Islamic Culture

Islamic Culture represents the traditions and customs which evolve from the day-to-day practice of people following the authentic teachings of Islam. In general, when the various cultures of Muslims around the world are compared, the common features found in all countries and regions represent the core of Islamic culture, and the variations represent the basic features of Muslim cultures.

For example, the dress of Muslim women varies in color, style and material according to Muslim culture. However, they all share the basic Islamic cultural principle of covering the whole body except for or including face and hands. Another example may be seen in the dress of Muslim men. In the past, Muslim men wore a variety of clothing designs and colors. However, their clothing all shared the basic Islamic cultural principles. They covered the area between the navel and knee with loose garments either in the form of baggy pants, a thobe (full length shirt), a lungi / sarong (wrap around skirt), which did not hang below the ankle.

They were also not made from silk nor were they the bright orange-yellow color traditionally used by Buddhist monks. Today, the standard garment worn by men in most Muslim countries is the western pant that is deliberately designed to expose the private parts. Furthermore, it is worn hanging below the ankles.

The Foundation of Islam

The teachings of Islam are based on five fundamental principles called the five pillars of Islam, and six fundamental beliefs called the six pillars of Iman (faith). This division is based on the following well-known tradition of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) called hadeeth Jibreel.

Aboo Hurayrah related that on one occasion while they were sitting with the Messenger of Allah, he said to them, “Ask me anything,” but they were too overawed out of profound respect to ask him anything.[1]

 ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab[2] said, “While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) a man came among us whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was jet black. No signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the Prophet (Peace be upon him). Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: O Muhammad, tell me about Islam. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakaah[3], to fast in Ramadaan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House[4] if you are able to do so.” He said: You have spoken rightly, and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: Then tell me about Iman.[5] He said: “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: You have spoken rightly. He said: Then tell me about ihsaan[6] He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you.” He said: Then tell me about the Hour[7]. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: Then tell me about its signs. He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress[8] and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsmen competing in constructing lofty buildings.”

Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O ‘Umar do you know who the questioner was?” I said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He said: “It was Gabriel, who came to you to teach you your religion.”[9]