Re: Where they came from?
^Exactly. I’ve never understood why some people think that just because something is also practiced by another religious group, it is haram (even when it doesn’t contradict Islamic principles). I can see why wearing a saree would be haram if it was one of those revealing, bikini top-like sarees actresses wear. However, if the saree is modest and has a full blouse with long sleeves, why is it haram just because Hindus also wear sarees?
I also don’t understand people who think that everything that is Arab is halal, while everything that has non-Arab roots is haram. Just because practices don’t have Arab roots, it doesn’t mean they’re haram.
Interestingly, this issue of culture versus religion is an issue in the Afghan culture as well .
Interesting indeed. Though they share tribal cultures and have same religious ideology and still they are facing difficulty in celebrating occasions. I read somewhere that Pashtunwali is more strict and give less powers to ladies.