her face and hands. A female’s dress must not be attractive to the opposite sex or reveal her figure. However in recent years the wearing of the veil has diminished due to many factors including Westernisation. (www.jannah.org)
Islamic festivals are a feature of Islamic society that are an occasion for Muslim families to celebrate together and are taken very seriously. The two main festivals are “the sacrificial festival” (Eid Al Adha) and “the breaking of fast” (Eid Al Fitr.) It is traditional to celebrate Eid Al Adha by sacrificing a lamb or a sheep and distributing two thirds of it as alms and eating the rest of it. Eid Al Fitr occurs after the end of the month of Ramadan. Both of these festivals last three or four days and are classified as public holidays. During these times people wear their best clothes and visit, congratulate, and bestow gifts on each other. Religious celebrations occur and cemeteries are visited. Another festival celebrated is the festival of the Prophet’s birthday. However Sunni and Shiite Muslims are in disagreement over the correct date of this festival. In some Muslim countries other festivals are celebrated unofficially and to a lesser extent e.g. Saints festivals. (Neal Robinson, 1999.)
The basic nucleus of a Muslim society or social circle is the family where once again it would seem that a male is head of the family in a dominant position. He therefore is expected to provide money necessary for the upkeep of his family. As quoted by the Prophet,
“a woman is guardian to the house of her husband and he is responsible for all in her care.” (Page 107 Nicholas Awde, 2000.)
The family has a huge role in the social organisation of a Muslim. A Muslim family tends to be large in number with a great sense of togetherness. This is especially evident during their religious celebrations and festivals. The family unite together celebrating their religious beliefs and it could be argued that in comparison to other monotheistic religions Islam has the best family spirit. Muslim families tend to converse together in a community, enhancing their family’s relationships and establishing a great, close community spirit.
A child born into a Muslim family is said to be “born good by nature.” (Jacques Jomier, 1989) The mother has the greatest influence regarding the upbringing of the family’s children, especially during the first few years of the child’s life. It is from the mother that a Muslim child learns their first words of the Fatiha, understands and learns the pillars and articles of faith and reads the Qur’an. Therefore much respect is expected from Muslim children for their parents no matter what age, young or old. In fact, lack of honour and respect for your parents is considered as a sin.
Muslims believe that life on earth is a test and that life only lasts a while. Resurrection, judgment, heaven and hell bare a large influence on Islamic life as in the end it will declares a persons destiny in life. A majority of Muslims take the concept of paradise and hell very literally. Naturally a person wishes to gain a place in paradise rather than hell on Judgement Day. A Muslim wants their good work to outweigh their wicked actions at the Last Judgement. One sin that is seen as unforgivable is named Shirk. This is where a Muslim sets other Gods on the same level as God. Hell is something that is feared by Muslims as it is a step taken into the unknown. It is therefore comprehendible as to why Muslims take their religion so seriously. (www.islam-guide.com.)
In conclusion, as a Christian living in a Western society it is certainly a challenge to research, study and understand such a different religion. In my opinion, it is clear to see many similarities between Christianity and Islam. Islam seems to be a Christianity taken very literally and to a more strict level. Without a doubt, it is interesting to see the diverse customs and beliefs that are entailed in this religion and even better to discover that such culture is alive in society today.
