Understanding Your Muslim Students
Diversity in practice, opinion & interpretation
Like in any religion, there is a spectrum of opinions, interpretation and practice in Islam. Some Muslim students will be newly immigrated and therefore have more distinctive cultural traits from their country of origin. Other Muslim students may be from families that have been in North America for 3 or 4 generations. Some students may be from African American or European American backgrounds that have adopted Islam out of a personal choice.
It may be difficult to understand where cultural practices end and Islamic teachings begin as may be the case with Arabic, African or South Asian Muslims.
All of this diversity is manifest in Muslim students through a range of identities and adherences to religious practices. Some students may know virtually nothing of their heritage and the practices of their faith. Others may be overtly religious and have what other may think to be very conservative views.
What can educators do to understand these nuances especially in highly charge media and political environments where Muslims are a hot and divisive topic?
- Learn about Islam and Muslims
- Strengthen relationships with Muslim students and families
- Offer an inclusive non-judgmental environment free of bias and prejudice
There is often a strong correlation between a person’s sense of inclusion and success. Even those Muslims who may not know or practice their faith devoutly will feel appreciative of your effort for getting to know their heritage. In many Muslim cultures, education is highly valued as is the respect shown for the teacher.
The Practicing Muslim
A devote Muslim will have a close relationship with God that may be more outwardly manifest than other faith groups. Such students may request educational institutions to provide a variety of accommodations in the following areas: prayer; fasting; diet; celebration of other religious practices; protection of modesty; gender interactions.
Prayer
Muslims believe that they need to improve their relationship with God through praying five times a day. This happens at different times of the day depending upon the position of the sun and can change considerably depending upon the geographic location and season.
Prayer is an essential part of a practicing Muslim’s identity.
If approached by Muslim students for prayer space, teacher can find out from administration how to assist students with such requests. You can easily do an online search on the prayer time schedule in your area to better come up with a solution to the request. Once Muslim boys reach puberty they are obligated to attend a congregational prayer on Fridays in the early afternoon. Fridays for Muslims are the equivalent to Sundays for Christians or the Sabbath for Jews.
Fasting
The month of Ramadan (the fasting month) requires abstinence from food and drink (including water) from dawn to dusk. Ramadan follows a lunar calendar so the time varies from year to year. Fasting is a form of worship. It is an act that Muslims believe will bring greater piety and closeness to God. Along with abstaining from food and drink, a Muslim seeks to increase good deeds and abstain from sin, bad deeds and words.
Some things to be aware of include possible lethargy due to decreased calorie intact and disrupted sleep because of night prayers. There may be less interest and focus on school work due to a greater focus on spirituality. Students may be less able to exert high levels of physical activity in gym class. Students may not be available during evening school functions - breaking the fast at night. The student may have smelly breath because of fasting – no drink or food.
Misconceptions about fasting include there will be physical harm caused by the fast. If a student has a health condition they are exempt from fasting. There is research indicating the many health benefits of fasting. Some may believe that the student is forced to fast by parents or the religious community and that the fast is punishing. A survey of Muslims will indicate the the contrary – Muslims almost universally look forward to Ramadan as the most special and enjoyable time of year.
diet
Muslims are prohibited from eating pork and pork by-products, including gelatin. Many Muslims will also adhere to only eating meat slaughtered according to religious laws. This is usually referred to as halal – similar to Kosher in the Jewish faith. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol or consuming any intoxicants or mind altering substances.
Celebration of other religious practices
Devote Muslims will often seek to be provided alternative activities to participating in religious or cultural celebrations of other faiths. Some examples will include Christmas or Easter pageants or Halloween celebrations.
Modesty & Gender interactions
Modesty of dress as well as behavior is emphasized in Islam for both men and women.
In the Quran, God advises the believing men and women to “lower their gaze and guard their modesty” (Chapter 24: 30, 31). Both are taught that their bodies are not objects but part of who they are as human beings, thus deserving respect, care, and dignity. A Muslim is taught to respect all people, whether Muslim or not.
Dress requirements: Muslim men and women must maintain the minimal requirement of being covered even when they are with members of the same gender.
From both a religious and cultural perspective, children from Muslim backgrounds will generally have different norms around the interaction between boys and girls. In many Muslim cultures the mixing between genders is more formal and restricted. Generally, Muslim girls and boys will feel more comfortable in same gender interactions.
Some conservative Muslim men and women will refrain from shaking the hand of the opposite gender. This is not an act of disrespect but one of respect towards the modesty of the opposite gender. If you are confronted with such a situation, it is best to take the lead from your Muslim guest. If they do not offer their hand, then do not offer yours.
For the Muslim student, issues around modesty and gender interactions may manifest in physical education classes. Muslim students, and particularly Muslim girls may feel uncomfortable if they are placed in co-educational classes and teams. Teachers should be aware that some Muslim students may seek private areas or cubicles to change clothes.
Muslim girls who chose to wear a head scarf may feel alone and confused and need the support and encouragement of teachers to practice their faith. Muslim girls may feel comfortable joining sports teams as long as they are allowed to wear the head covering and remain in modest gym clothing.
Teachers can be sensitive to the needs of Muslim students by asking how they feel about their situation - whether they feel prevented or feel hesitant in participating in sports due to their placement and/or clothing requirements.
Having a boyfriend or a girlfriend is a large part of North American culture. One might feel like a misfit if s/he does not have one. From a young age, kids feel the pressure to conform to the society around them not only from television, movies, music, and advertising, but also from their own peers and teachers. Practicing Muslim parents will prevent their children from having a boyfriend or a girlfriend for religious and cultural reasons. Muslim parents are very appreciative to educators that respect and support them in their efforts to ensure their children do not fall outside of cultural and religious practices.
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- INDIVIDUALS GAIN DEEPER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT ISLAM
- PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS LEARN ABOUT MUSLIMS
- MUSLIMS SHARE THESE RESOURCES TO THEIR COMMUNITIES
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THE EDUCATOR'S GUIDE
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