Page 147 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Unit 20: Family: Family and Household, Definition of Family, Nature of Family

people to offer ‘Namaz’ (prayer), observe ‘Roza’ (fast) go for ‘Haj’ (Pilgrimage) and practice Notes
‘Charity.’ In this way, the prominence of religion, reflects in the Muslim family.
7. Low Status of women In Family: Ideologically speaking, a Muslim woman has more rights
than a Hindu woman. But practically, their condition is pathetic. Because of the prevalent
customs of ‘Pardah’, uneducation and joint families, they have failed to make any progress.
There lives are limited to the ‘Zanaankhana’ only. In a family, it is the men, who enjoy more
rights than women.
8. Prominence of Traditions: Muslims are believers in traditions. They feel proud to follow
and preserve their language, food, customs, life style, etc., which they had adopted from
their ancestors.
9. Prominence of Rites: There are a lot of rites observed by the Muslim families. They are as
follows:
Satwaan: A rite called ‘Satwaan; is performed during the seventh month of a woman’s preg-
nancy. A feast is arranged for family and friends, and the ritual is celebrated with fun and
entertainment.
Hakeeka: This rite is performed on the seventh night of a male child’s birth. The ‘Mullah’
(Priest) names the child on this occasion. ‘Namaz’ (prayer) is offered and alms are distributed
amongst the poor.
Chilla: This ritual is completed on the 40 day, after the birth of a child. On that day, the childs
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mother is bathed and given new clothes to wear. Relatives offer gifts, Namaz (prayer) is offered
and alms are distributed.
Bismillah: This rite relates to the starting of education. On this day, the Mullah (priest) makes
the child utter the word ‘Bismillah’ and makes him write on a slate.
Khatna: This rite is performed when a child is five to seven years of age. It is only after this rite,
that the child starts participating in religious activities. During the rite, the barber cuts the skin
on the front part of the penis. On this occasion, the child takes some vows and reads some verses
of Quran. The child is offered gifts and a feast is arranged.
Nikah: Nikah means marriage. The wedding ceremony takes place in the presence of witnesses.
The approval by the bride and the groom, marks the completion of the wedding ceremony.
Mayyat: This rite is related to the deceased person. The barber shaves and bathes the deceased
and put new clothes. The body is covered with a sheet and taken to a Mosque. There a ‘Janaaza’
(prayer) is recited for the peace of the departed soul. Then, the body is buried in a grave yard.
Fatiha (a Prayer) is recited at the grave. Later on, the rites related to the funeral are performed
on the 3 , 10 , 40 day and also on the death anniversary.
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20.3 Christian Family
Like other families, in Christian families too, mating relationship is found. The family origi-
nates, through marriage. There is adoption of family name in a Christian family. The Paternal
lineage system is followed. In some Christian families of Malabar, the Maternal Lineage system
is prevalent, that is, the children adopt their mother’s family name. Every family has some eco-
nomic provision, by which they support the family member and nurture the children. Every
Christian family has a common habitation system. They follow the patri-local system, i.e., the
bride stays with the husbands family after marriage. The following are the characteristics of a
Christian family:
1. Patri Dominating System: In Christians, Patri Dominating families are found. The man has
an important position as the bread winner of the family. He holds the family property. In
such families, the lineage goes by the father’s name. The father’s name is prefixed to every
individuals name.

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