PowerPoint slideshow

Islam and Religious Dress

Module 1: Islamic Practices

Resources:

• The five pillars of Islam
• Salat (daily prayers)
• The schism between Sunnis and Shia
• An editorial on non-Muslims wearing hijab for solidarity

Suggested reading lists on Islam:

• From Minnesota Public Radio
• From HuffPost

Readings/Videos:

• WATCH: Islam, the Quran, and the Five Pillars
• WATCH: How Islam Began - In Ten Minutes
• WATCH: Wearing Hijab
• READ: Farheen, A. (2019). Discover the power of salah. Australia: Emaan Power.
• READ: Mattson, I. (2013). The story of the Qur'an: Its history and place in Muslim Life. John Wiley & Sons.
• READ: Muhammad, I. (2020). The proudest blue. Solon, OH: Findaway World, LLC.

Discussion Questions:

• Compare and contrast the two Islam branches, Sunni and Shia. How are they different? How are they similar?
• Discuss why Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba when praying. Explain the significance of the five times of prayer.
• Discuss how the five pillars can be performed even in constrained circumstances, such as traveling in the desert without water.
• Islam is a fast-growing religion. What are the causes of this? Do you see Islam becoming more prolific than Christianity?

Homework:

• Research the five different times of prayer during the day. Research the process of prayer, and explain why prayer is important.
• Write about which pillar you admire the most from the five pillars, and why.
• Research the presence of Islam in different parts of the world, and write a short essay (1-2 pages) comparing the way that the religion is practiced in at least two different nations. Do you see any trends? What contributions to national cultures, customs, and institutions has Islam made?

Module 2: Islamic Dress

Resources:

Women's dress:

• Hijab
• What's the difference between a hijab, niqab, and burka?
• Types of Islamic veils
• From hijab to burqa: A guide to Muslim headwear

Men’s dress:

• Men's dress code
• Modesty for men
• Clothing items worn by Islamic men

Readings/Videos:

• READ: "What's the difference between a hijab, niqab, and burka?
• READ: "The legal attire in Islam"
• WATCH: "Different Muslim Head Coverings Explained"
• WATCH: "Hijab & Me"
• WATCH: "Not Every Headscarf Is a Hijab"

Discussion Questions:

• Compare and contrast the rules that regulate male and female dress in Islam. Do you see any significant differences? What are they?
• Do you think that men's dress has less constrictions or requirements compared to women's dress? What are the historical and religious reasons that may contribute to this difference in gender?
• Compare different styles of dress from different parts of the world. What are some similarities and differences that you see? Why do you think these differences occur?
• Discuss freedom in the context of modest dress. Explain how modest dress provides or diminishes freedom of expression. Give some supports for your argument.

Homework:

• Have students locate two or three specific passages regarding men's dress in the Quran or from a prominent imam. Likewise, have students locate two or three specific passages regarding women's dress.
• Students who have Muslim friends or acquaintances could interview them with a set of questions focusing on clothing worn when festivals are celebrated, everyday clothing practices, special rules or restrictions regarding clothing and presentation of self, and the like. For interviewees who come from immigrant families, it would be useful to hear about how men and women dressed in the old country, and any changes or adaptations that have been made to fit American norms.
• Have students find and summarize articles about controversy surrounding the dress of male and female Muslim athletes.
• Have students find and summarize articles about controversy surrounding girls and women wearing headscarves in schools in places like France.