rituals of birth, marriage and death

Below are the interview questions:

1.       What impact do rituals of birth, marriage and death have on groups and individuals?

2.       What elements of these rituals separate the sacred from the profane?

3.       Which elements of the rituals transform the participants?

4.       Is there anything which might be difficult for people of other religions to understand about these rituals?

5.       How does religion meet the spiritual and emotional needs of its members through the rituals of birth, marriage and death?

6.       Why are the rituals of birth, death and marriage important to Islamic faith?

7.       Why is it necessary to practice these rituals?

Paige Marlow

icforumadmin wrote:   Please kindly answer his questions below. Thanks.   Admin   ======== Hello, my name is Paige and I�m a Year 12 student from The Cathedral College and I�m doing an assignments about the rituals of birth, marriage and death in Islam and was wondering if you could answer a few questions. Below are the interview questions: 1.       What impact do rituals of birth, marriage and death have on groups and individuals?

Quite a big impact. As a Muslim I feel that these rituals bless our actions and phases in life such as marriage, children etc. We/I believe that more good will come out of an action if it is executed the Islamic way (according to the ritual). It also brings us together as a community (community involvement from other Muslims on occasions of Marriage, Death, Birth is an act of worship and highly rewarded). It is also an expression of my identity as a Muslim, or Muslim household.

2.       What elements of these rituals separate the sacred from the profane?

I don't understand this question.

3.       Which elements of the rituals transform the participants?

I don't know what you mean by 'transform' the participants... However these rituals are good reminders of Allah/God and our roles as Muslim citizens. They help rekindle spirituality and God-Consciousness because we are reminded how our lives revolve around Allah/God. Example: During marriage ceremony, the Imam will talk about God, and marriage and how it links to Islam and our role as Muslim spouses etc. I guess one could say that they help you become better Muslims by reminding you of God and Islam. (Hence the transformation)

] 4.       Is there anything which might be difficult for people of other religions to understand about these rituals?

Yes. I think other religions may not realize how involved Muslims are with Islam. Islam is not just a religion we can restrict to the Mosque or on Fridays... it is a way of life. So when Non-Muslims talk about banning this or banning that, they do not realize they are meddling with something so important and personal to Muslims. I guess they don't understand that Islam is not just a 'religion' or 'set of beliefs or rituals' for us... its a lifestyle.

5.       How does religion meet the spiritual and emotional needs of its members through the rituals of birth, marriage and death?

Spiritual needs: These rituals brings us closer to God and religion. They help act as reminders about our purpose on earth (worshipping God). They also help guide us about the correct way to do things. One also feel that their action has been blessed by God and will result in good no matter what the outcome.

Emotional Needs: Reinforces our sense of identity as Muslims. Brings us together as a community. Strengthens our relationship with God, which is a very good stress-reliever and gives a sense of comfort.

Since we believe these rituals are Divine Ordained, we have comfort knowing that this (ritual) is the best way to do something.

6.       Why are the rituals of birth, death and marriage important to Islamic faith?

Because they tell us the right way to do things, and we feel that our action will be an act of worship if done the right way. If done the right way (according to the ritual) birth, marriage etc become acts of worship and we get reward for them. They also help teach basic etiquette of hygiene, behavior, socializing to us. [e.g. what to do with a dead body, how to clean it, bury it etc.]. We also believe that one needs to take care of the spirit as well as body, these rituals help us reform & cleanse spiritually too.

They also build a sense of unity and identity in the community, and also help set standards of what is acceptablle and what is not. [For e.g. part of Islamic ritual of Marriage is asking if she woman agrees to marriage, if this part is skipped, the marriage is void. Helps set laws and standards of what is acceptable so people don't just 'wing it'].

7.       Why is it necessary to practice these rituals?