There are three main concepts that are helpful in understanding Arab Muslims better. These include the umma, the views that many Middle Eastern Muslims have of Christians, and the role of the family. Islam emphasizes what is referred to as the umma, or nation. Arab Muslims believe that they are not only part of their specific tribe or family, but that they are part of a larger family comprised of all Muslims. They see any Muslim as part of the umma, and therefore consider brothers and sisters to be all members of the umma. This sense of identity within the religious group is helpful in understanding the importance of adhering to their faith for many Muslims, since not doing so may have consequences beyond separation from God alone, including separation from the family (McGoldrick, Giordano, & Garcia-Preto, 2009). Another feature that is helpful in understanding Arab Muslims is their view of Christianity. Many of these Muslims base their understanding of Christianity on what they see in Western films and media, leading them to think that Christians are immoral and far more different from them in practice than may be the case (Liberty University, 2009). Finally, the view that Arab Muslims have on family brings some clarity to certain issues. Family is seen as having central importance, and one’s actions may bring shame to the family as a whole. It is essential for Arab Muslims to not only live to please their god and themselves, but also their family as well, which may bring them stress. On the other hand, this centrality and significance of family may enrich an Arab Muslim’s life by offering an extended network of support and guidance (McGoldrick et al, 2009).
The view that many Muslim’s have of Christianity helps to bring clarity to some of the issues surrounding extremism. These Muslims do not want to be led away from their faith by mainstream culture, as they believe Christians any many others have. They seek to control the media, as well as the practices of their followers by using force and laws to keep people practicing “pure” Islam. It is easy to understand why such a fear of corruption of faith would exist and such measures to control and convert to strict Islam are taken given the way that many believers of various faiths live today, appearing more like the secular world than those practicing true faith (Liberty University, 2009; Johnson, n.d.)
References
Liberty University (2009). The Middle East, Muslims, and Christians. Liberty University: Lynchburg, VA.
Johnson, J. (n.d.). Islam and Wahhabism. Regent University: Virginia Beach: VA.
McGoldrick, M., Giordano, J., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2005). Ethnicity & Family Therapy. (3rd ed.). Guilford Press: New York, NY.
