Religion With Culture

 

Religion with culture

                   Religion with culture

In Islam, religion and culture are  not  always  divisible; we don’t  look at  culture as independent of religion ; there  is no "one Islamic culture" per se. What  is religious and what  is culture are not always black and white; for example, what is called Arab culture, or Pakistani or Indian culture can be just as Islamic as religious worship; the purpose of “hiijab” is to cover, it doesn’t matter if it’s white or black, or blue as long as it meets the requirements for women’s dress (i.e. loose, not transparent, doesn’t have pictures of animates, is not attractive so as to cause distraction) It is necessary to dress “Islamically” (Islamically correct) to meet the requirements for prayer and modesty. There is a dress code for men, as well. Men’s clothing should not be transparent, should be loose, and should cover the private parts (the navel to the knees). One should be able to perform his/her duties and function with the clothing and accessories one wears. It is preferable for men to cover their shoulders (i.e. wear a shirt, or if one doesn’t have a shirt, a cloth, or sheet) while performing prayers. It is also preferable for men to wear perfume to the masjid/prayers, and to use a toothbrush in preparations for going out, whether to prayers or other, or after eating.

Some styles in clothing, and accessories, such as high heels, or additional hair (which would in any case be covered) are haram (forbidden). Hair extensions and beautification such as plucking of eyebrows are unIslamic, and were forbidden by the Prophet as unnatural, and things which cause the curse of Allah. There are many other things described in the traditions as being unnatural, deviations, or practices of non-Muslims. Muslim women should keep clean, but should not wear strong perfume in public places.

These are just some of the things which Muslims should know. We only convey these things to the non-Muslims to give them some understanding of Islam, and why Islamic culture takes precedence over unIslamic practices, or things foreign to Islam. They do not have to accept, but it is the duty of Muslims to remind and tell the truth about Islam. We don’t want to allow misconceptions in the media or internet without speaking out and clarifying the issues.

Jane Dughatir: Governments against Islam