Students Homework - Write Statement of Islamic Faith

Well, as if the situation concerning Islam wasn't tense enough, a Virginia highschool gave students some really unfortunate homework.

According to the news, students at Riverheads High School in Staunton, Virginia were assigned homework concerning Islam for their World Geography class.

The class was learning about major world religions, and most of the homework discussed, specifically, Arabic calligraphy. In a seemingly typical lesson, Arabic writing and different ways it is used (like on Mosques) was discussed.

An example of Arabic calligraphy was given, and the students were supposed to attempt to copy the writing to see how hard it was to actually write in Arabic. Instead of a generic sentence or simply the alphabet, they were given the "Shahada" to copy.

It explained that the Shahada is the Islamic statement of faith.

Parents were, needless to say, less than thrilled that their children were required to write "There is no god but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." They feel as though their children were being directed to profess faith in Allah by copying it in Arabic.

Some want the teacher fired, but it appears she was just using the curriculum given to her by the school. Whoever is in charge of materials used in the schools should have been aware of it. If the teacher didn't give this from outside the intended educational materials, I'm not so sure she should be fired for it.

So, my take on this ----I can't really defend it. I am a supporter of freedom of religion, but I can't really say parents don't have a right to be pretty upset by this. I don't especially think they were really trying to indoctrinate the kids, but I also think it's inappropriate at the very least.

I also have reservations about the timing of this. It's a pretty good reason for people to stir up some more hate and ignorance. I feel that might seem cynical of me, but I honestly feel like they are pushing that agenda MUCH harder right now.

I honestly hate that it's happened just because of the state of things, but in this, I can see why it's made so many people mad.

a reply to: BarefootInWinter

I think it ios good for the young to learn about all religions and not just their own.
Did anyone convert because of the homework? no I don't think so.
Talk of indoctrinating when that has already happened at their own homes....
If the religious stopped being afraid of each other maybe the world would be a better place..
Also do people not know the Jews,Christians and Muslims follow the same man made God?.

a reply to: boymonkey74

If it isn't for your god then you should fear it, and out of your own safety, it should be destroyed with the utmost of hatred. How sick can the world be that another persons belief be presented to my child? I should be the only one to force my dogmatic, close-minded view down my child's throat. My poison is the only poison my child should be drinking.

Now that that's out of the way....

The school probably shouldn't have used those particular words (and who knows if they even know what the words meant anyway). No religion of any kind should be forced upon anyone. However, I do agree that as many different religions should be taught in the form of study, rather than actually teaching to believe it as true. "The History of Religions" would be a very interesting course.

If it is a school that is funded by the public. It shouldn't have been allowed to be taught. If you want your kids to learn about religion or the many different religions in the world, send them to private school or teach them at home. I don't want my tax dollars wasted teaching garbage topics that have nothing to do with helping my kid in getting ready for the real world.

I mean I support the parents positions about how crazy bringing a subject like that up in the time we are dealing with as it is....

Leave religion out of public school completely. MATH, SCIENCE, HISTORY AND ENGLISH. Nothing else.

a reply to: boymonkey74

Oh, I agree that it's good to learn about the world and not be sheltered from our differences. Plus, it was part of a curriculum most people in public schools learn...most high schools require a few different history classes to graduate in the US.

I myself don't think it was sinister in any way...but I can understand why parents are upset. The tension towards Muslims and Islamic faith is just too strong right now. I believe that had this happened even just a few months ago, we most likely wouldn't have heard about it outside of that community. Schools probably wouldn't have been closed either.

At issue, more so for me, is that it DOES go against church/state guidelines. It's the lack of attention to detail for whatever group picks out classroom materials for their county or state really. I don't think it's an appropriate statement for kids to copy in school. There are millions of things they could have written in Calligraphy, and it most definitely didn't have to be a statement of faith in Islam. Anybody with half a brain SHOULD have seen that reaction coming from miles away.

I do think it's an over-reaction for sure though. I find the timing conspicuous perhaps.

a reply to: Ghost147

We had RE at school and we did all the major religions I used to get detention a lot due to asking questions.
Oddly enough the one jewish girl in my class didn't have to attend but the Muslim girl did.
We didn't touch any subject on the eastern religions though dunno why.

You wonder why the US is failing globally in the schooling department compared to the rest of the world. Schools can't even get their own priorities straight when it comes to what to teach today's kids.

a reply to: boymonkey74

I know where you are coming from. But Christianity and Islam are never going to reconcile.

You'be got some horrid verses in the qu'ran to thank for that.

a reply to: Ghost147

I think it's important to learn about religions because it's a huge part of the world. Non-believers, believers, or whatever people are, it can be looked at as history, sociology, psychology, and just plain literature. I have my own personal beliefs, but I find religion in general interesting.

I've always thought of it like this - If learning about other religions makes me lose my faith, I didn't really have it to begin with. If I really believe something, then knowledge about other religions should solidify my beliefs. You gain from knowledge; you don't lose.

If I was a student, I would have just said "I don't feel comfortable doing this because I'm not Islamic." It would have been more from the point of view I'd feel it was disrespectful to Islam rather than to my own beliefs.

a reply to: BarefootInWinter

That's fine and dandy just don't learn it on the tax payer's dime. That is all I would ask.

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
If it is a school that is funded by the public. It shouldn't have been allowed to be taught. If you want your kids to learn about religion or the many different religions in the world, send them to private school or teach them at home. I don't want my tax dollars wasted teaching garbage topics that have nothing to do with helping my kid in getting ready for the real world.

Teaching about religion, and indoctrinating religion within students are two different things. As has been mentioned by several other members in this thread, Religion is a part of human history, I don't see an issue teaching about it (but I do have an issue when it's being taught as absolute truth and should be followed as such)

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
Leave religion out of public school completely. MATH, SCIENCE, HISTORY AND ENGLISH. Nothing else.

Religion IS historical to every single culture in human history. Why wouldn't we teach about the topic of religion? Furthermore, If school only consisted of Math, Science, History, and English, I would have died of boredom long before I graduated. There are optional courses in school you know. Along side Math, Science, History, and English, I took Mandarin, French, Art, Music, Gym, Multimedia Studies, Architecture, and the list goes on.

The core curriculum is far from what should only be taught in schools.

originally posted by: Ghost147

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
If it is a school that is funded by the public. It shouldn't have been allowed to be taught. If you want your kids to learn about religion or the many different religions in the world, send them to private school or teach them at home. I don't want my tax dollars wasted teaching garbage topics that have nothing to do with helping my kid in getting ready for the real world.

Teaching about religion, and indoctrinating religion within students are two different things. As has been mentioned by several other members in this thread, Religion is a part of human history, I don't see an issue teaching about it (but I do have an issue when it's being taught as absolute truth and should be followed as such)

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
Leave religion out of public school completely. MATH, SCIENCE, HISTORY AND ENGLISH. Nothing else.

Religion IS historical to every single culture in human history. Why wouldn't we teach about the topic of religion? Furthermore, If school only consisted of Math, Science, History, and English, I would have died of boredom long before I graduated. There are optional courses in school you know. Along side Math, Science, History, and English, I took Mandarin, French, Art, Music, Gym, Multimedia Studies, Architecture, and the list goes on.

The core curriculum is far from what should only be taught in schools.

Teaching about when and where it was founded and how it was a part of history yes. Teaching about the details of that religion is a no go. We don't go to school to learn about the 5 pillars of islam or the tenants of christianity. I realize there are optional courses to take. I was in aeronautical science for 3 years of my high school history.

School exists in the public education to mold children to become knowledgeable in the many fields of study offered in the real world. The details of religion are not important to gain an understanding of greater knowledge unless your studying theology or philosophy. The where, when, how, and why it happened in coinciding with historical events is the only thing a student needs to know.


OH YEAH I FORGOT TO MENTION-- there is a place called a church or a place of worship that teaches what???? YES YOU GUESSED IT!! RELIGION!!! They are the experts on everything you need to know about religion. I suggest anyone who wants to know more go to Sunday school to start learning...

originally posted by: markosity1973
a reply to: boymonkey74

I know where you are coming from. But Christianity and Islam are never going to reconcile.

You'be got some horrid verses in the qu'ran to thank for that.

Yeah... Exclusively the qu'ran.... Right

Leviticus 26:28: (Eat your own children)
Yet if in spite of this you do not obey Me, but act with hostility against Me, 28then I will act with wrathful hostility against you, and I, even I, will punish you seven times for your sins. 29'Further, you will eat the flesh of your sons and the flesh of your daughters

Timothy 2:12 (women are inferior)
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.

Judges 19:24-25 (here, have my daughter to rape)
"Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing. But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go."

Hosea 13:16 (Kill pregnant women and mutilate their bodies)
"Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up."

Good ol' Holy Bible... So pure and innocent? I think not...

You truly are delusional if you think the Bible is pure and innocent.

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
Teaching about when and where it was founded and how it was a part of history yes. Teaching about the details of that religion is a no go.

Why not? If it's an optional course then why can't a school teach details within various different religions? If public school is secular, then why not have an optional course for just about anything? No one is forcing the students to attend it. It is called an optional course for a reason. Because it's optional!

Why should a public school refrain from offering a plethora of topics that cater to individualistic curiosity?

Once again. If there was a "religious history" optional course, what is so wrong about saying "and this is what the qu'ran said"? It's not saying "this is the truth and the only way" it's simply studying about various religions. You can't do that without reading their books.

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
We don't go to school to learn about the 5 pillars of islam or the tenants of christianity. I realize there are optional courses to take. I was in aeronautical science for 3 years of my high school history.

If you realize there are optional courses, then why cut out the option of studying various religions? Again, not from a 'truth' perspective, but merely from a 'study' perspective.

originally posted by: 4N0M4LY
School exists in the public education to mold children to become knowledgeable in the many fields of study offered in the real world. The details of religion are not important to gain an understanding of greater knowledge unless your studying theology or philosophy. The where, when, how, and why it happened in coinciding with historical events is the only thing a student needs to know.

Believe it or not, but a lot of biblical historians have a background in Archaeology, and are actually atheists. Why would this occur? Because they simply found an interest in the topic. Why do you get to determine what a person's possible future job is?

The only thought crossing my mind about this is about how what they wrote is the Islamic profession of faith, and that as they wrote it that they were not sincere or really professing their faith. Isn't that kind of insulting to Muslims or some kind of sin?

originally posted by: boymonkey74
a reply to: BarefootInWinter

I think it ios good for the young to learn about all religions and not just their own.
Did anyone convert because of the homework? no I don't think so.
Talk of indoctrinating when that has already happened at their own homes....
If the religious stopped being afraid of each other maybe the world would be a better place..
Also do people not know the Jews,Christians and Muslims follow the same man made God?.

So you would support them writing "Jesus is Lord, and I accept him as my personal savior" in Latin? I mean it's not like any of them would really understand or know what it was they were writing ... and it's good to know about other faiths.

Because that is what the intent of the Shahada is in Arabic.

a reply to: BarefootInWinter
Personally I do not see that imitating certain shapes with the motions of my pencil really commits me to anything. Notwithstanding the belief of some persons in the power of sigils, I can not see how performing a certain shape without any other action, mental or otherwise, has the ability to change the world or my status in the world.

a reply to: ketsuko

I wouldn't particularly mind, we had to copy out The Lords Prayer, which basically says we will do what God wishes of us. We also designed and painted mandalas, with very little knowledge about it untill afterwards, as a learning exercise. Religious Education, nothing to get mad about.

originally posted by: Pirvonen
a reply to: BarefootInWinter
Personally I do not see that imitating certain shapes with the motions of my pencil really commits me to anything. Notwithstanding the belief of some persons in the power of sigils, I can not see how performing a certain shape without any other action, mental or otherwise, has the ability to change the world or my status in the world.

For some people, baptizing a baby as an infant saves their soul even though the infant certainly cannot know enough to have made any kind of informed choice.

Similarly, for Muslims simply making the statement of intent can be enough whether you mean it or not.

The point being that for those who place great meaning in statements of intent as it pertains to faith, this is uncomfortably close to tricking someone into making a statement that converts them whether they understand it or not.

I understand the idea of learning about the world's great religions and agree it's a good thing. I also understand the intent of the lesson as it pertains to Arabic calligraphy. However, I think there would be PLENTY of examples they could have chosen to use that are far less controversial and problematic. If the intent is to separate church and state and an analogous statement in the Christian religion is to profess Jesus as one's Lord and Savior, then this should not fly as the Christian equivalent certainly would not. Simply claiming that everyone would be ignorant of what they write is not defense.