Myriame Al-Khamiri
May 17, 2010
Berber Religion
The Berber religion is the same as the Islamic religion, so my essay is going to be mostly about Islam. Berber religion also includes Jews, however since the conquest of Spain in the 6th century the spread of Islam occurred. In the present, 99% of Berbers are Muslim. Berbers are indigenous people who in habit certain places in North Africa from the Nile River. In the year 2000 B.C., the Berbers were migrated from Asia to Africa, however their accurate area from where they came is still unknown. The five pillars of Islam are: establishment of daily prayer, concern for whom in need, fasting, and pilgrimage to Hajj, (for those who able to).
At the age of seven Berber children begin following their parents in praying and doing religious aspects. At the age of seven they’re supposed to pray and at the age of ten they get hit if not, because it becomes something required. While praying women need to put on the hijab and wear clothes that cover the whole body. On Friday, it is a tradition that all Berbers go pray at the Mosque and each couscous right after.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar. In that time the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven. In Ramadan, Muslims (Berbers) don’t eat or drink in daylight until the fqih preachers in sunset. Berbers usually eat dates and haurrira, but when harrira isn’t provided they eat pasta and milk. During Ramadan the rule of no sexual relations is the rule, along with no smoking, drinking, cursing and hurting others. These rules are strongly followed by Berbers.
Myriam Al_Khamiri, page 2.
May 17, 2010
Berber Religion
Pilgrimage to Hajj was obligated in the 9th year of hyra. Before going to Hajj, Berbers follow certain traditional concepts. The go to Hammam, plan a gathering for friends and family. Lastly, during the gathering or not they go and tell people sorry for whom they harmed. When they comeback they have another gathering planned by the family to welcome back the person.
In my opinion, I think Berber religion should be preserved because of the fact that Berbers are indigenous people who came to Morocco and were affected by the spread of Islam. Islam is one of the most religions followed in the world. It is fair to keep the Berber’s way of religion alive.
