Islamic culture is one that is rich in ritual. There are laws governing everything from the time of day and manner in which Muslims are to pray, to the types of foods that may be eaten and beverages consumed. Though Islamic culture is strict in these ordinances, it is permissive of other religions and those who subscribe to them.

The Five Pillars remain the central core of the Muslim culture. But Islam also acknowledges two key holidays or celebrations, called Eids. The Eid of Sacrifice acknowledges Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac, a story that's just as popular in the Bible and Torah as it is the Holy Koran. The other is the Eid of Fastbreaking, which occurs at the very end of Ramadan, during which Muslims must abstain from food, drink, and sex.

Centers of Islamic Culture

The Middle East remains the most fervent center of Islamic culture, but there are plenty of other hotbeds of Islam, including several right here in the United States. Major Muslim populations are concentrated in just about every big city from New York to Los Angeles to Chicago. But there are also lesser-known pockets of Muslims in smaller towns such as Toledo and Dearborn.

The ways in which modern Muslims pay tribute to their culture differ radically from population to population. Many communities are content to worship in peace as opposed to spread the message of Islam to neighboring cities and towns. In other instances, Muslims uphold their Islamic beliefs by wearing traditional garb and reciting prayers in public during each of the five daily sessions no matter where they happen to be. Still, most Muslims would agree that it is preferable to pray in a mosque with other Muslims.