Life in Middle East during the Gulf War was educational and enjoyable, especially learning about the culture and climate. In spite of the war, I knew this trip would have an enormous impact on my life. You see, I am what is known as a freelance photographer. My army career has taken me to so many different states and countries. No matter where I have traveled, as a freelance photographer, it has always been a learning experience. .
The culture is one of the first things you notice in the Middle East. Other major things are the dress code, food, religion and politics. There the Holy Book is the Qu"ran it explains their way of life. There is a strict dress code that the women must abide by according to the Qu"ran. They wear long black dresses or robes with a scarf around their face; commonly called a hijab. Muslim women must wear clothes that cover their entire body; only their hands and feet are allowed to be seen. All of this is part of their religious beliefs that a woman's beauty should be displayed only to her husband and father. .
Most of the foods are the same as in the United States of America, but the main meat dish is lamb. This is because they are not allowed to eat pork. It is stated in the Qu"ran that Muslims are not allowed to eat any animal that has died by natural causes, but only animals that have had as much blood drained from them as possible. Muslims are supposed to stay away from any wine and alcoholic beverages. They follow these eating and drinking behaviors because the Qu"ran says to do these things and plus it shows devotion to Allah.
In every aspect of life the Qu"ran is used as a guiding tool for everyday living. They believe that religion cannot be separated from social and political life, given that religion informs every action that a person takes. In the workplace they have a mosque or what we would call a church for their convenience to pray seven times a day and worship according to what the Qu"ran says for them to do.
