Religious Identity: Islam Flashcards
What are some ways that Muslims express their faith through what they wear?
> hijab: means cover in Arabic
- symbolises modesty purity and morality
> take shoes off in mosque and modest dress
What are some ways that Muslims express identity in the Mosque?
> mihrab
> calligraphy
> prayer mats
> star and crescent
What does the mihrab represent?
> niche, shows direction of Mecca
What does the calligraphy represent?
> passages of the Qur’an, show its importance
What do the prayer mats represent?
> they are together
> equality and togetherness
What do the crescent and star represent?
> god’s creation, light the way and give direction like Islam
What do Muslims do when they go to Mecca?
> wear the Ihram, representing purity, holiness, humility,equality and dedication.
> circle the Ka’ba
- camp overnight at Mina
- run from Safa to Marwah
- stone the pillars ( representing the devil)
- witness God’s presence at Mt Arafat.
Why do people of religious faith go on pilgrimage?
> place of great happening
> spiritual growth
> sense of community
> dedication/devotion
> requirement
> tradition
> personal reflection
What are the arguments against pilgrimage?
> no proof
> doesn’t make you a better person
> doesn’t prove religion
> tourism business makes money off things that are supposed to be sacred.
Arguments for pilgrimage?
> doesn’t matter if it’s true or not, strengthens religious faith and provides feeling of community
sense of tradition in a place of historical significance
What is a Muslim perception of sharing faith?
> everyone is born a Muslim- revert rather than convert
- reverts expected to keep the 5 pillars of Islam
- some Muslims preach in public places
- many regard interfaith dialogue as important
