Minority Ethnic Communities in Northern Ireland
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PEOPLE OF ISLAMIC ORIGIN
BACKGROUND
Islam is a world religion. Regional and cultural differences exist between different racial and ethnic groups, particularly in their ranking of particular observances. However, most of the information given below will be equally relevant and appropriate to all the Muslim communities identified in this reference book.
The majority of the world's Muslim population are Sunni Muslims. A small minority belong to the Shia sect and the greatest number of Shia Muslims are of Iranian origin. This is because Iran is the only Islamic country which has Shiism as its official religion. The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims arose from the question of the succession to the leadership of the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.
LANGUAGE
All Muslims will speak the language of their origin and/or that of the country they reside in. However, most people of the Muslim faith will also be able to read Arabic as the Koran (Holy Book) is written in Arabic.
RELIGION
Islam lays down a detailed code of conduct known as the Shariah or Islamic Law which influences every day life and social affairs. Islam is a way of life and it is taught to all children from the Holy Book, the Koran or Quran.
One of the most important religious duties for a practising Muslim is to pray five times a day. The first prayer of the day should be said before dawn, the next at twelve noon, then before sunset, after sunset and finally before midnight. Washing rituals are associated with prayers. Hands, feet and mouth should always be washed before praying. Prayers are obligatory from the age of nine for girls and the age of twelve for boys. There will be wide variations to the extent to which this is adhered to, if at all, by Muslims who live in
Northern Ireland. Friday is a Holy Day similar to the Christian Sunday.
The Mosque is the Islamic place of worship. In Northern Ireland, the Mosque is more likely to be a small room in a house or a converted building rather than a purpose-built place of worship. During visits to mosques, women use a separate room from men.
In Islam, the free mixing of sexes is prohibited and social contact with unrelated men should be avoided. The extent to which this practice is observed by Muslims in Northern Ireland will vary widely depending upon country of origin, individual background, life experience and how strictly the faith is practised. The possible reluctance of a female to shake hands with a male will be a reflection of the influences of an Islamic background. In the health and social services field, sensitivity towards a female client of the Muslim faith is particularly important and the client's views should be established.
DIET
Muslim dietary restrictions are laid down in the Holy Koran.
Practising Muslims must not eat pork or pork products. All other meat may be eaten provided it is halal (Arabic, meaning permitted). For meat to be halal, the name of Allah must be pronounced over the animal, its throat cut quickly and the blood allowed to drain. Fish which have no fins or scales are also forbidden.
Practising Muslims may choose a vegetarian diet if halal meat is not available. Other foods may also be avoided if there is uncertainty about the content, for example, pastries and puddings which may contain pig fat.
Fasting takes place for thirty days during the month of Ramadan. No food or drink must be taken between sunrise and sunset. Eating occurs before sunrise and after sunset and it is possible that the whole household routine may be disrupted due to the abnormal times of meals. Children under twelve, the elderly, sick or infirm, people on a journey and women who are menstruating are exempt from fasting. People who are pregnant or breast feeding are not fasting should not cook or eat in front of anyone who is fasting. Children are usually gradually introduced to Ramadan by initially fasting for short periods.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
INFANCY
Some Muslim babies have all their hair shaved during the first weeks of life. Islam only requires one shave but some mothers repeat the process because they believe it promotes the growth of strong healthy hair. Islam also requires the circumcision of all male children before they reach puberty.
HYGIENE
Cleanliness is very important to Muslims and running water is usually preferred in toilets as paper is not considered adequate. Free flowing water is also preferred for washing as Muslims do not like to sit in water. Hands should always be washed after touching blood, body fluids and waste and after being in contact with dogs and pigs.
DRESS
Traditionally, Muslim women are modest and devout Muslims will cover their heads and bodies. However, style of dress will also reflect country of origin and preference of the individual in question.
Please refer back to the individual sections on minority ethnic communities for more detail on dress.
Important Islamic Festivals
Festivals are dictated by the lunar calendar and are not normally fixed until four to six weeks before the event.
Eid - i - Milad
This is the birthday of Prophet Mohammed.Eid - Ul - Fitr
This is a major event celebrated at the end of Ramadan. Young members of the family receive presents and money.Eid - ul - Adha
This marks the annual completion of the pilgrimage to Mecca. All over the world Muslims sacrifice animals and distribute the meat to the poor.Eid-nimeh- Shaban
This is only celebrated by Shi'ite Muslims; it marks the birthday of Imam Zaman.Muharram
This is the commencement of the Islamic year. Some Muslims fast during this time. For Shi'ite Muslims, it is a period of mourning and some people may wear black. The ninth and tenth day of the month of Muharram are the solemnest of days for Shi'ite Muslims. Shi'ite Muslims are forbidden from fasting during this period.Ramadan
This is an obligatory month of fasting in the ninth month of the Muslim year. Children under twelve are exempt.CONTENTS
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