Muslim and Arab

Americans: Diverse Minorities

Chapter 11

Chapter OverviewI. IntroductionII. DefinitionsIII. The CardsIV. Arab AmericansV. Muslim AmericansVI. Being Arab or Muslim in the

United States

I. IntroductionA. Fill out cardsB. Introductory “Quiz”

Arab1.2.3.

Muslim1.2.3.

I. IntroductionA. Fill out cardsB. Introductory “Quiz”

I. IntroductionA. Fill out cardsB. 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 >

OrientalismArabIslamMuslimBlended identityJihadHijab >

Hijab, abaya, or burqa?

Abayas Hijab

BurqaThis 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 Americans1. What is an Arab? 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures3. U.S. Population

IV. Arab Americans1. What is an Arab? > 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures3. U.S. Population

Fig. 11.2, p. 286 goes here

IV. Arab Americans1. What is an Arab? 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures3. U.S. Population

IV. Arab Americans1. What is an Arab? 2. Arabic Language & Scriptures3. U.S. Population >

P. 287 fig 11.3 goes here

V. Muslim AmericansA. Religious similarities to Christianity and JudaismB. Rituals

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

A. Religious similarities to Christianity and Judaism

1. Monotheistic2. Allah and God3. Old and New Testaments4. Prophets5. Afterlife6. Judgment day7. Moral codes

V. Muslim AmericansA. Religious similarities to Christianity and JudaismB. Rituals >

B. Rightuals1. Ramadan >2. Prayers3. Hajj = the pilgrimage

Ramadan and Eid al-FitrThe 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.

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.

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.

FastingMuslims 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.

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 AmericansA. Religious similarities to Christianity and JudaismB. RitualsC. Faiths and Sects

C. Faiths and Sects1. Sunnis

a. Dominant in Americab. More moderate

2. Shi’is or Shiitesa. Second largestb. From Iraq, Iran, southern Lebanon

3. Others (ex. African American Muslims)

4. Beliefs >

4. Beliefsa. Jihad

• internal struggle for spiritual purity• armed struggle against the enemies of

the Palestiniansb. No established hierarchyc. No excommunicationd. Imam = clergy in a particular mosque

5. Populationa. 2-5.7 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

IV. Being Arab or Muslim in the United States

A. Anti-Arab/Muslim Feeling1. 1972 Munich Olympics 2. 1998 U.S Kenya & Tanzania Embassies3. 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

B. National ScapegoatC. Big Discussion

IV. Arab Americans

IV. Arab Americans

IV. Arab Americans

II. Definitions

II. Definitions

II. Definitions

II. Definitions

II. Definitions