Muslim society is a diverse and dynamic civilization influenced by teachings, cultural traditions and regional practices. With over 1.8 billion Muslims across the globe.
Muslim society traces its origins to the 7th century CE with the birth of Islam, under the leadership of prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This dual religious and social character of Islam, expressing itself in one way as a religious community commissioned by God to bring its own value system to the world through the jihad (translated as “holy war’’ or holy struggle’’), explains the astonishing success of the early generations of Muslims.After the prophet’s death in 632CE, they had brought a large part of the globe –from Spain across Central Asia to India-under a new Arab Muslim empire.
The vast variety of races and cultures embraced by Islam has produced important internal differences .All segments of Muslim society ,however, are bound by a common faith and a sense of belonging to a single community .With the loss of political power during the period of western colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries ,the concept of the Islamic community(ummah),instead of weakening, became stronger .
The faith of Islam helped various Muslim peoples in their struggle to gain political freedom in the mid-20th century ,and the unity of Islam contributed to later political solidarity.
Islamic doctrine, law, and thinking in general are based upon four sources, or fundamental principles (usul): The Quran, the Sunnah(“Traditions’’), ijma(“consensus’’), and ijtihad (“individual thought’’).
The Quran (“reading or recitation’’), is regarded as speech of God delivered to Muhammad by Angel Gabriel. Divided into 114 suras(chapters)of unequal length ,it is the fundamental source of Islamic teaching .Sunnah was used by pre-Islamic Arabs to denote their tribal or common law .In Islam it means ( the example of the prophet); his words and deeds as recorded in compilations known as Hadith (“report’’).Hadith provide the written documentation of the prophets words and deeds .Six of these collections compiled in the 3rd century AH(9th century),came to be regarded as authoritative by the largest group in Islam ,the Sunnis .Another large group the shiah,has its own hadith contained in four canonical collections .
They are known for their unwavering faith in the five pillars of Islam
shahada(faith), salat(prayer), zakat(charity), saum (fasting, Ramadan)
and hajj(pilgrimage).
The shahada (the profession of faith): There is no deity but God and
Muhammad (peace be upon Him) is the messenger of God, ’upon which
Depends membership in the community. From this fundamental belief are derived beliefs in: Angels, the revealed Book (the Quran and the sacred books of Judaism and Christianity), a series of prophets and the last day (Day of judgement).
The salat (prayer)consists of five daily canonical prayers. The first
prayer is performed before sunrise, the second just after noon, the third
in the late afternoon, the fourth immediately after sunset, and the fifth
before retiring to bed (before midnight).
The zakat is the third pillar which is the obligatory tax called
zakat (purification, indicating that such a payment makes the rest of
one’s wealth religiously and legally pure).
Fasting during the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim
lunar calendar). fasting begins at daybreak and ends at sunset and during
the day eating, drinking and smoking are forbidden. The Quran (2:185)
states that it was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed.
Hajj the fifth pillar is the annual pilgrimage(hajj)to Mecca prescribed for
every Muslim once in a lifetime-provided one can afford it’ ’The
principle activities consist of walking seven times around the Kaaba
shrine within the mosque; the kissing and touching of the black stone
(Hajar al-Aswad); and the ascent of and running between mount safa and
marwa (which are however more elevations).
Dietary practices in Muslim are largely influenced by dietary laws known as halal (not forbidden) and haram(forbidden). Halal food for example meat must come from animals slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. Haram foods include pork and its byproducts as well as alcohol which are strictly prohibited.Social interactions within Muslim societies are deeply rooted in cultural values and religious teachings.
While norms vary across cultures, Muslims maintain certain boundaries between genders in social settings. Public interactions may be limited.
Religious gatherings such as Friday prayers and Eid celebrations reinforce community ties. Masjid(mosques) serves as centers for worshipping, education and community service, nurturing a sense of collective identity.
Isolation from work places is a challenge faced by muslims especially women. Muslim women may face difficulties in securing jobs due to biases against their faith particularly if they wear a hijab.Apart from Isolation from work places, harassment in public places verbal or physical harassment especially when wearing visible religious attire. Social interactions, everyday interactions can be influenced by stereotypes, leading to assumptions about a Muslim woman’s beliefs, behaviors or values based solely on her appearance.
Despite the challenges faced, Muslims society remained united in their beliefs and unwavering in their commitment to peace and harmony through coping strategies such as education and awareness about Islam and dispelling myths, personal empowerment that is fostering a sense of identity and resilience to counter negative perceptions.
Muslim culture encompasses a rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and practices that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. Understanding these nuances not only fosters greater appreciation for the diversity within Islam but also encourages respect and dialogue among different cultures.
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