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Although Ozalp writes that there is a ‘clear demarcation between Islam and culture I cannot agree. If culture is defined as a set of communal habits then surely an individual develops a kind of persona. E.g. the habit of prayer must make one relatively more emotionally stable and perhaps less extraverted. There is definitely an influence of Islam on culture and personality.

I just learned the significance of Friday in Islam. Apparently there is an hour on Friday where God is said to accept any prayer. Thus Muslims are encouraged to spend the day in prayer, worship, meditation, socialise, wear their best clothes and finest fragrance. It is almost a celebratory day in Islam!

Mehmet beautifully reasons as to why men and women usually pray separately. He indicates that in the Mosque of Sanctuary in Mecca men and women pray in mixed rows. This is because of the space arrangement. However he draws upon his observation of mixed prayer and finds that women prefer to pray seperately for comfort and spiritual closeness to God.

Four fundamentals in the ethical system of Islam:
- Practice of virtue and prevention of vice
- Social justice
- Moral conduct
- Finding am appropriate balance between emotions and character (sirat-al-mustaqeem).

Indeed most people forget that the ultimate source of all sustenance is God. Fasting is the best way to feel our dependence on that sustenance.

“The best form of sadaqah (charity) is for a Muslim to acquire knowledge and then to each that knowledge to his or her Muslim brothers and sisters” - Muhammad (PBUH)

Fun fact learned from this book today. The five daily prayers in Islam represent significant milestones in one’s lifetime, ranging from birth, adolescence, adulthood, old age and death. Prayer is reminiscent of an incredibly grounded perspective of life.

Establish the prayer to significantly reduce chances of misconduct and wrongdoing

Refreshing. Optimistic.