مرحبا,
On the Islam tiyul, we learned about Islam and ate at a woman’s house, named Yasmin.
Her house was very different than the traditional two-story house with a picket fence.
We did not step inside, but her house was very narrow and adorned with gold.
Our group ate a delicious meal in her backyard consisting of Israeli salad, Lebanese tahina,
some spicy red sauce, rice with caramelized onions. We even ate a dessert that tasted similar to a
pancake.
Her house was very different than the traditional two-story house with a picket fence.
We did not step inside, but her house was very narrow and adorned with gold.
Our group ate a delicious meal in her backyard consisting of Israeli salad, Lebanese tahina,
some spicy red sauce, rice with caramelized onions. We even ate a dessert that tasted similar to a
pancake.
Islam originates from the Arabic word, Salema, which means: to submit or surrender to the will of one
God. Muslims believe that Islam is the only one religion that God has given. They believe all prophets
preached in the same way, with their main three prophets being: Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.
Because of their belief that Islam is a universal message, their religion has no geographical ties and they
believe that it is “God’s religion” that is easily followed. Muslims follow the Six Articles of Faith and
the Five Pillars of Faith, which are:
Six Articles of Faith
- The Belief in one God.
- The Belief in Angels.
An angle is even believed to go into a mother’s womb and prescribe the life of an unborn child.
- The Belief in all the holy scriptures.
They only rely on the Koran because they cannot find the “complete” text of any of the other
scripture anymore.
scripture anymore.
- The Belief in all the prophets.
They look to any of the prophets for examples of how to submit to God’s will. They believe that
the prophets are human, but, because of their good character, they were chosen.
the prophets are human, but, because of their good character, they were chosen.
- The Belief in the “Last Day”, or the Day of Judgement.
When a person dies, Muslims believe that they will be judged by God for their actions and sins.
- The Belief in predestination.
Muslims believe that God has us on the world for our benefit and that any success is from God,
thus, we should always be humble, give to the poor, and not be scared of death.
thus, we should always be humble, give to the poor, and not be scared of death.
Five Pillars of Faith
1. Shahada (affirmation): The Belief in one God.
2. Salat (prayer): The duty to worship five times a day.
Muslims pray directly to God and a Niman, similar to our Rabbi, just leads and spreads knowledge.
3. Zakat (almsgiving): The commandment to help the needy.
4. Sivam (fasting): The duty to observe the Fast of Ramadan.
Muslims believe that this is the best act of worship because it portrays discipline. Ramadan is a holiday
where a person cannot eat during daylight hours. Similar to Jewish holidays, it follows a lunar calendar,
but, instead, it falls behind ten days each year.
where a person cannot eat during daylight hours. Similar to Jewish holidays, it follows a lunar calendar,
but, instead, it falls behind ten days each year.
5. Haji (pilgrimage): The commandment to go to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.
Women need a male companion in order to travel. Anyone who cannot go because of health or financial
reasons is excused from this duty. Now, women can go with a large group of other women and there
even have been debates if women can travel alone due to the existence of cell-phones.
Their main and last prophet, Muhammad, was born in 570 CE. Muhammed was poor, but he married an
older, wealthier woman, known as Hidjud. Hidjud was a wealthy businesswoman who hired Muhammad
as a merchant and later proposed to him. In 610, Muhammed began receiving visions, but his preachings
caused him to flee Medina to Mecca in 622. In that same year, the Islamic calendar started. Muhammad
died at age sixty-two and is believed to be the last prophet.
reasons is excused from this duty. Now, women can go with a large group of other women and there
even have been debates if women can travel alone due to the existence of cell-phones.
Their main and last prophet, Muhammad, was born in 570 CE. Muhammed was poor, but he married an
older, wealthier woman, known as Hidjud. Hidjud was a wealthy businesswoman who hired Muhammad
as a merchant and later proposed to him. In 610, Muhammed began receiving visions, but his preachings
caused him to flee Medina to Mecca in 622. In that same year, the Islamic calendar started. Muhammad
died at age sixty-two and is believed to be the last prophet.
Since Judaism and Christianity traditionally follow one God, Islam recognizes these religions.
When Islam first spread, Jewish leaders rose in popularity and success and the Jewish center moved to
Spain, known as Sefarad. Under the new Islamic rule, Jews were protected and could freely practice
their faith because of the Pact of Umar. The Pact Of Umar included the Dhimi Status, which instilled
religious tolerance under the condition that Jews are second-class citizens.
We learned about Islam through a British convert named Yasmin. We had the opportunity to ask her
some questions about Islam, which included:
1.What happens in the afterlife?
Islam preaches that there are no punishments in life, so Muslims will receive justice for their “sins” on
the Day of Judgement. They believe that the purpose of life is to worship the one God, Allah, and win
“his” favor. Those who follow and worship God are believed to go to Paradise, but people who are
shallow and do not follow God end up in the “Hell Fire”. They conclude, from practicing Islam, after
their punishment in Hell, they can go to Paradise. By practicing Islam, Muslims learn that they have
favor, but they cannot judge others because everyone is equal.
the Day of Judgement. They believe that the purpose of life is to worship the one God, Allah, and win
“his” favor. Those who follow and worship God are believed to go to Paradise, but people who are
shallow and do not follow God end up in the “Hell Fire”. They conclude, from practicing Islam, after
their punishment in Hell, they can go to Paradise. By practicing Islam, Muslims learn that they have
favor, but they cannot judge others because everyone is equal.
2. May you please explain predetermination?
Predetermination confuses Muslims, but from their understanding, they still have to take responsibility
for their actions. According to their beliefs, God can predict what we are going to do because
“he knows us better than we know ourselves”. Because of this concept, Muslims don’t view life as
unfair since “God has a plan”,
for their actions. According to their beliefs, God can predict what we are going to do because
“he knows us better than we know ourselves”. Because of this concept, Muslims don’t view life as
unfair since “God has a plan”,
3.What are the roles of women?
According to Yasmin, “every day is women’s day”. In Islam, men and women work together, thus are
believed to be attracted to one another. In Islam, a “balanced” family can only be achieved in a marriage
between a man and woman. One thousand years ago women were treated poorly and their baby girls
were killed. Muslims put a stop to that custom. In the Koran, there is a chapter for women because they
have a “better status” since they carry children. In other western religions, Adam is blamed more than
Eve. Supposedly, men treat women the same way they would in front of God.
believed to be attracted to one another. In Islam, a “balanced” family can only be achieved in a marriage
between a man and woman. One thousand years ago women were treated poorly and their baby girls
were killed. Muslims put a stop to that custom. In the Koran, there is a chapter for women because they
have a “better status” since they carry children. In other western religions, Adam is blamed more than
Eve. Supposedly, men treat women the same way they would in front of God.
4.What are the Feminist views on Islam?
Yasmin told us that the outside view is “unequal and fair” but, men and women both dress conservatively.
Hijabs exist for men and women, however, women are the “more beautiful sex”, thus, they “have
more to cover up”.
Hijabs exist for men and women, however, women are the “more beautiful sex”, thus, they “have
more to cover up”.
5. Can women go alone to Mecca?
Historically, women were not allowed to, but there are debates. Yasmin told us that she, personally,
would feel more comfortable with her husband and that the rule is in place for “women’s protection”.
would feel more comfortable with her husband and that the rule is in place for “women’s protection”.
7. Why did you (to Yasmin) decide to wear a Hijab?
Traditionally, if a woman chooses to wear a Hijab, she is required to once she starts her period. Yasmin
noticed when she began to dress more conservatively, she had better interactions with men. For her, the
Hijab also leaves self-image out, which gives her liberation.
noticed when she began to dress more conservatively, she had better interactions with men. For her, the
Hijab also leaves self-image out, which gives her liberation.
8.How does Islam feel about LGBT?
Being a homosexual is forbidden under Islam. In some Muslim countries, if you are gay, you can be
killed. Islam believes that everyone can “become” homosexual, but we need to train ourselves on to a
certain path.
killed. Islam believes that everyone can “become” homosexual, but we need to train ourselves on to a
certain path.
9.What are the pros and cons of being Muslim in Israel?
In Israel, Muslims have freedom of religion and speech. Women obtain more liberties, with
opportunities to work and study. Schools in Israel are separated by Israeli and Arab children, which
Yasmin thinks is “problematic”. She believes that integration would be positive. Discrimination is very
prevalent, where Yasmin has even been stopped at checkpoints and not allowed at the airport. The
government in Israel is anti-Arab because it is very right-wing and “pro-Jew”.
opportunities to work and study. Schools in Israel are separated by Israeli and Arab children, which
Yasmin thinks is “problematic”. She believes that integration would be positive. Discrimination is very
prevalent, where Yasmin has even been stopped at checkpoints and not allowed at the airport. The
government in Israel is anti-Arab because it is very right-wing and “pro-Jew”.
10.Why are Muslims not drafted into the army? Does that separate them from society?
People have friends in the West Bank where the army plays a “negative role”. By not serving, it does
separate them so people try to do civil service in a nonmilitant way to obtain equal opportunities.
Learning about Islam was extremely interesting to me, but I cannot comprehend why Yasmin would
want to convert. From my liberal Feminist point of view, I cannot understand why someone who
considers themselves a feminist would want to convert a religion, in my eyes, that is so constricting to
women. For example, women “need” a male companion to Meca. While most religious people are
against the LGBTQ+ community, Islam preaches that being gay is a choice and, if a person “chooses”
that “path”, they have to be redirected and, if they “stay on that path”, they while be sent to the
hellfires. Personally, I know that being gay is not a choice and I believe it comes across as hypocritical,
like all religions, because Yasmin said that in Islam they don’t judge others and that they see everyone
has equal, but if someone “chooses” to be gay, traditional Islam judges them and pushed “redirection”
to follow “God’s will”.
Islam believes in submitting to God, which is unlike the Jewish belief in questioning, with Israel
meaning: the one who struggled with God. Questioning is key to life because we, as Jews, have the
responsibility to perform Tikun O'lam. All religions are questionable, including Judaism, and with that,
all countries take controversial measures, counting Israel. This leads me to my questions:
1. What do you think of the treatment of Muslims in Israel?
2. How does it compare to the treatment of Jews under early Islamic rule?
separate them so people try to do civil service in a nonmilitant way to obtain equal opportunities.
Learning about Islam was extremely interesting to me, but I cannot comprehend why Yasmin would
want to convert. From my liberal Feminist point of view, I cannot understand why someone who
considers themselves a feminist would want to convert a religion, in my eyes, that is so constricting to
women. For example, women “need” a male companion to Meca. While most religious people are
against the LGBTQ+ community, Islam preaches that being gay is a choice and, if a person “chooses”
that “path”, they have to be redirected and, if they “stay on that path”, they while be sent to the
hellfires. Personally, I know that being gay is not a choice and I believe it comes across as hypocritical,
like all religions, because Yasmin said that in Islam they don’t judge others and that they see everyone
has equal, but if someone “chooses” to be gay, traditional Islam judges them and pushed “redirection”
to follow “God’s will”.
Islam believes in submitting to God, which is unlike the Jewish belief in questioning, with Israel
meaning: the one who struggled with God. Questioning is key to life because we, as Jews, have the
responsibility to perform Tikun O'lam. All religions are questionable, including Judaism, and with that,
all countries take controversial measures, counting Israel. This leads me to my questions:
1. What do you think of the treatment of Muslims in Israel?
2. How does it compare to the treatment of Jews under early Islamic rule?
Israel is stereotyped for Muslims and Jews not too have a good relationship, but this was not the case in the village we visited. These Muslims were treated very nicely and had a lot of benefits. Some Muslims living in other parts of Isreal tho are treated very poorly just for being Muslim. Jews under early Islamic rule were treated as second class citizens, which is similar to the treatmnet of Muslims today. Its ironic that once the Muslims were in control, but today the Jews are in control of Israel.
ReplyDeleteWhere we were, the relationship was good. They get along with their Jewish neighbors, but a lot of them have friends and family in places that don't have such good relations. When Muslims were ruling, Jews and Christians were second class citizens; some Muslims aren't even allowed citizenship now. Back then, certain religious traditions were not allowed near Muslims; I think for the most part, Muslims are allowed to practice where they want now. I think that different groups of people will never completely agree with each other, but we need to make an effort to at least exist in peace. I think that Israel is working towards that, but they might not be quite there yet.
ReplyDeleteI believe there is no harsh treatment towards the Muslims in Israel. The Jews and Muslims live together in peace and are pleasant to one another. The bad stuff we hear on the news is just a couple rotten apples, not a people as a whole. I also believe the Muslims back then had every right to give us rules on what we could do where. I think it is respectful to follow them because we don't want them practicing their religion and celebrating holidays in our synagogues or our Jewsish Neighborhoods. So, why should we feel hurt with these rules when we wouldn't want it coming from their side. I think they are very justified mainly based off feelings, but they are reasonable. I don't ever think we will live in complete agreement on respecting everything that each religion believes in, but i'd say our terms are good.
ReplyDeleteMuslims, especially the Palsistinian natives, are treated horribly. The state of Israel has no separation of church and state, which is normally not a problem. Israel does not force Judaism on any of its residence. However, many citizens whose family has been in the area for 100+ years have an incredibly difficult time leaving and entering the country, simply because they are Palistinian. The ancient Muslims treated Jews with, for the time, unheard of religious tolerance. I'm sure they were still subject to harassment, but I would like to see Israel be more tolerant to the people that were so tolerant to us not too long ago.
ReplyDeletecorrection, not treated horribly, they could just be treated better
DeleteMuslim treatment in the state of Israel is not considerably good, but not as bad as it could be. For example, Muslims are free to practice their religion freely and mosques and free-standing Arab villages are existing in many regions of the country. However, areas with borders around them could suggest that they are a group that needs to be contained or protected depending on which way it could be viewed. While the majority of Muslims in Israel are not required to serve in the army, they also are under almost constant supervision and are mistrusted. Though many of them have done nothing wrong, the state's decision to generalize them as less trustworthy is wrong, but meant for the safety of the Jewish Israeli citizens. It is a lot different than how the Jews were treated under Islamic rule. Under our dhimmi status, the Jews were able to be freely integrated into society and have private religious freedom within relatively reasonable confines. While the Muslims of this time generally trusted the Jews, in Israel today the state has decided to have barricaded borders between the Jewish and Arab areas (Gaza Strip and West Bank) which is suggesting that the Arabs in those areas are isolated from society. Though the fear of terrorism is very real and valid, it does not make up for the general fear of regular Muslims and the debatable treatment of the regular Arab Israeli Muslims.
ReplyDeleteI think that the treatment of Muslims around the world, not just in Israel, is based on extreme stereotypes, similar to the stereotypes of Jews under Islamic rule. In both cases, if people could step away from stereotypes and view each person as a new life form with something different or even the same to offer, then I think we would be living in a very different world.
ReplyDeleteCurrent treatment of non Jewish people in Israel by law is okay. By unspoken law however, it is not. Very frequently in Israel, Muslim and other middle eastern persons are persecuted in work, cities, and during travel for their religion and appearance due to the harsh xenophobic beliefs and fear of terror. However, it seems like this was a possibility during Muslim rule over Palestine 1,000 years ago. Just like back then, Muslims are allowed in the state of Israel, allowed to work closely with government representatives, and are granted full and equal protection under Israeli law. We do not know about social and communal persecution in Muslim communities during the Umayyad and Abbasid empires, but to me it seems like they could have shifted either way.
ReplyDelete