LIFE CYCLE RITUALS: INTEGRATION OF ISLAMIC VALUES WITH NATIONAL TRADITIONS

Abstract

The article explores the transformation of life-cycle rituals in Central Asia, shaped by the interaction between Islamic values and indigenous traditions. It begins by examining the historical spread of Islam in the region, emphasizing the challenges faced during the Arab conquest of Maverannahr and the methods used to propagate the religion, such as the integration of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) into local customs. This led to the gradual Islamization of the population while retaining distinctive cultural features.

The discussion highlights Islam’s universal principles, such as equality and tolerance, which fostered social cohesion among diverse ethnic groups. It also underscores the pivotal role of local scholars in adapting Islamic values to pre-existing traditions, ensuring that customs like marriage and mourning rituals blended religious norms with regional practices. These adaptations facilitated the incorporation of Islamic rituals into the fabric of Central Asian culture, creating a unique synthesis of Islamic and local elements.

Furthermore, the article examines the socio-political and cultural implications of these changes, noting the enduring influence of Islam on the national mentality and identity of Central Asian peoples. Examples include the alignment of Islamic holidays with regional festivities and the reinterpretation of Zoroastrian practices through an Islamic lens.

The study concludes that life-cycle rituals are dynamic social constructs, continually adapting to cultural transformations. This interaction has resulted in a distinct form of “Central Asian Islam,” which balances universal Islamic tenets with regional characteristics, contributing to the region’s cultural richness and cohesion. In this article we using the methods of Historical Analysis and Sociocultural Observation, examines historical sources that trace the spread and integration of Islam in Central Asia, including the writings of Narshahi, Beruni, and Barthold and analyzes rituals, traditions, and their transformations to understand the synthesis of Islamic values ​​and indigenous customs.