The relationship between culture and tradition in a society defines the very characteristics of said society, as well as further explains and aids our understanding of experiences like race, class, gender among many other distinguishing factors. Due to there not being a concrete definition of culture, there is a varying response to what it is, however it is generally understood that culture reflects the values of a time and place. Unlike their peer term, tradition, culture is not stagnant and changes over periods of time or based on its geography. An example of tradition could be the tossing of graduation caps upon convocation, but the culture of today's students wanting to take time off or travel with friends, based on a western understanding. In contrast, in a country like Pakistan, it is expected that the average student then immediately joins the workforce and/or commits to post-graduate studies. Due to the differing locations, the cultures as a result are also different. Yet students are united as graduates, hence they all toss their caps regardless. To continue explaining what culture is, I will use my own personal experiences to shape my definition and continue exploring its significance. As a young Muslim male in Canada, I find that I share my life on various occasions with other people, but the same people can also marginalize me for it.
I was born into a Muslim family and as a result continued to practice whatever my parents taught me, whether it was to fast during the holy month of Ramadan or to recite the Arabic verses of the Quran out loud. Lessons of morality were taught to me using religious figures as protagonists, and I was sent to the mosque to pray. I still hold these practices close to my heart and practice them today. My parents have set this example for me. I also have many Muslim peers surrounding me at school and work, who reinforce my beliefs and collectively practice with me.