Religious practices are too sensitive and personal to bring attention to a particular religion or a particular practice. An entire school system has closed down because of a calligraphy assignment. I think the American people have had enough of an insult to separation of church and state.
This Arabic phrase, shahada, (click here) also called kalima, is a simple statement; sincerely believing in the meanings of it and the faith behind it can change one's life for ever. It consists of two parts: first half is tawheed the unity and oneness of Allah. This fundamental concept of Islam is expressed by Allah himself in His book Qur'an: "He, Allah is one. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten, And none is like Him."
The school assignment is somewhere among these words and concepts.
This Arabic phrase, shahada, (click here) also called kalima, is a simple statement; sincerely believing in the meanings of it and the faith behind it can change one's life for ever. It consists of two parts: first half is tawheed the unity and oneness of Allah. This fundamental concept of Islam is expressed by Allah himself in His book Qur'an: "He, Allah is one. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten, And none is like Him."
[The Holy Qur'an, Surah 112:1-4]
The second part of kalima is risalah: the acceptance of Prophethood. Muslims accept that all Prophets were chosen by Allah to deliver His literal word, the basic message of His oneness to all nations, in their own languages, at different times. Adam was the first Prophet and Muhammad the final of all messengers to mankind. This belief is central to Islam.
"There is no other god than Allah, Mohammad is the messager of Allah."
The murky nature of the USA law in regard to a wall between church and state has gone too far. There are even hatred of women that take birth control in some privately owned companies. Is there a worship chapel in their store fronts? Are there prayers required before entering? This has become hideous to our democracy.
The USA has gotten to the point in our politics where democracy means nothing so long as right wing politics can assault it for it's generosity of inclusion.
Enough.
Calligraphy. Amazing. That in and of itself is an insult to the Muslim faith. Assigning a religion for the purpose of complexity of a school assignment is an insult. It is like teaching a cooking class how to bake communion host wafers. It isn't done in reverence to the faith, it is disconnected from the purpose of the writing for TECHNIQUE.
December 17, 2015
By Megan Williams
Stauton — About 100 people (click here) came to a forum Tuesday night to discuss a recent incident at Riverheads High School that has upset students and parents.
During a world geography lesson on Friday about world religions, including Islam, teacher Cheryl LaPorte had students complete an assignment that involved practicing calligraphy and writing a Muslim statement of faith, also known as the shahada, which translates as: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Students were also reportedly shown copies of the Quran....
"There is no other god than Allah, Mohammad is the messager of Allah."
The murky nature of the USA law in regard to a wall between church and state has gone too far. There are even hatred of women that take birth control in some privately owned companies. Is there a worship chapel in their store fronts? Are there prayers required before entering? This has become hideous to our democracy.
The USA has gotten to the point in our politics where democracy means nothing so long as right wing politics can assault it for it's generosity of inclusion.
Enough.
Calligraphy. Amazing. That in and of itself is an insult to the Muslim faith. Assigning a religion for the purpose of complexity of a school assignment is an insult. It is like teaching a cooking class how to bake communion host wafers. It isn't done in reverence to the faith, it is disconnected from the purpose of the writing for TECHNIQUE.
By Megan Williams
Stauton — About 100 people (click here) came to a forum Tuesday night to discuss a recent incident at Riverheads High School that has upset students and parents.
During a world geography lesson on Friday about world religions, including Islam, teacher Cheryl LaPorte had students complete an assignment that involved practicing calligraphy and writing a Muslim statement of faith, also known as the shahada, which translates as: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Students were also reportedly shown copies of the Quran....
