Cultural competence and ethnic diversity are significant factors in the current century. This is because it plays an essential role in developing social skills and increasing individuals’ self-awareness. Growing up in a Christian home is indeed a tremendous experience. This is brought about by the numerous beliefs and Bible stories we have been taught since childhood. One interesting fact about Christianity is that we believe in one supernatural being who created the heavens and earth. In other terms, Christians are regarded as monotheistic. The supernatural being identified as God also consists of three parts: the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit. These beliefs have significantly influenced our religious activities, such as prayers. Despite these strong Christian beliefs, learning about other religions is essential. The site visit created an indispensable opportunity for me to become diverse and learn other religions’ cultural beliefs, values, and religious views. Muslim is a religion that has always fascinated me in several ways. With the opportunity presented, I took the initiative to quest my thirst and find answers to the numerous questions I contained.
Sunni Islam was my point of interest. This is because they are the largest branch of Islam. They also contain an exciting history right from their name. The name Sunni is a word derived from Sunnah, which refers to the tradition of Muhammad. To better understand this particular group of Muslims, I chose Al Farooq Mosque, built in 1980 in Atlanta (Nasir, 63). This was a random choice from approximately 2,800 mosques in the United States. The Al Farooq Mosque is identified as the fourth largest mosque in the United States. It contains an area of approximately 8,700 square meters (Nasir, 64). One fascinating fact about the mosque is that it holds a minaret that is 131 feet high. The view was indeed splendid and caught my attention. Visiting the Al Farooq Mosque was easy since it is a branch of Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre that is a mecca for tourists and foreigners. The mosque has not been limited to performing the Friday prayers, five obligatory prayers, and the Two `Eids. It serves as an Islamic center for humanitarian dialogue and precisely indicates the function of Muslims in world culture (Nasir, 73). The experience was more fascinating than I had imagined.
I opted to join the Friday prayer. However, for more observations, I also attended the five obligatory prayers. The dress code was not an issue to compromise. As it is always said, “when you go to Rome, you do what the Romans do.” This meant that we were required to comply with the rules put in place. We were to wear modest and loose-fitting clothes. A headscarf and long sleeves full-length were necessary for the feminine gender. I was able to identify that some women only exposed their eyes. The Friday prayers began during the afternoon. This was, however, different for the five obligatory prayers. The prayers include Fajr, observed at dawn, the Zuhr, observed at noon; the Asr, observed late in the afternoon; the Maghrib, conducted after sunset; and Isha, which takes place at dusk.
Individuals were quite punctual in each prayer. This differed slightly from my Christian religion, which contained people streaming anytime during the service. The people also formed very straight lines, making the place organized. Their heads, knees, and hands were all placed on the floor. It was not until every individual ensured that their forehead and nose touched the ground that the prayers began. The first word uttered by every worshipper was “Subhanna Rabbiyal A’laa.” This meant, “Glorious is my Lord, the most High.” This was done three times in a row. During the prayer, the worshipper faced a particular wall that indicated that they were offering their prayers towards the holy city of Islam. The male and feminine gender were all in separate rooms as they performed the series of movements in a sequence. I also identified the presence of a congregation leader who was recognized as an Imam.
The activities inside the mosque are considered one of Islam’s great mysteries. This particular religion indeed contains several rituals that frequently leave questions to nonbelievers. The believers find these rituals significant, hence defining several rules that should be followed to enable appropriate conduct inside a mosque. Some of these rituals are conducted while entering the mosque and before beginning prayers. I observed that the first ritual was conducted when we immediately entered the mosque. Any believer was required to enter the mosque using the right foot only. This should be accompanied by the presence of the appropriate apparel, which includes cleanliness of the body, clothing, and mind. Avoiding personal odors, such as bad breath from onions or garlic, is also essential. No distractions, such as cell phones, were allowed within the mosque. After observing all these rituals, a worshipper was required to recite a prayer called du’a as they entered the mosque. Before commencing with the prayers, it was compulsory to remove the shoes to be able to indulge in a cleansing ritual. The congregants were required to use their right hand three times and then their left hand. This act is identified as Wudhu. Maintaining cleanliness is considered obligatory, especially when visiting the house of Allah.
On the Islamic holy day of Friday, I observed that the Imam contained other functions besides leading the congregation in prayers. The Imam is considered to be equal in the eyes of Allah. Due to this reason, he is a trusted and well-respected figure in the Muslim religion. Together with the congregation, the Imam faces Mecca and recites the verses in the Quran. This is done while a series of positions known as Salat are made. After the Friday prayer, the Imam gives the worshippers a sermon on the elements presented in the Quran. They contain other functions of conducting marriage ceremonies, advising the people, and teaching Islamic studies to young children. In addition, they can act as spiritual role models and communal decision-makers. Verse 2.124 of the Quran indicates how vital the Imams are by indicating, “And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee an Imam to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams) from my offspring!” He answered: “But My Promise is not within reach of evil-doers.” These words indicate that Imams are people presented and given by Allah only.
Muslims contain significant beliefs about their texts and Muhammad. The Quran, the Hadith (sayings of the prophet), and the Sunna are the most important texts in the Muslim religion. I found the Muslim belief about Muhammad to be unfamiliar in several ways. The believers believe Muhammad was born in Mecca, the most powerful tribe. Muhammad got to marry a wealthy widow after working as a merchant for several years (Ali). At the age of Forty, the Muslims indicate that Muhammad began having several visions and hearing weird voices (Ali). This prompted him to meditate at Mount Hira, located near Mecca. One day, the Archangel Gabriel emerged and told him to rehearse “in the name of your Lord” (Ali). After several years of struggle and proving to people that there is only one God, he could see heaven and hell while still alive. The people believe he departed in 632 without naming any successor (Ali). Islamic groups now have dissimilar opinions about who should be regarded as the successor of Muhammed. The Shi’a believe that the closest surviving blood male relative of Ali Muhammad should be identified as their closet leader. However, this is different for the Sunnis, who propose that the successor should be considered by consensus and successively elected from three of his companions, including Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Uthman.
There are five pillars of Islam, and fasting is one of them. Just like prayers, fasting is an obligatory duty for every healthy adult. This mainly applies in the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, and the holy month of fasting. Fating is precisely indicated in the Quran 2.183, which states, “Believers! Fasting is enjoined upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before you, that you become God-fearing.” It is entirely accurate to say that fasting is not a unique experience in the Islamic religion since it is also performed in other religions, such as Christianity and Jewish. The most exciting aspect of fasting in the Islamic religion is that they begin fasting at dawn and break it after night has set. The fasting season is always determined by the month’s season. Specific individuals are always excluded from fasting. They include the elderly, expectant and lactating women, those traveling, children not yet in puberty, and sick and unhealthy individuals. Despite the fasting, the believers are expected to maintain the five daily prayers and break the fast with a night prayer known as the Tarawih prayer. The month always seeks revelation, purity, and closeness with Allah.
Muslims must understand the profession of faith before engaging in any other pillar. This is another belief that I will always contain numerous questions about. The profession of faith is identified as Shahadah, an Arabic word meaning “testimony” (Fayzullayevich et al. 56). It is the first pillar of Muslim and summarizes Islamic beliefs in one bold sentence. In any Muslim family, the Shahadah is supposed to be recited together. Teaching the children the profession in the original Arabic tongue is also essential. Shahadah contains two parts. The first part indicated that there is no God but Allah. The believers indicate that they worship only one supernatural being (Fayzullayevich et al. 55). The being is known as Allah and is the most merciful, all-powerful, and omniscient. The second part precisely indicates that Muhammad is an individual who was chosen and sent by Allah. Testifying this second part implies your belief in Muhammad as a messenger sent to convey Allah’s message.
Visiting the mosque and learning about these Islamic cultures was indeed a fascinating experience. I was able to find answers to my numerous questions. I learned about the essential pillars, such as Shahadah, prayer, and fasting. I was able to visit the mosque, which was my greatest desire. However, the service was slightly out of my expectations. Visiting the mosque enlightened me on the several rituals Muslims have to observe. Understanding the meaning of the rituals was significant for self-awareness purposes. I performed the rituals rightly after attending the second prayer out of the five daily prayers. After precisely understanding and being able to conduct the rituals, I found the environment conducive. It was more enjoyable to engage in the site visit. Another activity I got to engage in was reading the Shahadah in Arabic. Reciting easy prayers, such as the mosque entrance prayer, was exciting. The site visits wholly altered my opinion of the Islamic religion. I understood that just like any other religion, Muslims contain their own beliefs that define them.
Work Cited
Ali, Abdullah Yusuf. The Quran. DigiCat, 2022. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=xAlzEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT6&dq=The+quran&ots=czmPpHCYPC&sig=tVnMLnN-CdrP-M3rN-VzGm6ILsc&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=The%20quran&f=false
Fayzullayevich, Jurayev Shodmon, and Allamov Akbar Axtamovich. “The historical fundaments of Islamic Culture in Bukhara.” Central Asian Journal of Social Sciences and History 2.2 (2021): 51-59. https://www.cajssh.centralasianstudies.org/index.php/CAJSSH/article/view/62
Nasir, Mohamad Abdun. “Islam in Diaspora: Shari’a Law, Piety and Brotherhood at al-Farooq Mosque, Atlanta.” Al-Jami’ah: Journal of Islamic Studies 54.1 (2016): 59-93. https://www.aljamiah.or.id/index.php/AJIS/article/view/54103
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