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MENA CULTURE
Cultures of the Middle East
• Majority speak Arabic (also Turkish, Farsi, Hebrew)
• Many different ethnic groups, such as Arabs, Persians, Turks, Kurds
• 90% follow Islam (Sunni and Shi’a)
Many Ethnic Groups in the Middle East
Middle Eastern Countries
• Related history, similar issues
and challenges
• Religious conflicts, social
turmoil
• Limited natural resources
(especially water)
• Arid climate – hot and dry (136*
in the shade in Libya!)
• All countries border the ocean
(except Afghanistan which is
landlocked)
Islam and the Middle East
What three major religions began in
Middle East?
• Judaism, Christianity, Islam
• Called “Religions of the Book”, or
“Abrahamic Religions”, all related
traditions.
• Major events of Old Testament,
New Testament, and Quran all
happened in Middle East and
North Africa.
• Islam is now the dominant
religion of the region, and has
been since around 700AD.
Judaism
Primary religion of Israel. There are about 14.5 million followers worldwide. Judaism is
the original of the three Abrahamic faiths, which also includes Christianity and Islam
Main idea: Jews believe that there is only one God with whom they have a covenant
• Who – Moses
• When – circa 1300 BCE
• Where – land of Canaan
• Holy Books – Torah
Judaism
Judaism means The cultural, religious, and social practices and beliefs of the Jews
Torah is the central and most important religious document of Jedaism.
Halakhah. is Islamic law, covering nearly all aspects of life. Used by many Islamic
countries as basis for their own legal codes.
Synagogues are where Jews gather to worship.
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Judaism originated in the Middle East over 3500 years ago
Judaism was founded by Moses, although Jews trace their history back
to Abraham.
Spiritual leaders are called Rabbis.
6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust in an attempt to wipe out Judaism.
Christianity
Primary religion of the Europe, North and South American, Southern Africa, Oceania
about 2.4 billion followers.
Main idea: based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New
Testament Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old
Testament
• Who – Jesus Christ
• When – circa mid-1st century AD
• Where – Originating in Judea
• Holy Books – Bible
Major Concepts of Christianity
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Christianity means the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of
Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.
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Bible is considered the word of God
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Christians believe that God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the
consequences of its sins.
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Churches are where Christians gather to worship.
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Their spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers.
What is Islam?
Primary religion of the modern Middle East, about 1.5 billion followers.
Main idea: “There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his Prophet.”
• Who – Muhammad
• When – circa 610AD
• Where – Arabian Peninsula
• Holy Books – Quran (main text) and the Hadith (commentaries)
Major Concepts of Islam
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Islam means “submission to the will of God”.
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Quran is considered the literal word of Allah,
given to Mohammed by the Archangel Gabriel.
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Sharia is Islamic law, covering nearly all aspects
of life. Used by many Islamic countries as basis
for their own legal codes.
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Mosques are where Muslims gather to worship.
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Five Pillars of Islam are the things one must do
to be a practicing Muslim.
“Five Pillars” of Islam:
1.
Statement of Faith
2.
Prayer five times daily
3.
Fasting during holiday of
Ramadan
4.
Alms to the poor
5.
Visit holy city of Mecca at
least once. CALLED HAJJ
‫أشهد أن ال إله إال هللا‬
‫أشهد أن محـمدا ً رسـول هللا‬
I declare that there is no deity except
Allah.
I declare that Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah.
Difference between Sunni vs. Shia?
• Two major sects of Islam. In modern times,
Islam is split – about 85% Sunni, 15% Shi’a.
• Differences started long ago, due to a dispute
about who would lead the Muslim world
(Umma) after Muhammad died.
• Over time, the groups developed different
beliefs and practices. It is a little like the
differences between Catholics and
Protestants.
• Many modern conflicts in the Middle East
have these differences at their root. This is
called “sectarian violence”.
“Kaaba” in Mecca, site of pilgrimage.
Why are women covered up?
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Islam encourages modest dress. Different cultures interpret this differently, and require
different things from women. Some women see it as subjugation, some see it as proper.
Not all countries follow the same customs, nor do all women in a country follow the same
customs. Some places it is a choice, others it is the law. In a few places, it can be enforced
with violence against women.
Head covering is called Hijab. Only the eyes exposed is called Niqab. Head to toe is called
Burka.