1. Muslim Rites of Passage http://jaihoon.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sujood.jpg

2. Early Life • Adhan • the ceremony that is performed after the birth of a child. • The father or an elder whispers the Call to Prayer in the baby’s right ear. These are the first words said to the baby. • The person then whispers the Command to Rise and Worship into the baby’s left ear. • Male children are usually circumcised at the hospital. Picture : (http://img2.photographersdirect.com/img/21621/wm/pd1302165.jpg)

3. Early Life • Aqiqah • A name giving ceremony • Families choose between: • A family name • One of Muhammad’s names • One of the 99 names of God with Abd (servant) before it. • The hair of the baby is cut and the weight of the hair in silver (or available currency) is given to the poor. • A goat or sheep is butchered. Two thirds is used at a feast to celebrate and one third is given to the poor. http://muslimnames.4stuffs.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/muslim-baby-girl-names-150x150.jpg

4. Marriage • Often parents will help select a spouse for their children; however, the individuals to be married make the final decision. • Cultural customs may be different for different Muslims; however, some Muslims would have in-laws meet first in each other’s homes, followed by similar introductions of friends. http://emel.com/images/issue5_muslim_marriage_moadh_and_hadia.jpg

5. Marriage • The bride and groom promise to do their best to make their marriage ‘an act of obedience to God, to make it a relationship of mutual love, mercy, peace, faithfulness, and cooperation…’ • The couple sign a business like contract containing anything the couple wants in it about their relationship and property. • Eg. Marriage gift, only one wife, woman may work or go to school, money matters, etc. http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aiXQ5-qvErE/Rw71P1ThflI/AAAAAAAAADM/2zbDzYUIwQg/S+307.jpg

6. Marriage • Many Muslims like an imam to officiate in the home or mosque, with readings from the Qur’an, a talk about the responsibilities of marriage, and prayers. • A big feast follows the signing of the marriage contract http://planningelegance.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/wajiha-dancing1.jpg

7. Divorce • Only allowed as a last resort after the couple has taken time to reconcile. • The wife must be properly provided for.

8. Funerals • The burial should happen on the day the person died. • Dead body is washed three times, and wrapped in three white sheets (if the have made the Hajj pilgrimage then these sheets are used). • The body is carried on a stretcher or plain coffin to the burial site. • The body is placed with its right side facing Mecca and the head turned toward Mecca.

9. Funerals • Bystanders throw three handfuls of earth on the grave. • The Qur’an is recited. • Some Muslims believe that the body must touch the earth. • Two angels visit the grave and question the deceased to prepare her/him for Judgement Day. • The soul of the dead person will wait in a dreamless sleep until judgement day. http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/thumbnail/29912/1/The-Body-Of-Christ-With-Two-Angels-1600.jpg