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ISLAM The word derives from the Arabic root saleema, meaning: peace, purity, submission and obedience. Therefore, literally: ‘Islam’ means ‘submission (to the will of God)’, and a ‘Muslim’ is “one who submits (to the will of God)”. The Qur'an specifically says that all human beings are equal before God although Muslims are more equal than others and Christians and Jews are second class citizens. It is held that the angel Jibril (Gabriel) dictated the Qur’an directly to Muhammad, who is considered to have had no personal influence on the text. Because the Qur'an is such a holy book and no pictures are allowed in Islam, the calligraphy is often very beautiful. This is a page from a 13th century copy. When Islam was introduced it represented a move forward for women in the tribal areas of Arabia where women were often treated badly – almost as male possessions. The Qur’an limits the number of wives to four and these must all be treated equally. The Qur'an says: “..marry such women as seem good to you, two, three or four but if you feel you will not be equitable, then only one….” (4:4) Women are allowed to own property (when this was not possible in the Christian West) and the Qur'an forbids female infanticide and also forced marriages. Women are seen as supports for their husbands – rather than as independent individuals with the marriage. Quotes from the Qu’ran ‘Men have authority over women because Allah has made the one superior to the others, and because they spend their wealth to maintain them. Good women are obedient.’ (Surah 4:34) On death, men shall inherit twice as much as women (Surah 4:176) Women have to dress so that they do not provide a temptation to men. Muslims differ as to how this is to be interpreted. Some hold that every part of a woman’s body must be concealed – even her eyes. Others accept ‘Western’ dress, provided it is modest. In Afghanistan the Taliban forbade women to work, to be educated, to be out on the street unless totally covered – but other Muslims see this as a perversion of the Qur'an. Much depends on interpretation. ABRAHAM (IBRAHIM) Abraham is the father of Islam through Ishmael his first born son. Abraham is the father of Judaism through his second son, Isaac and Abraham is the father of Christianity through his faith. Key Cities JERUSALEM MEDINA MECCA THE MOSQUE OF THE PROPHET, MEDINA Built over Muhammad’s burial place THE DOME OF THE ROCK The Dome of the Rock encloses the sacred rock where Muhammad began his night journey – his ascension to Heaven. St. Sophia, Constantinople/Istanbul The great Christian Cathedral of St. Sophia was transformed into a Mosque after the defeat of Constantinople (It is now a museum.) REQUIREMENTS OF MUSLIMS THE SHAHADA: Muslims must declare:There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet’ SALAT: As a minimum, Muslims must pray five times a day facing Mecca) using prescribed postures and recitations. (N.B. Shi’i Muslims pray three times a day.) ZAQAT: payment of an obligatory tax to the needy FASTING: Muslims must fast during the month of Ramadan (the 9th month of the Islamic calendar) HAJJ: PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA: This must be made, if a person is able to do so, once during a Muslim’s lifetime. Beauty The beauty of fine art is affirmed and themes of nature can be expressed in calligraphy, carpets, mosaics and architecture (but not in religious paintings of people or animals – hence there are no paintings in Mosques). Carpets are often a work of art and can express a prayer as they are works of devotion and dedication. The ‘arabesque’ style has a theological significance bringing together unity and eternity – there are incredibly beautiful examples Islamic Art is characterised by a use of pattern. Pattern is not just decorative, it is designed to draw our eyes and minds into a deeper understanding of reality. Islamic Art is about exploring the level at which it is closest to its creator, God. Islamic patterns often feature a deliberate mistake – to show that the artist is not seeking to be a God in producing perfection. Alien to our culture? Although Islamic dress, particularly as it relates to women, is often portrayed as alien to our culture it is worth thinking about things in a longer time-frame… Islamic and ‘western’ societies shared a demand for modest dress for centuries – Indeed English women sought out Muslim women in 17th and 18th Century India because they felt more comfortable with modestly dressed women than with Hindu women who dressed more casually. Have things moved on? One suggestion is that Muslim dress is Medieval and that women should embrace the 21st century in casting off their veils. Is 21st century liberalism really about insisting on wearing less though? Surely the whole point of developments in fashion is to encourage individual expression and challenge ‘rules’ about dress? Certainly, western liberals have a concern about women being forced to wear Islamic clothing – or indeed to do anything… Yet women often choose to dress modestly and to adopt the cultural interpretation of Islamic standards which they feel comfortable with and which expresses their roots. Hussein Chalayan Turkish Cypriot, based in London. Graduate of Central St Martin’s – has own Fashion Label and has worked for companies such as Asprey’s. Has courted controversy by using his work to comment on the relationship between Islamic and ‘western’ culture. His work skirts around the psychological and political implications of dressing in certain ways… Rifat Ozbek Turkish designer, based in London and another graduate of Central St. Martin’s. Well known for producing clothes inspired by Islamic Cultures – has worked with Monsoon.