Muslim Students

In An American Classroom
The History
Beliefs
ALLAH is GOD
Creation (Adam and Eve)
Angels
Satan
Qur’an-Islam’s holy book
Messengers
Eternal life
Jesus was a prophet
A Way Of Life

Religion is not separate; it is a complete

way of life.

Prayer:
Every day is a day of worship (five times a
day).
Congregational prayer is on Fridays in a
mosque.
Men and women are separated for prayer.
5 Pillars Of Islam
“The Foundation and strength of their
faith.”
•   Faith (iman)-belief in ALLAH and
Mohammed.
• Prayer (salah)-five times a day (dawn,
noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall).
• Charity (zakah)-giving money to the needy.
• Fasting (sawm)-during the month of
Ramadan.
• Pilgrimage (hajj) -to Mecca, once in their
Customs & Community

Strong belief in marriage/family.

Strong sense of community.
Education is highly valued.
Modest dress for men and women.
Women cover hair-“crown of her beauty.”
“Men are protectors and maintainers of
women.”
Celebration
•Eidul Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan.

•Eidul Adha: Celebrates end of

pilgrimage/Devotion and obedience of Abraham
to sacrifice his son. (Sacrifice animals/give meat
to poor)

The dates vary according to the lunar

calendar.
Both are major celebrations with
congregational prayer, dinner, presents,
Important Issue For The
Teachers Of Tomorrow
The Facts

Fastest growing religion in the world

Soon to be second largest religion in the
world
40% of Muslims in the U.S. are African
American families who have converted
Prayer 5 times a day
Friday Worship
Fasting during Ramadan
What You Need To Know

Excused absences
Don’t celebrate birthdays
Can’t mix with the opposite sex
State-wide testing during their holidays
Appropriate Dress
Different Dietary Needs
What The Experts Say
School Responsibilty

Public schools have been urged to make

accommodations for Muslim students so that
they can practice their faith.
The biggest problem for schools has come in
the PE classes.
Schools have been respectful with allowing
students to wear the modest clothing that
their religion requires and they also may
refrain from social activities if they choose.
Balance Is Key

Schools struggle when it comes to what

extent they can meet the needs of those
students without mixing religion and
school.

Schools have been finding it tough to

strike a balance between the academic
needs of the students and the religious
needs of the students.
Provisions

Providing school lunches is an issue that

needs special attention as well.  Schools
need to make sure that they know and
understand the dietary requirements of a
Muslim child. 

Prayer rooms have become an important

topic as well.   Many feel that prayer
rooms push the line when it comes to
religion in schools.
Student Observation
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Vt64to_a2Q
Observation Of The Child
  Wore a head covering
Always wear clothing that covered her
entire body. With the exception of her head
and hands.
Very studious.
Very shy and reserved. Not boisterous.
Does not interact with a lot of the students.
The child has a small group of friends.
Usually the child is not allowed to socialize
with another child of the opposite sex.
However in a classroom setting it is
understandable, but during recess and free
Will The Child Learn In The
Regular Classroom?

Due to the child's culture academically

the child would do well.

Due to some social restrictions, there is a

possibility that the child will not be socially
rounded.
 Accommodations
Educators Can Make
For The Parents

Know the dates.

Talk to the parents.
Make yourself available.
Make arrangements to meet with the
other teachers.
For The Students
• Class Rules.
• Cultural Diversity Program.
• Create a “Classroom of Learning”.
• Make yourself available.
• Make yourself APPROACHABLE!
• Create a class library.
• Be considerate of their beliefs – such as
grouping with the opposite sex, gym
clothes, talk of holidays in the school
"I am not a teacher of knowledge; I
am a teacher of children."
 Bibliography
1. Muslim Students' Needs in Public Schools;   “Can public schools
accommodate the religious needs of students?“ Charles Haynes; Update
on law-Related Education, 22.1, 1998, pp. 17-21 c 1998 
American Bar Association.
• Roots of Religion, The. Discovery Channel School
(2005). Retrieved February 27, 2008, from
united streaming: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/
3. “Education of Muslim Children - Challenges and Opportunities” by Dr.
Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph.D:
http://www.missionislam.com/homed/education_muslim_child.htm
4. http://www.islamfortoday.com/schools.htm
5. http://www.mcb.org.uk/downloads/Schoolinfoguidance.pdf - Muslim Council
of Britain.