Re: Have Islamic countries lost much of its culture?
Reply #8 - November 04, 2012, 03:11 PM
Sigh, sorry let me explain again. I didn't say Islamic countries didn't have any culture, most of the culture you speak of things are traditions that aren't associated with Islam or brought by Muhammad but rather, traditions that were there before the spread of Islam and have managed to stay. And for example people like Bengalis and Indians their colorful clothes and traditions go way back before Islam was introduced and have managed to stay. Interesting personally, I didn't even know many far Eastern countries were Islamic, like Bangladesh, I just thought it was Hindu because of the clothes and fabrics even the food especially since some of the girls would let their hair peek out from under the hijab. I guess I'm thinking more of Islamic countries that want to be more hardline Muslim and have pushed out most minorities and discourages their religious practices, festivals, way of dress etc.
Also in response to the Muslim heritage link. Yes I am well aware that Islam has contributed many things in the sciences for example. However, I'm hesitant to say that it's culture, because it is nothing unique to Islam. All over the world in ancient civilizations and have contributed things in sciences, education, math for example. So it's nothing really unique to Islam, if you said Islamic countries were the first start astronomy that would be different. Now looking at the website, something like calligraphy or art is unique. And I even know before they use to do paintings of Muhammad, before it was forbidden. I think East Asian Muslim countries are fascinating though because they have a lot of pre-Islamic heritage that has stayed. Anyways I'm sorry if I offended anyone I'm not saying Middle Eastern countries aren't cultured, I'm asking if you think Islam has discouraged or destroyed much pre-Islamic culture in certain regions for the sake of, example: more conservative dress for women, arguably in some nations demanding less colorful, discouraging music that may have existed in those regions before Islam came, hiding away art that may depict Mohammad, or dancing (like belly-dancing) which I considered a Middle Eastern thing, that is no longer encouraged or flaunted. I have a hijabi Muslim friend from Egypt who belly-dances and I was like >_> wait Muslim girls can do that. And said yeah but only in private. and I'm thinking well that's kind of a waste.
To be fair I will say that Islam has something that is admired around to world and that is their mosques and intricate symmetry designs. That has very little influence from anything else, and is unique to Islam.
It's fine if you disagree, but I'd more interested to see more links like the Muslim heritage is you are going to say why you disagree with me. Or feel free to argue why science should be counted as a cultural thing.
***~Church is where bad people go to hide~***
Topic: Have Islamic countries lost much of its culture?