Introduction The Bahá’í Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent religions. On May 23, 1844, in Shiraz, Persia, a young man known as the Báb announced the imminent appearance of the Messenger of God. The Faith’s founder, Bahá’u’lláh (1817 – 1892) is regarded by Bahá’ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Muhammad, Christ, Zoroaster, Buddha, Moses and Abraham. He was a member of one of the great patrician families of Persia, but after the Báb’s execution Bahá’u’lláh was subjected to imprisonment, torture, and a series of banishments until his eventual death near Acre. `Abdu’l-Bahá (meaning the servant of Bahá) was the son of Bahá’u’lláh, who appointed him the one authorized interpreter of the Bahá’í teachings and Head of the Faith, after his own passing. Beliefs The central theme of Bahá’u’lláh’s message is that humanity is one single race and the day has come for its unification in one global society. Bahá’u’lláh said that God has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed and nation that will in time give birth to a universal civilisation. Bahá’ís believe that the principal challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to assist the process of unification. Bahá’u’lláh taught that there is one God whose successive revelations of His will to humanity have been the chief civilising force in history. The agents of this process have been the Divine Messengers who people have seen chiefly as the founders of separate religious systems, but whose common purpose has been to bring the human race to spiritual and moral maturity. Among the principals which the Bahá’í Faith promotes as vital to the achievement of this goal are…
It is believed that humanity is now coming of age and it is this that makes possible the unification of the human family and the building of a peaceful, global society. Today there are some five million Bahá’ís worldwide and there has been a Bahá’í presence in the United Kingdom for more than a century. Festivals Holy days and festivals are celebrated as follows…
A Bahá’í day begins at sunset. The days marked with * are those on which followers should not work or go to school, although some degree of flexibility can be exercised. As has been the case in other revealed religions, the Bahá’í Faith sees great value in the practice of fasting, as a discipline for the soul. There is a 19 day period each year when adult Bahá’ís fast from sunrise to sunset each day. This coincides with the Bahá’í month of Alá (March 2 – 21). Women who are nursing or pregnant, the aged, the sick, the traveller, those engaged in heavy work and children under the age of 15 years are exempt from observing the fast. Fasting is both symbolic and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires. Ayyamiha is a festival that runs from 25 February to 1 March and which serves as a spiritual preparation to the fast, which follows. Birth Instead of a Christening, Bahá’ís have a naming ceremony. Marriage Once parental permission is obtained, a marriage takes place that requires only the simplest of ceremonies. In the presence of two witnesses designated by the local Bahá’í governing council, the couple recite the following verse… “We will all, verily, abide by the will of God”. Beyond this simple commitment, Bahá’ís are free to design their own marriage celebration as they wish, depending upon personal taste, cultural traditions and family resources. Death All Bahá’ís are buried within one hour’s travel distance from their place of death. If the deceased is over the age of 15 years, a Prayer for the Dead must be recited. Bahá’ís are free to leave their bodies to medical science, if desired. Dress There are no special requirements for dress. Diet There are no special dietary requirements. Place of Worship Bahá’ís meet in Temples for devotional worship every 19 days, but as yet there are none in the UK and so followers meet in each other’s homes. There are no special requirements e.g. removal of footwear or covering of the head, for people who enter a Bahá’í place of worship. Medical Assistance No special requirements or restrictions exist.
Introduction Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (later known as Buddha), who was born in the foothills of the Himalayas of Northern India in 563 BCE. He was the son of a Sakya nobleman and lived a life of luxury, seeing nothing of the outside world until he was a young man. Then he saw The Four Passing Sights i.e. death, old age, poverty and sickness. He wanted to find a way to end suffering by finding its cause, how to cure it and to discover the true meaning of life, and for six years he sought different spiritual paths including asceticism (extreme self-denial to the extent of nearly killing himself). Finally, through meditation and religious trance, he found enlightenment and an end to suffering (Nirvana). It is at this point that he became the Buddha and travelled as a missionary for about 45 years with a community of monks and nuns, spreading his teaching. As Buddhism spread throughout India and Asia it developed into several diverse schools. The most well known are Theravada Buddhism, Vajryana (or Tibetan) Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism.
Buddhism is also well established in most western countries. Buddhists gather together to meditate and venerate the Buddha. Offerings of flowers are made to images and people may kneel before statues and light candles. Today, there are about 330 million Buddhists worldwide, with the majority living in the Far East and an estimated 130,000 in Britain. Beliefs Buddhists do not believe in a divine being or creator. Buddhism can be described as a system of thought and discipline, based upon practical advice. Buddhism maintains that life is cyclical, with rebirth following death. Buddhism is based on four Noble Truths:
The Eightfold Path involves:
Thus, by learning to think, behave and meditate in a new way, a person can learn to control their desires. Festivals Special days are celebrated, depending on the country of origin. The festival of Vaisakha Puja is celebrated in the month of Vesak, on the full moon (usually May) to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. On this day, captive birds and fish are released as a symbol of Buddha’s love and compassion for living things. In many countries Buddhists hang paper lanterns and flowers in their homes and light candles and burn incense in the temple, in front of Buddha’s statue. On such a day, food will be taken before noon, but not afterwards. In addition, some days are set aside for fasting. Birth No particular ceremonies are performed at a child’s birth, although monks may be invited into the home to chant texts from Buddhist scriptures. The baby may also be taken to the temple for a naming ceremony. Marriage Traditionally, parents help their children find a suitable partner. The marriage is not a religious occasion. After the ceremony, the couple may either invite the monks into their home, or go to the temple to be blessed and be given the sermon of the Buddha’s teaching on married life. After the blessing, a gift of food is given to the monks. Divorce and re-marriage is rare among Chinese Buddhists in particular. Death Buddhists see death as natural and inevitable, and this is the main theme of Buddhist funerals. Buddhist funerals vary a great deal from one country to another and the decision of burial or cremation is likely to be influenced by the country of origin rather than adherence to the faith, and will be a matter of personal preference. For a dying Buddhist, the state of mind is an important consideration (as with other faiths) and as much quietness as is possible should be maintained. The dying person may welcome having a fellow Buddhist with them to pray. A delay of three to seven days between death occurring and the burial or cremation taking place is sometimes required on principle, as some Buddhists believe that consciousness remains in the body after death and premature disposal is equivalent to murder. Dress Buddhist monks wear robes of orange/yellow and go barefoot. They shave their heads and traditionally carry begging bowls, in which they receive gifts of food that other Buddhists give to them. There is no specific code of dress for ordinary Buddhists, who wear clothes relating to their country of origin. Diet Buddhists will usually be vegetarian, since their teachings are opposed to all forms of killing. However, diet can also reflect the country of origin and may include meat. Place of Worship Buddhist temples (Vihara) vary in design from one country to another. They are usually built to symbolize the five elements i.e. wisdom, water, fire, air and earth. All temples would contain a statue of the Buddha. The temple is where teaching and meditation takes place and often has accommodation for resident monks and nuns. Buddhists remove their shoes as a sign of respect when entering a temple. Visitors should do the same. Medical Treatment There is no objection to receiving blood transfusion or organ transplants. However, Buddhism has developed a system of dealing with pain and ailments through meditation, rather than seeking help from western medical practices. Notes To Personnel It is best not to shake hands with a Buddhist unless they offer a handshake, as it may not be their custom. There will normally be a statue of Buddha in the home, which is usually in a central position. The statue may have an incense holder at the front, and flowers and candles by its side.
Introduction There are over 6 million Christians in the United Kingdom who regularly attend church. Many more people (whilst not habitual churchgoers) acknowledge a belief in God and consider themselves to be Christians. Christians believe in one God who revealed himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, referred to as the Holy Trinity. Central to Christian belief is Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe that Jesus is both human and divine. As fully human he shared everyday life, knowing our world from the inside. As the divine Son of God (through his birth, life, death and resurrection), he opens the way to God, whose being he shares. The sacred text for Christians is the Bible, which is comprised of two books (the Old and New Testaments). The New Testament includes a Christian code for living, based on the life and teaching of Jesus. Interpretation and belief in the Bible varies considerably between various denominations. Originating in Jerusalem (now in Israel) and the surrounding area, Christianity later spread across the world, dividing into three broad groups i.e. Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. As with many religions, Christianity has also developed into differing denominations and sects, which are distinguished by various differences in doctrine and worship. In England the largest denominations are to be found with the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. Other denominations include Methodist, Baptist, United Reform, Pentecostal and Orthodox Churches e.g. Greek, Russian, Serbian etc. Sunday (the day of Christ’s resurrection) remains a special day for most Christians (set apart from the rest of the week for prayer and reflection) and a day for attendance at church, where they pray and celebrate together in congregations. Christians also pray individually, or as a family. Beliefs Christians believe in the divine incarnation of Jesus, who as the Son of God was born of a virgin birth, to redeem humanity from sin and death. He was executed by public crucifixion in about 29–32 A.D. Christians also believe that he was resurrected from the dead and then ascended to God, and that salvation is possible through faith in Jesus Christ (and in the sacraments and teachings of the church). The Bible’s Old Testament includes principles called the Ten Commandments for all Christians. Festivals Days that are particularly significant for Christians are Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter, which commemorate respectively the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. Orthodox churches celebrate a few days later than the other denominations. An important event for many congregations is the Eucharist (Communion Service), when Christians share bread and wine (as reminders of the sacrificial death of Jesus by crucifixion and to celebrate his resurrection). Because of his method of execution, the cross bears special significance for most Christians. Other important days include Ascension Day and Pentecost. Birth Babies are initiated into the faith by baptism, popularly called Christening. A few denominations wait until the person is old enough to make a commitment for him or herself. Services of thanksgiving for the birth of a child are also growing in number. Naming Traditions relating to the naming of children will largely depend upon the cultural background of families, but Biblical names are still widely used. Marriage Marriage is still widely seen as the hub of family life (although not exclusively) and some denominations oppose contraception and abortion. Divorce is generally accepted. There are significant restrictions on remarriage in church, which vary between the denominations. Death Because Christians believe that like Jesus, they too can be resurrected to an afterlife with God in heaven, a person’s death (although a sad occasion) can be viewed against this hope. Although some denominations may stipulate a preference, the choice of cremation or burial is usually left to the family of the deceased. There are no stipulations as to a timescale for the funeral. Dress There is no specific dress code for Christians (although modesty is generally taught) and people will therefore dress according to their country of origin/residence. Diet Generally, Christians have no special dietary requirements, although some Christian groups (few in number) observe strict rules about their behavior, which may require them to eat separately from everyone else. Place Of Worship Many places of worship are closed because of vandalism, theft and the lack of clergy and therefore prior notice of visits is sensible. Some congregations (few in number) may ask a woman to cover her head. Medical Treatment Generally, most Christians accept all medical treatments. They are likely to be more conservative that the general population concerning the issue of abortion. The Roman Catholic Church in particular teaches against this in most circumstances and is also against birth control, other than through the ‘rhythm method’. Jehovah’s Witnesses differ from mainstream Christianity in significant doctrinal ways, including not accepting blood transfusions. Since 2001 there has been some modification of this position. Notes To Personnel People from all ethnic minority communities may be Christian, so never assume what a person or a family’s religion might be, merely from their ethnic origin. If knowing this information is relevant to your job, asking politely will not cause offence. When dealing with Christians, as with any other religious group, always be sensitive to your own actions and words. Whatever their denomination, Christians have respect and reverence for the name of God and his son (Jesus Christ), and careless use of language e.g. “Jesus Christ” as an expression of surprise, may cause offence.
Introduction The estimated number of people in the United Kingdom who believe in Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) is between 800,000 to 1 million. The majority of Hindus come from India, East Africa, Malawi and Zambia. Others are from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Trinidad. The word Hindu is an imposed word. The community would more easily identify themselves with Sanatan Dharma (Sanatan means Eternal and Dharma broadly means doing one’s duty). Sanatan Dharma in western terms is at least 5000 years old. This makes it the oldest religion in the world and makes the beliefs and practices of this faith difficult to understand and value by those not within the faith. There is no single holy Hindu text, but reverence is paid to the sacred books… the Vedas (Rig Veda, Yajura Veda, Sama Veda and Athava Veda) the Smiritis (books of law) and the Agamas. Historically, the Caste system was a relevant part of Hindu life and was traditionally based on a person’s position in society, through them being born into a particular caste. Today however, the division of Hindu society by different castes has little relevance in India (due to it being outlawed by the Constitution) and even less in the UK. What little distinctions still exist, are fast disappearing. Colour is very important for Hindu life with red, yellow, green and white playing significant roles in religious ceremonies. Red in particular is a colour that is used for birth, marriage, death and other important occasions. For women, the Bindi and Sindhur marks on their head are made with red powder. Beliefs To give some insight into this complex faith, there are two fundamental aspects that relate to death and suffering.
One God Hindus believe in one God or spirit (the Atma), who may have many paths/ways for Hindus to reach this one God. Although God is one, God is worshipped through various forms. God incarnates on earth in various forms to receive Dharma.
Reincarnation Hindus believe in reincarnation i.e. that after death, the soul must then travel to the Creator – Brahma. There are many cycles that nature gives us as examples i.e. water, food. Similarly, Hindus believe that the body is a precious gift from God in which to house the soul, which is in constant search of the Truth. On this journey, many thousands of lives will have to be lived and during each life, a step up or down a ladder of evolution (plant life, insect, animal and finally human) will have been achieved, depending upon the good or bad actions performed. Thus, the soul is reborn over and over again, until the point where it can return to the creator. This point is called Moksha or release and is the basis of a Hindu’s belief in reincarnation.
Because Hindus believe that a spirit/soul exists in all life forms, most of them are vegetarians and believe in non-violence. Festivals The Hindu year is lunar and therefore timings of festivals may vary. The most important ones are…
Diwali Also known as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the Lord Rama’s victory over the demon, King Ravana.
Navratri A nine-day festival with singing and dancing, called Ras Garba.
Dashera Follows the nine days of Navratri. Traditionally in some parts of India the festival is concluded by burning an effigy of King Ravana.
Janmashtmi Celebrating the birth of the Lord Krishna.
Birth When a Hindu child is born, a brief ceremony takes place where a priest whispers prayers into the baby’s ear, and honey and ghee are then placed on the tongue of the child. A naming ceremony takes place shortly after birth (usually on the sixth day). A footprint and handprint of the child’s is made on paper and an aunt helps him/her to scribble. It is believed that this simple act of scribbling decides the destiny of the child and the footprints its path through life. The mother and child are likely to stay at home for 40 days following the birth, during which time she has a special diet to aid her recovery. Names Terms like Lal, Bhai, Shree, Shri, Chandra, Kant etc follow/first/surnames of Hindu males. Terms like Ben, Shrimati follow first/surnames of Hindu females. Marriage Arranged marriages are common, but usually with the consent of the couple. The marriage ceremony usually takes place in the bride’s home town. It is performed in Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language) and during the proceedings the couple’s clothes are tied together and they walk around the sacred fire. The tradition of providing a bride’s Dowry is now outlawed in India, but is still practiced by some families. In the UK Hindus do not generally follow this practice; instead families would help a couple to set-up home. Divorce is allowed, but not common. Death Hindus can be cremated or buried, after a priest has conducted a ceremony of Last Rites, but only men attend the funeral. If they can afford it, the family may send the deceased back to their home country for the final rites. Traditionally, when a Hindu dies the immediate family go into mourning, people of the same sex bathe the body, and for nine days the family dress only in white and do not wear shoes. They sit and sleep on the floor and eat simple foods like vegetables and rice, cooked without spices. They do not comb their hair, cut their nails, use soap or shampoo and the men do not shave. When a woman’s husband dies, she removes the red powder from her forehead/hairline and also removes all of her jewellery, including her Shaka (an ivory bangle given to her by her husband’s parents at the time of marriage). Traditionally, on the tenth day the Shradha ceremony is held and all the sons cut their nails and shave their heads. Traditionally, on the eleventh day, family and friends get together to sing holy songs and have a feast. Bereaved Hindu wives would sometimes throw themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre to commit suicide. This practice is known as Satti and has now almost totally disappeared from Hindu life. Dress Hinduism does not require any particular type of dress. In Britain Hindus may wear either western or Indian style dress with many young Hindus in particular opting to wear western dress. Traditional South Asian Hindu women may prefer to wear Saris (normally worn by Gujarati women) or Shalwar and Kameez (normally worn by Punjabi women). The end of the sari may be used to cover their heads whenever they leave the house, as a gesture of modesty. Hindu women may have a bindi (red powder spot) on their forehead, or if married, may also have sindhur (red powder in the middle parting of their hair). Some Hindu men may wear a Kurta (pyjama suit). Diet Hindus consider the cow a sacred animal and therefore do not eat beef. The majority of Hindus are vegetarians, who do not even eat eggs or fish. They do eat cheese (which is vegetarian) and many avoid meals cooked with onions and garlic, or vegetables that grow under the ground. Place Of Worship Hindus worship at temples (Mandir) and, before entering, shoes are removed and hands are washed. You may be expected to do likewise if visiting. There are no Hindu temples in Shropshire at present. Medical Treatment To save a life, a Hindu is permitted to receive blood and organ transplants and medicines of all types. Like Buddhists, many Hindus have learned to withstand pain and suffering through the practice of detachment and meditation. Notes To Personnel Hinduism is one of the oldest religions and is found in many forms. Therefore, the information contained in this booklet is very general and practices may differ from one community to another. It should be remembered that Hindus do not usually shake hands as a form of greeting. Instead, the hands should be raised (palm to palm) as if in prayer, the head slightly bowed and ‘Namaste’ spoken, or you could just say “hello”. In a Hindu home there is likely to be a room/area set-aside for prayer, which will have a shrine where daily offerings are made to Hindu gods. If you enter this room/area you may be asked to remove your footwear.
Introduction Islam is an Arabic word, which means ‘peace’. Islam is about a person’s whole outlook and perspective on life, placing emphasis on forming a personal and loving relationship with God, as well as harmonious relationships with all other people and the environment. In this way it aims to build peace within a person as well as between people and creation at large. This emphasis on peace is demonstrated by the greeting of Muslims who say ‘Assalamu alaikum’ (Peace be with you) whenever they meet. Muslim is the word for someone who follows Islam. The majority of the approximately 2 million Muslims who live in the UK originate from the Asian sub-continent (particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh). There are also a sizeable number from the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and the former Yugoslavia. However this reflects the immigration pattern and particular history of Britain rather than Muslim figures internationally i.e. there are actually more Indonesian Muslims than Arab Muslims. Islam is not confined to a particular race, nationality or ethnicity. A simple declaration of faith and a commitment to follow the principles of Islam is all that is required to become a Muslim. Islam teaches that God (Allah in Arabic) is the Lord of all people, not just Muslims. As such, He is equally just and loving towards all people. Today Islam and Muslims are often in the headlines, being associated with ‘extremism’ and ‘terrorism’. Many Muslims are upset by the stereotypes with which they are linked and which have no bearing to the way of life which they hold dear and which actually condemns extremism of any kind. Unfortunately, political realities are such that there are tensions in many parts of the world – many of them Muslim majority countries – but these relate more to issues of land and resources such as oil, rather than ideology and religion, as is often Portrayed. Despite this, Islam has continued to be the fastest growing religion in the UK among the indigenous population. Beliefs Muslims believe that God has offered guidance to people from different nations at different times, across the centuries, through various prophets who taught people about God and the nature of existence. In this way Muslims acknowledge that the essence of most of the religions today contain the same truths, having come from the same source. Muslims believe the Torah and Bible to be divinely inspired books and believe the Prophet Moses and Jesus (Peace be upon them*) to be very important and respected messengers of God. There is therefore a very strong and respected link and continuity between Islam, Judaism and Christianity. * As a sign of respect Muslims say ‘Peace be upon Him’, when referring to prophets of God. Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is viewed simply as the last of a series of prophets. As with other prophets, although he acted as a spiritual guide, he is not considered divine in any way. He is however believed to have been given the last divine revelation, known as the Quran (the Islamic holy book). His life and manners are held up as examples of how it is possible to lead a truly spiritual life connected to the Creator, whilst meeting the demands of an earthly existence, in a just and balanced way. As with other religious traditions, Islam offers answers to most basic questions of existence i.e.
Muslim beliefs about these important issues centre on the idea that God created souls of all people and every single person has to pass through various stages of life. After the soul has been created it experiences a physical existence from the time it is in the womb, until the time of death. After death the soul continues to live and the state of this existence depends on the type of life that the person has led. Hence the idea of personal choice, and how this choice is used is very important. JOURNEY OF SELF _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _______________ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ B D Soul I Earthly E Everlasting Created R Life A Life T T H H
From the diagram, it is clear that Muslims believe our earthly existence is only a small part of the ultimate journey of the self. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) described this life as a drop of water, compared to a whole ocean. A Muslim tries to lead a life, which continually reminds him/her of this perspective of life, so that they can enjoy the gift of life without forgetting the bigger picture. Whilst Islam is a whole way of life, there are five basic tenets (rules), which all Muslims are expected to adhere to in order to foster and maintain their individual relationship with God and be reminded of their duties to other people.
Festivals There are two main festivals in the 12-month, lunar-based calendar, which are Eid ul Fitr – marking the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan and Eid ul Adha – which takes place at the end of the Hajj. Other special occasions include Lailat ul Qadr (celebrating the night the Quran was revealed to Muhammad) and Milad ul Nabi (celebrating Muhammad’s birth). The Hajj takes place every year and consists of a number of acts of worship and remembrance of God that are performed in the company of a vast crowd. Two of the most important devotions are the tawaaf (making circuits around the building that all Muslims around the world face when praying, called the Ka’ba) and the mass gathering on a plain called Arafa to glorify God. Birth When a baby is born, the Azan (call to prayer) is quietly said in its ear, to welcome the soul to life on earth. The birth is celebrated by inviting friends and family to a meal called Aqiqa, and on the seventh day the baby’s head is shaved. Naming The names of people will reflect their cultural and ethnic background. There is no particular religious tradition that must be adhered to, except that Muslims are encouraged to choose names that have some kind of positive meaning. Marriage Marriage is highly regarded in Islam and the nurturing of a strong and loving husband and wife relationship is very much to be encouraged. The Quran describes the husband and wife as being like “garments to one another” thereby offering each other warmth, protection and intimacy. Under Islamic law, both parties must enter marriage freely. Forced marriages are not allowed and are considered invalid. However, arranged marriages in which families help to introduce couples to each other, are allowed, so long as both the bride and groom are happy. Indeed the coming together of two families as well as the happy couple is encouraged. It is important to remember that cultural practices vary across the world and Islam does not impose any one tradition, so Muslim weddings will be different, reflecting people’s different backgrounds. The emphasis is simply on a committed and faithful relationship. The marriage ceremony (Nikah) itself is very simple, in which the commitment and consent of both parties is witnessed in public. The groom gives the bride a present (Meher). The idea of dowries, in which the bride’s family or the groom’s family are obliged to give gifts or money are forbidden, as these are in effect a ‘bride price’. Divorce is permitted under Islamic law. A process of reconciliation is outlined in the Quran, in which the couple, family and friends are encouraged to do their utmost to hold the marriage together. However, Islam recognises that divorce is sometimes the better option for the people concerned and in these circumstances stress the importance of letting each other go, with dignity and fairness. Death At this sad time, Muslims console one another by repeating a verse from the Quran which says “From God we come and to Him we return” upon meeting the grieving person. In this way they draw comfort from the fact that the soul has returned to God (death being a gateway to the next stage of the journey of life that everyone is believed to be following), and that ultimately people will be reunited. The deceased is washed with care and respect and the body is wrapped in a white shroud. Burial takes place as soon as possible after death. Simplicity with the coffin and gravestone is encouraged. People gather to say prayers for the deceased’s soul, who is believed to be aware of these final farewells. An important point for personnel to consider is that Muslims place great emphasis on handling the dead person with extreme care and gentleness, believing that awareness is still present. This point should thus be borne in mind in situations that may involve fatalities. Dress Islam encourages modesty in dress for both men and women in public places. The purpose of wearing modest clothing is to take away the emphasis of trying to appear physically attractive to the opposite sex, so that interactions between men and women are more about who they are and what they think, rather than what they look like. Within the home however, attractive clothing is encouraged for both husband and wife, as their physical aspects and desires can be freely expressed within the marriage. As long as they are covered, Muslims are free to wear whatever they like. This is reflected in the very different types of clothes worn by Muslim people around the world. Thus a Muslim living in England will feel equally comfortable in a suit and tie, or a salwar kameez (the traditional clothing of the Indian subcontinent, consisting of loose trousers and a long overshirt). A Muslim woman may wear a skirt or sari. Thus there is no formal dress code in Islam – it is the principle of modesty that is stressed. Many Muslim women feel more comfortable wearing a hijab (headscarf), sometimes coupled with a veil (nicab) and overcoat (juba). As with any other aspect of faith, personal choice is important – the Quran states that “there is no compulsion in religion”. Hence any coercion in dress or any other matter is forbidden. Diet Practising Muslims adhere to strict dietary requirements. The terms Halal and Haram are frequently used in connection with food.
Halal meat comes from correctly slaughtered animals. Examples of Halal food are all kinds of fish, vegetables and fruits. Lambs, cows and chickens are only considered Halal if they have been correctly slaughtered under Islamic Law (there is a Halal slaughter-house at Craven Arms). Halal foods are never to be mixed with Haram foods, either in preparation or in handling. Examples of Haram food are meat from the pig (and related products), any form of animal fat (lard), carnivorous animals, rodents, reptiles and fish that have no scales (some Muslims do eat shellfish). Alcohol in any form is forbidden to strict Muslims. Apart from those items that have been forbidden, everything else is considered Halal (permissible). As with dress and other customs, Muslims will vary in the types of food that they eat, depending on which country they come from. For example, it is equally ‘Islamic’ to eat fish and chips as to eat curry and chipattis, as all of these are Halal. Place Of Worship A typical Mosque has a large prayer room that has no chairs or benches, a pulpit for teaching and a lectern for the Quran. Some Mosques may also have a minaret, which is a tower used for calling the faithful to prayer. Outside the main prayer room there will be running water for people to wash before prayer and there may be separate entrances for men and women. Midday on Friday is the busiest time, as all Muslim men must congregate at the Mosques for prayer. Muslim men tend to cover their heads for prayer and women should cover their head, arms and legs. Within some Mosques there may be a school for educating young scholars and where they can read the Quran and gain a greater understanding of Islam. Women are also encouraged to attend the Mosque for prayers, as the sense of community is important in Islam. You would be expected to remove your shoes when entering a mosque and may be asked to cover your head. Medical Assistance. In Islam, all life-saving considerations take precedence over Islamic religious duties. All medical treatment, such as blood transfusion, surgery or administering of drugs is allowed. Notes To Personnel Whilst an attempt to summarise some Islamic beliefs and practices has been made here, it is important to remember that everyone is different and people will differ in the extent to which they practice the faith. Some will strictly adhere to the tenets, and others will choose not to practice at all. As with any human interaction, genuineness and good intentions are what matter. Hence, personnel should not fear giving offence if their knowledge of Islam is not comprehensive. In an emergency situation, personnel will be known to be acting only in the safety interest of people. In social situations, personnel will most certainly be received with respect and friendliness, and any questions or curiosity regarding Islam or particular traditions, will be welcomed.
Introduction Judaism is a religion dating back over 4000 years to God’s call to Abraham. The descendants of Abraham were subsequently enslaved in Egypt and then freed through God’s chosen prophet – Moses. After receiving the Ten Commandments from God whilst at Mount Sinai, Abraham’s descendants settled in the land of Israel. There are few countries in the world that do not have Jewish communities, from large ones such as the USA (about 5 million), the UK (about 350,000) to small ones such as New Zealand (about 6,000). The Jewish population of the State of Israel is about 6 million. The Jewish holy books are the Torah that contains the five books of Moses (including the Ten Commandments) and the rest of the ‘Old Testament Bible’ and rabbinic writings, explaining the laws and commandments. Because originally the Torah and Bible were written in the Hebrew language, Jews are still taught to read and speak Hebrew. As an ancient religion, Judaism predates Christianity and Islam, and none of their festivals or divergent beliefs are to be found in Judaism. Therefore, Jews do not celebrate Christmas, Easter, Eid etc. In the UK Jews are likely to be either…
The Sabbath (the Jews most holy day of the week) begins at sunset on Friday and until dusk on Saturday. Commanded by scripture in the book of Genesis, it commemorates the seventh day when God rested after creating the world. During this period, very Orthodox Jews do not ‘work’ i.e. travel, use the phone, write, use electrical equipment or cook. The same restrictions apply on festivals for which no bread or other food containing a leaven product (or by-product) is eaten. Beliefs Jews believe there is one Eternal Sovereign God for the whole world. There are no images, pictures or statues in synagogues or Jewish homes. Jews also believe that Moses was the chief prophet, followed by people who wrote books in the Bible. With the close of the ‘Old Testament’ prophesy stopped. They do however believe in the coming of a messiah, chosen by God when He wishes. The Jewish belief in God is contained in the prayer/commandment called the Shema which is recited twice a day using the words “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”. Jewish practice is founded on two other commandments that are found in the Torah… “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”. Festivals Because the Jewish day starts in the evening, it affects the timing of their festivals. Some principal ones are as follows…
Birth All male babies are circumcised by a Mohel (a Jewish medical practitioner) on the 8th day of life (if they are fit and well), as this is when blood coagulates more readily. It may be delayed if they are jaundiced or unwell. Naming Jewish boys are given their Hebrew name at the same time that they are circumcised. Girls are likewise given a name at the Synagogue. Marriage Jewish marriage can only take place when both parties are Jews, and they enter into marriage freely. If a Jewish woman marries/lives outside the faith, her children are still considered to be Jewish, but if a Jewish man marries/lives outside the faith, his are not, because the bloodline goes through the woman. The Reform movement is a little more flexible in the definition of ‘Jewish’. The wedding takes place under a canopy called a Huppah where the groom places a ring on the bride’s index finger. He then presents her with a contract of what he will do for her. The bride makes no vows on her wedding day. The rabbi simply supervises the event, ensuring that it fulfils the requirements of Jewish law. A number of blessings are then sung and the bride and groom share a cup of wine before the groom stamps on the glass (as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the destruction of the temple of Abraham), then everyone shouts Mazel Tof (good luck). A feast follows. Divorce is permitted under Jewish Law, as is the re-marriage of both parties. The religious divorce (get) has to be given by the husband and be accepted by the wife. Death A dying person may wish to say the Shema prayer. Jewish law requires the dead body to be treated with every reverence and respect. A post mortem is allowed, if required. Otherwise, no disfigurement of the body is allowed, other than for transplant reasons. A rabbi must be contacted if death is as a result of a fire, accident etc. Parts of a body must be treated with the same reverence accorded to a whole body. If it is possible, they should remain with the body, as Jewish law requires that all body parts (including blood specks) are collected and buried. The correct identification of bodies is very important, and has particular relevance for the subsequent position of a widow under Jewish law. Orthodox Judaism forbids cremation, but Reform Judaism does permit it. Burial takes place as soon as possible after death (preferably within 24 hours, before sunset on the day of death). However, funerals do not take place on the Sabbath or on major festival dates. The coffin will be made of the simplest of materials, with rope handles, and with no embellishment or nameplate. The closest blood-relatives (including husband/wife) observe a week of mourning in the home, with services conducted there, including prayers for the soul of the deceased, memorial prayers and speeches. Some Orthodox men and women avoid physical contact between the sexes and therefore comforting by means of touching would not be welcomed. Dress Whilst most Jewish people dress in the same way as their non-Jewish neighbours, some Jews retain the traditions of the Jewish communities of the middle-ages or eastern Europe i.e. men wear dark clothing, consisting of long coats and a wide brimmed black hat. A fringed prayer shawl called a tzitzith is worn on top of their clothes as a reminder of the Commandments (it is also worn by some Jewish women). They will probably also have their hair in side locks and have an uncut beard. Jewish men are required to have their heads covered when in the Synagogue and this is usually accomplished by wearing the kippah/kappel (skull cap). Some Jewish men wear their skull cap at all times. Some married women wear a wig or have their head covered and also keep their arms covered. However, most UK Jews are not part of this community and these comments would not apply. Diet The faith of Judaism sets out as part of its rules for life, strict dietary laws known as the Kashrut. Depending on the religious beliefs that communities follow, these rules may vary. Orthodox Jews will be strict about dietary laws, to the extent of only eating in orthodox homes, or restaurants under rabbidic supervision. Conservative Jews may keep some of the restrictions and Reform Jews would be less so; or even non-observant. Some Jews will even keep ‘Kosher’ homes, but be flexible when eating out. Certain animals, birds and fish are either Kosher (permitted) or Treif (forbidden) as follows…
Jewish law forbids the mixing of meat and dairy foods e.g. they cannot eat cheese-burgers. Neither may milk products be eaten directly after a meat meal and therefore, most observant Jews will wait at least 3 hours before dairy foods or drinks containing milk are consumed. Because of these rules, great care is taken in the preparation of food, with separate dishes kept for both meat and milk products. Place Of Worship As with other faiths, Jewish people can pray anywhere, but Jews tend to come together to pray and study or just to meet as a community, in synagogues. In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately with the women often sitting in an upstairs gallery, or in a separate area, with see-through curtains. In Conservative and Reform synagogues, men and women sit together. There is usually a main prayer hall containing the Ark (a cupboard that is the central feature of a synagogue, containing the holy hand written Torah scrolls), which is situated on the eastern wall, facing the holy city of Jerusalem. They are taken out and carried in procession to a central desk – the Bimah, where the portion of text for the Sabbath/Festival is read. Above the Ark is an ‘eternal lamp’ known as the Ner Tamid (representing the fire on the altar in the Jerusalem Temple), which is permanently lit. There might also be (although not always) a multibranched candelabrum called a Menorah in the synagogue, which is like the one used in the Jerusalem Temple. Many synagogues have a Rabbi (it may be a woman in some cases), who teaches the community about interpretation of the Torah and Talmud. Prayers are held in Synagogues three times a day and men and women share these prayer times, but may be in separate parts of the same room during the service. In Orthodox synagogues the service is almost entirely in Hebrew, whilst in Conservative and Reform synagogues a greater proportion of the service would be in English. All Jewish men must cover their heads whilst in the synagogue and many Orthodox Jewish men will wear a prayer shawl and Phylacteries(small leather containers holding biblical texts) fixed to their left arm and foreheads while at prayer. Non-Jews are welcome to visit a synagogue and may be asked to wear some form of head covering. Both sexes should ensure that they are modestly dressed. Prayer books are usually printed in both Hebrew and English. Medical Treatment On the Sabbath or during festivals, all Jewish laws, such as not travelling etc. may be put aside in order to save life. Any treatment deemed necessary can be carried out without delay. Notes To Personnel At 13 years of age a Jewish boy becomes a man in the eyes of his community and on the nearest Sabbath to the boy’s birthday, his barmitzvah takes place. The bar-mitzvah is not the ceremony itself, but the person. The term means “Son of the Commandment”. At the celebration held in the synagogue, the boy will read a portion of the Torah aloud, in Hebrew. A party then follows the ceremony. The bar-mitzvah (and for girls, bat-mitzvah) was developed from the need that was common amongst all ancient peoples, to mark the point at which a child becomes adolescent and can therefore be admitted to the adult community. If you are visiting an Orthodox Jewish home, you should remember that any kind of physical contact between people of opposite sexes might be considered to be inappropriate. To the vast majority of Jews today, Israel is a very important element of Judaism. The land of Israel is regarded as the historic homeland of the Jews, where both Temples stood i.e. the first built by Solomon in about 1000 BC and destroyed by the Babylonians in about 586 BC… and the second built in 520 BC and destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. There have always been Jewish people living in Israel, even if they were only small communities and under the different kingdoms that ruled the land. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was a great moment in Jewish history, coming as it did after the Nazi Holocaust, when some 6 million Jews were brutally murdered.
Introduction Rastafarianism is a way of life (belief system) that is guided by the concept of peace and love. It is a world movement, with a strong core of people who are of African/Caribbean descent and who identify with the ongoing struggle to reclaim their African ancestry. Its name comes from Ras (Prince) Tafari (a direct descendant of Kings Solomon and David), who became Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. In the early 1920s, Marcus Garvey was an influential black spokesman and founder of the “back-to-Africa” movement. He often spoke of the redemption of his people coming from a future black African king. On one occasion, Garvey proclaimed, “Look to Africa for the crowning of a Black King, he shall be the Redeemer”. Only a few years later that prediction was fulfilled in the person of Haile Selassie, who is recognised by Rastas as Jah (the living manifestation of God). The Rasta belief system has gone on to be adopted by wider cultural groups. Such organisations include the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian World Federation, the Universal Rastafarians Improvement Organisation, the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Rastafarian Universal Zion. As with other ways of life/faiths, not all Rastas are affiliated to a particular group or organisation. In Britain, there are established Rasta groups within most cities and large towns such as London, Birmingham, Leicester, Luton and Bristol. It is estimated that there are in the region of 100,000 Rastafarians in the UK. All days of the week are considered to be holy, but some groups appoint special holy days such as the Sabbath that is often attributed to a Saturday or Sunday. The shape of the hands when praying is a symbol for both peace and war, as it represents both the heart and a spear. Worship takes place continually, with followers usually gathering together at least once per week (depending on the practices of the individual Rastafarian community). Beliefs Rastafarians believe that Jah resides in each person, and there is a sense of oneness between each other and Jah. The often heard reference to ‘I and I’ refers to ‘the self within the self’ and the continual conversation that permeates each individual thought, through the subconscious. Rastas are guided by the culture and traditions of Africa and the Caribbean, and believe that salvation can come to black people only through repatriation to Africa (the Black Zion), after liberation from the evils of the western world (sometimes referred to as Babylon). Rastafarian beliefs are derived from a very detailed reading of the Kebra Negast (the Ethiopian Bible) and the Christian Bible, (especially the Old Testament and Book of Revelations – the last part of the New Testament). Music is important to Rastafarians. Reggae music has often expressed their struggle for liberation and is an important medium through which culturally specific social issues are projected. Music, drumming (the instrument rooted in African traditional music) and dancing, can all form part of the act of worship. For many Rastafarians, smoking marijuana (Ganja) is an important part of worship and a ritual aid for meditation, as mentioned in the Bible – Psalms 104:14. It is seen as natural and a gift from God that is also used in cooking and medicine. There is disparity with the usage of marijuana, with some Rastas abstaining all together. Fasting is practised by Rastas, but there is no specific requirement for them to do so. Festivals The Rastafarian year is generally based on the Ethiopian calendar. Important dates are…
Birth Generally, Rastafarian children are blessed by the elders and congregation accompanied by drumming, chanting and prayers. Marriage Rastas recognise and place value on the institution of marriage. However, the community would automatically view a man and a woman who co-habit as husband and wife. The issue of women’s equality (in relation to their involvement in the family decision making process) is a topic that is subject to rapid change. Within the traditional context of Rastafarianism, the role of men and women is similar to that of some parts of Judaism and Islam, with women having some restrictions. Rastas believe in the celebration of life and therefore abortion and birth control are both opposed. Death Rastafarians believe that life is eternal. Moving from one spiritual state of existence to another, through life on earth, to an eventual life in God’s spiritual kingdom. Depending on individual belief, there are special arrangements and/or ceremonies originating in African and the Caribbean, following death. Dress Rastafarians often keep their hair covered. Men (brethren) may wear knitted, leather or cloth Tams, whilst women (sistren) often cover their hair with a cloth wrap or scarf. Their hair often remains uncut and uncombed (biblical reference) thus forming dreadlocks (a style worn by Haile Selassie as a young man). The colours red, gold, green and black may be reflected in clothes and accessories. Diet The traditional Rastafarian diet is based upon eating I-tal food i.e. food that is unpreserved, unsalted, fresh and seasoned with fresh herbs. However, it is recognised there is diversity in many individuals’ diet today. Many Rastas are vegetarian, but even those who do eat meat are unlikely to eat pork or shellfish (biblical reference). Strict Rastas avoid stimulants such as alcohol, tea and coffee. Place Of Worship Meetings are normally held weekly in a community centre or at someone’s home and include worship and the discussion of community matters as well as chants, prayers and singing, to the rhythm of the drums. Some meetings (known as Nyabingi) are a gathering of Rastafarians principally for discussion, but which can also include music. Women normally cover their heads during a meeting, but particularly so when the congregation is praying. Medical Treatment There are no restrictions regarding medical treatment, but Rastafarians have an inherent distrust of institutions (which could affect their attitude to medical treatment), based on their historical association with the State. Notes To Personnel The influence of Rastafarianism on Jamaican societal life has been very significant. As a result, it is difficult (at first glance) to always ascertain where Rastafarianism ends and Jamaican culture begins. Many Rastafarians communicate in a particular lyrical manner, based on the usage of Jamaican patois, often using the first person singular (I) as a prefix e.g. a Rasta might refer to “I man… I don’t” etc. It is however, perfectly possible to understand the sentence formulation if the listener actively listens, without prejudging on the basis of traditional English grammar. However, to someone not used to this form of language, communication could prove difficult. All the above information may vary from individual to individual and may be influenced by locality, or affiliation to a particular group.
Introduction Most Sikhs living in the United Kingdom are of Indian (Punjabi) origin, having come either directly from the Punjab region, or via former British colonies (e.g. those in East Africa, South East Asia etc.) to which members of their family had previously migrated. Both Punjabi and English languages are widely spoken and used within the community. Sikhs worship at temples called Gurdwaras. The first UK temple was established in Putney, in 1911. There are around 200 Gurdwaras in the UK, serving the largest Sikh community outside India. The link with the UK has been a long one. Renowned for their bravery and martial tradition, many Sikhs served in the British military and gave their lives for the British Empire in the First and Second World Wars. Beliefs The Sikh faith is a distinct religion revealed through the teachings of the ten Gurus (Guru means spiritual teacher), the first of whom, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was born in 1469 CE in Lahore, which is now in Pakistan. The Gurus were the Divine Light who conveyed Gurbani (word of God) and were spiritually all one. The tenth Guru vested the spiritual authority in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh holy book) and temporal authority in the Khalsa Panth (the community of baptized Sikhs). Sikhs believe that there is one supreme God for all people, not just Sikhs. God is regarded as Nirgun (transcendent), Sargun (immanent), Nirankar (formless) and Akal (eternal). The object of a Sikh’s life is to develop God-consciousness and ultimately receive God’s grace. Human life presents the opportunity to do this by realising the will and love of God through truthful living and Seva (dedication to service), in the context of a normal family life. Set prayers are said daily, in the morning, evening and at night, before going to sleep. Prayers can be said individually, together as a family, or collectively at any suitable place, although congregational worship at a Gurdwara is regarded as very important. Prohibitions for baptised Sikhs include tobacco, alcohol, intoxications, adultery, etc. Sikh men and women, particularly those who have taken Amrit (been baptised), always wear the following articles of faith that are popularly known as the Five Ks.
All of the 5 Ks have a deep spiritual and moral significance, forming part of Rahit Maryada (the Sikh code of ethics and discipline). Although not mentioned among the Five Ks, Dastaar (the turban) is worn to maintain the sanctity of the Kesh (hair) and is treated with the utmost respect. Whilst obligatory for men, the turban is optional for women who may instead use a Chunni (a long Punjabi scarf) to cover their heads. Young boys wear their hair in a handkerchief sized Rumal or Patka. The Khanda is the symbol of Sikhism and is to be found on the Sikh flag (Nishan Sahib). It is made of three elements.
The Nishan Sahib can be found flying outside all Gurdwaras on a tall flagpole and is triangular in shape and yellow or saffron in colour. Festivals There are many Sikh festivals, but the most important are…
Birth As soon as a Sikh baby is born, the beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) is recited as a blessing. This is known as the Mool Mantar. The child is traditionally given a name beginning with the first letter of a hymn on the page that the Guru Granth Sahib is randomly opened. Naming A Sikh is likely to have a personal name (common to both sexes), a middle name Singh for all males and Kaur for all females, followed by a family name (surname). In some cases and in keeping with tradition, the family name is not used, in which instance Singh or Kaur may be regarded as the surname. Therefore, the husband will be Mr Singh and his wife, Mrs Kaur. Sardar and Sardarni are titles prefixed to the Sikh male and female names respectively. Therefore if these traditional titles are used, Mr and Mrs should not be used at the same time. Marriage In Britain arranged marriages are still common and are preferably based on the two people being from a similar background. The practice of offering a Dowry has no place in Sikh traditions, but families would help a couple to set-up home. A Sikh priest performs the religious marriage ceremony (which is generally held at the Gurdwara). The highlight of the wedding is the four vows, spoken and sung as the groom leads his bride four times in a clockwise direction around the Guru Granth Sahib. Every time that the couple go around the Guru Granth Sahib, they undertake a solemn vow. When all four vows are completed, the couple are considered married. Divorce is accepted, although it is against a Sikh’s religious beliefs, as marriage is regarded as a sacrament. Divorcees are however allowed to re-marry in the Gurdwara. Death When male Sikhs die, they are usually dressed in their best western or traditional clothes (this may or may not include a turban). Women may be dressed in white, in line with tradition. All Sikhs are cremated (along with the Five Ks) and traditionally, their ashes are taken to a river in Kirtpur in India to be scattered. During a period of mourning, Sikhs tend to wear pale items of clothing. According to Sikh etiquette, comforting a member of the opposite sex by physical contact e.g. touching or hugging, should be avoided unless the persons are closely related. Even then for instance, a married couple would not do so (or display any affection) in public. Dress Most traditional Sikh men wear a turban, as will some Sikh women. But it should be remembered that although it has become an important symbol of the Sikh faith, not all turban wearers are Sikhs, as people from other faiths may also wear a form of the turban. Sikh women traditionally wear Shalwar and Kameez (loose trousers with a long top) and scarf, a Sari, or western dress.
Diet Observant Sikhs (especially those who are baptised) are likely to be vegetarians. They will also exclude from their diet eggs, fish and any food containing these, or any animal derivatives as ingredients; or foods cooked in animal fats. Dairy produce is acceptable, so long as it is free from meat products e.g. rennet in cheese. Sikhs believe that a balance of moderation and temperance should be exercised as a way of life, both for spiritual reasons and for the maintenance of good health. Sikhism does not attach any importance to the practice of fasting, as it believes that it has no religious merit. Place Of Worship When visiting a Gurdwara and before entering the worship room, you will be expected to cover your head, remove your shoes and wash your hands. It would be appreciated if you then went forward to bow to the holy book (the Guru Granth Sahib). Offerings can be made, but are not obligatory. If invited to eat at the Gurdwara (most of which operate a Langar [kitchen]), you should not offer to pay for the food, as it is free for everyone, but you could make a donation to the Gurdwara prior to departure. If you do eat, your head must remain covered. Medical Treatment There is no religious objection to post mortem, organ transplant, blood transfusion, or other form of western medicine, on religious grounds. If the situation arises where for operational reasons a Sikh’s hair needs to be cut, consultation needs to take place with the individual or other Sikhs who may be present. Notes To Personnel If you enter a Sikh home you may be asked to remove your shoes and to cover you head. Families will only require this if you enter a room where the Guru Granth Sahib is kept. Although prayer can take place at anytime, try to avoid visiting the home at dawn, early evening or last thing at night. A Sikh woman may feel more comfortable being spoken to by a male member of staff, if family members are present. Please do not take cigarettes, alcohol or other intoxicants (other than medicines) on to the premises, as this would cause offence.
