Q: I’ve been reading your blog for several months now.  I’m interested in the differences between Islam and cultural practices that may not actually have roots in Islam. Sometimes, things are said and done that are supposed to be Islamic but seem, to me as an outsider, to be more cultural.  I’m curious about your opinion about this observation.  Asking someone who was raised in both the religion and culture wouldn’t necissarily be helpful because I am not even sure they would know the difference.
Time: Sunday June 19, 2011 at 11:30 pm

A: When one does a thing, merely ask the following questions: where is the Islamic proof for what I am doing. Is the person I am getting my data from — is s/he basing their views on culture or religion.

If what you doing has religious proof, then it is a religious action. This religious action could be both, cultural and/or religious. If the intention of the doer is that the reason of doing a given action is religious, the reward would be great. If an action is religiously based but doer does it for cultural purposes, the reward would be limited.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.