Islamic Tradition and Daily Life

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Islamic Tradition and Daily Life
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Religious Practice

• For most of the 1.3 billion Muslims in the world,
  Islam is both a religion and a complete way of
  life.

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Religious Practice

• Muslims find guidance in the Quran (Koran), the
  holy book of Islam. This is an Arabic text that
  is said to have been revealed to the prophet
  Muhammad by Allah (God).

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Religious Practice

• Islamic teaching outlines the Five Pillars of
  Islam, which are the framework of a Muslims life
  (see Five Pillars on the back)

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The Five Pillars of Islam

• Iman and Shahadah Declaration of Faith
• A Muslim believes that There is no god but
  Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet (messenger).

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The Five Pillars of Islam

• Salah Establishment of regular prayer
• Prayers are performed five times per dayone will
  usually bow face down, toward Mecca.

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The Five Pillars of Islam

• Zakah Required donation
• Payment each year of 2.5 of ones income to the
  needy more can be given in private

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The Five Pillars of Islam

• Siyam (Sawm) Fasting
• No eating or drinking during the daylight hours
  of the month of Ramadan the purpose is to teach
  patience, self-control, and focus

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The Five Pillars of Islam

• Hajj Pilgrimage
• Annual trip to the holy city of Mecca. This is a
  requirement at least once in a lifetime for all
  Muslims who are physically able and who can
  afford it.

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Some Islamic Traditions in the Middle East

• Both men and women are to dress modestly
• The definition of modest dress is different in
  each country, and has changed over the years

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Some Islamic Traditions in the Middle East

• Muslims in non-Muslim countries have more freedom
  of dress
• In some extreme cases, women are to be completely
  covered, including the eyes

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Some Islamic Traditions in the Middle East

• Men are usually not to show skin above the knees
  or elbows
• A head-covering is usually always customary,
  especially for women

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Family/Marriage

• As with many cultures, family is central in
  Muslim culture
• Elderly parents are usually always taken care of
  by their childrennot placed in nursing homes

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Family/Marriage

• Arranged marriage is not uncommon in the Middle
  Eastern Muslim countries
• While divorce is rare, the Quran allows for a
  man to have up to four wives

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Traditional Muslim Wedding Dresses