Islamic Traditions Revealed - Essay Example

Islamic Traditions Revealed Introduction Islam is one of the widespread religious convictions in the world. It predominates not only in the Asia Pacific but also in other continents. The term Islam originally came from the Arabic word “Salam,” which in English means peace or submission. Moreover, people who are in this religion are called Muslims. The affluent faith has been around for quite some time that it has become one of the most established religious sectors that exist. The said faith still thrives strongly in present times, despite its humble beginnings. It is in this context that explorations on what firms such belief must be accomplished. In this way, a wider perspective can be achieved on what makes Islam a successful religion globally. Historical Beginnings of Islam Islam possesses a rich historical background. With this, one article presented various views on the origins of Islam: “secular perspective, according to Muslim community itself, and based from previous scripts” (“Origin of Islam - Quranic,” n.d.). In accordance with secular history, it disclosed that Islam started along the 7th century. It was created in Saudi Arabia by Muhammad in 610 A.D.--when he supposedly experienced a heavenly vision. On the other hand, the Muslims’ version asserts that Islam already existed prior to Muhammad’s angelic visitation and that even though this particular “prophet” dictates the Quran (their version of Holy Scripture); the said book was created first. Based on the scriptures, “Quran was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad.” Hence, the prophet more or less served as an instrument in the realization of Islam as a holy faith. On scriptural perspectives, several quotes from the Bible confirmed Islam’s origins. On the Catholic’s Holy Bible, it stated that God promised Sarah a child, but because of the delay, Sarah offered Hagar (servant) the chance to lay with her husband—an act in hope of the servant conceiving. Ishmael was later born. In later part of the story, Sarah gave birth to the “promise child”--Isaac. Isaac was the ascendant of Jesus Christ while Ishmael was Muhammad’s forefathers” (“Origin of Islam - Quranic,” n.d.). In this sense, there is a valid affirmation of the religion as based on man’s written scripts. Part of Islam’s creation, then, is attributed to Muhammad. He “lived from 570 to 632 CE” (Robinson, 2007). Islam was first established in Mecca, while Muhammad was “meditating alone inside a cave in the hills above Mecca” (“Origin of Islam,” n.d.). After that incident, it was set on Muhammad’s belief that he was ordained to preach and started converting his fellow men from paganism to a monotheistic belief. Most of his followers were peasants from the working class; however, more pagan believers strongly resisted Islam. Because of this, he was forced to flee from Mecca to Medina in 622. In the end, Islam faith had won, and Muhammad was able to “unite the entire Arabian peninsula prior to his death in June 8, 632” (“Origin of Islam,” n.d.). With Muhammad’s success, he was able to launch a faith that will last centuries. Religious Beliefs in Islam One major teaching in Islam is the purity of man’s nature, as presented by Ali (n.d.), which means that man is “good and with no stigma of any kind” when borne. This is significant in the sense that man, in most religious sector, is already a sinner by birth—due to sins committed by Adam and Eve. From an objective view, Islam, as a monotheistic religion, is founded on six basic beliefs: “belief in Allah (one and only worthy of all worship), belief in angels, belief in the Book (Quran), belief in all Prophets (Muhammad), belief in the day of judgment (Qiyamah) and resurrection, and belief in faith (Qadar)” (“Islam World Religion,” n.d.). In the Islam community, Allah (al-ilah or “the deity”) is Creator of heaven and earth. For most Muslims, they believe that Allah is “the same deity as the Judeo-Christian religions.” The language may differ but the sense of the word is relatively the same. In Muslims’ perspective, “Allah created host of angels …and like humans, they also die and be resurrected” (Smith, 1995). It affirms the belief in celestial bodies. Not only do angels “praise Allah and do his will…the angels also take the souls of believers (record the good deeds and sins done) and cause Muslims to either fall in fiery pit (Gahenna), or across the razor sharp bridge to paradise.” It shows that Muslims also believe in two destinations after life, heaven and hell. Moreover, although it is commonly believed that Qu’ran is the basis for Muslim beliefs, earlier scriptures are also available. In spite of this, Qu’ran is still perceived as the “perfection and culmination of all truth ordained in earlier Scriptures” (Smith, 1995). Each, however was created so Allah can convey His messages to Muslim citizens. Consequently, messages of Qu’ran cannot be made known without prophets and messengers. Messengers do “guide and reform mankind while prophets simply carry or proclaim Allah’s news” (Smith, 1995). These two subjects were instrumental in order for Muslims to walk in a straight path and be with Allah in the afterlife. Furthermore, Muslims believe in the oncoming judgment day. Punishments await the sinners while paradise is awarded to good individuals. In this context, it firmly affixes the concept of resurrection--life after death (Robinson, 2007). Lastly, there is an ultimate faith in Allah as predestined deity. All things are according to the “will of Allah…there is doctrine of predestination, acceptance of destiny, and resignation of fate (Kismet)” (Robinson, 2007). This is a very essential belief for it mostly governs the reasoning of most Muslims, and it is in this way that they view their mistakes as part of their imperfections, as “only Allah has the perfect knowledge” (Ali, n.d.). Lifestyles Maintained in Muslim Society In the Muslim world, certain lifestyle changes may have also taken place, but old traditions still remain—as dictated by religion. In marriage, males “may marry not only a Muslim woman but also a woman of Jewish or Christian faith” (Hamidullah, n.d.). On the other hand, Muslim women are not permitted to marry a non-Muslim man. Male Muslims enjoy more lenient regulation when it comes to marriage than women. Most of the lifestyles exercised center Islamic faith. For one, Islam dictates that Muslims continue studying the scriptures of Qu’ran, accompanied by meditation and its integration in their lives. Daily living is performed with constant glorification of Allah. In accomplishing some chores, the right upper or lower limb is always the first do the action, while the left limbs are used in removing something. For example, the right foot is used in stepping inside a house, while the left foot is used when removing slippers. When it comes to spending, Islam prohibits overspending. Even in food and clothing, certain standards must be met. Islam faith forbids the consumption of pork flesh and drinking of wine, and also forbids consumption of lawful food if slaughtered by non-Muslims. They are not, as asserted by Hamidullah (n.d.), allowed to eat using gold and silver food utensils. On the other hand, restrictions in clothing are focused on women’s apparel. Women are prescribed to wear clothes that cover their body, “preferably to the ankle”—avoiding outfits which reveal part of their body. Conversations in Muslim communities are also regulated. It must be done in “explicit, straightforward, and well-balanced manner.” False actions, vulgarity and deceit are never encouraged (Hamidullah, n.d.). In all ways, Muslims are required to do the right thing, in accordance to Allah’s teachings. Although, there is a controversial practice that Islamic followers perform—the segregation of men and women both in public and private life. It is a norm in society and part of the teaching in Islam, as such meeting is a sinful act if done in both ways (Ut-Tahrir, 1999). Hence, there is a separation of activities by men and women in society. Islamic Ritual Activities Several rituals are observed by Muslims in various occasions—from cradle to tomb. According to an article on Rituals and Ceremonies (n.d.), certain practices are followed during pregnancy, such as the fertility rite where pregnant women are “dressed in new clothes, and her lap is filled with fruits and vegetables by friends.” This is done to appease the spirits. In addition, pregnant women live with their parents until the day of labor begins, and midwives chant prayers on newborn’s right ears while Muslim creed is uttered on the left ear. Proper names of newborns are only given a week after being born. Common practices, such as ear-boring for girls and circumcision in males are done in Muslim society. Ear-boring, where earrings are attached later, is customary for girls at a young age, and by the time they are toddlers, the right ear contains 13 holes while the left has 12. For the young males, circumcision is done at age six or seven but for some, it is already executed days after being borne—given with opiates as anesthesia. Similarly, teenage females are isolated for a week, with only bread, water and butter as nourishment. In the part of marriage, no specific religious rites are performed, although, the practice of giving a dowry by the bride to the groom’s family exists (“Rituals and Ceremonies,” n.d.). To finish off, Muslims accomplish ceremonies on the deathbed. Part of it is declaration of the “formula of faith” while people around reiterate the words with him/her (Hamidullah, n.d.). Commonly, a funeral service is attended by friends and relatives, however, women folks are not permitted to attend such service. The grave of the deceased is placed parallel to Mecca. Based on the article from Rituals and Ceremonies (n.d.), several rites are performed prior to burial and a feast is prepared on the third, tenth and fortieth day. This is done as offering to the soul of the deceased. Islamic-based Social Institution Basic to the social philosophy of Islam faith is the principle of human equality and unity. Like most society, Mawdudi (n.d.) stated that Islam community places high respect on family as “fundamental institution of human society.” They regard the family as primary unit which makes up society in general. The Muslims delineate the value of family as means to promote a better community and is the foundation that produces better constituents on Muslim society. In accordance, marriage in their society is encouraged, where men is given the responsibility of working and women with giving birth and principally raising the offspring. A continued emphasis was given on the fact that there is no superiority of man compared to the wife. Both of them, as stressed by Wadud (2007), are “wheels of the same cart.” This means that despite the difference the nature of burden, both still have their responsibilities to carry. In connection with this, the neighbors in the community are strongly urged by the faith to “be loving, helpful, and to share each other’s sorrows and happiness.” There is a strong connotation that Muslims citizens are promoted in the community of Islamic faith. Despite insistence of equality, certain aristocracy in social status still pervades most Muslims. According to Levy (1957), “present times show no sharp division of society…but there are differences of wealth and political status as linked with possession of landed estates” (p. 70). Hence, distinctions are still there, but had changed in other forms. Conclusion All in all, the Islamic faith still continues to influence and dominate the Muslim world. The characteristic strength of the teachings in Islam proved to be effective in binding the people to the faith. The humble beginnings of Islam did not deter it from being recognized as one of the firm religion worldwide. Particular difference of this faith with other religion is the relative value of women in society. Although Muslim women, in the modernistic liberal view, may look like they are undervalued in Muslim culture, the Islamic teachings ensured that they are well protected and their worth is based on their ability to fulfill their primary obligation—to conceive and serve the husband. Moreover, a controversy on stability of human equality as way of life have met some doubts and evidences proved the existence of social inequality in terms of wealth distribution. Despite some inconsistencies, present Islam remains to be one of the respected religious sectors internationally. References Ali, M.A. (n.d.). Introduction to Islamic beliefs and practices. Retrieved from http://www.ilaam.net/Brochures/Brochure-31.html Hamidullah, M. (n.d.). The daily life of a Muslim. Retrieved from http://muslim-canada.org/ch15hamid.html#dress Islam world religion beliefs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.important.ca/islam_islamic_beliefs.html Levy, R. (1957). The social structure of Islam: Being the second edition of the sociology of Islam. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. Mawdudi, S.A.A. (n.d.). The Islamic way of life. Retrieved from http://www.al-islamforall.org/litre/Englitre/Islawayoflife.htm Origin of Islam: Quranic revelation. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.allaboutreligion.org/origin-of-islam.htm Origin of Islam as a world religion: Muhammad. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.important.ca/origins_of_islam.html Rituals and Ceremonies. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.nagpuronline.com/people/rit_mslm.html#muslim Robinson, B.A. (2007). Islam: Introduction. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_intr.htm#or Smith, J. (1995). Six Muslim beliefs (Iman) and a Christian’s response. Retrieved from http://debate.org.uk/topics/theo/6belief.htm#D Ut-Tahrir, H. (1999). The social system in Islam. Retrieved from http://www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/PDF/EN/en_books_pdf/socialsystem.pdf Wadud, S.A. (2007). Islamic way of living. Retrieved from http://ourbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/admin2/2007/08/islamic-way-of-living-by-awadud.pdf Read More