Transcript Somali ppt-religion part

Religion & Its Effects on Daily Life
of Somalis
• Islam: Almost all social norms, attitudes, customs, and
gender roles among Somalis derive from Islamic tradition
(Abdullahi,2001).
• Most of Somali people are Muslims (almost 99%)
*The five pillars of Islam (The confession of faith-Shahadah,
Giving alms- Zakat, Fasting during the month of Ramadan, The Hajj,
Prayer 5 times a day)
*Praying & Problems in American Schools (Many people are
unaware of the religious practices such as praying five times a day
which can lead to some problems.)
Dress: Dress among Somalis is diverse. In formal and public
settings, such as work or school, most Somalis wear Western dress.
However, traditional dress is generally favored in rural areas and in
non-formal settings. Traditional Somali dress is influenced both by
the desert climate of Somalia and by Islamic values.
Somali Guntiino
Hijab
Religion & Its Effects on Daily Life
of Somalis Cont.
• Traditional Greetings (Intersex Relations): Like
other Muslims who practice Islam, men don't shake a
woman's hand for greeting except if they are spouses. The
Somali women don't shake men's hands either.
• Gender Roles: Somali culture is male-centered. Preferred
gender roles are for men to work outside the home and
women to care for children. There happened some changes in
women roles after the Civil War.