There was a thread recently about a PSA for American muslims. It occurred to me that I would like to learn more about what it means to be an American Muslim. Here's what I mean by this... I know that Muslims have their book (the Quran) just as Christians have theirs (the Bible). I know that both books have some whacked out stupid stuff that extremists believe in. And I know that most mainstream believers DON'T believe in that stuff. What I don't understand is how much of the Eastern practices exist in modern American muslims? I realize that American media has painted pictures of muslims that may, or may not be accurate. What's real and what isn't? Do you kneel to the ground, face mecca and pray every day? Do you fast? Are there wedding rituals that are different? What do they say heaven is like? What do they say will cause you to burn in hell/go to heaven? What holidays do you follow? What clothing/hairstyle do they say you must follow (if any)? What else? Sure, I could Google this, but I want to hear it from you people here at the bbs.
I'm not Muslim, but my Muslim friends said this video piece was a fair representation for understanding their faith in America. <embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AaXCDQI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="390" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>
I dont pray...I dont fast. Weddings are more Persian based...lots of dancing and drinking. Heaven is me, on a couch...2 naked ladies on either side of me...4 flatscreens in front of me. One showing the Texans, another the Rockets, then the Astos...and my Xbox is hooked up to the 4th. None of the rest really applies. My family is muslim by name, but we arent strict or very religious. We just try to be good people, treat others with respect, etc... I guess technically speaking we arent really even muslim. I dont know.
Do you kneel to the ground, face mecca and pray every day? Yessir, 5 times a day Do you fast? All 30 days of Ramadan Are there wedding rituals that are different? Well being pakistani our weddings involve a bit of culture, it consists of 3 days. What do they say heaven is like? place of joy and bliss also happiness in the fact that you've been accepted by god What do they say will cause you to burn in hell/go to heaven? several sins can condemn a person to hell, such as disbelief, usury and dishonesty. What holidays do you follow? The month of Ramadan is like a holiday, Eid-al-Adha Eid-al Fitr What clothing/hairstyle do they say you must follow (if any)? I've never been told a specific way to keep my hair.
Just the way Christianity is broken into different sects, so is Islam (the main two divisions being Sunni and Shia and those two are further broken into various sects which have common shared ideas and some that are different). So based on the Muslim I am, my answers will be different. But I'll answer the list you made. Do you kneel to the ground, face mecca and pray every day? I do kneel to the ground when I pray, facing the Mecca, not so sure, but most mosques or prayer centers are built so that the prayer halls are facing East. If I were to pray at home, I don't care where I'm facing (and no I have no special prayer rug). I do try and pray everyday Do you fast? I'm supposed to, I choose not to. If other Muslims have a problem with that, then they are being ignorant because only God/Allah is supposed to judge not you. Are there wedding rituals that are different? A ceremony called the Nikah occurs, you can google it. It is like a marriage contract, although in my specific sect, we don't do the whole idea of Mahr (which is money given to the bride from the groom. What do they say heaven is like? Honestly I don't know, although Muslims believe in a concept that all living things have a soul which carrys divine light from Allah and to him that soul is supposed to return. This is all based on your deeds and how you have lived life. Personally I believe you don't have to be a Muslim to achieve this. What do they say will cause you to burn in hell/go to heaven? Honestly, the same common beliefs which are universal to all religions, sins, lies, deciet, hurting others, cheating, etc... What holidays do you follow? Many to list but I'm sure most people have heard of Eid What clothing/hairstyle do they say you must follow (if any)? Honestly, I like Polo :grin: .. but on a rather serious note, there is no specific dress required. I've seen women where dresses to skirts to jeans. Our women don't cover their head or their face. Remember this is particular to the sect I am in. Most of our clothing that women where are more southasian culture based not religion based.
Do you kneel to the ground, face mecca and pray every day? I try my best to pray 5 times a day. From time to time, I miss the morning prayer. Do you fast? Yes, I fast throughout the entire month of Ramadan. It is a sunnah (practice of the Prophet (PBUH) to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Right before this Ramadan, I tried doing this. And there are other days where I decide to fast for a spiritual booster. Are there wedding rituals that are different? This can be confused today with a lot of cultural traditions, like stated above dancing, music, etc. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, in order to get married are really you need is the permission of a close person to the woman (usually father) and two witnesses. There is also a reception or dinner party called the walima which is a sunnah and done after the consummation. What do they say heaven is like? I don't know exactly what heaven is supposed to be like. For me, it is unimaginable. What do they say will cause you to burn in hell/go to heaven? Good deeds will get you to heaven, bad deeds will get you to hell. All sins can be forgiven except shirk. I do not believe a person will spend eternity in hell, as we believe is God is most forgiving and most merciful. What holidays do you follow? Eid-al-Fitr which is the end of Ramadan. Eid-al-Adha which is to commemorate Abraham for his obedience to God in almost sacrificing his son. Islam is also full of many significant days of history, I wouldn't call them holidays. More like spiritual days? What clothing/hairstyle do they say you must follow (if any)? We can't pray in shorts above the knees. So I dress pretty much normal to most people. Occasionally i'll wear a thobe to the mosque or HEB. I used to have a beard, but I really cant grow one properly yet. I have gotee. I have a buzz cut to keep me cool in the summer days. What else? What else do you want to know?
1. dont pray usually, but maybe sometimes like when im back home with my family, ill follow my dad to do the friday prayers. 2. i try to fast when its possible. i feel like it humbles me and reminds me of my blessings as well as what others who dont have as much go through. 3. i might be wrong, but i think the wedding process in islam is pretty simple. just somebody solemnizing the marriage and witnesses to see it. but most cultures/countries put their own flair to the festivities, which is nice. 4. ive never had any teacher describe it to me when i asked. maybe its different for everyone. also ive never heard about the 72 virgins thing until after 9/11 n osama bin laden. 5. same as other sins in different religions. i live by my own moral code n i stick to it. one thing i dont agree with what ive been told is that only believers go to heaven. i truly believe that it doesnt matter what religion or beliefs u have. i accept good people as my friends no matter what colour, religion, nationality, orientation so i dont believe a more enlightened being would chuck people in hell for being born in the wrong category. 6. malaysia has about 3 ethnic groups and we celebrate everyone's holidays. muslims, christians, chinese, hindus, national holidays, and a few other categories. seriously, we have public holidays every other week. 7. if one thing i dress differently, it would be because of our culture, not religion.
I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter too much. In fact, I'd think it beneficial to hear from as many as possible. Where are you from and what sect are you a member of?
Do you kneel to the ground, face mecca and pray every day? Yes, Prayers 5 times a day are mandatory. Increasing that number is recommended, especially in Ramadan. Do you fast? Yes, all of Ramadan is mandatory, and there are various other times of the year where it is highly recommended Are there wedding rituals that are different? Basically a marriage contract (Nikkah) takes place between the groom and the bride's father (He has to give her away). The bride must consent to the marriage, and you can not get married without her consent. There is a part of the contract called the MAHR, where a dowry/gift is given to the bride from the groom (this is decided by the bride) After the contract, there is a wedding reception/feast (valimah) which is also part of the wedding ritual. Anything more is usually cultural flavor added to the Islamic guidelines What do they say heaven is like? Straight from Wiki: Heaven is described primarily in physical terms as a place where every wish is immediately fulfilled when asked. Islamic texts describe immortal life in heaven as happy, without negative emotions. You get what you want basically What do they say will cause you to burn in hell/go to heaven? You can go to hell for: Associating others with God Not abiding by the five pillars of Islam. {1.Shahadah is a statement professing monotheism 2. Salah is the 5 daily prayer of Islam 3. Zakāt-Giving to charity from your wealth 4. Fasting 5. Pilgrimage -Hajj} Sinning (cheating, murder, rape, lying, etc etc) From Wiki: In Islam if one's good deeds weigh out one's sins then one may gain entrance to heaven. Conversely, if one's sins outweigh their good deeds they are sent to hell. Side note: deeds definitely do determine your eternal desitnation, but you can not forgo the basic requirements (5 Pillars) What holidays do you follow? 2 Eids . One after Ramadan. One after Hajj (Yearly Pilgrimage to Makkah - One of the 5 pillars) What clothing/hairstyle do they say you must follow (if any)? Women and men must both dress modestly. Dress in your best clothing when you attend the mosque (even tho most dont follow this unfortunately) Men are highly recommended to grow a beard (some consider it mandatory, some consider it optional) Hijab (Head covering is mandatory to many muslim women, to some it is optional) depending on the interpretation or sect of Islam they follow. What else? Take care of your family, be nice to neighbors, give in charity, etc, these are the basic teachings of Islam.
Interesting thread is interesting. Nothing shocking really, but some of the answers and especially the video were great to shed some light on Muslim culture.
Cleverly disguised *out the muslims* thread. The eastern world muslims and American muslims differ on MANY MANY things. Heck even the Middle Eastern Muslims vs. South Asian Muslims vs. East Asian Muslims vs. African Muslims vs. American Muslims differ on many things. It's the same as Christianity in that it has become a mixture of both religious doctrine, traditional influence (passed down by forefathers) and a healthy scoop of local/regional culture to boot. In my opinion, islam is a flexible religion from a flexible god. The same god of all the other books, and the same god of all the other religions (Abrahamic or otherwise). That being said, the inflexibility towards the interpretation of the religion lies strictly at the hands of religious leaders in these different regions who often are either uneducated on a broader historical and education perspective OR choose to distort certain things or hide certain things to retain power of influence and control. It's a sad sad story. The main "freedom" that comes with America is a huge reason why I think many muslims benefit (as well as harm) themselves in their religious pursuits. It allows us to question our religion critically and attempt to understand it from all angles and perspectives, rather then be force fed one version specific to a region/religious authority. However on the overall, many muslims do agree on the basics; it is the fringes of interpretation that many get hung up on or confused with. It's not necessarily a bad thing; Islam encourages working hard to be good and do good deeds, all while attempting to understand your religion to the best of your ability. Do you kneel to the ground, face mecca and pray every day? I try my best to 5x a day. Do you fast? Yes. All 30 days of Ramadan, and make up any that I miss. Also there are certain details that people often miss when discussing fasting. Islam allows for the sick, elderly, young, and pregnant to forgo fasting due to their condition. And if you miss a fast, you are allowed to make it up or feed someone as a good deed. There are many flexible properties in Islam that all too often get pushed aside by those looking to push agendas rather then truth. Are there wedding rituals that are different? Islamically as those above have said, it's pretty simple. Regionally (as expected with any religion) it's much different. Arabs have different wedding styles then Indian/Pakistanis, and both have different weddings then East Asian and African muslims. This speaks to the flexibility of Islam once again, that leaves room for different cultures to live their lives without being burdened by anything to drastic or difficult. What do they say heaven is like? Heaven is often described in the Quran as a place with flowing rivers, fruits, gardens, and the company of your loved ones. Having grown up in America, I see the standard "clouds" version of heaven in my interpretation so I can't speak for anyone else. Although I do imagine Heaven to be quite similar to the original garden of Eden. What do they say will cause you to burn in hell/go to heaven? Simple. The more good deeds you do, the closer to heaven you go. The more bad deeds you do, the closer to hell. Although I don't believe in an infinite concept of hell (the Quran repeatedly stresses a merciful god that loves his creation and is All forgiving) I do believe that there is a price to pay for certain sins. Some sins I believe are worse then others (murder, rape, etc) while other sins can most likely be forgiven (IMO) by prayer for forgiveness and understanding and a clean heart. What holidays do you follow? Part of being an American muslim is you get to enjoy all the American holidays as well as the Islamic ones. I'm out there celebrating St.Pattys, Halloween, Easter, July 4th, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Valentines, Christmas.....all because these holidays have become so commercialized now in the new mainstream America that they really have very few people who actually follow them for their "religious" purpose. They're all good holidays where we share time with friends and family, and sometimes share gifts. Anytime love is shared amongst friends and family, I think that's a good thing that God enjoys and wants us to do. Also we celebrate Eid Al-Adha (the eid after Ramadan; eid is another name for festival) and Eid Al-Fitr. What clothing/hairstyle do they say you must follow (if any)? None. Even the "hijab" is something that is translated loosely, and from my readings and understanding/research it's something more derived from a cultural background rooted in the practices of the Christian nuns at the time. Notice the similar design. The Quran never mentions "hijab" and only mentions modesty and covering of the private parts. This issue has become so widespread culturally though over the past hundreds of years that it's become intertwined with the religion due to the indoctrination of religious leaders and religious followers who fail to research their own faith and instead rely on the words of those before them. The Quran encourages people to learn about their faith rather then follow someone's word. 2:170 But when they are told, "Follow what God has bestowed from on high," some answer, "Nay, we shall follow [only] that which we found our forefathers believing in and doing." Why, even if their forefathers did not use their reason at all, and were devoid of all guidance? What else? Dunno what else, but I'll give it a shot whatever you got. By NO means am I an expert....just an American Muslim trying to understand his religion without blinders.
more questions: Do muslims have an equivalent of "the ten commandments" No, smokieethabear, I've never heard of Eid or any other Muslim holiday. Please elaborate on what holidays exists and what they represent. Is there an equivalent "sabbath" day of rest each week? Do you feel it's sacrilegious to depict Mohammad? Wait - you said the Walima (wedding reception?) is done AFTER the consummation? Are they waiting outside the hotel room, or something? moose, You said, "All sins can be forgiven except shirk". What's shirk? Are there foods that you aren't allowed to eat? Do you believe that all creatures, including animals, go to heaven? What do they teach you about sex? Procreation? Do you study the qur'an daily? Do you wear loose-fitting, robe-like garments? Do you pray out loud? Do you chant? Do they teach you that a man and a woman can't be alone together (saw this in the video above)
Do muslims have an equivalent of "the ten commandments"? Muslims come from the Abrahamic line of faiths, and believe in both the original Torah and Gospel....the only difference is they believe both have been corrupted over time from the original message. So short answer, yes. The equivalent of the ten commandments is the the ten commandments. Is there an equivalent "sabbath" day of rest each week? Not in the "rest" sense, although they do designate Friday to be the day of required prayer/mosque going. Do you feel it's sacrilegious to depict Mohammad? The original intent (IMO) of the scripture was to prohibit people from drawing any pictures/art of the prophet/god/any prophets as to not allow for idol worship. The Quran heavily stresses that only God is God and that none can be worshipped other then him. The practice of drawing pictures and building statues has led many many religions astray in the past and the aim of the verses was (IMO) to stop people form falling to that path. The human mind always has had a necessity to observe SOMETHING and to worship SOMETHING rather then having blind faith in an all ruling creator. The Quran criticizes the past religions and books for turning away from the path of one God and instead worshipping others as God. The prime example being how some sects of the Christian religion believe in Christ as lord vs. others who believe in Christ as a messenger. The Quran speaks of Christ as a messenger, just as Moses before him, and Mohammed after him. Wait - you said the Walima (wedding reception?) is done AFTER the consummation? Are they waiting outside the hotel room, or something? Depends on culture. Although I've never seen someone waiting outside the hotel room lol. Usually the day after. moose, You said, "All sins can be forgiven except shirk". What's shirk? Shirk is denying the existance of 1 god. Are there foods that you aren't allowed to eat? The Quran SPECIFICALLY forbids the following: 2:173 He has forbidden to you only carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that over which any name other than God's has been invoked; but if one is driven by necessity - neither coveting it nor exceeding his immediate need -no sin shall be upon him: for, behold, God is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace. This once again reemphasizes the mercy of God and his flexibility towards granting the forgiveness of the consumption of these things in times of need or sickness. Do you believe that all creatures, including animals, go to heaven? Not sure at all. What do they teach you about sex? Procreation? Not knowledgeable enough to comment. Although I know the Quran speaks to the the similiar Christian tones in this aspect of "No sex before marriage" and "sex only with those you are married too" and the condemnation of homosexuality. Do you study the qur'an daily? Yes, as well as other historical and religious texts. Do you wear loose-fitting, robe-like garments? Very rarely. I'm personally a big fan of basketball shorts. Do you pray out loud? Do you chant? Certain prayers can be prayed out loud during the day and/or when in congregation behind someone leading the prayer. Chanting is more reserved to some specific sects of Islam (Sufis, etc). Do they teach you that a man and a woman can't be alone together (saw this in the video above) Don't know about alone, depends on the context. What are you doing alone together in the first place? Business? Studying? But I would assume they can, as long as obviously there's no sexual intentions involved; if there were then they would be expected to separate or find some other way to conduct business. It's pretty practical in my opinion. Keeps things clean and STD free. I've studied with women alone but I had no intention of doing anything otherwise. I've also conducted business one on one with others but once again, it comes back down to your intentions. That's another thing Islam stresses; intention. Good intention is rewarded and bad intention is also taken into account.
Not just great but an outstanding thread. PLEASE continue to educate and enlighten us. Nothing like hearing some truths from fellow Rocket Fans here on CF. Outstanding!!!!
I have alot of time on my hands at work. Sorry to steal everyones replies and interrupt. Feel free to reply with your own opinion though! The beard thing is based on the concept of "Sunnah". Sunnah is in laymens terms, following what the Prophet Mohammed did in his day to day life (his ways, etc). Muslims believe that the prophet was the best example of how to be a muslim (after all, it was him who the message was delivered to and asked to be carried out). So the concept of Sunnah consists of emulating the prophet's ways , mannerisms, etc. The prophet is said to have had a beard, and therefore many muslims adopt a beard. Not required by the letter of the Quran; actually looking at it from one very devil's advocate sense, it runs counter to the Quran's verses on the concept of cleanliness (similar to the cleanliness is next to godliness from Christian tradition). However, those who do keep a beard are (quite obviously) expected to keep it clean and not a birds nest.
