The groom is required to pay a dowry to the bride, as a form of consideration, and the amount is stipulated to within the marital contract. Interestingly, a man may marry up to four women so long as he can treat them all equally. However, a woman may only marry one man. Divorces are allowed, but are easier for a man to initiate than the female. Popular media portrays Islam as a sexist culture that requires women to such practices as veiling and seclusion. However, there is great debate within the Islamic community on whether the holy texts actually justify these practices. In the twentieth century, social reformers argues against these and other sexist traditions, including polygamy. On the other hand, many individual women are striking a balance between tradition and living an active life within traditional modesty.

Clearly, Islamic traditions play an important part in society, especially when Muslims live in non-Islamic countries. For this reason, it is important to understand these traditions. For example, when giving birth, a Muslim baby must be bathed immediately after birth and before it is handed to the mother. After this the father or mother will whisper the call to prayer into the child's ears so that the first sound it is to hear is about the Islamic faith.

At the end of life, death is traditionally defined as the stopping of the functioning of the heart and lungs. Some sects accept brain death as a valid definition of death. This being the case, the use of artificial means to preserve life may be used long enough to remove the viable organs that are to be donated.

Further, it is acceptable to use life support measures to save or extend a life. However, such equipment may not be disconnected after it has started as this is viewed as being the cause...

Yet, there is no requirement that these interventions be continued on for the sole purpose of prolonging an imminent death. The purpose of aggressive medical intervention is to maintain life, not to postpone or avoid death. Physicians must understand that it is forbidden to cause harm to a patient with either equipment or drugs when the futility of such a procedure is established by a medical team.
In terms of death rites, the dying patient will often request to be placed so as to face Mecca. Family members will often be present to provide moral support and religious guidance, along with reciting Islamic scripture. As soon as the death occurs, the body should be covered completely and placed with its feet towards Mecca. All bodies must be buried as cremation is strictly forbidden.

Islamic law permits abortion when a mother's health is in imminent danger or if the mother stops lactating for another child during the first 120 days of gestation. Rape is also another reason for having an abortion. Birth control is permissible if the prescribed method has no adverse effect on the health of either spouse and does not lead to permanent sterilization.

Clearly, Islamic tradition shares many similarities with other religions. At the same time there are many unique aspects. Having a fundamental understanding of these similarities and differences will allow for better communication, understanding and acceptance between the different religions of the world.

Bibliography

Turner, Colin. (2006): Islam: The Basics. London: Routledge.

Waines, David. (2003): An Introduction to Islam. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Weiss, Bernard G. (2002): Studies in Islamic Legal Theory. Boston: Brill Academic Publishers.