How Islamic Teachings Are Practiced and Interpreted in Different Cultures and Countries - Research Paper Example

Cultural Diversity Assignment Introduction People from various backgrounds live and interact in various ways. In the modern globalized world, nearly all groups of people are represented in every corner of the world. One of the ways in which diversity is shown is through religion. Different religions have their own teachings, and these are interpreted and practiced based on where the religion is being practiced. In this paper, focus is given to Islam and its teachings. Specifically, the paper briefly outlines the five pillars of Islam, and examines how these are practiced and received in different countries/regions. The countries/regions included in this paper are the United States, Great Britain, Middle East, India, Pakistan and Philippines. The paper further examines how Islam differs from Christianity and Judaism, and how these understanding affect the Muslim to non-Muslim relations. Finally, the paper proposes ways in which these relations can be improved. A brief look at the five pillars of Islam In order to have an idea about the teachings of Islam, this section briefly discusses the five Pillars of Islam. The first is the Declaration of Faith (Shahada), which is the belief in one God and Prophet Muhammad. Prayer (Salat) is the second pillar which emphasizes that observant Muslims have to pray five times in a day (Arab American National Museum (AANM), 2011). Prayers should be conducted at dawn, mid-day, mid-afternoon, at sunset and nightfall. These prayers can either be performed individually or in groups. The third tenet is Fasting (Soum). Ramadan is considered to be a holy month by Muslims. They believe that Prophet Muhammad got his first revelation during this month. Therefore, Muslims use this period to reflect and pray, and at the same time trying to correct their mistakes. Therefore, during this period, all Muslims are expected to fast and pray (AANM, 2011). Fourth, there is the pillar of Charity (Zakat) which requires that all Muslims have to give to charity every year. This giving is usually done during the month of Ramadan, and the specific amount to give depends on the financial capabilities of the individual. The final pillar is Pilgrimage (Hajj). According to this pillar, all Muslims who have the financial and personal capability must perform the hajj once during their lifetime (AANM, 2011). All pilgrims wear white garments to in order to create a sense of equality before God. Currently, it is estimated that more than three millions pilgrims arrive in Mecca every year for the hajj. How Islamic teachings are practiced and interpreted in different cultures and Countries The United States In a research conducted by the Pew Research Center (2011) on Muslim Americans, the results show that most of the Muslims in America strictly follow the teachings and practices of Islam. Most of them believe in one God and the prophet Muhammad, most believe in the Day of Judgment as well as the existence of angels (PewResearchCenter, 2011). However, these teachings are also practiced and interpreted differently in America. For example, only 48% of the US Muslims report that they observe the five prayers daily (PewResearchCenter, 2011). Another illustration is the wearing of hijab among the women. The research shows that 40% of US women Muslims never wear the hijab. Most American Muslims, about 57%, say that the Islamic teachings can be interpreted in many ways. This is a clear illustration of how the American society has significantly shaped the way the teachings of Islam are practiced in the US. In addition, the research further shows that a good number of Americans have negative misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. For example, 20% of the American Muslims say that they are subjected to unfair treatment and discrimination by the general population. In particular, the research shows that these forms of treatment have become worse since the 9/11 incidence. American Muslims argue that many Americans fail to understand the teachings of Islam, and this has led them to develop negative attitudes about Islam and Muslims (PewResearchCenter, 2011). Great Britain In Britain, there are more than 1.6 million Muslims, with the largest percentage living in London. These Muslims are of diverse backgrounds where most of them originated from countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Asian countries (Suleiman, 2009). In Britain, Muslims have been given the freedom to practice all the teachings of Islam, including the five prayers, slaughtering animals for halal food and the building of mosques (Suleiman, 2009). This has made Britain one of the most favorable regions in which Muslims can exercise their religious freedom without any form of discrimination. However, Muslims in the UK have had to adapt to the nature of the society considering that they are the minority group. This means that although they try to follow all the teachings of Islam, adjustments have been made in order to fit into the society. For example, the British society does not make reference to God in their political language, and this has made Muslims use a language that is more inclusive. There are however misunderstandings of Islam and its teachings among the non-Muslims in Britain. This has been made worse since the launch of the ‘war on terror’ and the 7 July 2005 London bombings (Suleiman, 2009). For example, many non-Muslims believe that jihad means war and associate this concept with terrorism. This creates tension between Muslims and non-Muslims. Middle East Unlike America and Great Britain, the majority of the population in this region is Muslim, estimated to be about 90% of the total population. However, there exists great diversity within the religion itself, where the main division is mainly between the Shite and Sunni Muslims (Lee & Shitrit, 2014). Due to the high number of Muslims in this region, the teachings of Islam are strictly followed and adhered to. Compared to the Muslims in western countries, Muslims of this region are more religious. They tend to follow all the teachings of the Quran. The constitutions of many of the countries in this region recognize Islam as the country’s religion. This has led to discriminations against minority religions in most of these countries. As the population of Muslim continues to grow, the inter-religious tensions are likely to increase. In addition, it should be noted that there are radical Islamic groups such as the Hezbollah and the Hamas who engage in violence against the state (Lee & Shitrit, 2014). India In India, it is estimated that Muslims make up roughly 13% of the population (Pandya, 2010). They draw their origin from the powerful Muslims leaders who once ruled India. In addition, most of them originated from Central Asia. This makes Indian Muslims have a sense of belonging and ownership as opposed to seeing themselves as the minority group as Muslims in other countries do. When it comes to practicing of the Islamic teachings, most of the Indian Muslims adhere to the teachings, although some differences can be noticed (Pandya, 2010). This is because Islam was adopted by different communities in India, and the cultures of these communities greatly influenced the way Islam is practiced. For example, at the start of the 20th century, some reformist Muslim organizations wanted to change the Islamic philosophy and align it to the modern world. They, for instance, wanted to do away with polygamy. Indian Muslims have suffered negative stereotyping and violence (Pandya, 2010). Non-Muslims in India have in the past attacked Muslims, and accused them of being a threat to the nation. Such attacks have significantly weakened the relationship between the Muslims and the larger Hindu society (Pandya, 2010). Pakistan This the only state established under the name of Islam. It is estimated that more than 95% of the population are Muslims (Limaye, 1999). Since they form the larger part of the population, Muslims in Pakistan, unlike those in other regions, are not harassed by other groups. This gives them the freedom to practice their Islamic teachings without interference. However, Muslims in Pakistan belong to the less conservative school of Islam. They therefore do not follow all the Islamic teachings strictly and hence tend to align their practices to the modern society. The two Muslim factions, Shiite and Sunni, have learned have to live with and tolerate each other. This tolerance is best illustrated by the events of the 1950s when the Sunni Muslim attempted to harass the smaller group of Ahmedi Muslims (Limaye, 1999). This campaign was quickly put off by the government. Philippines Muslims in this country only form 5% of the entire population (Limaye, 1999). This Muslim community is referred to as the Moros and lives in the southern region of the country. Unlike many of the minority groups on other parts of the world, the Moros have resisted outside influence demanding to change it way of life. They have continued to practice the teachings of Islam. Initiatives, especially by the American government, to integrate the Muslim community with the rest of the Christians in the country have failed. This has led to the development of separatist movements, and the tension between the larger Christian society and the minority Muslim is evident. Contrasting Islam to Judaism and Christianity Islam, Christianity and Judaism are three major religions on earth. Although there are some similarities between the three, Islam differs from Judaism and Christianity in a number of ways. First, whereas the Jews and Christians believe that Jesus died during crucifixion, the Muslims believe that he never died but descended to heaven during crucifixion. Secondly, both Jews and Christian view Islam as a false religion with false interpretations (Kurtz, 2007). Thirdly, both Christians and Jews believe that divine revelation is through prophets and is written in the bible, Muslims believe that divine revelation is trough prophet Muhammad and is recorded in the Quran. How these understandings affect Muslim and non-Muslim relations From the above discussion, it is clear that Islam is practiced and understood differently in different regions. In addition, Jews and Christians share certain beliefs that contradict the Islamic views. These understandings affect the relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in a number of ways. First, Islam has been viewed by non-Muslims as a religion that promotes isolation and non-integration. Therefore, the Muslims in countries dominated by other religions are often seen as the root cause of the problems around cohesion. This has greatly affected how Muslims and non-Muslims interact and communicate with one another. In some cases, Muslims are treated with suspicion and arrogance. Secondly, some of the teachings in Islam have been interpreted differently across different cultures. This has led to stereotyping and profiling of Muslims, especially in the western countries. For example, jihad has traditionally been interpreted by most non-Muslims to mean that Muslims love war and therefore behind the terror attacks witnessed around the world. As a result, Muslims have been abused and assaulted in certain parts of the world. This has become worse after the 9/11 incidence. Thirdly, most Muslims find it difficult to integrate into modern societies, especially in western countries, which are seen as secular. This has greatly reduced the participation of Muslims in social and economic activities with the non-Muslims. Finally, in some regions, Muslims have formed separatist movements that attempt to rival the state and other religions, and this leads to further tension between Muslims and non-Muslims. Recommendations: How these problems be addressed Islam is practiced and interpreted differently in different parts of the world. Although Islam as a religion is one that promotes peace and cohesion, the tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims are evident. These can be addressed in a number of ways. First, both Muslims and non-Muslims need to visit each other in their places of worship and other religious ceremonies. This will ensure that they have a good understanding and appreciation of the teachings and practices of the other religions. Secondly, whenever a Muslim or non-Muslim commits a crime, say engages in terrorist activities, such a person should not be defended by members of his faith. It is important that a criminal or terrorist is treated as such but not as a member of a given faith. Thirdly, the society has to offer equal opportunities to all groups, regardless of their numbers in that country. For example, in countries dominated by Christians, it is important that the Muslims are offered an equal chance to get an education, employment and participate in other social activities. Fourth, it is necessary that both Muslims and non-Muslims align their beliefs and traditions to match and conform to the modern society and the societies in which they live. This will help enhance integration and cohesion. Finally, the media has a big role to play in promoting these relationships. In particular, there is need t avoid the spread of hate messages against certain religions or members of a given religion. Conclusion The teachings of Islam are received and interpreted differently across different cultures. The discussion above has attempted to highlight how Islam is interpreted and practiced on various countries across the world. Although only a few countries have been considered in the discussion, it is clear that in countries where Islam is the major religion; its teachings are followed strictly. However, in countries where Muslims is the minority religion, adjustments are made in order to allow the Muslims blend into the wider society. This helps the Muslim interact and communicate with non-Muslims, and at the same tine giving them a chance to take part in social and economic activities. Unfortunately, Islam and Muslims continue to be misunderstood by non-Muslims. This is brought about the contrasts that exist between the teachings of Islam and those of other religions. In addition, many non-Muslims do not understand exactly what the Islamic teachings are all about, and often misinterpret them. This has created tension between Muslims and non-Muslims in some parts of the worlds, especially in western countries. On the other hand, in certain countries dominated by Muslims, non-Muslims have been discriminated against. There is need for religious leaders and the society in general to learn how to work together with members of other faiths. This paper has proposed ways in which these relations can be improved. This will help promote peaceful co-existence. References Arab American National Museum (2011). Islam and Muslim Americans. AANM Educational Series. Retrieved from www.arabamericanmuseum.org Kurtz, L. R.(2007). The Tour: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Gods in the Global Village: The world’s Religions in Sociological Perspective (Pp. 89-122). Pine Forge Press Lee, R & Shitrit, L (2014). Religion, Society, and Politics in the Middle East. In E. Lust (Ed.) The Middle East (13th Edition). Pp. 209-788 Limaye, S (1999). Islam in Asia. Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. Seminar Held on April 16, 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Retrieved from http://www.apcss.org/Publications/Report_Islam_in_Asia_99.html Pandya, A. (2010). Muslim Indians: Struggle for Inclusion. The Henry L. Stimson Center. Pew Research Center (2011). Muslim Americans: No Signs of Growth in Alienation or Support for Extremism. Mainstream and Moderate Attitudes. Washington, D.C.: Pew Research Center. Suleiman, Y.(2009). Contextualizing Islam in Britain: Exploratory perspectives. Cambridge: University of Cambridge in association with the Universities of Exeter and Westminster. Read More