Middle
East Introduction
Religion
plays a very important role in all the countries of the
middle east. The predominant religion for the Arab and
middle eastern countries as well as Turkey, Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Djibouti, Gambia, Niger, Nigeria,
Senegal, Somalia, Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia is Muslim.
India is predominantly Hindu, but also has a sizeable Muslim
population.
Muslims
follow the doctrines of the Koran, which forbids alcohol
and the flesh of scavenger animals (i.e. pork), birds and
fish (i.e. shellfish). It also discourages use of caffeine
and nicotine, although neither are forbidden; in fact,
they tend to be consumed in great quantity in Arabic and
Middle Eastern countries.
Avoid
pork and pork products like ham, bacon, pate, hot dogs
or sausage. Avoid food prepared with pork products like
lard, which can include even pastries. It is a good idea
to avoid any pork dishes at a banquet when Muslims are
in attendance because the other dishes might become contaminated
in preparation or serving. Don't serve shellfish like crab
or lobster. Fish is an acceptable alternative to meat and
shellfish. Some Muslims prefer Zabihah meat which has been
slaughtered according to special rules. Zabihah meat is
similar to, but not the same as, kosher meat. Do not serve
alcohol in the presence of guests, especially government
or religious officials, from the more fundamentalist Muslim
countries like Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, even if you know
that the individual may drink in private. Many Muslims,
however, do take exception to the rule forbidding alcohol.
Pakistanis, for instance, are more liberal and frequently
consume alcoholic beverages. But, it's best to err on the
side of caution, especially in public. Serve fruit juices
for toasts when alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed.
Avoid food cooked in alcohol, even if all the alcohol has
burned off in cooking. Muslims fast until sundown during
the month of Ramadam.
Hinduism:
Hindus live predominantly in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka
with large groups also found in Great Britain, Pakistan
and the United States of America. Their dietary restrictions
vary according to region, local custom, caste and acceptance
of outside practices. Primarily, though, orthodox Hindus
shun all animal and fish products except milk and honey
because of the Hindu doctrines of non-violence, karma and
rebirth.
Beef
is taboo because the cow is sacred. However, milk and butter
are considered pure because of their non-violent connection
to the cow. Most Hindus are vegetarian. Some do eat eggs
and occasionally westernized Hindus do eat meat. Others,
especially Jains, do not eat root vegetables such as onions,
carrots, potatoes or beets. While westernized Hindus often
drink alcohol, most Hindus don't drink alcoholic beverages.
Fruit juice or soft drinks should always be offered as
alternatives, especially for the women. When in doubt,
ask what the individual's preferences are. Indians will
not take offense at the question.
|
|
Geert
Hofstede Analysis and Scores for the Arab World
Click
Here for Middle East Arab World Hofstede Scores
An
Imam explains Islam
By IMAM SHAMSHAD A. NASIR
Islam
is the name of the religion that was founded 1,400 years
ago by the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. Islam is an Arabic
word which means peace, love and complete submission and
obedience to God. There is no difference between Islam and
Muslims. Islam is the religion that a Muslim follows, just
as Christianity is the religion which a Christian follows.
A
Muslim is someone who has accepted Islam and lives his whole
life according to the teachings of Islam. A true Muslim is
one who is loving and caring, promotes peace, and is fully
obedient and submissive to the will of God.
Islam
demands from its believers that they establish peace in the
world, promote love and make such examples of themselves
that others, knowing that they are Muslims, feel at peace
and harmony in that knowledge. This is the true Islam and
what it means to be a Muslim.
The
Holy Prophet of Islam has said that a true Muslim is one
whose actions and words do not harm his fellow man.
ISLAMIC
GREETINGS
When Muslims greet each other, instead of saying, “good
morning” or “hello” they say “Assalamo
Alaikum,” which means “May peace be upon you and
may God's blessings be with you.” This greeting makes
a Muslim aware that he has to spread love and peace wherever
he goes.
ATTRIBUTES
OF GOD
There are many attributes of God, one being “AsSalam” meaning “the
Bestower of peace and love.” Man has been created to
fashion himself to the attributes of God and Muslims must try
to adopt this attribute of God.
If
someone calling himself a Muslim and a follower of the Holy
Prophet does not promote peace and love in his actions and
does not follow this teaching, he cannot be a true follower
of the Holy Prophet.
A
MUSLIM'S PRAYERS
Muslims pray five times a day, asking God for his love.
They
pray, “Oh God! You are Peace and from you, is Peace;
Blessed are you, O Lord of Majesty and Bounty.”
THE
RELIGION OF ISLAM
Islam is a religion from God for the whole of mankind
and the name Islam was given to the Muslims by God himself
in the Holy Quran.
“This
day have I perfected your religion for you and completed
my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as religion.”
The
Holy Quran has been sent for the guidance of mankind. It
is full of wisdom and commands.
Egypt India Saudi
Arabia Turkey United
Arab Emirates
|
