Islam is a major world religion that has a rich and diverse cultural heritage spanning across the globe. With over 1.8 billion followers, it is one of the largest religions in the world, and it has a significant impact on the cultures and societies of the countries where it is practiced.
The cultural practices and beliefs of Islam are rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. These teachings form the basis for the Islamic way of life, which emphasizes the importance of faith, compassion, and community.
One of the key aspects of Islamic culture is the emphasis on hospitality and generosity. Muslims are encouraged to treat guests with kindness and respect, and to provide them with food and shelter. This hospitality extends to travelers and strangers, and is considered a form of worship.
Another important aspect of Islamic culture is the emphasis on modesty and respect for the human body. Muslims are taught to dress modestly, covering the body and avoiding clothing that is revealing or suggestive. This is seen as a way to respect the dignity of the human body and to avoid distracting or tempting others.
Islam is major world religion promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century CE. The Arabic term islām, literally “surrender,”
The term “Islamic culture” embraces a wide variety of peoples and societies spread over many countries. What they hold in common is membership in the umma, the Arabic term that designates the totality of the world Muslim community at any point in time. The umma originated in western Arabia in the seventh century AD when the Prophet Muhammad and his followers made a trek from his home city of Mecca to the farming oasis of Medina to the north. There they joined with the Medinans to form a new kind of community, one based on the shared belief in one God, whom they called Allah, and in Muhammad’s role as a messenger bringing to humanity, Allah’s eternal message in the form of revelations later collected into the book known as the Quran. This phenomenon has influenced the way I view the role of Islam in society. In Jordan, Islam is the official religion with 98 percent of the population practicing Sunni Islam and the rest practicing Christianity. However, when one arrives in Amman or any other city in Jordan, one would automatically assume everyone is Muslim. Attire is the most blatant example, however, this idea can be observed in the daily interactions between people as well. For example, the language itself is heavily loaded with Islamic phrases like Inshallah (God willing), Al-Hamdullilah (Praises be to God), and As-Salamu Alaykum (Peace be upon you). The usage of such phrases is not limited to just the Muslim population, but everyone incorporates these phrases into everyday interactions. This demonstrates the power of Islamic culture as a cultural tool of unification for all people in Jordan.
Last month, we celebrated the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha is considered the greater of the two Muslim holidays, equivalent in some ways to Christmas. Eid al-Adha honors the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his young first-born son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of submission to God’s command and his son’s acceptance of being sacrificed before God intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead. Furthermore, this holiday marks the end of the annual hajj to Mecca.
During Eid al-Adha, many Muslims sacrifice a sheep, cow, goat, or camel and give about one-third of the meat to friends and neighbors (both Muslim and Christian) and donate one-third or more to the poor. Everyone gathers together to eat and give gifts. My family from America (all Christian) came to visit me in Jordan during Eid al-Adha. During their visit, we celebrated the holiday by watching the sacrifice of the sheep and engaging with my Muslim host family and friends at dinner. We also exchanged gifts from Jordan and America (in the photo above my aunt and mother are wearing traditional clothes, a gift from my host mom, worn during Eid al-Adha). Similar to Christmas, Eid is a cultural holiday celebrated by many people regardless of religious orientation. The spirit of giving gifts and being with family and friends to celebrate is embedded in the holiday of Christmas, and it can be observed in Eid al-Adha in Jordan.
The Five Pillars are the core beliefs and practices of Islam:
1. Profession of Faith (shahada).
The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God” is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book of divine revelations. One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.
2. Prayer (salat).
Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter (sura) of the Qur’an, and is sometimes performed on a small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose. Muslims can pray individually at any location or together in a mosque, where a leader in prayer (imam) guides the congregation. Men gather in the mosque for the noonday prayer on Friday; women are welcome but not obliged to participate. After the prayer, a sermon focuses on a passage from the Qur’an, followed by prayers by the imam and a discussion of a particular religious topic.
3. Alms (zakat).
In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims build mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions both as a religious duty and to secure the blessings associated with charity.
4. Fasting (sawm).
During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink. Through this temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of and gratitude for everything God has provided in their lives—including the Qur’an, which was first revealed during this month. During Ramadan, they share the hunger and thirst of the needy as a reminder of the religious duty to help those less fortunate.
5. Pilgrimage (hajj).
Every Muslim whose health and finances permit it must make at least one visit to the holy city of Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Ka’ba, a cubical structure covered in black embroidered hangings, is at the center of the Haram Mosque in Mecca. Muslims believe that it is the house Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) built for God, and face in its direction (qibla) when they pray. Since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, believers from all over the world have gathered around the Ka’ba in Mecca on the eighth and twelfth days of the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Islamic art and architecture are also important aspects of Islamic culture, and they reflect the rich heritage of the religion. From intricate geometric designs and calligraphy to the grand domes and arches of mosques, Islamic art and architecture are revered for their beauty and significance.
Islamic music and dance are also important parts of the culture, with a rich tradition of poetry, song, and dance that is celebrated in many countries. These forms of expression reflect the diverse heritage of Islam and its cultural influences, which have been shaped by different regions and historical periods.
In terms of festivals and celebrations, Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, is one of the most important cultural events in the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, and spend the time in prayer, reflection, and community service.
In conclusion, the culture of Islam is rich and diverse, reflecting the heritage and teachings of the religion. From the emphasis on hospitality and modesty to the significance of art and music, the cultural practices of Islam are an important part of its identity and influence on the world.
