History and Islamic Studies - Essay Example

Name Tutor Course Date Islamic Culture Introduction Islamic culture refers to the cultural practices which are common historically to the Islamic people. The Islamic culture has influenced other cultures of the people who have embraced it. The early forms of Islamic cultures were mainly based on the Arabic culture. However, this has changed as people from different cultures have embraced Islam. Some of the Islamic cultural practices are derived from the Quran while others are non-Quranic and are based on the divisions of the world in Islam (Al-Thani & Judy, 195). The concepts of Islamic culture are however complicated due to the influences by various factors. Globalization is one of the factors that have influenced the Islamic culture. Most of the Muslims fear the concepts of globalization as it erodes some of the important aspects of the Islamic culture. The historical conflict between Islam and the west is also one of the important factors that affect the Islamic culture. The way of life of the Muslims is influenced by the Islamic culture and hence its relevance to the society. The paper discusses the concepts of Islamic studies in relation to the Islamic culture. Discussion Use of Arabic Language The use of Arabic language and literature is one of the Islamic cultures that have been in place over the years. The Quran is written in Arabic and the Muslims are expected to learn how to read and write using the Arabic language. The Arabic language is of importance to Islam since it was the language of Prophet Muhammad. This culture has spread in all the parts of the world where the Islamic faith has been embraced. Islamic classes have been put in place for the purposes of teaching the followers the Arabic language. The Islamic scholars are also encouraged to learn the Arabic language in order to able to read the Islamic scriptures which are usually written in the Arabic language. It is common for the mosques to offer classes that teachers the faithful how to read and write using the Arabic language (Gökariksel & Ellen, 12). This is a common practice allover the world and it this has increased the number of people who are able to communicate in the Arabic language. However, with the onset of globalization, a lot of changes are taking place in the Muslim world. Most of the Islamic literatures are being translated to different languages. This has enabled both the Muslims as well as the non-Muslims to read and understand the Islamic literature. The concepts of globalization are thus causing fear among the Muslims with regards to the use of Arabic language. This has lead to opposition among some of the scholars although the trends indicate that use of Arabic language is on the decline. Marriage Marriage is one of the important Islamic cultures and it has to be practiced by all the Muslims. Marriage is considered of outermost importance and it is also part of the Islamic religion. On the other hand, it is also important to note marriage is lauded by various hadiths which is an indication that it is important to all the Muslims. Both men and women are supposed to get married as it is part of the Islamic culture. Marriage is regarded as a legal bond and social contract between a man and a woman according to the Islamic culture. The Muslim men are also allowed to have more than one wife if they are able to carter for their needs (Al-Thani & Judy, 197). It is also important to note that the Islamic culture requires the marriage to be carried out among Muslims. Incase one partner is not a Muslim, and then they are supposed to be converted to Islam in order for the marriage to take place. The concepts of globalization are however affecting the Islamic culture with regards to marriage. Due to globalization, the people have to work in different parts of the work with diverse cultures and religions. This has seen some of the Muslims marrying people from different religion and hence affecting the culture. Globalization has also changed the lifestyle of the people as it requires a lot of traveling in different countries. Some of the Muslim men and women usually end up single due to the high level of commitment required by their professions. Islamic Art Islamic art also forms an important aspect of the Islamic culture. Art is an important human aspect and the Islamic culture recognizes its importance. However, the Islamic culture is based on Islamic beliefs. The deception of living things is forbidden in Islam unlike the other religions. This is also highlighted in the Islamic culture and paintings are therefore not allowed. According to the Islamic belief, Allah cannot be represented by imagery (Shokouhi & Abdullah, 374). However, the Islamic culture has maintained a practice of using geometric patterns for the purposes of representing the ideals of nature. The Islamic culture has also influenced the activities that are carried out in the theaters. The use of puppets has been common for the purposes of making different representations. The Islamic culture has therefore plays an important role in influencing art. Most of the practices have been maintained to date and they are still being practiced. However, with the onset of globalization, some challenges are being experienced by Muslims when it comes to art. Globalization has led to the large scale commercialization of art. The industry is quite profitable and lucrative and hence influencing most of the people including the Muslims. The Muslims in the art industry are constantly being engaged in painting and the development of images of living things in order to earn an income. The concepts of globalization are therefore affecting the Islamic culture in terms of art. Although the culture is still observed in most countries when it comes to art, it is difficult for the culture to be maintained in some of the countries. Islamic Architecture The Islamic architecture is also one of the most important Islamic cultures that have been maintained over the years. The Islamic architecture was inherited from the architecture that was used by Muhammad when he built the first mosque. The central prayer halls are usually merged with large courtyards. This has played an important role in defining a unique architecture that is used by the mosques allover the world. The mosques usually have towers which are referred to minarets (Ali, 21). The towers are usually tall and it is easy for the people to identify a mosque based on its architecture. Decorative calligraphy is also common in the mosques which are part of the Islamic culture. This is also based on the Islamic art culture. The decorations are unique and it is also common in most of the Islamic buildings. The Islamic buildings around the mosques or the buildings that are used for the purposes of as learning centers also have unique features that are only used by the Muslims. The Islamic culture has been successful in maintaining its architecture over the years. However, the concept of globalization has brought some minor changes in the architecture. Different materials are being used for the purposes of coming up with the decorations of the Islamic buildings like mosques. On the other hand, the design of some of the structures has also been enhanced for the purposes of ensuring that it is in line with the modern architecture. However, despite the concepts of globalization, few changes have been made in terms of the architecture. The Islamic culture has been useful in maintaining its unique architecture due to the various interpretations of the architecture. The power of Allah is considered infinite in Islam and it is reflected in the unique Islamic architecture. The repetition of themes forms part of the architecture and it represents the infinite nature of Allah. In the decorative art, human and animal forms are not included. This is due to the belief that the living things should not be painted. The buildings are therefore free of any paintings of humans or animals and this has been maintained throughout the years. The calligraphy that is used for enhancing the interior of the buildings usually contain the quotations from the Quran (Shokouhi & Abdullah, 373). This practice has remained unchanged and it is common in all the mosques throughout the world. It is important to note that the Islamic architecture has been repeatedly referred as the architecture of the veil. This is because the beauty lies in the inner spaces as most of the decorations are carried out inside the building. This culture has played an essential role in making the Islamic buildings unique from the other buildings. The domes, minarets and large courtyards are for the purposes of conveying power. All the mosques in have domes and minarets and hence reflecting the Islamic culture. Large dooms are usually common in some of the mosque and hence an indication of power. The Islamic architecture has also been known to influence the modern architecture. Islamic Music The Islamic music is also one of the common aspects of the Islamic culture. The Islamic music usually involves the music that is not played with the musical instruments. It is common for the Muslims to listen to the Arabic classical music which is common in the Arab world. The music is also common in areas where the Muslims may not fully understand the Arabic languages. The religious music is also common in the Islamic culture. This is usually composed of recitation of the Quranic verses without the use of the musical instruments. It is believed that the Islamic music was influenced by the Seljuk Turks during the Caliphate period (Ali, 11). The Islamic music is thus popular due to the influence of the Islamic culture in different parts of the world. It is also important to note that the Islamic culture has played an important role in influencing the type of music that its followers should listen to. However, with the concepts of globalization, changes are being witnessed in the Islamic music. The Muslims are currently listening to different types of music including the western or secular music. Some of the Muslims are also known for composing and singing the secular music. This has impacted negatively on the Islamic culture in terms of the music that the Muslims have to listen to. However, most of the scholars continue to condemn the Muslims who are engaged in listening to the secular and western music. The young generation that is conversant with the internet are increasingly listening to the western music and hence affecting the Islamic music which forms part of the Islamic culture. Effects of Globalization on Islamic Culture Globalization is one of the factors that is considered has a lot of impacts on the Islamic culture. Globalization has both positive and negative impacts on the Islamic culture. The current trends indicate that the concepts of globalization are set to be more influential in future. Globalization has both positive and negative aspects on different cultures including the Islamic culture. One of the negative impacts of globalization is that it leads to dominance on once culture over the other. Globalization is increasingly affecting the Islamic culture due to the dominance of the western culture that is promoted by globalization (Lindquist, 14). This usually brings about negative impacts on the Muslims who are strict in terms of promoting their Islamic culture. Globalization is also known for imposing the western trend over the other countries. The western trends are being imposed in the countries that follow the Islamic culture and hence eroding some of the important aspect of the Islamic culture. The dressing code of the Islamic culture is usually unique for both the men and women. However, the western trends are affecting the dressing code of the Muslims due to globalization. Most of the Muslims currently prefer the western dressing code as opposed to the dressing code of the Islamic culture. This is an indication that globalization is responsible for eroding the Islamic culture. Embracing the Islamic culture is also a factor that has contributed to the loss of value in the society. The Islamic culture is keen on cultivating positive values to the society as compared to the western culture. However, this is danger due to the negative impacts of globalization. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that the concepts of globalization have effects on the Islamic culture. The Arabic literature forms an important aspect of the Islamic culture although it is being influenced by globalization. On the other hand, marriage and art also forms important aspects of the Islamic culture. It is however evident that the concepts of globalization is changing the lifestyle of the people and hence affecting marriage. The commercialization of art is also a factor that is affecting the Islamic culture. The Islamic architecture also forms an important aspect of the Islamic culture. It is evident that the Islamic buildings are unique due to the unique architecture. It is also evident that the Islamic architecture has remained strong despite the influences of globalization. The dressing code of the Muslims in accordance to the Islamic culture has been affected by globalization. It is evident that globalization has negative impacts on the Islamic culture as it leads to its erosion by the western culture. The Islamic culture is thus facing a lot of challenges from globalization which has the potential of eroding it. Works Cited Al-Thani, Aisha, and Judy Moore. "Nondirective counseling in Islamic culture in the Middle East explored through the work of one Muslim person-centered counselor in the State of Qatar." Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies 11.3 (2012): 190-204. Shokouhi, Mohammad Ali, and Abdullah Yusof. "The influence of Islamic culture and holy Quran on performing arts: relating to sacred vocal music (LAHN)." (2013): 363-382. Gökariksel, Banu, and Ellen McLarney. "Muslim women, consumer capitalism, and the Islamic culture industry." Journal of Middle East Women's Studies 6.3 (2010): 1-18. Ali, Yousefi Rizi Hossein. "The enhancement of happiness in the work place based on Fordyce method in Islamic culture." 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