"I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace." - Muhammad Ali
Today, we'll tackle some controversial issues related to Islam. We'll start with two that you are probably familiar with at least the outlines of...
The Satanic Verses controversy - Be sure these terms make sense to you: Salman Rushdie, fatwa, Ayatollah Khomeini
Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy - This relates to a series of cartoons printed in a Danish newspaper in 2005.
Jihad in Islam:
This is perhaps the most misunderstood concept in Islam. The word
itself comes from an Arabic root meaning "struggling" or "striving". In
the West, it has frequently come to be associated with militarism,
anti-Western views, and terrorism. These resources might help you
better understand the concept.
What is Jihad?: Daniel Pipes is the author of the book Militant Islam Reaches America. This article expresses his very strong opinion of "jihad," which others have criticized as distorted.
Jihad: Here's a contrasting definition of the term from the Islamic Glossary at the USC site.
DO THIS: Consider this information and make up your own mind. Is jihad a threat to non-Muslims? Has the West overreacted and misinterpreted the concept?
Women and Islam: Outside of the Islamic world
(and within it, for that matter), the status of women has been a topic
of much controversy. Traditionally, the issues which are at the core of
the debate have been the customs of veiling and polygamy that have been
a part of Islam's history.
Resources to consult:
About "Women in Islam"- A Resource Page- There are dozens of links to resources here. They come from a wide variety of perspectives.
Women in Islam- This is a pro-Islamic source with a large number of links to issues related to the status of women in Islam.
DO THIS: We will approach the topic in this way:
- We will summarize the arguments made by those who criticize Islam's treatment of women.
- We will attempt to understand the religion's response to these claims.
- Finally, we will share our own opinions on these issues.
HOMEWORK for Islam - Day #5
The Christianity Blog Entry and the Christianity Short Essay questions should both be coming in this week if they have not already done so.The Islam Blog Entry and Islam Short Essay questions are also posted. I'm thinking we will probably do the Islam Multiple Choice in class on Thursday or Friday. (I'm leaning toward allowing you to use notes for that.)
Remember that your Independent Assignments #3 and #4 both come due as well. You are also welcome to complete one of the others for extra credit if you would like.
These TWO are required.
- Independent Assignment #3 - "Read About It OR Watching It" - Due Wednesday, January 4th
- Independent Assignment #4 - "Experience It" - Due Thursday, January 12th
OPTIONAL: Extra Credit choices - Due Friday, January 13th
You can do ONE of these choices:
- "Read About It OR Watching It" - The option you did not do above.
- "Talking About It"
- "Taking a Position"
- "Learn About an Interest"
