ISLAM
A simulation
of Islamic history and culture, 620-1100
Student Guide
Introduction
You are
beginning a simulation of the history and culture of Islam. It is
important to study the origins of this religion and how it has
affected mankind. The
study of
religion is one of the most important aspects of what shapes
the history, culture, and contributions of a great civilization. It is
impossible to study Islam without understanding the relationship
between the teaching of Prophet Muhammad and the entire Mid-Eastern
culture. It was the early Muslims, primarily the Arabs, who shaped the
future of a wide area of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Muslim
contributions are extraordinary in art, architecture, philosophy,
science, mathematics, government, and of course, religion.
[If it’s true
one cannot understand Islam without the teaching of the Prophet
Muhammad’s religious beliefs, then why don’t we study in similar DEPTH
the Christian beliefs of George Washington?]
From the
beginning, you and your classmates will become Muslims.
You will be a member of a caravan starting from a trading center based
around an Islamic city. The task of each caravan group is to be the
first group to complete a pilgrimage to Mecca,
the holiest of Islamic cities,
with the most amount of dirhems (Arabic money). This pilgrimage or
“haij” is a requirement of all
faithful Muslims once in their lifetime. During your journey,
you will travel in caravans, enact generosity and hospitality, engage
in trade, dress up as a desert nomad or Bedouin, eat authentic food
from the Islamic world,
build Islamic
structures, produce poetry, create works of art, and race to be
the first caravan to reach Mecca.
[I object to
teaching our children that Mecca is “holiest,” telling our children to
be a faithful Muslim and build (as outlined later) mosques for worship
of Allah.]
Goals
Just as
Muslims value education and knowledge, so should you. Your
participation in this simulation is important to your own personal
enrichment, to your group, and, indeed, to your entire class’
enjoyment. Your goals should be learning a great deal about Islam and
its culture, striving for group success, and having a memorable time
while you are experiencing the simulation.
[The class
depends on you, that’s real pressure to perform, this is coercion of
every child who has the religious freedom to abstain from practices of
other nations and their gods.]
Length and
Phases
This
simulation lasts from 10 to 15 days, depending on your teacher. Your
teacher, because of time constraints, may decide to do the short
version, but hopefully time will permit you to enjoy this simulation
over the whole 15 days. The simulation has five phases, each divided
into several experiences. Your teacher may decide to do all or part,
depending on the time.
Introduction (Phase 1)
First you
will read a short history of Islam, be briefed on coming assignments,
be placed on one of six Middle Eastern city groups, and pick an Muslim
name. In addition, you will receive a specific role to play inside the
group such as, Caliph (the leader), Khazim (the banker), Kattib (the
secretary), or Muwatin (the citizen).
Caravan
Days (Phase 2)
The caravan
was an important way of life to many early Muslims. In this phase your
group or city will compete with other groups to collect as many
dirhems (the name of value points awarded for doing well on Quiz
Cards) and Wisdom Cards as possible. You may also be attacked by a
rival city or be a victim of a Bulletin Card which describes a good or
bad desert experience. These dirhems and Wisdom Cards will be used
later as your group tries to be the first to conclude the
sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.
Finally, the class will occasionally become a Bazaar (marketplace)
where you can look for bargains in buying and selling Wisdom Cards
from other groups.
[Was it wise for
John Walker Lindh to make a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca? How many
“Wisdom Cards” did Walker earn with the Taliban?]
Oasis Days
(Phase 3)
These
cultural days, interspliced with the Caravan Days, allow you to earn
more dirhems by completing projects with other group members. One
important Phase 3 activity is
learning Islam’s Five Pillars of Faith by imitating a
requirement of each Pillar. Also, your group will work together on
such projects as building a mosque, creating a map or timeline, or
working on other group assignments to learn about Islamic history and
the
Islamic faith. You will
meet, in addition, several important caliphs in Islamic history and
have the opportunity to interview them in the MEET THE CALIPHS
activity. Finally, during the most important event, you will listen to
a companion or Prophet Muhammad explain about Muhammad’s life, his
teachings, and his influence on the world today.
[Would that
include the MASSACRES that Muhammad led, slaughtering Christians and
Jews after they rejected him as a prophet?]
Go to page 2
1.
Introduction "You will
become Muslims"
2.
Being Muslim
3. Islamic names children
chose to "become Muslims"
4. Glossary
5. Glossary2 Muhammad
factually defined as "Prophet of God"
6.
Quran/Koran - Children to
define its teachings into their life today
7.
Verses from the Qur'an
8. "Reading
Strategy" -
obvious brainwashing strategy!
9.
Lesson 2 Preview - directs children to write that the Quran
is Allah's words!
10.
Lesson 2 Summary -
"The Life of the Prophet"
11.
Islam History -
more beliefs given as facts
