Muslims Culture and Nutrition

Lindsay Nelson Jessica Roberts Anai Villalobos

Heidi Washburn

History - Believe in attaining peace by submitting their

will to God - God=Allah-->all Muslims communicate

directly with Allah - Qur'an revealed to Muhammad by Angel

Gabriel - Muftis: give legal advice based on Qur'an - Imams: lead prayers in mosques, Friday

sermons

The Qur'an

According to the Qur'an, Islam is defined as divine revelation from God to the prophet Muhammad

- Obedience - Submission

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The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahadab=one God-Allah-and Muhammad as the messenger of Allah 2. Salat (prayer)

Cont'd

3. Zakat (almsgiving)=donate 2.5% of income to poor/needy 4. Ramadan(fasting)5.

Hajj(pilgrimage)=travel to Mecca

Stereotypes

Overcoming Stereotypes • Muslims are located all over the world

o Middle East, Northern Africa, Russia, Philippines, Europe, North America

Overcoming Stereotypes • Presence in the United States

o In 201o, it was estimated that 64.5% of all US Muslims were born abroad

o By 2012, that number has fallen to 55% as Muslim birth rates rise

• Islam vs. Muslim

o Not all Muslims associate with the Islamic faith o Would not participate in religious fasting or adhere

to Halal dietary laws

Communication Tips • Considered offensive to pass items with the

left hand as it is considered the "toilet hand" • Avoiding eye contact is a sign of piety,

respect, and modesty • Separation between males and females

o If working with a male, include his wife in discussion o Inappropriate for men and women to be alone in a

room together o Inappropriate for men and women to touch each

other in public (handshakes, hugging, etc.)

• Extremely modest dress

Kosher vs Halal Alcohol

Shrimp

Cheeseburger

Marshmallows

Halam foods

• Pork and its by-products • Animals improperly slaughtered • Animals not slaughtered in the name

of Allah • Carnivorous animals and birds of prey • Animals without external ears • Blood, alcohol, and foods

contaminated with any of these.

Good Foods Olives Honey Yogurt Dates Figs

Grapes Pomegranate

Legumes

Living their religion as they eat

What they eat is a representation of who they are.

- Meat without blood= holiness, sacredness

- Food prepared for their Gods are sanctified and accepted. Hindus later on eat the leftovers or prasadam.

Ethnic Dishes During Ramadan

Fasting in Ramadan - one month of no food, liquid, or sex between

sunrise and sundown - light breakfast - fast is broken with water and a few dates

Who is Excused from Fasting - children under age 15 - sick - pregnant - lactating women - older adults - hard laborers - anyone who physician advises not to fast - can eat with medicine if needed

Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

- celebrate Abraham's trial to sacrifice his son to Allah

- 3 day feast after Hajj - 12th month of lunar year - sacrifice sheep or lamb and share with family

and the needy

What about other Holidays? - do not observe Christian holdays - do not observe secular holidays - Valentine's Day - Mother's Day - considered transgresions - avoid reference to these holidays

END

Muslim Foods and Culture

What is Halal? Muslims believe that eating is part of their worship. Foods are classified into one of two different categories: haram and halal. Haram foods are unlawful and should be avoided. Halal foods are all other foods and should be eaten in moderation.

Ramadan Ramadan occurs the ninth month of the lunar calendar. During this 30 day holiday Muslims avoid all food, liquid, and sex between sunrise and sunset. Before sunrise they generally eat a small breakfast. After sunset they break their fast with water and a few dates. A festive dinner is then prepared and shared among family and friends. Muslims believe in taking care of their bodies. They believe the body is sacred. Because of this belief, if fasting would be harmful, Muslims are not required to fast. This means that children under 15, pregnant and lactating women, those who are sick are not required to fast. Also, if a doctor has told a Muslim not to fast, they are not required to.

Cultural Considerations Muslims believe in extreme modesty. They also avoid situation with mixed genders to help avoid any sexual temptations. If a woman is working with a man, include his wife in any interactions. If a man is working with a woman, include her husband in interactions. Touch is avoided between the sexes. Keep this in mind and avoid handshakes, hugging, or any other physical contact. Also the left hand is considered dirty and should never be used to pass items. Avoiding eye contact is considered a sign of respect, modesty, and piety. If a client does not make eye contact, do not be concerned or offended.

Halal Foods (examples)

• halal meats • marine animals and seafood without special slaughtering • fruits and vegetables •rice, grains, flour • dairy products • coffee, tea, carbonated beverages

Foods not considered haram are considered halal

Haram Foods

• pork or pork by products • improperly slaughtered animals • carnivorous animals • animals without external ears • blood • alcohol • pepsin and gelatin* • foods contaminated with pork, alcohol or blood including vanilla extract * * considered haram by those who have strict adherence to Islam