Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Building Bridges: A World Religions Program for 8th-9th Grades

Islam 2: Contemporary Issues-Introduction

Islam in its original state gave women privileges and imposed no harsh restrictions or double standards upon them. — Saimah Ashraf, Muslim author, in her essay "Shattering Illusions: Western Conceptions of Muslim Women"

Women are active fighting for their rights in all public spheres, including as workers, in many societies, but again the culture of religious patriarchy is so dominant that we are still not free individuals in our own right. — Houzan Mahmoud, Iraqi activist

Introduction

This workshop continues to explore Islam, the world's second largest faith. This workshop may be more challenging for participants and facilitators. Participants discuss the complex topic of women in Islam, including contradictions between the Qur'an's apparent affirmation of equality between women and men and the disparate treatment of the genders in contemporary Islamic societies. Participants explore three contemporary issues: the status of women in Muslim societies; the Israeli/Palestinian conflict; and the division between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Goals

This workshop will:

  • Introduce fundamental aspects of Islam Introduce some of the complex issues of women in Islamic cultures
  • Acquaint participants with Khadijah, first wife of Muhammad
  • Consider the challenge of peace in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Deepen their understanding of Islam
  • Discuss the status of women in Islamic societies Identify similarities and differences among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
  • Explore the difficulties involved in peacemaking, by examining the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Workshop-at-a-Glance

Activity

Minutes

Welcoming and Entering

0

Opening

15

Activity 1: Story – Khadijah, First Woman of Islam

10

Activity 2: Where Are the Women?

30

Activity 3: Muslims in Conflict

30

Faith in Action: Peace in Israel/Palestine

30

Closing

5

Alternate Activity 1: The Holy Qur'an

20

Alternate Activity 2: Sikhs Are Not Muslims

25