Birth
Outline how children are welcomed into the Muslim faith?
When a child is born into the Muslim faith a birth ceremony is held. The call to prayer (adhaan; ‘God is great, here is no God but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Come to prayer.’) is whispered into the baby’s ear by the father as it is thought that is the first thing a baby should hear. They believe the baby’s first taste should be sweet, so often the baby’s parents will chew dates and rub the juice over the baby’s gums. This was performed by Muhammad. The baby’s head is shaved after 7 days to show that the newborn is a servant of Allah. They then weigh the hair and give the equivalent amount in silver to charity. On the 7th day some boys may be circumcised.
What is the Aqeeqah?
The Aqeeqah is a celebration carried out on the 7th day after a baby is born. Sheep are slaughtered and sacrificed, and given to relatives, neighbours and the poor. In Britain the meat is simply bought from the butchers.
Marriage
Outline the basic elements of an Islamic wedding ceremony?
An Islamic marriage, called a nikah, is a contract between a bride and groom that both agree to. A Mahr (marriage gift) is given to the bride by the groom as mentioned in the Qur’an. There must be two adult witnesses. A legal guardian must represent the bride. The Aqd-Nikah (written marriage contract) must be signed by the bride and the groom. There must also be a Qadi (Muslim judge) and Khutba-tun-Nikah.
