the social, political, and cultural characteristics of the Middle East
The region between Afghanistan and the Atlantic ocean is referred to as the Middle East. This includes the East and West sectors of this region. This area is made up of nineteen countries with a population of three percent of the world’s total number. It is important to note that this region has specific and unique characteristics that they identify to. It does not mean there are not any other characteristics that define this region; however, the majority wins. Understanding the Middle East will equip us with the necessary knowledge and skills and help us understand the world better. This paper will help us understand the Middle East by looking at the social, political, and cultural characteristics of the Middle East.
Social characteristics
The main religion is Islam, with many people identifying it and practicing it. 93% of the population in this area is Islamic. They identify and respect the beliefs of this religion. It is important to note that Islam in the Middle East has deep roots as far as the seventh century. This was when Islam was first introduced to the Arabs. In turn, the Arabs embraced and started practicing this religion much more, which increased their influence. While all the people in the approximated percentage do not represent only Arabs, most of them are, in fact, Muslim. There are two types of Muslims in the Middle East. The Urban and the Rural Muslim. The Urban Muslim refers to a section of the population living in towns who have accommodated and started practicing other traditions. While Islam is essential when it comes to this group, they identify and acknowledge the existence of different religions and respect them. The rural Muslim, on the other hand, refers to a conservative and rigid pair. This group identifies with the Islamic faith and do not accept the changes in tradition. Rapid change has occurred in the culture of the Arab community. For one, they practice migration, which has pushed them from developing countries to rich oil-producing countries. This has become the most critical economic resource among Arabs. Secondly, people believe in Mecca. It is important to note that Mecca is a great representation of religion when it comes to the Middle East. In most cases, this is the unifying factor in most of these people. Faith is an important concept when it comes to the people of the Middle East and should be respected.
Marriage, children, and sports are also a form of social characteristics for the Middle East. It is essential to note that their practices are quite similar to the Christian community. This is because so many people occupy the regions. Before this region came together to be known as the Middle East, every person had their religious practices. Before they embraced Islam, they initiated some of these practices into the modern-day Islamic culture. However, there is always a differentiating factor. When it comes to marriage, the parents have to be notified of the ceremony. Parent approval is an essential concept since parents are considered deities and should be respected at all times. Secondly, peace and unity are encouraged when it comes to Children.
Children play together as one regardless of any differentiating factor.
Political Characteristics
It is important to note that this region has grown as a result of successive conquests. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt have contributed to the shaping of the political characteristics of this region. This, in turn, led to the incorporation of vast empires, including Persia, Greek, the Romans, and the Byzantines. These successive conquests helped establish a vast region, all of which retained their cultural identities. It is, therefore, safe to say that the Middle East is made up of combinations of different cultures, both socially and politically. Iran and the Byzantine empire were Islamized, which helped bring all these different cultures together. The Ottoman empire was the last empire to rule the region, which included much of southeast Europe. This created a great cultural synthesis of the Turkish statecraft, the Persian culture, and the Persian culture. It also included things from some of the territories that were under its control. The food culture of the Middle East is, therefore, diverse and extensive. One important aspect to note about the history of this region is the Spain epoch. The Moorish Spain created their cultural synthesis as sen in Spain and North Africa today.
The Middle East lies between Eurasia and Africa and the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is essential to note the Middle East is the birthplace of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It is, therefore, a collection of different religions. It is important to note that there is a chronological happening of events that have helped shape the Middle East. For one, the Ottoman Empire was defeated by the British and their allies. The middle East was partitioned under two nations, the British and the French. This was followed by the establishment of Israel and the departure of the European powers. This was then followed by the rising and growing influence of the United States. The Middle East was, therefore, left to rule and govern itself. When it comes to the economic growth of the Middle East, this area is known for its surplus production of crude oil. This has made the region increasingly rich and enhanced development. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Kuwait were one of the first Middle-Eastern countries to produce crude oil. The United Arab Emirates is, however, estimated to have the most abundant supply of crude oil in the region. It is important to note that the Middle East is one of the most peaceful areas of the world today. A common factor unites the people, the common factor being Islam as a religion. When studying history, it is essential to note that some elements have been pointed out as the most influencing factors. They build or break people. In this case, Islam as a religion is what builds these people.
Question Two
The word ‘Islam’ is said to have been promulgated by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. According to the Arabs, this word simply means surrender. It helps you understand the idea of this religion in that the worshiper or rather Muslim surrenders to the will of Allah, their God. The Muslims believe that Allah is the sole creator and restorer of the world. The intention of Allah is represented through their sacred scriptures known as the Quran. Muslims believe that Allah is a prophet among other prophets such as Noah, Abraham, and Jesus. The message of Allah is said to be completing the message of the earlier prophets. In essence, Allah consummates these messages and concludes the book of Revelation. Muslims are monotheists, which means they believe in the worship of one God. They adhere to the strict rules and regulations of this religion and ensure they attend their teachings. This religion was taught by Muhammad to a group of Muslims and spread fast to the Middle East and Africa. This religion also spread to China. It is important to note that this led to a surge in the increase in the number of Muslims. By the 21st century, approximately 1.5 billion people were affiliated with a religion. Shared faith and identity bound Muslims to one community.
Muhammad calculated a sense of brotherhood and belonging to all his followers. This helped create a strong relationship Muslims usually have with each other. The persecution of the Muslims in Mecca also contributed to the universal bond between all Muslims. Additionally, the Quran offered them direction and instruction, which further cemented their relationship. When Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622 ce, his preaching was wholeheartedly embraced, increasing the number of Muslims in the society. Islam is also affiliated with ethos. This means that this religion unites itself both in the spiritual and temporal aspects of life. Religion aims to help foster individuals and group relationships in the social setting. This is aimed at increasing awareness that in as much as religion defines us, we are one people. Our differences should make us stronger rather than weaker. The Islamic faith is also identified by dualism and social characteristics. It is important to note that this religion expressed itself by emphasizing its mission as defined by Allah. According to the Muslims, they are responsible for bringing to the world the ‘jihad’ which means the holy struggle. This is what is used to explain the success of the Muslims in the Middle East in the old days. The Muslims bought a large part of the globe-the Middle East. This is also another explanation of why there are so many Muslims in the Middle East.
The expansion of Islam as a religion began with the building of different empires all around the globe. There was also a surge of the followers of this religion. Various reasons explained this. For one, worshippers of other faiths were mistreated and mishandled. According to the early founders of Islam, Islam was the right and more significant religion. As a result, Christians greatly suffered. Furthermore, the country was under their mercy due to their vast wealth and properties. Christians were referred to as ‘the people of the book.’ They were allowed to practice their religion as long as they paid their taxes. Many people joined this faith in an attempt to escape the taxes and mistreatment. The Sufis were responsible for the spread of Islam in Turkey, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Another factor that impacted the spread of Islam in the Middle East is trading activities. It is important to note that trade provided people with a way to interact with each other.
A lot of people were highly influenced to practice this religion through this. Furthermore, these trading activities led to intermarriages, which in turn led to conversions and the increase of Muslims. Four essential principles guide Muslims. These include the ijtihad, the Quran, the Sunnah, and the ijma. All these four principles have different meanings. They, however, state the rules and regulations concerning the Muslims. Muslims do not eat pork. Pork is considered dirty and could utter ones’ cleanliness concerning the heart. It is important to note that Muslims follow a strict way of clothing. Their women are supposed to cover their heads and body. This is to emphasize the integrity and cleanliness of the mind. The Muslims believe in polygamy. According to these people, a man can have many wives as long as he can take care of them and provide for them. The Muslim community has been accused of entertaining violence against other religions. I do not believe this. It is important to note that while people might identify the same faith as you, this does not mean that they necessarily understand the religion. Furthermore, why should the actions of a sect judge the whole community?
In conclusion, I am taking this course to better my understanding of the Middle East. The Middle East is an interesting region and knowledge; it gives me great insights into the part. Furthermore, this can go a long way to help boost my career path. This course has helped me understand the different religions and how they relate to each other. I have more knowledge about Islam as a religion. This helps me make more informed decisions and give better advice. Learning about the Middle East will benefit me greatly by influencing my choices and career choice.