Family Life
There is a huge variation around the world in the way that Muslims celebrate marriage. However, Islam teaches that Muslims should marry not only within religious law but also in accordance with the laws of the country in which they live. Islam regards marriage as a contract between a man and a woman involving rights and obligations. If one party breaks the contract, the other is entitled to divorce.
For many Muslims, marriage is a simple ceremony involving an exchange of vows before witnesses. Although it is not strictly a religious requirement, many Muslim marriages are arranged between the parents of the bride and groom.
In the practice called polygamy, Muslim men can have up to four wives at once, although women may have only one husband at a time. The vast majority of Muslims around the world do not practice polygamy.
Islam forbids sex outside marriage, and homosexuality.
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Festivals
Eid ul Fitr
Eid ul Fitr is the festival that Muslims celebrate at the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan. Muslims visit the Mosque and often visit friends or family for special meals.
Eid ul Adha
Eid ul Adha is the festival celebrated at the end of the Hajj. It commemorates the fact that the prophet Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son to Allah before Allah told him to substitute his son with a sheep. Many Muslims will slaughter and eat a sheep to celebrate this festival.
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Personal Lifestyle
Muslims are enjoined to obey a series of rules about their every day life. Things which are forbidden to Muslims are known as ‘Haram‘.
Dietary laws
Muslims do not eat pork and the meat they do eat must be slaughtered according to the rules of Halal. Animals must be blessed before slaughter and killed by cutting their throats so they bleed to death.
Alcohol
Strict Muslims never drink alcohol.
Dress
Purdah means both the separation of the sexes and modesty in dress. The Hijab is a type of dress for women that comes in a variety of forms, but is usually a simple headscarf covering the hair.
Ummah
The Ummah is the worldwide Muslim Community. As a concept it includes the idea that all Muslims are one people.
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