Wednesday 26 November 2008
Our guest speaker was Club member Silma Ihram. Silma was introduced by Rod McDougall. Silma is a political activist, teacher and sought after commentator. Silma is a practising Muslim and titled her talk “Muslim Culture and Australian Integration”
Silma started her talk by listing elements of the Abrahamic faiths that are common. These include:
Prophets and Books of God.
Faith in one God.
Judgement Day.
Silma pointed out that Muslims have a rich history and that Islam flowered in the period 800 to 1600. There were great advances in astronomy, medicine, mathematics and chemistry. For example a mathematician named Al Khwarizmi invented algebra. There were also great developments in ceramics, painting and literature. Many Muslims feel that their once great culture has waned today.
Silma informed us of significant aspects of the practice of Islam which include:
Prayer- This occurs about five times each day and takes about five minutes.
Wudu- This is a ritual washing which is carried out before prayer.
Friday Prayer- This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Ramadan Fasting- During this period nothing passes the lips between dawn and sunset.
Eid Celebrations- These are held at the end of Ramadan.
Another significant aspect is the Hajj which is the pilgrimage to Mecca which every adult Muslim should do once during their life. An understanding of these religious practices will greatly assist the integration of Muslims into the community.
Other practices of Muslims include:
Halal Food- This relates to the way in which animals are slaughtered. No pork is allowed.
Alcohol- The consumption of alcohol is not allowed. Silma told us of her family’s surprise when she produced her raffle prize from her first Rotary meeting- a bottle of wine!
Visiting Muslims- When visiting a house Muslims remove their shoes.
Silma advised us that the Australian practice of shaking hands with men and women alike may cause discomfort for Muslim women. Their culture is conservative and it is normal for a woman to preserve a personal space. Silma suggested that it is better to wait for the woman to offer her hand to avoid any offence to either person.
Silma advised us that the wearing of the Hijab was done for spiritual reasons and was not a sign of oppression. Silma also mentioned the need to train Imams coming to Australia from another country and the importance of gender discourse which she identified as an issue for all cultures.In conclusion Silma stressed the importance of the Muslim community finding effective voices which were also accountable. After answering member’s questions with insight and candour Silma was thanked by Kevin Freund.
