As a Muslim student, you should try to set the best
example that you can. Always be friendly, generous, helpful and
open-minded yet firm about your beliefs. Living in a
multiracial and multireligion community one cannot help but to
encounter some misunderstandings of some sort especially at
school.
Don't worry dearest friends. Take
them as challenges and tests from Allah. Be strong and face them
wholeheartedly for it means that Allah loves you. Still, here are some
pointers for you to take in facing those challenges.
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First of all, remember that in most cases, blaming the
teacher is a big mistake. Teachers are overburdened as they are just
trying to teach their students, and they do not determine the contents of
textbooks.
Take the approach of a helper or
contributor, rather than "challenging" the teacher, and you will be far
more successful in making changes.
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Do a bit of your research beforehand,
this would benefit you a lot as you can gain more knowledge in the
process. Evaluate your world history, world cultures, geography, or
comparative religions textbooks' coverage of Islam carefully.
If you find an error or inaccuracy in
the textbooks,or if during discussion someone makes an incorrect
statement, do not hesitate to raise your hand and offer the proper
perspective or correct information. You never know the amount of help that
you have done in clarifying the data or information.
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Whenever you discuss different topics
and issues in class, always try to incorporate your own personal
experiences into the conversation.
Using a personal approach allows
others to see Muslims as human beings, rather than just characters in the
media and textbooks. Share what it is like living as a Muslim in the
United States, and include both triumphs and difficulties.
For example, you might talk about the
importance of daily worship (Salah) or fasting during Ramadan (Sawm) and
the difficulties which often arise when Muslims try to perform their
religious duties in the course of the day.
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When Islam is discussed in the
classroom, ask your teacher if you can write or orally present a report on
a specialized topic related to Islam and present it in class.
In the report, try to incorporate an
Islamic perspective on issues pertinent to your age group, for example
gender relations, peer pressure, education, etc.Other important topics
might be the importance of fasting in Ramadan, the importance of family in
Islam, among others. Offer a presentation on Ramadan, and bring special
food and sweets to class to celebrate and share the Eid holidays.
Make it a point to use Islamic
sources for your report. Collect information from the Quran, books of
Hadith, and other books dealing with your topic. Try to make researching
the topic an exciting part of the report.
Interview your parents, friends, and other
relatives about the chosen topic as well. If possible, contact the Imam or
other knowledgeable person from your local Islamic center or Masjid and
obtain their insights and information. Also obtain help from Muslim
professors and educators.
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Invite your parents, older brothers
or sisters, or knowledgeable persons from the community to come to your
class and conduct a presentation on Islam.
You might also try to establish a
local speakers bureau comprised of community members, to provide speakers
on a regular basis to classrooms in your area.
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Many videos on Islam and Muslim
history have been produced by Muslim organizations, some of which may be
suitable for middle and high school audiences. Select an appropriate video
and request your teacher to show it in your class as part of the
course.
Offer the teacher an opportunity to
review the video beforehand. Make sure that the contents do not contain
material which might give offence to people of other faiths or
traditions.
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Come up with additional ideas for
sharing information about Islam. Consult a scholar and/or knowledgeable
Muslim. | 