Rituals Assignment

What are the purposes of specific rituals?

Evaluate the spiritual importance that each has for the believer.


In order to become a Muslim and surrender to the existence of God, a follower has to pray everyday to show dedication to God. This is shown through the ritual of daily prayer also know as Salat. Prayer is performed at particular times during the day and has many personal meanings for each person. Asking for guidance and expressing lamentation are popular as well as the daily prayer. The practice of daily prayer, and asking for guidance shows the acceptance that their is one true Tawhid or Allah which is defined as the God in Islam. Prayer and asking for guidance allows Muslims to become closer to God, and show dedication to Islam. Another way to show dedication to Islam is to follow one of the 5 pillars, a pilgrimage to Mecca. This pilgrimage is also called the Hajj, and is usually performed between the eight and twelfth days during Dhu al- Hijja-. This shows their faith in Iman, God as well as participation in the Muslim community knows as Umma. These two rituals are a couple of the many ways  a Muslim can show their faith and deepen their spiritual participation.


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How does the ritual shape daily life?


Prayer


Prayer is a major aspect of the life of a Muslim. Muslims have requirement to pray 5 times a day and when possible, pray more often then the minimum of 5 to show strong dedication to Allah. The time of the required prayers are at dawn, noon, mid afternoon, sunset, and night. Islam followers pray to receive help struggles they face in life which are known as jihad,  as well as to practice the belief that there is only one true God, Allah. Rites of passage and prayer relate to each other because are often made when a Muslim asks for a child to be born, as well as if they desire a strong, good, and happy marriage. This shows that prayer is super significant for a Muslim, so they can maintain a strong relationship with Allah. 


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How are specific rituals linked to foundations figures?


Mawlid al-Nabi (Muhammad's Birthday)


The purpose of the this ritual is to honor Muhammad the messenger of Allah. This ritual began with the writing poetry in honor Muhammad. The practice of this ritual can be traced to the Arabs who had great value in their verbal skills. Muhammad had many great achievements in his life and that is why this ritual is practiced, so that followers can honor those great achievements. The message of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, also known as risalah is related to Mawlid al-Nabi, because it is a celebration of his life. Muhammad receiving the message from Allah is seen as the most significant moment in his life. During this ritual his teachings and what his achievements and trials are revisited, which allows followers to have a refocus on the ideals behind the religion. This ritual is centered around Muhammad's revelation from Allah and his birth.


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How are specific rituals and doctrines linked?


Determine the difference among Sunni, Shi'a and Sufi rituals that are driven by both similar and differing doctrines.


The Shia and Sunni, two denominations in the religion of Islam have different practices, however both denominations use the exact same Quran. Contrary  to common notion, the two denominations have much in common. Both denominations worship the same god, Allah, as well as recite prayers that are very similar to each other. The main difference between the two denominations of the Sunni and Shia is largely due to the variation in the prayers and rituals of the Sunni or Shia. A main difference in the prayers and ritual between the Shia and Sunni is the intensity at which the followers of the different denominations pray. The Sunni's are the group that follow the traditional times of prayer very strictly, where as the Shia often do not adhere to the traditional prayer times, by combining the mid-day and evening prayers sessions into one. 


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To what extent do rituals shape community identity?


Determine the degree to which the Five Pillars create communal identity.


The five pillars of Islam, as well as many other rituals, all work together to create community within Islam societies. This community, known as Umma, comes from each of the five pillars that unify the people through belief and common action. The first pillar, Shahadah, states one's belief in God and holding Allah higher than anything else. This creates a commonality among all Muslims and begins the shaping of a community. Also, a major factor in the ritual of prayer is praying at certain times of day, whether at a mosque or somewhere else. This becomes part of the culture of a Islamic society to have a call to prayer and for nearly everything to stop for prayer. In doing so, this creates a strong sense of community for a Muslim society.  Another aspect in the creation of community is the requirement of tithing to the community. This aides the less fortunate in the community which reinforces the Umma's identity.  Finally, the practice of a pilgrimage to Mecca allows for Muslim people to come together in a community, on their journey to the Kaaba.


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