Culture and Tradition of Different Religion

1. BY: KRISHNA VERON J.MANIMTIM

2.  Religion is all or some of the attributes described below. Religion
is different for different people and cultures. Some religion is so
much a part of the culture of a given people that it is not so much
a formal religion, but simply the spiritual aspects of that culture
or group - the spiritual traditions which help define it. This is
especially true of the indigenous traditions of a geographical area.
 a way of explaining the mysteries of life
 • how the world was created
 • why it was created
 • why there is life and death
 • what happens when people die
 • why there is suffering
 a way of explaining a supreme power or absolute power, whether
impersonal or personal, nameable or not
 a way of explaining who or what created the world and all the
living beings
 a way of describing a dimension beyond the physical world -- the
spiritual world
 a way of explaining how to lead a good life on Earth and in an
afterlife

5.  Definition of BUDDHISM
 : a religion of eastern and central Asia growing
out of the teaching of Siddhārtha Gautama that
suffering is inherent in life and that one can be
liberated from it by cultivating wisdom, virtue,
and concentration


6.  Buddhist cultural practices vary from country to
country. When performing these traditional practices,
we must be careful not to categories Buddhism as
belonging to any one of them. For example, we
should not think in terms of Chinese Buddhism,
Sinhalese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, Thai
Buddhism, (Lao Buddhism), Burmese Buddhism, or
Tibetan Buddhism. This only creates disharmony,
discrimination, and misunderstanding. We should also
be aware of certain so-called Buddhist leaders who
try to reinforce their own Buddhist labels by
incorporating many forms of charms, divine powers,
mystical and supernatural practices and concepts to
hoodwink the masses. Such unscrupulous actions are
done with a total disregard to what the Buddha has
said about such practices.

7.  Another common practice among Buddhists is to
hold blessing services in their new homes.
Whenever people move into new dwelling houses,
or when shifting house from one locality to
another, it is the general custom among Buddhists
to invite monks to perform blessing services so as
to ensure that the place will be well protected
spiritually as well as be a peaceful abode for all
who dwell in it where happiness, peace and
harmony will pervade. Similarly, when occupying
new business premises, or whenever a new
business is launched.

8.  Vairocana Buddha. Bronze.
Restored during Edo period, 17th Century CE
Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan.
 Buddhism is a major world religion that developed
from the teachings of the Buddha-the Awakened
One. It is a uniquely insightful practice that is not
based upon beliefs in divinity nor reliance on
others for one’s salvation; but on developing right
understanding and living a virtuous life to gain
liberation from suffering.

9. Theravāda Tradition
Mahāyāna Tradition
Vajrayāna Tradition

11.  ‘Theravāda’ means the ‘Doctrine of the
Elders’. This ancient sect is the sole
representative today of the orthodox school
of Buddhism. Sri Lanka has been the main
seat of this tradition, and from there,
Sinhalese Theravāda was brought to
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. In
modern times, its popularity and spread have
extended to Europe, the Americas and
Oceania.

12.  Generally, Theravādin principles have a
conservative spirit, but its practice has a
dignified grace. The Sangha (monastic
community) is held in high-esteem as serious
practitioners of Dhamma. Lay devotees are
expected to provide for the monks’ and nuns’
material needs, thus gaining for themselves
spiritual merits. Nevertheless, Theravāda has
taken a more egalitarian trait today as lay
people are also becoming aware of the path,
and are practising meditation with increasing
fervour.

13.  The Theravāda school preserves its teachings
in the Pāli language. Its vast canonical
compilation is called the Tipitaka, which
comprises the Vinayapitaka (disciplinary
code), the Suttapitaka (doctrinal discourses)
and the Abhidhammapitaka (metaphysics).
Theravāda also relies heavily on Pāli
commentarial works, especially those by
Buddhaghosa, compiled in the 6th Century
CE.

14.  The goal of Theravādin practice is the
attainment of Nibbāna – freedom from the
cycle of rebirth and suffering. One embarks
upon the Noble Eightfold Path – the
progressive cultivation of morality, mentality
and insight until the arising of wisdom and
realization of Truth. Thereafter, he or she is
known as an ‘Arahant’ – one who has
accomplished the extinction of defilements.

16.  ‘Mahāyāna’ literally means the ‘Great Vehicle’. It
refers to the emphasis on helping to liberate a
larger number of sentient beings from Samsāra – the
rounds of rebirth and suffering, often with the
employment of ‘skillful means’. Among the more
ubiquitous present-day Mahāyāna sects are the
meditative ‘Chan’ (Japanese, ‘Zen’) and devotional
‘Amitābha’ schools.
 The Mahāyāna emerged in India two millennia ago
as a movement (the Mahāsanghika) which aimed to
be more accomodative of new ideas and regional
differences in the interpretation of Buddhist
doctrines. Due to its inclusive spirit, Mahāyāna
schools gained widespread acceptance amongst the
newer converts to the religion.

17.  Mahāyāna teachers and monks carried their
teachings to Central, Southeast and East Asia,
whereupon it took on a Sinicised form. From
China, Mahāyāna doctrines spread to Korea,
Japan and Vietnam, where they remain the
dominant sects of Buddhism practised to this
day. The Mahāyāna schools’ vast corpus
of sutras and shastras (commentaries) were also
translated from Sanskrit into various vernacular
languages, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese,
Bengali, and Javanese, among others.

18.  The Mahāyāna practitioner’s goal is the attainment of
liberation not just for oneself, but for all sentient
beings. Thus, great emphasis is placed upon
compassion, vows and aspirations. The Mahāyāna
espouses the Bodhisattva ideal – a great being who
lives with virtue, wisdom and compassion, and vows
to be reborn many life-times for the sake of
delivering others from suffering. The Bodhisattva
cultivates the six “Paramitā” (perfections) of
generosity, morality, patience, energetic effort,
concentration, and insightful wisdom, and employs
skillful means to guide others along the spiritual
path.
 The Mahāyāna has taken a cosmic view of
Buddhahood and a conspicuous devotional path. Many
Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are said to exist and their
intercession can help beings in understanding the
Truth and be delivered from Samsāra.

20.  ‘Vajrayāna’ literally means the ‘Diamond
Vehicle’. Diamond, being a tough material,
alludes to the incomparable strength and ability
of the Dharma in cutting through all fetters and
defilements. ‘Vajra’ also refers to the
thunderbolt – it is thought that a powerful and
sudden jolt obtained through special techniques
can potentially destroy ignorance in a single
lifetime.
 Vajrayāna school evolved as a spiritual counter-
culture to Mahāyāna scholasticism in early 7th
Century CE India. It embraced Mahāyāna
doctrines such as Śūnyata (’emptiness’) but
transmitted them in special texts known
as Tantra. As such, the tradition was also known
as Tantrayāna.

21.  Vajrayāna teachings entered Tibet in waves from the
9th to 11th Centuries CE. There, having come into
contact with local beliefs, it acquired a distinctive
esoteric and mystical character. According to its
teachings, obstacles to realization of the Dharma can
be removed by enigmatic rituals and through the
intercession of an Enlightened being. The ‘power’ to
conduct such rituals were transmitted from an adept
teacher to a disciple through complex and codified
initiation ceremonies.
 The Vajrayāna school also adopted the general
Mahāyāna pantheon of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, with
a few additions of their own, including deities in
female (yogini) or wrathful forms. Besides, there is
strong faith in mahāsiddhas – saints who possess
supernormal powers and are able to intercede to assist
others in their spiritual quest; as well as the belief
in tulku – a teacher reincarnate.

22. Although the Vajrayāna school is
presently synonymous with Tibetan
Buddhism, it is also widely practised in
Bhutan, Mongolia, Ladakh and Nepal. It
is also being disseminated globally by
exiled Tibetan monks and emigrants.
Tibetan Buddhism has a significant
following in the West due to the
practical, contemporary teachings of
the 14th Dalai Lama, and other such
charismatic monks.

23.  Definition of HINDUISM
 : the dominant religion of India that
emphasizes dharma with its resulting ritual
and social observances and often mystical
contemplation and ascetic practices

24.  Each of the religions of the world has its own
culture, with many customs, traditions and
refined qualities. The Hindu culture is a
culture of love, respect, honoring others and
humbling one's own ego so that the inner
nature, which is naturally pure and modest,
will shine forth. Here we have described
some of the important faith and behaviors of
Hindu community.

25.  1. RESPECT FOR ELDERS: Respect for elders is a keystone of Hindu culture. This
genuine acknowledgment of seniority is demonstrated through endearing customs,
such as sitting to the left of elders, bringing gifts on special occasions, not sitting
while they are standing, not speaking excessively, not yawning or stretching, not
putting one's opinions forward strongly, not contradicting or arguing, seeking their
advice and blessings, giving them first choice in all matters, even serving their
food first.
 2. NAME PROTOCOL: Younger never uses the proper name of their elders. In the
Tamil tradition, a younger brother, for example, refers to his brother as annan, or
periannan (older brother), not by name. The elder, however, may use the name of
the younger. Children are trained to refer to all adults as auntie or uncle. Only
people of the same age will address each other by first name. A Hindu wife never
speaks the name of her husband. When referring to him she uses terms such as "my
husband," "him" or, for example, "Athan, Mama, etc.,".
 3. TOUCHING FEET IN RESPECT: One touches the feet of holy men and women in
recognition of their great humility and inner attainment. A dancer or a musician
touches the feet of his or her teacher before and after each lesson. Children
prostrate and touch the feet of their mother and father at festivals and at special
times, such as birthdays and before departing on a journey.
 4. Darshan (darshana): "Vision, sight." Seeing the Divine. Beholding, with inner or
outer vision, a temple image, Deity, holy person or place, with the desire to
inwardly contact and receive the grace and blessings of the venerated being or
beings.
 5. DAKSHINA: It is tradition to provide dakshina, a monetary fee or gift to a priest
given at the completion of any rite. Dakshina is also given to gurus as a token of
respect for their spiritual blessings.

26.  1.PURITY AND FOOD: Purity is central to food and nutrition, as the nature of one's
nourishment deeply affects the entire physical, mental and emotional nature. One
cooking food for others would never taste of the dish from a spoon and then put
the spoon back in the pot. If food is to be tasted while cooking, a small portion is
placed in the right hand. Similarly, one would not touch the lips to a water vessel
that is also used by others. Nor would one offer something to another from which
one has taken a bite or a sip.
 2. FLOWER OFFERINGS: One does not sniff flowers picked for offering to the
Deities; even the smell is for the Gods, not for us. Flowers that fall to the ground
should not be offered.
 3. OFFERINGS: Offerings, such as an archana basket, flowers or garlands, are
carried with both hands on the right side of the body, so as to not be breathed on.
All items are washed in preparation and, if carried more than a short distance,
wrapped or covered.
 4. THE LEFT HAND: In Hindu culture the left hand is considered impure because it is
used (with water) in the place of toilet paper for personal hygiene after answering
the call of nature. Handing another person anything with the left hand may be
considered a subtle insult.
 5. SHOES: Shoes are considered impure. The cultured Hindu never wears shoes or
sandals inside a temple or shrine, nor in his home or the homes of other Hindus.
Carrying shoes in the hands from one part of the premises to another is also
avoided. An ultimate insult is to be struck with a shoe.
 6. CAUTION WITH FOOTWEAR: It is very important to apologize immediately if one
touches someone with his or her shoe or sandal. This is done by touching the right
hand to where the foot touched the other person and then touching one's right
hand lightly to his own left eye and then the right. This same remedy applies to
inadvertently hitting someone with the hand or foot or bumping into him or her.

27.  1. GIVING AND RECEIVING WITH BOTH HANDS: Giving and accepting things from one to another,
presenting offerings to the Deity, etc., is most properly done with both hands. The reason for this is
that with the gift, prana is also given through both hands, thus endowing more energy to the object.
The recipient of the gift receives it with both hands along with the prana from the gracious giver. It is
known that this exchange of energies is vital for friendship, harmony and the total release of the gift
to the recipient. Hindus never accept gifts from strangers or unknown persons.
 2. Hugging and Embracing: Hugging and embracing is found in Hindu culture; but it is restricted to
close relatives, Guru/disciples and associates that too in a private place. In Mahabharatha and
Ramayana we find this very often. Hugging and Embracing improves pranic energy and this practice is
not allowed with strangers.
 3. NOT POINTING THE FINGER: Pointing with the forefinger of the right hand or shaking the forefinger
in emphasis while talking is never done. This is because the right hand possesses a powerful,
aggressive pranic force, and an energy that moves the forces of the world. Pointing the index finger
channels that force into a single stream. The harshness of this energy would be severely felt in the
nerve system of the recipient. More properly, rather than pointing or shaking the index finger to give
direction or emphasize a verbal statement, the entire hand is used as a pointer, with the palm up and
the thumb held alongside the forefinger.
 4. SHAKING HANDS: The traditional way that Hindu men greet one another is with the anjali mudra,
then, with palms still held together, extending their hands to one another, in a two-handed
handshake, in a deliberate transfer of prana. The hands of one man, usually the less senior, are gently
clasped between the other's. Each looks smilingly into the other's face while bowing slightly in
humility. This handshake is not firm, but relaxed and gentle.
 5. NOT THROWING THINGS: Throwing any object on another person is considered extremely improper,
even if the persons know each other very well. Cultured Hindus consider this crude and even mildly
violent, even if done in efficiency or jest.
 6. CARE IN SITTING: It is improper to sit with one's legs outstretched toward a temple, shrine or altar,
or even toward another person. This is a grave insult. Crossing one leg over the knee when sitting in a
chair should be avoided, though crossing at the ankles is permitted. One must always try to follow the
example of traditional elders. Worshiping, meditating or sitting in the kneeling pose is not acceptable
among Hindus.
 7. DOORWAYS: Conversations are not held inside or through doorways. This is considered inauspicious.
Similarly, to exchange or give or lend an object, one-steps inside the room first, or the recipient steps
out of the room so that both parties are in the same room.

28.  1.MODESTY: Interaction in public between
men and women is much more restrained in
Hindu culture than in Western culture. In
Hindu culture, for the most part, men
socialize with men, and women with women.
Men never touch women in public unless the
lady is very elderly or infirm.
 2.DISPLAYING AFFECTION: Married Hindu
couples do not hug, hold hands or kiss in
public. Even embracing at airports and train
stations is considered not wise. Men,
however, frequently walk hand in hand.

29.  In traditional Hindu culture, women are held in the highest regard -- far
more respected, in truth, than in the West. But this does not imply the
kind of equality or participation in public interactions that are common in
the West. The qualities traditionally most admired in a Hindu woman are
modesty of manner, shyness and self-effacement. Self-assertive or bold
tendencies are regarded with circumspection. Feminine refinements are
expressed and protected in many customs, including the following:
 1. WOMANLY RESERVE: In mixed company especially in the presence of
strangers, a Hindu woman will keep modestly in the background and not
participate freely in conversation. This, of course, does not apply to
situations among family and close associates.
 2. WALKING BEHIND ONE'S HUSBAND: The wife walks a step or two behind
her husband, or if walking by his side, a step or two back, always giving
him the lead. In the West, the reverse of this is often true.3. SERVING AT
MEALS: At meals women follow the custom of serving the men first before
enjoying their own meal.
 4. CHAPERONING: It is customary for a woman to always be accompanied
when she leaves the home. Living alone, too, is unusual.
 5. WOMEN IN PUBLIC: Generally it is improper for women to speak with
strangers on the street and especially to strike up a casual conversation.
Similarly, drinking alcohol or smoking in public, no matter how innocent,
are interpreted as a sign of moral laxity and are not acceptable.

30.  1. HOME VISITS: Close friends can visit one another anytime without
being announced or making arrangements first. When they drop in, at
least a refreshing drink is always served.
 2. HOSTING GUESTS: Children generally leave the room, with a smile,
when guests enter. The mother remains close by to serve as needs
arise. The father, if present, will speak with the guest. If he is not
present, the mother and a mature son will fulfill this role; and if no son
is present, the mother may act as hostess, but only with the
accompaniment of someone close to the family.
 3. WIFE HOME ALONE: If the lady of the house is in home alone and a
male visitor comes to see her husband, it is not proper for her to invite
him in, nor for him to expect to enter. Rather, he will leave a message
and depart.
 4. GIVING GIFTS: Gifts are always given when one visits a home or stays
overnight as a guest. The value of the gift varies greatly, depending
upon circumstances. It is proper to give a separate gift for the wife and
the husband. The wife is given the nicest item.

31.  1. KINDLY WORDS AND COUNTENANCE: Hindus strive to keep a pleasant
expression on their face, a gentle smile and a kind word for everyone
they meet through the day. They know in their heart of hearts that God is
everywhere and that all in the universe is perfect at every point in time.
This knowledge gives them strength and courage to face their daily
karmas positively and graciously.
 2. REFINED GESTURES: Hindus know that every movement of the body,
the face, hands, eyes, mouth, head, etc., has a meaning. Youth are
taught to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others in their body
language.
 3. EYES: Eyes are also a primary means of communicating, and the
meanings are fairly straightforward. They usually indicate degrees of
interest in what the speaker is saying. Smiling with your eyes as well as
your mouth conveys sincerity. There are three levels of smiling (and
infinite shades and degrees in between). Having the eyes open only
slightly indicates mild interest. Eyes more open and a bigger smile
indicates more interest and enthusiasm. Having the eyes open wide with
a big smile or nod, possibly accompanied by some verbal expression,
indicates greater interest or great happiness.

32.  Every culture and religion has traditions
seemingly normal or taken for granted by
followers but unusual and fascinating for
outsiders. India, with its overwhelming cultural
diversity, is rich with unique traditions that
almost always amuse. Here is a list of ten unique
traditions followed by Hindus from different
parts of the country – from bizarre and truly
unique festivals to unusual daily traditions

33.  The 800-year-old Mahalakshmi Temple in
Karur district of Tamil Nadu is host to a
peculiar tradition during the Hindu Tamil
festival of Aadi. The priest at the temple
breaks coconuts on the heads of willing
devotees who believe they will have their
wishes granted by doing so.

34.  Theemithi, or Thimithi, is a fire-walking
ceremony observed in parts of Tamil Nadu
involving devotees walking over a pit filled
with burning hot wood. Most devotees who
partake in this ritual are male, and at most
times they do so with a pot of water or even
milk balanced on their heads. It is meant to
serve as an opportunity for people to
express, prove, reaffirm and even test their
faith.

35.  Called ‘the dance of the gods’, the Theyyam
in Kerala involves the performance of a
dance and various rituals by certain locals
who are at the time of Theyyam considered
to be possessed by a certain god. Considered
thousands of years old, this ritual is
performed in local shrines and sometimes at
various households. The rituals vary from
village to village, with blood sacrifice by the
public butchering of a rooster being a
common practice.

36.  Observed in a handful of places around the
country is the controversial and terrifying
ritual of dropping infants from a height of 50
feet onto a cloth held by a few men at the
bottom. Practiced by both Muslims and
Hindus, the ritual is supposed to bring good
fortune to the baby. The ritual, considered to
be more than half a century old, is practised
most famously at the Baba Umer Dargah in
Solapur, Maharashtra.

37.  Nag Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated by
the worship of snakes observed in some parts of
the country.The village of Baltis Shirale
near Mumbai is said to host one of the grandest
snake worship ceremonies in the country,
boasting of visitors coming from around the
world to witness and pay respects. The
ceremony varies around the country, with live
snakes being worshipped in Bengal, Assam,
Orissa, etc., while in Punjab a huge snake
shaped from dough (made out of flour and butter
contributed by the entire village) is taken to
each household in the village after which it is
publicly buried.

38.  Seen mostly in rural Meghalaya, Assam,
Maharashtra, and Karnataka is the rather
unusual ritual of marrying animals – mostly
frogs – in order to please the rain gods. The
weddings take place in much hyped public
ceremonies. Weddings are also arranged
between dogs or donkeys! Practitioners
believe that the wedding ceremony will bring
in monsoon.

39.  The Dahi Handi ritual, which is widely
organized during the Hindu festival
of Janmashtami, involves organized groups of
mostly young people climbing atop each
other to form human pyramids aiming to
reach and break a pot of butter suspended at
a height of 20-40 feet. It is considered to be
a re-enactment of Hindu deity Krishna’s
childhood when he gathered his friends to
form similar pyramids to steal butter stored
at heights above his reach.

40.  A lot of major Hindu festivals in the country
are celebrated by households, temples, and
offices getting custom-made idols of various
gods which they honour with various rituals
over a span of day. The festival then comes
to an end with the idols getting immersed in
a nearby body of water. From Ganesh
Chathurthi to the Durga Puja festival, this is
a much hyped practice in some parts of the
country. The practice usually signifies
purification and welcoming a new start.

41.  Also known as Agni Keli, this ritual
in Mangalore has hundreds of Hindu devotees
throwing burning palm frond torches at each
other with the belief that doing so will
appease the goddess Durga. Split into two
groups, the partakers, usually men, throw
burning palm frond torches at the opposing
group from a distance of about 10–15 meters,
aiming to hit as many opponents as possible.
Anyone who gets a burn gets sprayed with
water.

42.  You will find that most temples in the
country, particularly in South India, serve
meals to visitors on the floor. Hindu devotees
sit on the floor cross legged with their plates
(or banana leaves if in the southern half of
the country) out of which they eat. This pose
is said to maximize the body’s digestive
abilities, but also signifies the importance of
humility and equality to most worshippers.
This is also a common practice in many
households particularly in rural India.

43.  Definition of Muslim: a person whose religion is Islam : a
follower of Islam
 The Muslims are believers of Islam. Islam means complete
submission to the will of Allah. Complete submission means
all the affairs that happen to man including his daily affairs
be according to the will of Allah, be it business,
government, education, social life, arts, and culture. The
creed of the Muslims is simple: There is no god but the
God; Mohammed is His messenger. God has revealed
Himself to different people and in different languages to
inspire thinkers such as Moses, Jesus and Mohammed.
Muslims believe that Mohammed was the last messenger of
God. God's message is written in the holy Al-Qur'an (in
English, The Koran).

44.  There are over a billion Muslims throughout
the world, and though they speak hundreds
of different languages and live in dozens of
different countries, they still share a
common Muslim culture. This culture is
embedded in certain common beliefs that
there is no God but Allah and that
Muhammad is His messenger. Muslim customs
and traditions include Islamic/Muslim
clothing, food, wedding traditions and other
aspects of Islamic life that Muslims have
adopted in their respective countries.

45.  Muslim culture represents the unification of all the
cultures influenced by common beliefs and practices.
The guiding religious phenomena and cultural aspects
bind its people historically. The religious practices
and beliefs of Muslims are centered around the
religion of Islam. The original Muslim literature is in
Arabic, the Prophet's language. Most of the literature
is religious in nature. It comprises communication
and documentation of the belief system from the
Quran, Sira and Hadith. Secular Muslim literature
developed in the Umayyad empire. It was taken by
the Arabs to distant lands and became part of a
popular culture. In due course of time, Persian
became one of the main languages of the civilization.
In the sub-continent, syncretistic poetry from the
Sufis propagated the foundations of Muslim culture.

46.  The Quran is considered to be the source of
many aspects of Islamic culture. Certain acts
or rituals that Muslims do almost
subconsciously are actually encouraged, or
allowed by Allah, or mandated, in the Quran.
The standard greeting amongst all Muslims
the world over is "As-Salaamu Alaykum."
Also, when speaking of future events Muslims
say Inshallah (If Allah Wills), and
say Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) before
doing just about anything.

47.  Festivals like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha and
Lailat al Miraj are classic examples of the
influence of religion in the lives of Muslim
people. According to Muslim culture,
marriage is, in the words of Mohammed, 'half
of religion'. The bonding of two souls in holy
matrimony is looked upon as a legal bond
and social contract.

48.  Art is an important part of Muslim culture. The abstract,
decorative and floral designs are unique to Islamic art and
architecture. Muslim art is always devoid of depictions of
the animate, especially human beings according to the
dictates of Islam or Muslim religion. Portraiture is taboo to
the culture and traditions. Islamic art focuses on the
omnipresence of Allah, the 'One who cannot be
represented by imagery'. Arabic calligraphy is a recognized
art form used to write verses from the Qur'an. As Islam
spread, the first mosques to be built outside Arabia were
definitely influenced by the local houses of worship and
churches. Though the architectural form and simplicity of
the mosque remained, frequently, materials for columns
and beams were taken from other edifices of previous
cultures.

49.  While creating such spaces or places of worship,
embellishment and monumentality were
certainly not the predefined objectives. It was
much later, that a style evolved wherein, with
the contribution of creative builders and
artisans, a third dimension of spirituality was
created through colors, patterns and calligraphic
designs based upon quotations from the Koran.
The outcome of such an approach today stands
out as the hallmark of Islamic art in architecture.
While the engravings and calligraphic quotes
portray the very essence of humility and
submission to God, the artistry and sometimes
grandeur inspires awe. Islamic architecture is
common in the following features:

50.  -Domes
- Large courtyards
- Central prayer halls
- Minarets
- A wall niche indicating the direction to Mecca

51.  - Arabic calligraphy
- Iwans to separate sections
- Repetitive art forms
- Fountains
- Bright color

52.  Islamic music is mostly played in public
services. Devotional music is enjoyed by
contemporary Muslims all over the world.
The common music forms include Arab
classical and North Indian classical music.
The musical preferences of Muslim people
have traversed the trade routes. The Sufis
are credited with taking the music of the
mystics far and wide.

53.  The Quran does not mention many practices that
are prevalent in the Muslim world today. Instead,
the traditions, sayings, and stories of Prophet
Muhammad and his companions provided basis for
today's traditions and practices that are called
the Hadith. Men trimming the mustache growing
their beards, while women wearing the hijab. Using
the right hand to eat with and the left hand for the
bathroom. Using a stick called miswak for cleaning
teeth and shaking hands when greeting someone.
Some practices amongst Muslims were never
mentioned in either the Quran or the Hadith and
were introduced by the societies and cultures that
accepted Islam. Here are some examples: In the
Middle East, while greeting men kiss each other on
the cheek. In Africa, after greeting someone, it is
customary to put their hand to your head. Whereas
in Pakistan, Muslims bow down when one's child has
reached 40 days old.

54.  The term Muslim means 'submission to God'.
Islam is now recognized as the second-largest
world religion. Muslims believe that the
Quran is the outcome of dialogs between the
God and the Prophet. The two popular sects
in the religion are the Shias and the Sunnis.
The former believe that Mohammed is the
restorer of the faith, promoted by previous
prophets like Abraham and Jesus Christ. The
Sunnis on the other hand, believe in the
'words' of the Prophet; words that were
spoken by Him. This comprises his teachings
and revelations. Islam propagates the five
laws that are fundamental duties to unite
Muslims in spirit. These are:

55.  - Salah or prayer, at least five times a day.
- Shahadah or the worship of one God only.
- Zakat, or donation of alms.

56.  - Haj, the pilgrimage to the Holy City of
Mecca.
- Sawm, or fasting during Ramadan.

57.  Muslims practice faithfully five religious duties, The
first duty is the declaration of the creed that there
is no God but a and Mohammed is His mesenger.
Second is the Sa which means prayer. Third is the
Sakah, or the giving during Ramadan of about two
and a half percent of one's earning throughout the
whole year. Fourth, is Fasting during the day
throughout the month of Ramadan. The Ramadan is
the ninth month of the Moslem year, a period of
daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. Muslims are
required to fast so that they will be less occupied
with worldly matters and to be strong in resisting
temptation. The Muslim's fifth duty is making the
pilgrimage to Mecca and to the temple of Abraham
within once life time, if possible.

58.  Wherever a Muslim is, when it is the time for prayer, he turns towards
Mecca and prays. This act symbolizes the unity of Muslims throughout the
world who are offering their prayers at the same time.
A Muslim's worship begins with an opening prayer and a reading from the
Koran and ends with a prayer requesting God to bless film and his people.
He bows and touches the earth with his forehead, too.
Muslims may pray alone or in a group except on Friday when the midday
prayer is recited in a common gathering place called the mosque.
The Friday prayers are said by an Imam. Anyone may be chosen to lead the
prayers if he is known to be the most knowledgeable and the oldest among
the group.
The man who calls the faithful to prayer is the Muazhzhin (or Muezzin). He
possesses a good voice and his duty is to remind the people that it is the
time for prayer. Starting at sunrise, a Muslim prays five times a day.

59.  No images or paintings are allowed inside the mosque.
Islam preaches equality, so there are no pews or
reserved places inside the mosque, instead there are
rugs Muslims line up behind the Imam. The mosque is
open to all; there are no private chapels for special
people. Collections are not required. Mosques are
supported by donations and trust funds.
Women pray at home or in the mosque. While praying
they share the same rows with men although many
women prefer to pray in certain part of the mosque.
Muslims face Mecca while praying not because it was
where Mohammed was born but because that was the
place where Abraham built the oldest temple for the
worship of one God, the Ka'aba.

60.  The Muslims and the Christian Filipinos use similar
materials in building their houses. Those who live
near the coasts build houses in tong rows over the
water. The interior of the house is similar to the
houses in the Northern part of the Philippines.
The people use well-woven pandan mats and a
thick mattress fitted with kapok for steeping.
They use bright-colored mosquito nets which are
large enough to cover two to three mattresses.
Displayed in the houses of the datus, hadjis and
well-to-do families are many brass articles such
as gongs, trays and dishes.

61.  The Muslim religion has many strict rules
about the food the people may eat and the
way it should be cooked. The Muslims never
eat pork because they believe it is unclean.
The Muslims are allowed to eat the meat of
other animals if the animal was killed in a
manner following their religious practices.
They use a lot of coconut oil in their cooking.
They prepare a lot of rice flour cakes or
wheat flour cakes which can be stored for
many months in air-tight jars.

62.  The Muslims have strict rules about their clothing. The
women are required to wear long sleeves and have the
neck of their coat-like blouse cut high and closed.
They wear a sarong as their skirt, The sarong Is a strip
of cloth about a meter wide and two or three meters
long. The two ends are sewed together. It is wrapped
around the body and tucked in at the waist. When the
sun is shining brightly, those wearing it may loosen it
and cover the head with a portion of the sarong. The
sarong is made of cotton material, plaid or striped, in
brown and black or other colors. The wealth women
wear silk sarongs with beautiful colors and designs.
The dress is decorated with by many beautiful pearls.

63.  The men wear tight-fitting jacket with tight
sleeves. Their trousers are either tight-fitting or
very wide and loose. The pants are made of
cotton. They are either black, pink, green. purple
or red. A long, bright colored sash is tied around
the waist. The men wear a turban or fez on their
heads. The nobility wears a red fez. Other
Muslims wear a turban. This is made of a Large
square piece of cloth folded in such a way that it
can be wrapped around the head like a cap. The
turban may be white or colored. The men wear a
sarok (a hat similar to the salakot when working
under the sun. Muslim women are seldom seen in
the street as they are required by their religion to
stay at home most of the time.

64.  Islam has relatively few holidays compared to most other
religions; nevertheless, sacred days and times are very important
to Muslims.
 When holidays are being observed, it is common for routine social
activities, such as work and commerce, to stop temporarily out of
respect for the person or event being remembered.
 Most Islamic holidays either commemorate events in the life of the
prophet Muhammad or are special days founded by him.
 Traditionally, Muslims observe two major festivals ('Id Al-Fitr and
'Id Al-Adha) and one month of daytime fasting (Ramadan). There is
also a day of voluntary fasting: 'Ashura, which is also an important
Shiite festival. (Also compare: Sunni and Shia Muslims.)
 The popular festival of Mawlid an-Nabi celebrates the birthday of
the prophet Muhammad, but is frowned upon as an idolatrous
innovation by conservative Muslims.

65.  In the Islamic religion, Al-Hijra - the New Year - is
celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the month in
which Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina in 622
CE (the Hijra). The holiday is also known simply as
Muharram. Islamic years are calculated from 1 Muharram,
622 CE. They are followed by the suffix AH, which stands
for "After Hijira" or Anno Higirae (Latin). In 2005, Al-Hijra
falls on February 10, 2005, which will be 1426 AH.
 Unlike the important holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-
Adha, there are few rituals associated with Islamic New
Year. There are no prescribed religious observances. Most
Muslims regard the day as a time for reflection on the
Hijira and on the year to come. In modern times, some
Muslims exchange greeting cards to celebrate the holiday.

66.  Ashura (also spelled Aashurah, ‘Ashurah or Aashoorah), is an
Islamic holiday observed on the 10th of Muharram, the first
month of the Islamic year. The word Ashura means "10," denoting
the date of the holiday.
 Shortly after the Hijira in AD 622, Muhammad designated Ashura
as a day of fasting from sunset to sunset, perhaps patterned on
the Jewish Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Traditionally, Ashura
commemorates two events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the ark and
the day Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah.
 When Jewish-Muslim relations became strained, however,
Muhammad designated Ramadan the Muslim month of fasting,
making Ashura a voluntary fast, as it has remained among Sunnis.
Among Shi'ites, however, Ashura is a major festival, the tazia
(ta'ziyah). It commemorates the death of Husayn (also spelled
Hussein), son of Imam 'Ali and grandson of Muhammad, on the
10th of Muharram, AH 61 (October 10, 680), in Karbala, Iraq. The
event led to the split between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam,
and it is of central importance in Shia Islam.

67.  In the religion of Islam, 'Id Al-Adha or Eid al-Adha
(Arabic ‫األضحى‬ ‫عيد‬," Festival of the Sacrifice") is
a major festival that takes place at the end of the
Hajj. It is also known as 'Id al-Qurban or al-'Id al-
Kabir (Major Festival). Eid al-Adha marks the
completion of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Mina,
Saudi Arabia, but is also observed by Muslims
throughout the world to commemorate the faith
of Ibrahim (Abraham).
 Eid Al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhu'l-Hijja, the
last month of the Islamic calendar, and lasts for
fours days. It begins the day after Muslims on the
Hajj descend from Mount Arafat.

68.  'Id Al-Fitr or Eid al-Fitr (Arabic for "Festival of
the Breaking of the Fast") is one of Islam's
two major festivals.
 Meaning
 Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the
month of fasting. It is a time of celebration
and thankfulness to God for the self-control
practiced during Ramadan.

69.  Rituals and practices of 'Id al-Fitr are
characterized by joyfulness, togetherness and
thankfulness. They include the following:
 communal (mosque) prayer at dawn on the first day
 social gatherings and official receptions
 gift-giving
 eating sweets
 wearing new clothes
 visiting graves of family
 the greeting 'Id Mabarak ("May God make it a blessed
feast")

70.  Ramadan is not a holy day to Muslims, but a holy
month. It is the ninth month of the Islamic year, in
which "the Quran was sent down as a guidance for
the people" {1}. Ramadan is similar to the Jewish
Yom Kippur in that both constitute a period of
atonement; Ramadan, however, is seen less as
atonement and more as an obedient response to a
command from Allah. {2}
 During Ramadan, those who are able must abstain
from food and drink (including water), evil thoughts
and deeds, and sexual intercourse from dawn until
dusk for the entire month. Because the holiday
cycles through the solar year, this fast can be much
more challenging in some years than others. When
Ramadan falls in the summer season, the days of
fasting are longer and it is a greater hardship to do
without water.

71.  Non-Muslims in Islamic countries during Ramadan
must be careful not to eat, drink, or smoke in the
presence of Muslims during the daytime hours of
fasting, as the law requires adherence to the fast
in public. The traditional greeting during Ramadan
is "Ramadan Mubarak" ("May God give you a blessed
month") and the reply is "Ramadan Karim" ("May
God give you a generous month"). {3}
 The beginning and end of Ramadan are announced
when one trustworthy witness testifies before the
authorities that the new moon has been sighted; a
cloudy sky may, therefore, delay or prolong the
fast. The end of the fast is celebrated with one of
two Islamic festivals, 'Id al-Fitr.

72.  Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection,
improvement and increased devotion and worship.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into
following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm)
begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to
abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also
increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual
relations and generally sinful speech and behavior.
 The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away
from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse
the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities.
Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice
self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy
for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging
actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).

73.  It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting
when they reach puberty, so long as they are
healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses.
Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation,
illness, older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding.
However, many Muslims with medical conditions
insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, and
healthcare professionals must work with their
patients to reach common ground. Professionals
should closely monitor individuals who decide to
persist with fasting.
 While fasting is not considered compulsory in
childhood, many children endeavour to complete as
many fasts as possible as practice for later life.
Those who are unable to fast are obliged to make up
for it. According to the Quran, those ill or traveling
(musaafir) are exempt from obligation, but still must
make up the days missed.

74.  Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal
called suhoor. After stopping a short time before dawn,
Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, the Fajr
prayer. At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking
meal known as iftar. Considering the high diversity of
the global Muslim population, it is impossible to
describe typical suhoor or iftar meals. Suhoor can be
leftovers from the previous night's dinner (iftar),
typical breakfast foods, or ethnic foods.
 In the evening, some dates are usually the first foods to
break the fast; according to tradition, Muhammad
broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims
generally adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of
the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is
served.

75.  Social gatherings, many times buffet style, at iftar
are frequent, and traditional dishes are often
highlighted, including traditional desserts, especially
those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually
the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also
consumed. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages are
consumed to a lesser extent.
 In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water,
juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more
entrees, and dessert. Typical entrees are "lamb
stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled
vegetables, or roast chicken served with chickpea-
studded rice pilaf". A rich dessert such as baklava or
kunafeh ("a buttery, syrup-sweetened kadaifi noodle
pastry filled with cheese") concludes the meal. Over
time, iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a
time of fellowship with families, friends and
surrounding communities, but may also occupy
larger spaces at masjid or banquet halls for 100 or
more diners.

76.  Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so
during Ramadan. Zakat, often translated as "the
poor-rate", is obligatory as one of the pillars of
Islam; a fixed percentage is required to be given to
the poor of the person's savings. Sadaqa is voluntary
charity in given above and beyond what is required
from the obligation of Zakat.
 In Islam all good deeds are more handsomely
rewarded in Ramadan than in any other month of
the year. Consequently, many will choose this time
to give a larger portion, if not all, of the Zakat for
which they are obligated to give. In addition, many
will also use this time to give a larger portion of
sadaqa in order to maximize the reward that will
await them on the Day of Judgment.

77.  In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to
read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the
recitation of the entire Quran by means of special
prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers
are held in the mosques every night of the month,
during which a whole section of the Quran (Juz',
which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore,
the entire Quran would be completed at the end of
the month. Although it is not required to read the
whole Quran in the Salatul Tarawih prayers, it is
common.

78.  Definition of CHRISTIANITY
 1: the religion derived from Jesus Christ,
based on the Bible as sacred scripture, and
professed by Eastern, Roman Catholic, and
Protestant bodies
 2: conformity to the Christian religion
 3: the practice of Christianity

79. Beliefs •Strong tradition of liturgy (ceremony)
•Emphasis on practices (usually termed, sacraments), including: baptism, Eucharist, prayers for
the sick, holy orders, marriage, confirmation and confession/penance
•Dedication to creeds (formulated statements of beliefs)
•Belief in Apostolic succession of leadership, meaning leaders should be male successors of the
original apostles of Jesus
Daily practices •Prayers at table, bedside and other times
•May desire daily Eucharist or attendance at Mass
•Use of sacramentals or aids in the spiritual life, such as rosary beads/prayer, holy images,
candles, etc.
Dying and death •Belief in life after death
•Persons experiencing grave suffering and/or approaching death are usually encouraged to pin
their suffering to that of Christ’s.
•Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick very important for the seriously ill, frail and elderly.
Used to be called Last Rites.
•Autopsy and Organ Donation acceptable
•Body to be treated with respect
•Wakes encouraged- usually in a funeral home the day before the funeral.
•Funeral Mass is the norm but can be replaced with a funeral version of Liturgy of the Word
•Graveside service is also typical

80. Facilitating practices •Ask patient and family about preferred practices
•Ask about rituals and needs such as Eucharist/Communion or anointing
•Provide for privacy as needed
Food •Traditional Catholics may fast and/or ask for sacramental confession prior to receiving Eucharist and
may wish to avoid meat on Fridays, especially during season of Lent; offer to provide fish instead
•No general dietary restrictions
Health •Blood and blood products acceptable
•May wish major amputated limb to be buried in consecrated ground
•Sacrament of the sick (anointing by a priest) may be very important
•May believe suffering is part of one’s fate or punishment from God
Holy days and festivals •Traditional Christian holidays as well as observance of special holy days when attendance at Mass is
viewed as an obligation.
•Holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated as a season, not only for one significant day.
Pregnancy and
birth
•Natural means of birth control
•Abortion and sterilization prohibited
•Artificial means of conception are discouraged
•Baptism of infants may be required and urgent if prognosis is grave

81. Rituals or
ceremonies
•Attending Mass on Sunday and Holy Days, sometimes daily
•Observing sacraments
•Praying the rosary (beads to aid in saying prayers)
•Lighting candles
•Be aware of cultural differences in observance and practice, especially in the large
and growing number of Spanish speaking communities.
Spiritual
instruments,
structure, and
symbols
•Rosary (prayer beads)
•Holy water
•Incense
•Saints, especially Mary the mother of Jesus and saints associated with healing
•Jesus pictures and statues; crucifix (cross with corpus of Jesus)
•Name of Jesus is important
•Only (male) priest can offer Sacraments
•Leadership includes priest (‘Father’) deacon (‘Mr.’ or ‘Deacon’), nuns ‘(Sister’)
and brothers (‘Brother’), whom all have taken vows, as well as Eucharistic
ministers (lay-men and women who bring Eucharist /Communion); chaplains, both
men and women, who are specially trained and certified.

82.  Catholic religious practice revolves around the liturgy and
the seven sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Communion,
Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Holy
Matrimony. Understood as outward signs of God's presence,
sacraments mark major transitions in life and, in the case of
Communion and Reconciliation, are part of life's texture.
Through the celebration of Communion, or the Eucharist, at
mass, Catholics receive the body and blood of Christ in the
form of bread and wine. Reconciliation involves the
confession of sins to a Priest, who mediates God's forgiveness
through a prescribed penance and absolution. Attendance at
Mass is technically obligatory for observant Catholics on
Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Mass is generally
celebrated in the vernacular language of each parish,
although the pre-Vatican II Latin mass is authorized as well.
Because Catholics place a joint emphasis on faith and works
in attaining salvation, churches and organizations have
traditionally been active in providing education, healthcare,
and poverty support.

83.  ADVENT SEASON [mid-Nov/Dec] The Christian year
begins with a period of preparation for Christmas. It
is time also for looking towards Jesus' second
coming (Parousia). It is a season of expectation.
 CHRISTMAS [25 Dec - Jan 6] Celebration of Jesus'
birth (Nativity); this festival emphasizes the
INCARNATION ["the Word/Logos was made flesh and
lived amongst us."] The festival lasts twelve days and
ends with the EPIPHANY [Jan. 6], the manifestation
of God in Jesus, which celebrates Jesus' baptism, the
visit of the Magi [symbolic of Gentiles] to the infant
Jesus, and Jesus' first miracle when he turned water
into wine at a wedding feast in Cana.

84.  *LENT [March-April] Forty-day preparation for Easter. It
corresponds to the 40 days Jesus spent fasting before
beginning his ministry. This penitential season ends with:
 HOLY WEEK begins with PALM SUNDAY, commemorating
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. HOLY [MAUNDY] THURSDAY
commemorates the Last Supper and the institution of the
Eucharist in Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant
churches. GOOD FRIDAY is the solemn memorial of Jesus'
death by crucifixion.
 *EASTER SUNDAY [April] The greatest of Christian festivals
celebrates the Resurrection. [Every Sunday is also a
commemoration of the Resurrection.]
 *ASCENSION THURSDAY [May] Forty days after Easter, this
festival celebrates Jesus' ascension to heaven.
 *PENTECOST SUNDAY [WHITSUN] [May/June] Ten days after
the Ascension [50 after Easter], this festival celebrates the
gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles and other disciples. It
marks the birth of the Church.

85.  http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?hculture
 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
 https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/hinduism-
10-unique-traditions-around-india/
 https://spiritualray.com/muslim-culture-traditions
 http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/culture-and-
people/philippine-culture/culture-and-traditions/1283-
muslims-culture-customs-and-traditions
 http://www.religionfacts.com/islam
 https://libraryguides.umassmed.edu/c.php?g=499760&p=3
422633
 https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/roman-
catholic-practices