{This Wildcard Wednesday, I bring you an informative article on Islam from Stuart Green, written by Aisha Malik.}
There is an extensive list of religions that exist throughout the world today. One of the religions that seem to generate the most questions in regards to their beliefs and overall culture is the nation of Islam. There are many different aspects of Islamic culture that originate from and are deeply rooted within their religious beliefs. You may be surprised to find out the meanings behind such aspects of their culture such as their clothing, food and prayer requirements overall.
The Requirements of Islamic Clothing
Islamic clothing has to always reflect the Islamic beliefs in order to clearly identify the person wearing the clothes as a Muslim in all environments and settings. According to their religious beliefs and understanding of the Quran, their bodies must be covered completely in the case of women and covering the middle section of the body completely in the case of men. These covered parts can only be revealed in the exceptional cases of an urgent emergency. Revealing and form-fitting clothing is not allowed.
The Dietary Restrictions of Islamic Culture
Islamic laws have been able to specify which foods are to be considered lawful and which foods are to be considered unlawful for Muslims to eat and share with their families and friends that also share their religious beliefs. These dietary laws are taken directly from such Holy Books as the Quran, the Hadith and the Sunnah and are believed to be directly from the inspired words of the Prophet Mohammed. Based on the teachings of the Quran, the only foods that Muslims are completely restricted from eating in any way, shape or form is any type of meat that comes from animals that basically die of themselves, any type of swine, blood and animals that have been dedicated to other gods and idols besides Allah.
The Value of Prayer for Muslims
An integral part of the Islamic faith and overall worship are the five prayers that are required to be performed and relayed in private to God each day. After they have come to a full understanding of the teachings of Allah, Muslims are required to take these daily prayers seriously as their primary way of bringing praise and honor to their God and the Prophet Mohammed regularly. Unlike other religions that allow you to say prayers whenever you want to throughout the day, Muslims are required to follow a strict schedule of prayer times regardless of where they are or what they are doing at that time during the day or night. There is a noon prayer, a mid-afternoon prayer, a sunset prayer, a nightfall prayer as well as a dawn prayer so the timing of these prayers is essential.
Appreciating the Common Ground
Regardless of your religious beliefs, by studying other religions and their own culture you are able to find a common ground that exists. Therefore, even though there are plenty of differences that exist between one religion and another, being able to find the common ground is one way that many people are united in one way or the other.
{Aisha Malik has been a content writer for many years but has become widely known for her work on such topics as religion, world cultures and current events. She is passionate about learning all that she can about other religions but thoroughly appreciates the lifestyle of Muslims, including Islamic clothing and culture overall.}
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