Accepting Cultural Differences In Muslims Essay

3472 words - 14 pages

Abstract
A basic knowledge of Islam is becoming essential for Americans today. Presently there are nearly five million Muslims living in America. These Muslims face persecution by Americans as a result of the country’s present state of affairs. In their own communities Muslims are forced to defend themselves against their enemies. To be a Muslim is not just an individual activity it is a community identity and responsibility. Islam is considered a total way of life for the religious community. For many in America who are raised with the idea of the separation of church and state and the sense that religion is a private affair, Islam can seem confusing, especially since Islam does not have a ...view middle of the document...

Some Americans are increasingly allowing the extremists of the Muslim faith to steer their beliefs of the culture as a whole. These Americans feel that their stereotypes are justified after the events of September, 2001 and more recently the attack on our own ground of protection at Fort Hood.
Historical foundation of Islam
At almost 1,400 years old, Islam’s Muslim religion is one of the world’s younger religious traditions. This monotheistic faith emerged in the Middle East with a distinct face and a solid historical base. Islam began in the early seventh century near the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula in Mecca. This was a land where ancient civilizations thrived and desert gods ruled the arid land. The Arabian Peninsula is mostly desert with sandy dunes, grayish camels, and white stone buildings. These features of landscape, such as stones and springs, could take on a numinous aura and gradually became the focus of a sacred place. By the late sixth century, Mecca had achieved the status of the principal cultic center, attracting large numbers of traders and pilgrims to its regular and cultural festivities.
Muhammad, who was responsible for announcing Islam to the world, was born in Mecca around 570 C.E. to a rather poor family of the clan of Hashim. Muhammad’s father died before he was born and his mother died when he was six years old. According to Arabian custom, the youngster was sent to be reared among the Bedouin. At the age of 40 Muhammad was allegedly visited by an angel who announced that God had chosen him as a messenger to all mankind. After delivering the message to Muhammad the angel Gabriel according to Islam history taught Muhammad how to worship God, pray, and conduct ablutions. Muhammad’s revelations were dictated and collected in the Koran, which Muslims believe to be the perfect words of Allah.
Sacred Texts
The Muslims have a very interesting and strict religion that is based on the Qur’an. The Qur’an is considered the most sacred text by the Islamism and during the 7th century the Qur’an was preserved based upon the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad. The word Qur’an means “recitation” in Arabic referring to the truthful word of God. The book contains over a hundred chapters and around 6,200 verses and is based on a man named Allah. Allah is repeated several times in the Qur’an and he is the person who revealed the book who also took responsibility in keeping the book safe. The Qur’an mentions several prophets but Muhammad is referred the most; this is who God speaks to. Muhammad is looked at by the Muslims as a prophet and a messenger of God who is also believed as the founder of the Islam’s religion. When reciting the Qur’an it is suppose to feel sad because of the tone and it request for you to cry. The Qur’an is to teach importance of faith and good for salvation. “Recitation of the Qur’an is thought to have a healing, soothing effect, but can also bring protection, guidance, and knowledge,...

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