IDEAS

Idea 6: Introducing Students to Islam and the Qur'an

Why is it important?

Islam is, along with Judaism and Christianity, one of the world�s great monotheistic religions. Islam is often a religion that is represented by extremists in public media and news outlets, which is where most students gain knowledge on the subject. Controversies over religion are often uncomfortable, which is exactly why students should be exposed to them in a safe and academic setting.

Instructions

• Using the translation, The Koran, reinforce students� understanding that Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are three forms of the same religion by assigning them readings. Suggestions are:
• Chapter 2 (The Cow) verses 136-139 and verses 190-194;
• Chapter 3 (The �Imrans) verses 42-59;
• Chapter 7 (The Heights) verses 137-153 and;
• Chapter 57 (Iron) verse 27.
• Ask students to reflect on the verses, try to put them in colloquial terms, and find similarities in the themes between Islam and other religions.
• Suggest that students reflect on the preconceived notions they may have had of Islam before the readings and if these passages affected biases that they may have held prior to the activity.

Advantages

• Students feel a greater sense of community between themselves and people who may have a different faith.
• Presents religion in a way that does not target one group as right or wrong, and instead suggests that students should look into religions before making judgments on people who follow them.
• Supports inclusion and facilitates thoughtful comments on a topic that is often difficult to understand.

Adapted from:
Diversity Across the Curriculum: A guide for Faculty in Higher Education (2007).