Muslim and Arab Americans: Diverse Minorities Chapter 11

Chapter Overview I.Introduction II.Definitions III.The Cards IV.Arab Americans V.Muslim Americans VI.Being Arab or Muslim in the United States

I.Introduction A. Fill out cards B. Introductory “Quiz”

Arab Muslim I.Introduction A. Fill out cards B. Introductory “Quiz”

1. All Arabs are Muslims but not all Muslims are Arabs. False

2. Arab Americans are those whose ancestors were from the nations of the Arab world. True

3. “Jihad” means struggle against the enemies of Allah. True

4. Muslims prefer a non- democratic political system. Not Necessarily

5. It is difficult for Muslim prisoners to observe their religion. False

6. The first Muslims came to America on slave ships. False

7. Politicians seek out Arab and Muslim votes. False

8. Both Muslim and Arab Americans supported the President’s policy of going after terrorists just after the 9/11 attack. True

9. The Disney Corporation referred to Arabs as “barbaric.” True

10. Negative images of Arabs and Muslims are 16 times more prevalent than positive ones. True

II. Definitions >

Orientalism Arab Islam Muslim Blended identity Jihad Hijab >

Hijab, abaya, or burqa?

Abayas Hijab

Burqa This is a traditional full-size Saudi style double layered burqa. The burqa is worn over the hijab, and a burqa screen can be pulled up over the head (as pictured) for better vision. When the screen is down you can see out, but no one can see in.

III. The Cards

IV. Arab Americans 1. What is an Arab? 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures 3. U.S. Population

IV. Arab Americans 1. What is an Arab? > 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures 3. U.S. Population

Fig. 11.2, p. 286 goes here

IV. Arab Americans 1. What is an Arab? 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures 3. U.S. Population

IV. Arab Americans 1. What is an Arab? 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures 3. U.S. Population >

P. 287 fig 11.3 goes here

V.Muslim Americans A. Religious similarities to Christianity and Judaism B. Rituals

V.Muslim Americans A. Religious similarities to Christianity and Judaism > B. Rituals

A. Religious similarities to Christianity and Judaism 1.Monotheistic 2.Allah and God 3.Old and New Testaments 4.Prophets 5.Afterlife 6.Judgment day 7.Moral codes

V.Muslim Americans A. Religious similarities to Christianity and Judaism B. Rituals >

B. Rightuals 1.Ramadan > 2.Prayers 3.Hajj = the pilgrimage

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr The month of fasting By Holly Hartman

For more than a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time of prayer, fasting, and charity. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar— that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2005 Ramadan will begin on Oct. 5.Islam Islamic holidays

Why this Month? Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an.MuhammadQur'an

At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.

Fasting Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.Five Pillars

During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.

Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al- Fitr, which in 2005 occurs on November 4. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.

A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.

V.Muslim Americans A. Religious similarities to Christianity and Judaism B. Rituals C. Faiths and Sects

C. Faiths and Sects 1.Sunnis a.Dominant in America b.More moderate 2.Shi’is or Shiites a.Second largest b.From Iraq, Iran, southern Lebanon 3.Others (ex. African American Muslims) 4.Beliefs >

4.Beliefs a.Jihad internal struggle for spiritual purity armed struggle against the enemies of the Palestinians b.No established hierarchy c.No excommunication d.Imam = clergy in a particular mosque

5.Population a million African American South Asian (Afghan, Banglaseshi, Indian, Pakistani) Arab Other (Bosnian, Iranian, Turk, White, Hispanic) b. A rapidly growing faith

IV. Being Arab or Muslim in the United States

A.Anti-Arab/Muslim Feeling Munich Olympics U.S Kenya & Tanzania Embassies 3.9/11 Terrorist Attacks B.National Scapegoat C.Big Discussion

IV. Arab Americans

II. Definitions