Islam In The Alchemist

The first example of the practice of Islam in The Alchemist is when Santiago is in the bar in Tangier, Morocco. Since Santiago was not able to speak Arabic, he wasn’t able to verbally order a drink so he pointed to a drink that was served at the table next to him. After Santiago found out, to his disdain, that the drink was bitter tea, a Spanish man approached him and informed him that wine was forbidden due to Islamic beliefs. “‘There is no wine in this country,’ the young man said. ‘The religion here forbids it.’” (pg. 35). The consumption of any intoxicating substance is normally forbidden in the Qur’an, which is the primary religious text of Islam. Another example of the main beliefs and practices of Islam is when Santiago is in the middle

He should respect tradition.” (pg. 91). Muslim women in the desert had to wear black to symbolize that they were married. In the Islam religion, it is unacceptable for a man to fraternize with another man’s wife because it is disrespectful. One of the most significant examples of the main beliefs and practices of Islam shown in The Alchemist is when Santiago is talking to the crystal merchant building a display case in the crystal shop. While telling Santiago why he is hesitant about building a display case, he also tells him about the five obligations that Muslims must follow. “‘The prophet gave us the Koran, and left us just five obligations to satisfy during our lives. The most important is to believe only in the one true God. The others are to pray five times a day, fast during Ramadan, and be charitable to the poor… The fifth obligation of every Muslim is a pilgrimage. We are obliged, at least once in our lives, to visit the holy city of Mecca.’” (pg. 54). These obligations are known as the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’ and they are considered necessary by believers in the Islam