A Beginner’s Guide to Islamic Culture

Islam is one of the most popular and followed religions globally, with over 1.8 billion people practicing the different branches of this beautiful religion. Learning about Islamic culture is an excellent way to expand your worldview and better understand the world and people around you. From Islamic art to food and religious practices, 25 percent of the world’s population is worth understanding.

Learning more about different types of cultures engenders understanding and acceptance rather than fear and prejudice. The best way to start your cultural education is to dive in and learn the basics about Islam.

The good news is that you’ve discovered this helpful resource for learning the critical information you should know when determined to learn more about one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures. Continue reading to further your knowledge and education today!

Haji Pilgrimage

One of the core tenets of Islamic culture is the pilgrimage to Mecca. Each Muslim is expected to make this pilgrimage at least once during their lifetime. An estimated three million Muslims visit the Kaaba annually and travel from across the globe to participate in the festivities and ceremonies.

Second-Largest Religion

Islam is also the world’s second-largest religion, behind only Christianity. Fifty countries have Islam as the primary religion, and it’s the fastest-growing religion globally. It’s expected to grow at an impressive rate over the coming decades.

Islamic Prayers

Another aspect of Islamic culture to learn about is the prayer schedule. People who practice Islam are expected to pray five times daily to Allah. These prayers should be conducted at specific times to adhere to the culture and religion.

The first prayer should occur at dawn before the Sun rises. You should pray again when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky. The third prayer of the day occurs in the late afternoon, and the fourth occurs after sunset.

You’ll want to pray once more between sunset and Midnight to complete all five prayers during the day. You’ll hear the Call to Prayer throughout the day when visiting or living in an Islamic country. This call is meant to remind followers of Islam to leave worldly concerns behind and come pray.

Five Pillars of Islam

It’s also worthwhile to understand the five pillars of Islamic culture to understand the values of people practicing this religion. The first pillar is the Shahada, the declaration of faith in Islam. The Salah is the five prayers made throughout the day.

One of the most important pillars is the Zakat, which represents charitable giving to those in need. The Sawm pillar represents fasting, and the Haji pillar represents the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam Doesn’t Oppress

Islamic culture is designed to grant women numerous rights. The tenets of Islam teach men to treat their wives with respect and dignity at all times. A man oppressing women in Islamic culture fails to follow Allah’s words and teachings.

Most countries or cultures that allow the oppression of women do so on their own interpretation of the Quran. It’s also a case where men follow old cultural traditions outside of Islamic culture and justify this treatment through their religion.

Women are allowed to hold jobs and get an education in Islamic culture. Men are taught to respect and cherish their wives and daughters. The Quran views men and women as equal, with expectations that they do good acts during their lives.

Two Major Sects

Islam has two major sects that practice the Islamic religion. Most Muslims are part of the Sunni sect, with 10 percent identifying as Shia. Both denominations follow the Quran, but they split on the Hadith.

The Hadith is the record of The Prophet Muhammad’s words and actions, and it’s used as an additional moral code and religious law. The two sects split and went their separate ways after The Prophet Muhammad passed away and have stayed that way into modern times.

The Quran Teaches Tolerance

The Quran gets a negative reputation in the Western world due to extremist views on non-Muslims. The fact is that the Quran teaches practicing Muslims to be tolerant of people who practice other religions. Multiple passages state that Christians and Jews will enjoy their rightful rewards for the Lord for their faith and good acts.

Islamic Culture Promotes Loyalty

Part of Islamic culture is the loyalty you should pledge to your country, regardless of its religious beliefs. Muslims living in the United States, United Kingdom, China, and India should remain loyal to their country while following their religious practices.

Islam Promoted Several Inventions

There are several inventions that the Islamic world doesn’t get its due credit for. Citric acid and marching bands are among the most noteworthy innovations from Islamic culture. It’s also a culture famed for its Calligraphy Art.

Muslims also invented instruments like the guitar and lute. The Laws of Refraction and Algebra can also get attributed to Islam. Add in the development and use of coffee, and it’s clear that Islamic art and culture played a massive role in shaping the modern world.

Science and Islam Are Compatible

The Quran is interesting compared to other religious texts because it promotes science rather than condemns it. It describes natural phenomena like the Big Bang Theory, the human embryo, and life forms from water during the Earth’s origins. Islamic culture and science have zero contradictions, making it one of the world’s most compatible religions and cultures with science.

Learn More About Islam Today

Islamic culture is one of the most misunderstood cultures in the modern world. It’s a religion and culture of peace, with morals that promote good acts, equal rights for men and women, and stunning Islamic art.

The Quran and science are compatible, and it’s the second-largest religion in the world today. Minds in Islamic culture are behind the invention of the guitar, lute, marching band, and algebra. The world would be a much different place without these types of cultures.

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