A common criticism of Muslims globally is that they remain silent, and therefore are essentially complicit, in the face of violence, extremism, and terrorism in the name of Islam. But this is not the case at all. Often the loudest critics of extremism are the co-religionists themselves, not content to let the voices of hate dominate the discourse.
Although large news networks seldom carry these Muslim voices of peace, a simple search will turn up all manner of condemnations of those whose actions tarnish the image and teachings of Islam. Below, we offer only the tip of the iceberg of Muslims worldwide speaking out against violence and extremism. We also share the reflections of Christians who refuse to easterallow the religion of Islam be conflated with terrorists who proclaim the faith.
SEE the list of links to these statements.
“Document Study: Statements by Muslim Scholars and Jurists on Extremism, Sectarianism, Minority Rights and Terrorism in Islam and Muslim Societies” contains links and a discussion guide for point-by-point refutations of the practices and propaganda put out by ISIS/ISIL by a consortium of 126 Muslim jurists and scholars. They and other prominent scholars are signatories to other statements on proper Islamic perspectives in the face of extremism, such as the Amman Message, and the Marrakesh Declaration on minorities. All of these documents are linked in one lesson and discussion guide here.
Making Sense of Jihad vs. Hirabah (Terrorism) This lesson helps students distinguish between the broad Islamic concept of jihad, and hirabah, a term used by classical Muslim scholars to identify unlawful acts of public violence that today would be labeled “terrorism.” Students will thus be able to critically evaluate journalistic or popular misrepresentations of the concept of jihad. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or as standalone lesson on the topic.lp_FM-D05_Jihad vs Terrorism
Marrakesh Declaration on The Rights of Religious Minorities in Predominantly Muslim Lands: Legal Framework and a Call to Action. A statement by 250 Muslim scholars and jurists concerning the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities in Muslim majority countries. See analysis at https://www.usip.org/publications/2016/09/understanding-and-extending-marrakesh-declaration-policy-and-practice
Multiculturalism and its associated plurality of value systems is rapidly becoming the norm in modern medical practice. Given this increasing diversity, greater emphasis upon cultural and ethical competence in physician training is necessary in order to provide culturally sensitive and ethically sound care. Religious values shape ethical codes and are expressed in the cultural norms of subcommunities in a society. Thus, an understanding of religious values that may influence the clinical encounter is important. This paper provides an overview of the ethical constructs of the sacred law traditions of Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam and will outline approaches taken by each faith regarding medical ethics. It is hoped that the insights gained will aid both clinicians and ethicists to better understand these religious paradigms of medical ethics and thereby positively affect patient care through increased tolerance and understanding.
lp_FM-D01_IslamicLaw Islamic Law lesson plan, “What is Shariah? Major Sources and Principles of Islamic Law” lesson plan. This lesson provides background reading on the nature of Islamic law, and the role of legal scholars in making judgments according to Islamic legal sources. Understanding this material will help students evaluate Muslim approaches to contemporary social and political issues in Muslim countries and communities. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or as standalone lesson on the topic.
Students evaluate comments made by individuals in the film. The quotes touch upon topics such as Expressions of Faith, Family and Communal Aspects of Muslim Life, Unity and Diversity Among Muslims, Muslims in Mainstream American Society, and Muslim Responses to Extremism in Religion. Students will be better able to distinguish between “Islamic” teachings and “Muslim” practices which may or may not conform to the faith’s widely-held principles and ideals. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or standalone. Here is the lesson plan as a pdf lp_FM-C01_ValuesPracticesFaith-C01
Comparative Doc Study-Human Rights in Islam & Enlightenment Tradition Comparative Document Study–Human Rights and Religious Tolerance in Islam and in the French and American Enlightenment Traditions. Students read excerpts from three primary sources–quotes from Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, and the Qur’an and Hadith. Students then determine similarities and dissimilarities between American, French and Islamic provisions for human rights and religious tolerance. For use with: Video documentary FRONTLINE: MUSLIMS or as standalone lesson on the topic.
Statement by a prominent Mauritanian Muslim jurist explaining to youth why extremism, suicide bombing, and ISIS are illegitimate according to Islamic beliefs and practices. Abdallah bin Mahfudh ibn Bayyah is a Mauritanian professor of Islamic studies at the King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is a specialist in all four traditional Sunni schoolsof Islamic law. Currently he is the President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies.
In this short interview/article about Islamic Law, Dr. Intisar Rabb is an American scholar of Islamic and American law at Harvard University, is interviewed and gives very clear answers that are easy to understand.
A teacher resource by Laura Billings and Terry Roberts, published by Oxford University Press in collaboration with First Amendment Center