American Muslims Essay

What is a subculture? In studies of cultural subjects , a subculture is defined as a recognizable or definable group of like-minded individuals within the larger more diverse American culture. American culture itself is famous for its immense diversity and constant expansion. But within this culture many people are of different races and backgrounds forming the various subcultures. Subcultures are most commonly formed on the basis of ethnicity, religion, race, or even class. America has a huge migrant community that includes people from Latin America, South America, Africa and Asia, among many others. People from similar ethnic backgrounds thus tend to form groups for social interaction, based on their common background, and thus on common cultural practices, traditions, and more generally, just a similar lifestyle. People from the same religion form subcultures based on their common beliefs, and thus common religious practices and religious events. Individuals from the same race too often form subcultures based on their similar ancestry. And social class and status tends to form other subcultures, dividing society into the rich and the struggling. Subcultures are often quite different from the dominant culture. Such a subculture is then termed a counterculture. Many scholars also agree that subcultures give a feeling of identity and belonging to the people forming it. Most though believe that subcultures are an expression of going against the dominant culture. They are considered negative because of they do not accept the common diverse culture. Subcultures thus bring like-minded people together. But most importantly, the people forming subcultures feel separated from society, or find it unable to relate to it. Whatever the cause may be, subcultures are considered harmful to society as a whole, creating groups following there own laws, regardless of the dominant or accepted social standards. Subcultures can be identified in the form of characteristic clothing, language, music, style, aesthetics, political views and way of life. American Muslims form a large part of the general American culture, and are up to almost 7 million in number. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the country. American Muslims in fact are a subculture based on religion. The individuals themselves are form different countries like India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Bangladesh, the Middle East, Africa and many others. This particular subculture is quite distinguishable mainly because of the common religious practices. The Mosque or the ‘Masjid’ is the place of worshippers, and the centre were religious prayers, and occasions are held. The Mosque is also often a place of shelter for the poor. But the primary function of the mosque is for prayer. The followers are called to pray five times a day by the ‘Azan. ’ The Muslims also have a month of fasting called ‘Ramadan,’ at the end of which is celebration called ‘Eid. ’ This event is probably the most merry, and active event of the year, when Muslims of all ages greet each other, and wish each other a happy ‘eid. ’ Muslims follow the lunar calendar, where the month begins with sighting the moon. Another tradition is that of an annual sacrifice. On this occasion, a goat, cow or even a camel is sacrificed in the name of god. The sacrifice is carried out after the pilgrimage. The Holy ‘Kaaba’ in the city of Mecca is believed to be the House of God, and this pilgrimage is carried out in the last month of the Islamic calendar. But apart from these basic rituals, most Muslims follow many other subtle religious rules. One of these is related to food. Food is classified as either eatable, and clean, or unclean. Clean food is that which the religion allows, while unclean the one religion does not allow. Pork in particular is considered unclean. In fact, more and more American restaurants are beginning to offer a category of ‘halal’ food; that is, clean food for their Muslim customers. Most importantly, the holy book of the Muslims is the ‘Quran,’ which is a book that has almost all aspects of life. It explains the Islamic laws and rules to be followed. And finally, Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad to be the last prophet of God. The religion in fact is centered on the holy book and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.