Muslim Tradition : The Qur'an

      Throughout The Kite Runner, cultural traditions are represented and portrayed through the lives of Hassan and Amir. In this story we are introduced to the different aspects and characteristics of the Muslim faith, and how this culture is looked at. In the story, Amir must memorize verses from the Koran. Although this is difficult to pronounce the Arabic words correctly, his teacher claims that God would understand him better if he tried his hardest to read the Koran. During week 8, we discussed the Qur'an ( Koran), meaning "to recite" in Arab. Tying in with the novel, the Qur'an was believed by the Muslim's that these were the actual words of God, and was highly respected among Muslims. They thought that Muhammad was simply a messenger, or a " channel of transmission" to them and God.  Baba thought that Amir would not learn anything in school, from " those bearded idiots". Baba claims that they do not teach anything good in school and that they have trouble reciting a book that is " written in tongue". I believe this represents that Afghanistan is slowly beginning to be Westernized, and this is proven through Baba's character. Although the Koran is a large part of the Muslim faith, Baba is surprisingly against this way of learning, and believes in a more of an Americanized system for education. This ties in with Edward Said's theory about Orientalism. In this case, the Koran represents the Muslim's faith and culture. Baba's attitude and opinion towards his surrounding culture represents the Westerners point of view, by assuming he knows more than what they teach the children in school. Alike with Westerner's they thought that they had more power and knowledge over the orients ( Qur'an faith).
       In this novel, Amir seems to not have a particular opinion towards his own religion, and we never really know how he feels about his cultural identity. He develops Muslim faith, but still holds onto his father's westernized view on Afghanistan. " I took the form and turned it in. That night, I waited until Baba fell asleep, and then folded a blanket. I used it as a prayer rug. Bowing my head to the ground, I recited half-forgotten verses from the Koran – verses the mullah had made us commit to memory in Kabul – and asked for kindness from a God I wasn't sure existed. I envied the mullah now, envied his faith and certainty. (12.108) Amir resorts to Islamic faith when looking for comfort before Baba's CAT scan. Later on in the book, he prays for Allah when Sohrab attempts to kill himself. We now question Amir's faith to the Qur'an and his devotion to his own personal cultural identity.