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The Islamic Jaguar: A Deeper Look

 

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             Stoller does not directly mention the Koran; however, his characters provide examples of the laws that are written within this Muslim holy book. The doctrines of Islam are outlined and given throughout the Islam scripture called the Koran. The Koran is a " compilation of the revelations purportedly sent by God to Muhammad" (Shakir 379). It gives the steps that one must make in order to become a true Muslim believer. These steps include thorough dedication to moral rectitude, a regimen of daily prayers, fasts and food regulations, the pilgrimage to Mecca, and frequent recitations from the Koran (Shakir 380). Many examples of daily prayers, food restrictions, and the importance of the pilgrimage to Mecca are seen within Jaguar. Issa and Nouhou pray beside their selling table. In regards to the trip to Mecca, Stoller tells us of one character that did make the pilgrimage, El Hadj Daouda. Stoller tells us about him when he says,.
             " Out of respect, the Jaguars called him El Hadj, the traditional name for one who had made that journey" (Stoller 20). This is a clear indication that completing the journey to Mecca is worthy of respect and honor. .
             Another common practice of most Muslims is the practice of polygamy. Polygamy is the practice of marrying many different people or having multiple wives or husbands. Stoller shows evidence of this practice in Jaguar through a description of Issa's father. Issa grew up in a large household because his father had many wives. Stoller says, " His father had three wives, and the family lived in a compound of more then fifty people" (Stoller 10). This practice goes back to pre-Islamic Arabia. During this time " polygamy was a common practice; a man was allowed to marry an unlimited number of wives without any restrictions" (Jawad 44). The practice of unlimited marriages was justified due to the fact that there was a shortage of men, the result of frequent wars between the tribes.


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