|
subject |
Beginnings & Endings |
|
topic |
Human Life Cycle |
|
grade |
Six |
|
time |
30 minutes |
|
objective |
To enable students to understand what the Quran says about the Human Life Cycle. |
|
instructional material |
Info Sheet 6C – Human Life Cycle. Worksheet 6C – Human Life Cycle. |
INTRODUCTION
Birth
Two rituals accompany the birth of a child. First, the “ADHAN” (Call to Prayer) is whispered into the newborn's right ear as the first sound it hears.
Second, after a few days—customs in some countries specify seven days—a naming ceremony is held.
Puberty
Islam sets out no rites for puberty per se. But there is a series of actions beginning around age seven that lead children towards their gender-based, adult roles in Muslim society.
Marriage
Marriage is the expected state for all adult Muslims, and hence the selection of a partner (traditionally suggested by the parents or close friends) and the wedding are approached with great seriousness. While wedding customs vary widely from country to country, Islamic law views the terms of the union are viewed as a bilateral contract.
Death
If possible, a dying person prepares for death by speaking the Shahada and other affirmations of faith.
The Hajj
Although not linked to any particular stage of life, the expectation that all Moslems will participate in a Hajj once in their life makes it in some ways a rite of passage.
DEVELOPMENT
Read the Info Sheet with the students.
REINFORCING ACTIVITIES
Let students do the Worksheet.
Birth
Two rituals accompany the birth of a child. First, the “ADHAN” (Call to Prayer) is whispered into the newborn's right ear as the first sound it hears. This act symbolically brings the baby into an awareness of God from the first moment of life. This is accompanied by reading from the Quran and other small rites.
Second, after a few days—customs in some countries specify seven days—a naming ceremony is held. At a gathering of family and friends, the child is formally given a name, and often a lock of hair is cut from its head. This is often accompanied by other rites, such as a meal, sacrifices, readings from the Quran, and so on. One rite often practised is that of almsgiving. The baby is weighed and an equivalent amount in silver is given to charity.
The naming ceremony also serves as an entrance rite for those who convert to Islam later in life. During it, they receive an Islamic name, usually in Arabic, and are regarded as newly “born” into the faith.
Islamic belief recommends that all males should be circumcized, although at what point in a child’s life this happens is not specified. It is a tradition meant to promote cleanliness, and to stop possible infection. It is often performed when the boy is still a toddler; in some cultures the circumcision is accompanied by a celebration, while in most areas of the world, it takes place in a hospital clinic with no celebration.
Puberty
Islam sets out no rites for puberty per se. But there is a series of actions beginning around age seven that lead children towards their gender-based, adult roles in Muslim society. For example, boys start to regularly attend the public prayers, and are encouraged to practise calling the “ADHAN” (call to prayer). Girls also attend the public prayers, but practise reading the Quran. As adults, the boys will call the ADHAN and lead the prayers (especially during the Friday congregational prayer). The girls will not lead prayers (unless the group is all women), but they might lead study circles and teach others how to read the Quran properly. At puberty, boys and girls will be encouraged to dress islamically : boys should wear loose clothing, and should always cover between their naval and knees. Girls should also wear loose clothing, and should cover everything except their face and hands. Modesty in dress and behaviour is expected by all Muslim adults.
During the month of Ramadan, both boys and girls will begin to undertake some days of fasting. As they get older, the number of days will gradually increase. When they reach puberty, they will be expected to participate in the entire month of the fast.
Marriage
Marriage is the expected state for all adult Muslims, and hence the selection of a partner (traditionally suggested by the parents or close friends) and the wedding are approached with great seriousness. While wedding customs vary widely from country to country, Islamic law views the terms of the union are viewed as a bilateral contract. It establishes rights and responsibilities not only between the husband and the wife, but also between their respective families. Although divorce is permitted, there are strong moral sentiments against it. In addition, the marriage contract often guarantees the divorced wife a significant monetary payment.
Islamic law permits men to marry up to four wives, but only if he can treat them all equally. Polygamy is allowed, but not encouraged unless there is a need in the society, for example after a war. However, in general, polygamous marriages are quite rare among Muslims today.
Death
If possible, a dying
person prepares for death by speaking the Shahada
and other affirmations of faith. When dead, the body is washed and covered, and
buried as soon as possible. The corpse is buried facing
The Hajj
Although not linked to any particular stage of life, the expectation that all Moslems will participate in a Hajj once in their life makes it in some ways a rite of passage. It is an experience in which the Moslem experiences a both a more intimate experience of submission to God the unity and fellowship of the world-wide UMMAH (community).
Choose one of the components in the Muslim life cycle, and discuss what rites of passage are done at that time.