Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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Diet
Dietary rules are also an important aspect of Muslim values and ethics. The Qur'an prohibits consumption of meat or by-products of pigs and carnivorous animals, finned or scaly marine animals, meat of unlawfully (haram) slaughtered animals and alcohol. Meat obtained from the animals slaughtered, according to the teachings of Qur'an is deemed lawful (halal) meat, but when halal meat is unavailable, kosher meat is acceptable to some Muslims. All Muslims accept vegetarian food. Foods, which contain by-products of non-halal meat, such as cheese containing animal rennet, are prohibited. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not consume food or drink between dawn and sunset, although exceptions are made for children, the sick, pregnant women, the elderly and travellers.
Family Life
Islam confers equal dignity, the same religious duties and legal rights on both men and women. It views marriage and procreation positively and celibacy is discouraged, but Islamic law allows a man to have up to four wives, but because of strict regulations and financial constraints this is practically impossible in modern times. Social contact with persons of the opposite sex, other than in one's own family, is restricted. Muslims expect married partner and children to learn the Qur'an and its teachings and follow them.
Muslim birth rites: include simple rites for welcoming a child, naming ceremony on seventh day, shaving the baby's head after seven days, circumcision (known as tahara, meaning purification) any time after seven days to puberty for baby boys and the aqeeqah on the seventh day slaughtering a sheep and the distribution of meat to relatives and neighbours (in Britain the meat is ordered at the butchers). For the majority of Muslims, circumcision is seen as an introduction to the Islamic faith and a sign of belonging.
Festivals
Muslims have many festivals, principal among them are Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid alAdha (end of hajj), fast of Muharam (Islamic New Year) and fasting during Ramadan.
Islam and animals
(There is not an animal on earth, nor a bird that flies on its wings, but they are communities like you...Qur'an 6:38) Muslims believe that: all living creatures were made by Allah; animals exist for the benefit of human beings, but they must be treated with kindness and compassion; and Muslims are allowed to eat meat of the animal that has been killed according to Sharia law.
Sanctity of Life: Muslims believe that all human life is sacred because it is given by Allah, and that Allah chooses how long each person will live; hence suicide and euthanasia are explicitly forbidden.
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