Learning more about Islam

Having trouble finding information on Islam for children of all ages?

The Internet can be a great source. Through well-selected sites, kids can listen to the haunting refrains of religious music, admire intricate artwork, discover the contributions of Islamic scientists, and learn about the beliefs and practices of one of the world’s most fascinating faiths.

Islam for Children (atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/islam/islamintro.html) is a great starting place. Developed by British educator Carol Rainbow, it is geared for primary grade youngsters.

Beginning with a definition of Islam, a biography of its prophet and founder, Muhammad, and etiquette for reading the Quran, its holy book, the site goes on to cover topics ranging from the five pillars, or duties, to art and family life.

Fortunately this succinct site has links to more expansive ones. YES – Young Islamic Submitters is especially helpful. Instruction on a variety of topics is geared for primary to intermediate grade and young adult students. Christian and Jewish youngsters will be pleased to find the familiar stories of Noah’s ark, Adam, Job, and Jonah and the fish. Quotes from the Quran give a real sense of the lyrical beauty of its language. The animated illustrations on the younger children’s topics are colorful and captivating. Selections for older visitors include topics such as women in Islam.

Q & A on Islam and Arab-Americans (http://usatoday.com/news/world/islamhtm) is particularly timely. Jihad is defined in detail. The common roots of Islam, Christianity and Judaism are discussed. And there is the assurance that Islam does not condone terrorism.

Parents and older children will find a cultural feast at Islamic Art, Music, and Architecture Around the World (www.arches.uga.edu/~godlas/IslArt.html). This user-friendly site is divided into three sections: Islamic Art, Muslim World Music and Islamic Architecture. The main page contains succinct descriptions for each of the wide variety of sites visitors are guided to.

Islamic Art celebrates traditional and modern influences in a variety of media. Students will be drawn to discussions of the relationship of religion to art and the reasons figures of living beings are largely missing. The importance of calligraphy as an art form for creativity and a reflection of the Islamic world’s most cherished values is explored. The images of the galleries and exhibits are striking. An especially beautiful one showcases the work of modern women and profiles these talented artists.

The sites in Muslim World of Music are audio treats. Traditional chants, litanies and other ceremonial music are supplemented by regional folk music. The BBC Musical Nomad, a tour of several central Asian countries, strikingly combines memorable music and images with low-key travel information.

Islamic Architecture lets you travel without leaving your computer. There are virtual tours of important sites in the Islamic world as well as images of buildings from around the globe. There is also discussion of the qualities that make Islamic building styles distinctive.

In school our children are rarely taught of the discoveries and inventions of Muslims even though the Islamic world has produced many advanced scholars whose influence spread way beyond the Middle East.

Visiting Muslim Scientists and Scholars (www.ummah.net/history/scholars) is a good way to start to remedy this situation for middle and high school students.

They can learn about innovators such as El Zahrawi, who wrote a 30-volume medical encyclopedia and invented many surgical instruments, and mathematician Mohammed Bin Musa al-Khawarizmi, who developed algebra to such an extent that its very name comes from the title of his book.

These and many other fascinating sites can greatly enhance our youngsters’ understanding and appreciation of our Islamic neighbors and their rich and vibrant faith and traditions.

Musalla

Simple colors and rich patterns characterize Muslim prayer rugs. Many contain one deliberate mistake in the pattern to remind the owner that nothing except Allah is perfect.

Subha

Three sets of 33 beads and one large one add up to 100 that are often made of wood or plastic. Ninety-nine are used to say the 99 names for God during prayer.

Quran stand

When the Muslim holy book is used, it is kept off the ground and rested on a special book stand.

Eid cards

These are cards sent in greeting to friends for a Muslim festival.