Rule
Book
General
Section of the Islamic Center. Athens, OH.
Introduction
The Islamic Center is a place where
Muslims converge to pray. It fulfills not only religious functions but also
cultural ones. It is divided into two sections, the “General Section” or Men’s
Section and the “Women’s Section”. There are rules that are applied in both
spaces, but this rulebook is focused in the General Section. Both sections have
sanitary services, but the general section also has a kitchen and can be used
as a room to meet people or for celebrations.
The rulebook has been classified with
three different criteria, which at the same time can be subdivided. The
criterion used was geography, gender and age with subdivisions that can overlap
between them. Geography can be classified into: the room, the individuals
inside the room and the Holy Quran. Gender is divided using the binary system,
the only one the Islamic religion accepts: female and male. And age is divided
into children or adults, considering that gender differences start influencing
spatial segregation by age when people become six or seven years old.
Discussion
1. Gender: The majority
of the gendered rules apply to both male and female, but when looking at female
and male rules that specifically apply to their gender category there are more
rules for women than men. For example, women are also not allowed to lead the
prayer, except in the absence of men. Something that hardly ever happens. Also,
women cannot fast or pray while on their period or touch the Quran because they
are considered unclean.
We all agree that this a private aspect of a woman’s life
and not something that we would want to share with our congregation. We also
think that this is a type of exclusionary practice where a woman isn’t allowed
to be included in her normal social and religious group due to something she
has no control over. Nature.
2. Quran: It is of utmost importance that the
Islamic congregation treats the Quran with absolute respect. It is of Holy
origin and the people within the mosque must regard it as such by giving
reverence to it. This means making sure you are clean, performing wudu and
covering yourself. But also, to respect the space as well and keep the mosque
tidy.
It must also be followed that the Quran is to be kept in
its given area where it’s supposed to be stored and used, it’s very important
that it cannot be taken to the bathroom.
The person that leads the recitation of the Quran is
called the Imam, he is the speaker that leads the prayer, recitals and gives a
sermon on Fridays, similar to a priest. The only rules about becoming and being
an Imam is that it must be a man and he must know the Quran very well. Well
enough for recitation. He could be any age, old or young, but must be capable
of respect and thorough knowledge of the history, teachings, and writings.
3. Prayer in regard to
place: When in prayer you are expected to be silent except for recitals of the
Quran, call and response prayer. It’s also an important rule to keep close to
each other. Keeping little distance between one another signifies unity and
solidarity. It’s important for building strong relationships and connections
with other members of the congregation and neighborhood.
But, to respect others’ space it is important to keep
movement to a minimum, fidgeting or being disruptive is impolite and sacrilegious
within the place of worship. The space must also be kept clean, free of garbage
and clutter.
Prayer in regard to
people: The rules for respecting your fellow congregation are simple; they are
very similar to using good manners. Not eating or drinking during worship,
removing your shoes, turning off your phones, and not being disruptive. It is
also required to face the direction of Mecca.
4. In relation with
media articles: In
this space there is no differentiation based on race or class, they are united
by the same religion. They are a small community and regardless their
nationality they gather in the Islamic Center. The gender segregation is mainly
dictated by Islam parameters and not by specific national and cultural
practices of the practitioners. In other
communities there are reported cases of racism within the Mosque. Because Islam
has different practices depending on each place and culture, each ethnic and
cultural group occupies a specific place of the Mosque during the prayer. Other
demonstration of racism is the clear preference to choose African-Americans as
Imams, because they are reputed to be well educated and prepared.
Bibliography
Nelson, S.
(30 de 12 de 2015). The Athens News. Obtenido de The Athens News: https://www.athensnews.com/news/campus/muslim-student-group-feels-good-about-athens-but-has-had/article_0796e050-af18-11e5-a083-b764d3b794de.html
Galal, A. (24 de 03 de 2017). The Tempest.
Obtenido de The Tempest: https://thetempest.co/2017/03/24/life-love/its-about-time-we-call-out-racism-within-muslim-communities/
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