Third Canadian Edition

AN EDUCATORS GUIDE TO ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

“Read! For your Lord is most Generous. (It is God) who taught by means of the pen; taught man/woman that which he/she knew not.”

The Qur’an, Chapter 96, Verses 3-5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

01 CANADIAN LEGAL PROTECTIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

02 ACCOMMODATION ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Washing (Ablution) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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USEFUL REFERENCESGUIDING PRINCIPLES

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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Prayer Space

Friday Prayer

Fasting

Holidays

Dress Requirements

Dietary Requirements

Curriculum

School Life

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INTRODUCTIONIslam is a growing religion in Canada. That means more and more students may self-identify as either culturally or religiously Muslim. School teachers and administrators are seeing this first-hand, as student populations are becoming increasingly diverse every day.

There is growing awareness about the need to create inclusive

and equitable learning environments so that students of all

backgrounds are able to reach their fullest potential. This

requires safe, welcoming and dynamic classrooms. Mutual

understanding, trust, respect and acceptance are key.

This Guide aims to promote these crucial factors in order to

help strengthen relationships between teachers, administrators,

parents, and students.

It is important to remember that Muslim communities, families,

and individuals are incredibly diverse. Although the majority of

Muslims in Canada identify as adherents of the Sunni branch

of Islam, there are substantial numbers of students whose

families adhere to other branches such as the Shia and others.

Canadian Muslims are also ethnically diverse. These differences

can and do result in variations of belief and practice.

In addition to offering the reader with general and pertinent

information about Muslim students, this Guide also provides

information and guidance to schools on a variety of issues that

may arise with respect to Muslim students and parents.

01CANADIAN LEGAL PROTECTIONS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMWorship, fasting, religious holidays, as well as dietary and clothing requirements form part of Islamic practice for many Muslims. Such religious practices are legally protected in Canada.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms constitutionally

guarantees the freedom of religious practice, in addition to

such fundamental rights as the freedom of peaceful assembly,

association, thought, belief, opinion and expression. Canada

also has provincial and federal human rights legislation that

operate to prohibit discriminatory practices by private actors and

individuals on the basis of religion.

02ACCOMMODATION ISSUESOne way that schools can assist in protecting the religious freedom of students is to work directly with students and parents or guardians in finding ways to accommodate certain religious practices.

The purpose of accommodation is not to provide “special

treatment” for some individuals or groups. Rather, the notion

of accommodation is based on the recognition that rules and

procedures that apply equally to everyone do not affect everyone

in equal manner.

One simple example is that public schools have a Monday to

Friday class schedule. Students belonging to faith groups that

meet for worship on a Saturday or Sunday are not impacted by

a school week that runs from Monday to Friday in the same way

that students belonging to faith groups that gather for worship

on other days.

The following pages provide some common areas where

Muslim students and parents may make requests for religious

accommodation at school.

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PRAYER

Daily prayers are a central practice of the Islamic faith.

To that end, Islam prescribes prayer five times daily.

THE FIVE DAILY PRAYERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FAJR Between dawn and sunrise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DHUHR Between noon and mid-afternoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ASR Between mid-afternoon and sunset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAGHRIB Just after sunset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ISHA Late evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Because the prayer times follow the trajectory of the earth’s sun,

the daily prayer times shift throughout the calendar year and are

impacted by Daylight Savings Time. Typically, the Dhuhr and Asr

prayers fall within regular school hours.

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Washing/Ablution before prayer (wudu)

Before prayer, Muslims are required to wash their face, hands,

arms and feet with clean water. This washing can take place in

any facility that has running water. It takes about five minutes.

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Prayer Space

During the act of prayer, Muslims stand, bow and touch their

forehead to the ground. Worship may be performed in any quiet,

clean room.

During prayers, the worshipper will face toward Mecca (generally

northeast in North America). Some measure of privacy is

preferred. However, should others be present, they should

avoid walking in front of the worshipper. They should also avoid

interrupting him or her. If there is a health and safety concern

(ex. fire alarm) the students can and should respond by stopping

the prayer immediately.

It normally takes less than 10 minutes to complete a prayer.

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DID YOU KNOW? Many public and private schools across Canada

designate an empty room, classroom or meeting room as a

meditation / interfaith prayer area for use by students that need

to pray during the day.

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Friday Congregational Prayer (Jum’ah)

Friday, similar to Saturdays for the Jewish community and

Sundays for Christians, is the day for congregational worship in

Islam, called Jum’ah.

Jum’ah usually lasts about 45 minutes to one hour (but can be

completed in a shorter amount of time if necessary) and takes

the place of the daily Dhuhr prayer. The requirements of Jum’ah

include a short sermon followed by a prayer performed in

congregation (unison).

Jum’ah is an obligatory act of worship for young boys who

have reached puberty, though young girls and women are also

welcome and encouraged to join the congregational prayers.

Children often join in the prayers on public holidays as well.

However, because Jum’ah falls on a regular school day, this

presents a problem to those students who are conscientious

about attending this prayer. Parents may request that students

be temporarily released from school or granted an extended

lunch period in order to attend Jum’ah at a local mosque.

In schools and universities where the number of students wishing

to perform the prayer is sufficient to form a congregation,

Jum’ah can be conducted for students on the school premises.

For student safety and logistical reasons, school administrators,

teachers and parents may prefer this option.

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DID YOU KNOW? When conducted specifically for students in a

school, Jum’ah prayer can be completed in less than 30 minutes

and avoid hours of missed class time for students that no longer

need to travel to a local congregation.

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FASTING

Fasting during Ramadan is another one of the central tenets (or

what are sometimes called the ‘five pillars’ of Islam.

The month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar,

is the time when Muslims are required to fast from dawn until

dusk. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle,

the month of Ramadan begins 10 or 11 days earlier each year:

in Canada this means that the hours of fasting vary from year

to year.

Fasting, like prayer, is prescribed when children reach the age of

puberty. Still, many Muslim families allow their children to begin

to accustom themselves to fasting from an early age. The Arabic

word for fasting (sawm) literally means ‘to abstain,’ and during

Ramadan most Muslims are expected to abstain completely from

both food and liquid between dawn and sunset.

Muslims are not meant to remove themselves from the aspects

of everyday life during Ramadan. Since fasting students cannot

drink water during the day, they should not be required to

engage in overly strenuous physical activity to avoid dehydration.

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DID YOU KNOW? Muslim parents and other community

members are usually amenable to coming in to the classroom to

talk about Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr (the celebration that follows

the completion of Ramadan). Children themselves can also be

encouraged to share reflections about their experiences with

their fellow classmates.

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HOLIDAYS

There are two major holidays in the Islamic calendar: Eid-ul-Fitr,

and Eid-ul-Adha.

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Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid is the Arabic word meaning a recurring event, and in Islam

it denotes the religious festivals. Fitr means “to break” and this

particular festival signals the breaking of the fasting period of

Ramadan. It is a day of thanksgiving and celebration.

Special congregational prayers are offered and alms are

distributed to the poor and needy. Gifts may also be given to

children and exchanged between loved ones.

It is also a time for visiting with friends and family members

and Muslims are also encouraged to visit the sick and elderly

who may not have family. “Eid Mubarak” (lit. Blessed Eid) is a

common greeting exchanged on the day of Eid.

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Eid-ul-Adha

The festival of Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of

Sacrifice, is observed at the end of the hajj or yearly pilgrimage

to Mecca approximately two months and ten days after the

end of Ramadan. It is celebrated by all Muslims, not only those

performing the ritual of the hajj.

Special congregational prayers are offered on the day of Eid and

it is a time for celebration and visiting with friends and family.

As with the other Eid, it is also a time for visiting with friends

and family members and Muslims are also encouraged to visit

the sick and elderly who may not have family. “Eid Mubarak” (lit.

Blessed Eid) is a common greeting exchanged on the day of Eid.

Each of these holidays traditionally last for three days. Muslim

students commonly request permission to be absent from

school in part or entirely. Students should not be penalized for

such absences.

Teachers should make alternative arrangements for students

requesting absences on exam days in order to observe

these religious holidays and work with students and parents

in advance to plan how to make up for any material covered

during their absence.

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Note: Some Muslims from the different branches of Islam may

also observe additional religious holidays. When in doubt, it is

best to consult with the student and parents.

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DID YOU KNOW? It is also common that different Muslims in the

same city celebrate these holidays on different days within the

same 2 or 3 day period. This is due to different methods used to

determine the beginning of the lunar months.

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DRESS REQUIREMENTS

Islam prescribes that both men and women behave and dress

modestly in public. There are a number of ways in which Muslim

men and women interpret and express such teachings.

From the age of puberty boys are expected to be covered

from the navel to the knee in clothes that is neither tight-fitting

nor transparent.

When in public, many Muslim women wear long, loose-fitting

and non-transparent clothing. This attire, which may vary in

style according to any of a number of factors including culture,

nationality and even the latest fashion trends, often includes a

head covering or scarf, known as hijab.

Some Muslim families believe that the hijab is obligatory

however most families will not force a daughter to wear the

scarf is she has not decided to do so from her own volition.

More generally, girls can face conflicting pressure from both

parents and peer groups to dress in a particular way.

Teachers and administrators should be aware of these tensions

and provide an inclusive school environment that accepts

students as they are.

Further details regarding clothing requirements should be

discussed with Muslim parents and uniform accommodation

should be discussed where applicable.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

The Qur’an (Islam’s Holy Scripture) prohibits the consumption

of alcohol and other intoxicants as well as pork and any pork by-

products or derivatives. Therefore, many Muslims are careful about

the food they consume and how it is prepared. Some objectionable

food items include:

• Pepperoni, sausage and hot dogs containing pork.

• Bacon - alone or as an ingredient in other items.

• Lard - in any product.

• Gelatin derived from pork. For example in desserts, yoghurt, marshmallows, etc.

• Alcohol.

• Food containing alcohol as an ingredient (even in small

amounts).

Food distributed at school containing prohibited items should

be highlighted clearly, especially in elementary schools. For

preschool and elementary food programs, labeling such foods with

a prominent visual marker will assist students wishing to abstain

from consuming these products.

Some Muslims also refrain from eating animals and animal by-

products not derived from halal sources. Halal (lit. permissible)

refers to meat slaughtered according to Islamic law (similar to

Jewish kosher laws). Parents should inform schools of any dietary

restrictions they would like their children to adhere to and schools

should be sensitive to these requirements.

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CURRICULUM

Sensitivities regarding the teaching of certain subjects will differ

from family to family. However, the concerns of Muslim parents /

students are most likely to arise in connection with music, dance,

art, drama, physical education and sex education.

It is good practice for schools to maintain an open dialogue

with parents and students to address any concerns and make

accommodations when necessary and applicable.

The following are issues that some Muslim parents / students

may have with respect to specific curriculum subjects:

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Music

Opinion regarding the place of music varies among different

Muslim cultures. While some Muslims will not object to music

instructions, others are very reserved in their attitude towards

music and may not wish for their children to participate in any

kind of music lesson.

In such cases, it is important for the school discuss reasonable

accommodations with the parents or guardians, and students

themselves, to find alternative activities or assignments.

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Dance

There will usually be no problem when dancing is performed in

a single-sex environment as a form of exercise. Some forms of

dance might be considered unacceptable if performed in a mixed

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environment – particularly at the secondary school level. Some

parents may prefer their children to participate in an alternate

sporting activity.

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Art

Within Muslim communities, there is considerable difference of

opinion regarding acceptable forms of art.

Some Muslims object to physical representations of human and

animals. The prohibition of such representations arises from

the historical stance taken against any form of idolatry. For

this reason, depictions of prophets, angels and God are largely

considered unacceptable.

Other forms of art such as textile art, wood work, landscape

drawings and paintings, architectural representations,

calligraphy, geometric figures, and mosaic art are good

alternatives.

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Drama

Drama or role-playing as an education exercise is usually

acceptable. Some Muslim parents may not want their children

to take part in any drama that contradicts Islamic tenets, for

example, performing in nativity plays or other dramatizations

involving gods or figures from the Bible or Qur’an.

Reservations might also arise with performances that involve

physical contact between boys and girls, or cross-dressing (i.e.

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boys performing as girls and vice versa). When parents raise

these concerns as arising from sincerely held religious beliefs,

the school should accommodate them.

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Physical Education

Some Muslim parents may object to co-ed swimming classes

due to the nature of the dress requirements. Schools that

require swimming skills should consult with parents and

students regarding possible alternatives, such as having the

students fulfill the requirement through swimming certification

outside school.

Communal showers may also pose a problem for parents and

students. Private showers should be made available when possible;

otherwise students should be permitted to shower at home.

School administrators may need to discuss alternative clothing

options for Muslim students in physical education classes who

also adhere to religious dress requirements.

A good alternative for many is a tracksuit. Girls who wear the

hijab should not be prevented from participating in sporting

activities. There are many sports-friendly hijab options available

if safety is a concern.

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Sex Education

In general, the concern of some Muslim parents is not whether

sex education should be taught but rather how it is taught.

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Although public school teachers offer curriculum in a non-

religious context, it is useful for teachers to know that Islam

prohibits pre-marital sex and extra-marital sex.

There may also be sensitivities regarding discussions of same-

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School Outings

There are no religious reasons that would prevent Muslim

students from attending school outings to the places of

worship of other faiths including, but not limited to, churches,

synagogues, temples or gurdwaras.

Parents of pupils of any religion might object to such visits;

however every effort should be made to reassure them by

making them aware of the educational and developmental

rewards of such exposure.

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Social Events

Muslim parents and students may be reluctant to take part in

festivities and school activities connected to religious holidays

of other faiths and some secular holidays (such as Halloween

and Valentine’s Day). Students should have the option of being

exempted without penalty from such activities.

At the same time, care should be taken to inform students that,

for example, Halloween costumes deemed in contravention of

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sex relationships. Maintaining an open dialogue with parents

about the content and timing of the teaching of these topics

will help provide families with an opportunity to discuss the

topics with their child(ren) at home as well.

school policies on diversity and respect will not be tolerated (e.g.

students dressed in outfits meant to reinforce stereotypes about

different religions, ‘blackface’, KKK garb, Hitler outfits etc).

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Physical Contact

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Bullying

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Some Muslims refrain from all physical contact with unrelated

persons of the opposite gender. This includes casual greetings

such as kissing cheeks, hugging, and hand-shaking. This

restraint is considered by some Muslims to be an expression of

personal modesty as well as a sign of respect shown between

males and females. If a Muslim parent or student excuses

themselves from such forms of physical contact, it should not be

regarded as a personal insult or affront, just a personal preference.

Since the events of September 11, 2001 depictions of Islam and

Muslims in the mainstream media have been overwhelming

negative. Children who are Muslim or are perceived to be Muslim

have been the targets of teasing, “joking,” and harassment.

Schools should make every effort to create a safe and

harmonious learning environment for all students. This

includes ensuring accurate and balanced portrayals of Islam

and Muslims in curriculum and other instructional materials.

The wearing of a hijab and other religious items may also lead

to teasing by other students. Every effort should be made to

create a safe and accepting learning environment.

03USEFUL REFERENCESKincheloe, Joe L., Shirley R. Steinberg, and Christopher Darius

Stonebanks. Teaching against Islamophobia. New York: Peter

Lang, 2010. Print.

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“Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.”

Guidelines for Educators on Countering Intolerance and

Discrimination against Muslims: Addressing Islamophobia

through Education. OSCE; Council of Europe; UNESCO, 2011.

Web. 04 Dec. 2012. <http://www.osce.org/odihr/84495>.

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Sweet, Lois. God in the Classroom: The Controversial Issue of

Religion in Canada’s Schools. Toronto: M&S, 1997. Print.

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Sensoy, Ozlem, and Christopher Sandbanks, eds. Özlem Sensoy

and Christopher Darius Stonebanks (Eds.) Muslim Voices in

School: Narratives of Identity and Pluralism. Rotterdam: Sense,

2009. Print.

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“Toronto District School Board.” Guidelines and Procedures

for Religious Accommodation http://tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/

HighSchool/docs/Guidelines%20and%20Procedures%20for%20

Religious%20Accommodations.pdf

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04GUIDING PRINCIPLESDIVERSITY: The presence of a wide range of human qualities

and attributes within a group, organization, or society. The

dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, ancestry,

culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical

and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation,

and socio-economic status.

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EQUITY: A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful

treatment of all people. Equity does not mean treating people

the same without regard for individual differences.

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INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: Education that is based on the

principles of acceptance and inclusion of all students. Students

see themselves reflected in their curriculum, their physical

surroundings, and the broader environment, in which diversity

is honored and all individuals are respected.

Source: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/equity.pdf

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05GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Asr mid-afternoon prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dhuhr noon prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Eid Al-Adha Festival marking the end of the yearly pilgrimage in Mecca.

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Eid Al-Fitr Festival marking the end for the month of fasting (Ramadan).

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Fajr early morning prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hajj The pilgrimage to the city of Mecca which every Muslim adult is required to make at least once in their lifetime. It occurs during the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

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Halal Permissible by Islamic law.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hijab Loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing worn by Muslim women. Usually includes a head covering.

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Isha evening prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Islam Abrahamic faith with over 1 billion adherents worldwide. Muslims believe in the oneness of God and that Muhammed was one of God’s prophets.

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Jum’ah The Friday congregation prayer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maghrib Sunset prayer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mecca The geographical place Muslims turn towards when offering prayers. Also the location of the hajj (pilgrimage) in Islam.

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Muslims Followers of Islam.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Qur’an Islam’s holy book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ramadan The 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Also the month of fasting.

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Sawm Literally ‘to abstain.’ Is the Arabic word for fasting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wudu Refers to the ritual washing of the face, hands, and feet before prayer.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)

P.O.Box 13219, Ottawa, ON Canada, K2K 1X4

Tel: 1.866.524.0004 Local: (613) 254.9704 Fax: (613) 254.9810

info@nccm.ca

www.nccm.ca

WWW.NCCM.CA

1.866.524.0004 info@nccm.caP.O. Box 13219 Ottawa ON K2K 1X4

The NCCM is an independent non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization. It is a leading voice for Muslim civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.