While only fourteen hundred years old, Islam has been noted as being one of the fastest growing religions in the world. With over 1.5 billion followers around the world and over three million practicing Muslims in the United States, there are as many, if not more, sects or denominations within the religion, as there as with Christianity. As a religion, Islam began in the year 540, when the Prophet Mohammad, was bestowed with what Muslims refer to as “divine revelations.” These revelations regarded both the foundations of what would become Islam, but also the findings and teaches of the Quran.
After the death of Mohammad, the first and most prominent schism occurred in Islam, regarding who had been declared Mohammad’s successor. The Sunni’s believed that Mohammad had chosen Abu-Bakr as the rightful leader, while Sunni’s believe that Ali-Ibn Talib was the successor to the caliphate. Regardless of successors, most Muslims believe in the seven fundamental “Pillars of Islam.” Each is supposed to guide Muslims to be the best versions of themselves attain prosperity and success within the world and in the afterlife. The first of these is Walayat, denoting the love and guardianship to Allah. Second, Taharat, the emphasis on the purity of the mind, body, and soul. Third, the Zakat, the yearly/monthly charity given by Muslims to the needy. Fourth, Salat, arguably the most prominent aspect of Islam.
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Praying to God five times a day with humility and happiness. Fifth, Sawm, fasting, throughout the year, but mainly during the month of Ramadan. Sixth, Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to Mecca. And lastly, Jihad, the inner struggle one has within themselves to follow the “right path.” Muslims and Islamic congregations base what could be termed as sermons within the Masjids, or mosques on these basic pillars. Activities and lectures are implemented in ways to not only educate but to also help community members get involved. Notably, the Islamic Educational Center of San Diego provides countless ways for its community members to be spiritually enlightened.
One of the most consistent events, occurring every Friday is the “Jummah Prayer”. Jummah Prayer is the afternoon prayer, typically running longer than other normal prayers as there were more prayers involved, as well as a Quran recitation in the end. I was able to visit during a session of the Islamic school, which took place on Sunday between 10a-2pm. Around twenty or so students were in attendance and around 5-8 teachers, that had separated the students by class. Before the classes began, students were brought together in a group to go over some “duas” or prayers, which also included a Quran recitation among other things. The Islamic center is primarily a Shia community hence, the topics being taught and discussed aligned with their ideologies. Girls and boys are primarily taught the foundations of Islam, and what it means to be a practicing Muslim today.
Depending on the level of the students, some were learning the Arabic alphabet and numbers, while others were practicing the recitation of the Quran, in hopes to become fluent. In contrast to the general theme of media portrayal of Islamophobia and the notion the “Muslims are an inherent threat”, children in the Islamic school learn about what it means to be a Muslim in today's political and social climate. When talking to one of the older students, they spoke about the unfortunate reality that many of these students will grow up to resent their own culture and religion, simply because that is what they are hearing and seeing around the world. As we discussed in class, Islam is exponentially on the rise, and the younger generation on the political forefront are making the largest impact. While Muslims are only about one percent of the American population, the hateful and prejudiced comments about Muslim communities rooted in fear of the next terrorist attack, hinder the progression of Muslims in the same way Jewish and African American communities have been able to.
Students in the Islamic school were not only learning about what it means to be Muslim, but they were also learning about the nuances of being an inclusive, law-abiding, citizen that is proud of their country and its people. A quote stuck out to me while I was there, that went something like, “Be a patriotic, peaceful, and proud citizen of the country in which you live.” A seemingly basic quote held much significance when one understands the complexities of the Sharia (Islamic Law). Muslims around the world, and especially those in non-Muslim majority countries are taught to put their country and its laws before the religions. The perplexities of the Muslim voting patterns may be in fact due to these conservative-liberal nuances. At face-value Muslims are anti-abortion, anti-gay rights, etc.; but understanding the minority’s plight, Muslims may feel it more may simply feel little imperative to use government to promote those values.
Yet, this isn’t to say many Muslims don’t truly believe in the Democratic cause, in fact, the younger demographic of Muslims agree with inclusivity and equal rights. While speaking to one of the teachers in the Islamic school, I asked her whether or not she is inclined to teach students about the political nuances of Islamic ideologies. She replied that she is responsible for teaching them about Muslim life, from birth to death, the culture and traditions that will make you a better person for the world and the afterlife. She said that what or how people vote is separate than what the choose to carry out within their own households. Understanding this may also lead to another explanation regarding the voting patterns of Muslims being more left-leaning. Understanding the Muslim way of life and its connection to the spirituality of the mind, body, and soul and its importance on keeping these things pure and clean, are big steps away from the narrow approach that can be the right-conservative voice. Muslims promote peace, equality, and the necessity to help those who cannot help themselves.
The sincere surrendering or submission aims to achieve peace and serenity in Muslim life. Islam is an influence belief (an all-powerful God). Like Islam, every religion basically is the concept of God and Power each in a slightly different way. Furthermore, Islam preaches the divinity of even the slightest human existences and the impact they can have on our everyday practices in the world. Many scholars highlight that religion itself is a category of human actions with a specific identity. This identity relates to the respective group and its sole aim to the world. On the whole, such goal-oriented human actions ultimately has an effect on global affairs.
Therefore, in the modern world and time, theology is closely connected with global issues of politics, affecting the economic and social status of the ethnic and non-ethnic groups. The social changes of certain countries provide a controversial debate because the regional political transformation anywhere and anytime increases the chances of revolutionary activities. For example, millions of Iranian Muslims stimulated the Islamic revolution that caused the downfall of the realm and conducted a new age in Iran (Bayat, 2007, pp.5).
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