why do afghans (maybe other muslims too?) sway when reading ?

[Valhalla1]

watched some report on cnn about afghan school children, they were all reading from the koran (sp?) and they were all swaying back and forth like crazy.. that would give me motion sickness trying to read like that. what is the significance?

 

[Wallydraigle]

It brings you closer to Allah man.

 

[DaejangNim]

they're probably praying




edit: yay 500 posts

 

[fr]

Underwear too tight?

 

[Valhalla1]

I dont think they were praying, that were all laughing and stuff and just reaing a book, some out loud, it was school children in a school. but still if they were praying, whats the significance of swaying back and forth while reading a book? I mean there was some serious swaying going on with these kids..

 

[geno]

They had too much fiber today, so they're all rocking back and forth to get the $hit out

 

[bigrash]

since they were reading from the koran, they probably were praying.

some of you guys with stupid comments need to cool off on making comments about muslim people. you guys make it sound like muslims are all evil

 

[Iwentsouth]

Jews sway too. Like this Jewish scholar pointed out that the Pushtans migght be the lost tribe of Israel because they sway when they read holy books

 

[Valhalla1]

does anyone know for SURE.. ? they didnt look like they were praying, but I'm basing that on the typical christian prayer, bowed head, silence, etc. these kids looked like they were just practicing reading and joking around

but if someone know for sure that you are supposed to sway back and forth while praying, what is the purpose? was the first comment about being closer to allah correct?

 

[geno]

bigrash is right to a point - every religion has its own customs. They probably look at christians kneeling while they pray and make funny comments about that

 

[Wallydraigle]

I didn't see anything that would hint at Muslims being evil.

 

[Valhalla1]

<< Jews sway too. Like this Jewish scholar pointed out that the Pushtans migght be the lost tribe of Israel because they sway when they read holy books >>



now we're getting somewhere! I do remember now that jews do that too, I've seen them on that wall in jerusalem swaying away..

now, anyone know WHY they do this? I am just curious.



<< They probably look at christians kneeling while they pray and make funny comments about that >>

hope that wasnt directed at me because I'm just looking for info, no funny comments from me here

 

[ToBeMe]

I have no idea.......but, I can tell you this......if I had to sit in that position as long as they do........I guarrantee I'd be swaying because my legs would become so numb I would eventually fall over....................

 

[Infos]

What they are doing is memorizing the stupid Koran :disgust:

 

[geno]

<< hope that wasnt directed at me because I'm just looking for info, no funny comments from me here >>


Nah not at all - it wasn't directed at anyone really. Just pointing out the fact that some cultures can be very different in contrast

 

[geno]

<< What they are doing is memorizing the stupid Koran :disgust: >>


It's not the Koran that's stupid, it's the ones who commit retarded acts of terrorism in its name.

 

[fr]

Have you seen Super Mario Bros. The Movie? Remember the koopas in the elevator?


Once someone starts, it's hard not to stay with the flow.

 

[Sephy]

Real answer
I love teh Google!


Though this is the Jewish version

 

[Wallydraigle]

Okay, this is quite possibly the real answer. I am not certain because I have not asked a Muslim, "Why do you sway?", but here goes. They are reading passages that they do not understand. Even if they do know the language, they don't understand the words, yet they are forced to recite them day in and day out. It is a wearisome task to say the least. They sway to help them bring rythm to the words they say by rote. It's a natural reflex. The next time you are doing something very repetitive if you notice you will most likely be swaying as well to help keep the rythm. It is so apparent when they read because they are just sitting there.

 

[Valhalla1]

thanks for the link



<< The picture of a Jew swaying to and fro in prayer or religious study is one that I have long been inclined to explain on "practical" grounds. During lengthy periods of standing, it saves wear and tear on the feet. It also enhances one's concentration. As you focus upon the book before your eyes, it is the rest of your surroundings that appear to be swaying in a vague blur, and hence you are less likely to be distracted by the temptations of the environment. >>



thats what I was looking for, some practical reason for doing this swaying.. its still kinda farfetched (blurring the temptations of the surrounding environment?) but its a start

 

[Josh3D]

<< some of you guys with stupid comments need to cool off on making comments about muslim people. you guys make it sound like muslims are all evil >>



Oh please, making fun of this observation has nothing to do with thinking they are evil...



<< What they are doing is memorizing the stupid Koran >>



The Koran isn't stupid, it's just a story book, filled with funny stories, just like the bible...