Teaching Islam

[Atlantis88]

Hi there,

My name is Annette, I am a student in my final year of study to become a high school teacher. My teaching areas are English and Religious Studies. For an assignment I need to complete, I need to compare two major world religions using some of Ninian Smart's dimensions. In order to compare these, I need to interview a member of the Islamic faith.

Would someone be able to assist me in this? It doesn't need to be anything formal, just a couple of lines about your opinion on the subject.

Thank you!



Narrative or Mythic Dimension

1. Is the story of Muhammed taught explicitly in Islamic schools? Or is it up to the family to teach their children the story of Islam?
2. Why do you believe the story of Muhammed is essential to the Islamic faith?
3. What is the function of this story to students of Islam?
4. Is belief in God strengthened by the historical story of Muhammed?

Social and Institutional Dimension

1. How important are ‘people’ to the Islamic faith? How important is the social aspect of Islam?
2. In a Study of Religion setting, do you think it is important to educate students with a secular background on Islam in general, or do you think that it is necessary to explain different Islamic sects?

Practical and Ritual Dimension

1. What ritual do you think is the most important in Islam? Why?

Material Dimenson

1. Do you believe that the Mosque is central to Islamic worship?
2. Other than what is laid down in the Law, do you believe that the pilgrimage to Mecca is essential to having a well-rounded faith?

General Questions

1. Do you believe that religious education should be taught in schools, whether they be religious or secular? Why?
2. What, if any, are the concerns about teaching religious education to high school students?
3. What are the positives about having religious education in high school?

 

[bananabrain]

dear annette - it is not board policy to help people with their homework. i suggest you do some research instead.

b'shalom

bananabrain

 

[Amica]

Peace be to you, Annette--

I am not a scholar, but will try to answer your questions.

Narrative or Mythic Dimensions:

1) Every Muslim family upholding the islamic teachings sends their children on weekend religious schools. In my homeland we called them mektabs in other places they are called madrassas.
2) The story of Muhammad pbuh is essential because he is believed to be the last Prophet pbuh sent by the Almighty, conveying the Last Testament to Humanity (the Noble Qur'an). Also, Islam teaches that throughout the ages there were 124,000 Prophets pbut--that ever community had a Prophet pbuh. Muhammad pbuh is very important because Islam teaches that the Message Muhammad pbuh delivered to humanity corrects that which peoples have corrupted throughout the time from the earlier Prophets.
3) The Prophet Muhammad pbuh was called 'Walking Qur'an.' Meaning, he lived the Message he was chosen to deliver to people. Everything he did set an example for generations to come.
4) The story of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh is strengthening the belief in the Almighty SWT because the Prophet pbuh set a good example of one of the best of the believers. He showed people what is pure monotheism and how to practice it most faithfully.

Practical and Ritual Dimensions:

1) In practice, there are certain ways to manifest your belief which are obligatory right after the belief in One God SWT: regular obligatory prayers, fasting in Ramadan, Hajj at least once in life time, charity, etc. You can find more about this online.

Material Dimension:

1) Muslims value community. It is one for all and all for one. So, worship in the mosque is encouraged as it brings believers together. In the past, besides worshiping in the mosque, people used to discuss social issues as well (i.e. poverty, community worries, giving advice to the community).Usually, after Friday prayers jummah, imam would hold a speach which could be on any topic related to Muslims, such as raising awareness about some community issue (i.e. the evils in the current affairs that may negatively impact the believers and their neighbors such as terrorism problems of today, prophecies, etc).
2) The piligrimage to Mecca is important and all Muslims are encouraged to performe it at least once in their life time. But, the trip is hard and for some both economically and physically. In the recent centuries, many have profited from this piligramage exploiting Muslims to have to pay ridiculous amounts of money for it so many are unable to go to Hajj. For this reason, although encouraged, people are not forced to go to Hajj.

General questions:

1) There should be religious education in schools, with the option to choose for various different religious groups. Reason is, that if atheism or evolution is to be promoted, then people should also have a chance to learn about that which opposes secularism/atheism/evolution. Then let them make up their minds if they have not already.
2) To me as a Muslim, I see no concerns about studying religion in high school. Believe it or not, Muslims are fairly open minded people when it comes to learning about others' beliefs. Our religion does not forbid us to learn about others, but encourages us to also teach Islam to other people.
3) Teaching religion in schools allows one to freely express his/her beliefs. At the same time, people can learn about others' beliefs if they so wish.

 

[Atlantis88]

Thank you very much for the replies Amica and Bananabrain
These answers will definitely help me in completing my essay.
I love that the internet has provided us with this small connection, all the way across the world!

Thanks again,
Annette.

 

[Dream]

I love that the internet has provided us with this small connection, all the way across the world!

Me, too, Atlantis88. It is cool as frozen orange juice.