Widmark1 Joleen Widmark Phillip Anosike COMM 2150-043/ Project #1 22 February 2014

Jumah
The freedom we have to learn and reflect on other cultures located essentially in our backyard is something we tend to ignore and thus losing out on a valuable learning resource. We make assumptions and fail to fully investigate what makes others different from us. In the Islamic society there are plenty of misunderstanding among Americans. For instance, Muslims do not hold the same values as Americans in regards to human nature, relationships with others and preferred personalities. I found these differences to be appealing and interesting. While I knew many of them existed, I didnt understand the underlying aspects of them. Religious or Cultural Function I attended the Friday Prayers of the Islamic Society of Southeast Idaho located in Pocatello. All able Muslim men are required to attend and women are encouraged to participate in Friday prayer service. However, there was only one other woman in attendance. I was not able to attend the main sermon due to my gender, but I was able to listen and understand what was spoken from the outer room. Due to many different native languages spoken of the participants- Farsi, Arabic, Urdu to name a few - the prayer was given in Arabic first and then English. The afternoon prayer service lasted about an hour. All were dressed modestly and the women were requested to wear a head covering, which is typically a scarf. All attendees are expected to employ habits of ritual cleanliness before attending prayers. Typically hands, feet, mouth and face are cleaned before entering the area where prayers are performed. Since this mosque is located in a small building, this requirement is

Widmark2 fulfilled prior to your arrival, however shoes are still removed as a sign of respect and keeping the mosque clean. The message delivered was centered around the obligations to keep a clean mind at all times. Since this was directed towards the men in attendance this example was given. If a woman is dressed inappropriate, it is the duty of those who follow the Quran to avert their eyes. It is not the womans fault if she causes improper thoughts, but the men following Allah need to be stronger and not let it affect them. The message was short and the rest of the time was spent in prayer. Value Theory It is interesting to apply the value theory of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck towards my experiences last Friday and that of the Muslim faith in general. From the little that I have studied of Islamic cultures, and having had the opportunity for this past year to observe and learn from them in a close personal and professional setting, I perceive their beliefs are grossly misunderstood by North Americans in general. Many feel this is a faith that promotes violence; however that isnt the case in mainstream, traditional Islamic beliefs. The cultural value from Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck theory in regards to Muslim and American values are at opposites, so its no wonder that each culture is misunderstood by the other. For instance, family is central to Muslim culture. In the text, it explains that the relationships between humans can be classified as individualistic and group oriented. (Martin & Nakayama, 2012, pp. 104) In the family that I have been able to observe, everyone looks after other family members. The matriarch of the family actually has a suite in each of her sons homes and she floats between them as she desires. It is said that the way to heaven is under the feet of your mother. Mothers are revered and honored because they have sacrificed so much for each of their children. This collectivistic society strengthens family bonds and helps propel the family forward. Each action of an individual is viewed as an action of the collective group, and many family members do not want to disappoint others within the family.

Widmark3 Another value orientation is the difference between doing and being. (Martin & Nakayama, 2012, pp. 106) One focuses on the doing of the culture. For example, the greeting how are you doing? is based on a doing orientation. One the other hand, the value of being has the emphasis on what a person is instead of what he does. Those holding the views of Islam tend to value being which is defined as a kind of self -actualization in which the individual is fused with the experience (Martin & Nakayama, 2012, pp. 106) as opposed to the doers who focus is on activities or other forms of accomplishments. Analysis The Islamic culture is centered around the family and the family values. Each member has an expectation placed on their backs to uphold the family name and these values. One conversation that was overheard after the prayer hour was that of a father and college age son. The father was pressuring the son to finish college more timely than the son was already doing. He mentioned that it would be a disgrace if he prolonged his education unnecessarily and that others may frown upon this. It was interesting to note the invisible pressure of the family reputation at stake. This value helped to shape adolescents to not stray from their values as the stakes are too high. Reflection At first I felt a little out of place in a religious meeting that was dominated by men. I didnt know what I should or shouldnt do and I was very worried about offending or causing a commotion with my presence. However, everyone who greeted me, and most did, were kind and welcoming. This is something that I didnt expect as I assumed that I would be largely ignored. Yet, I knew better than to return their kindness with a handshake as this isnt accepted between genders. I am glad that I was prepared ahead of time for this. The words of the prayers indicated that the Quran taught men to beg forgiveness. That they are lowly creatures compared to Allah and can never fulfill the requirements placed upon

Widmark4 them. But followers must still try and attend prayer on Jumah (Fridays) to ask for forgiveness of the previous weeks sins. I was surprised to find that this is familiar to the religion of my youth. Knowing that Muslims are a collectivistic society, I can keep this in mind when associating with someone from this faith. Asking about their family, especially their mother will help them to open up and feel comfortable talking with me. I work with several Pakistani Muslims and this knowledge has helped me realize why they are repeatedly asking about my mothers health. All in all, while American and Muslim cultural values are at polar opposites, it only takes some patience and understanding to get past the cultural barriers that exist for one to realize we are all humans with good intentions.

Widmark5 Works Cited Martin & Nakayama. Intercultural Communication in Contexts. McGraw Hill, 2012.