TRADITIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Birth

After birth they do two rituals to birth of the child. Call to Prayer is whispered in the newborns ear as the first sound it hears. This act brings the baby into Allah for the first moment of life. The Quran is also being read and other small rites. Second, a few days later customs in some countries specify seven days a naming ceremony is held. At a gathering the child is formally given a name and a lock of hair is cut from its head. While this is being done it’s accompanied by other rites like a meal, sacrifices, and readings from the Quran. On rite is practiced and that of almsgiving. They weigh the baby and an equivalent amount of silver is given to charity. The naming ceremony is also an entrance rite for the people who convert to Islam later in life. During the naming ceremony the child receives an Islamic name in Arabic, and seen to be newly born into the faith. In the Islamic belief they believe that all males should be circumcised. It happens when the boy is still a toddler. Traditionally, the circumcision is accompanied by a celebration.