Transcript class-1
Focus Group: Social-Religious Issues Islamic Fundamentalism Why Must We Fight? What Is This Fight About? Jihad An Inner Struggle or Worldwide War? An Islamic term; Arabic for “battle; struggle; holy war for religion”. Two kinds of interpretation: greater is the belief that it is a spiritual struggle within oneself. (f.x. a druggie fighting addiction) The lesser interpretation is simplified as meaning a holy war against infidels and infidel countries. While a woman meditates and tries to find her inner self, the Taliban take action into their own hands, being oppressive and cruel. Islamism and Islamists Religion, Government, or Both? President Clinton, representing Western government, the Koran symbolizing Sharia law, and Khomeini symbolizing the Koran as being the government law. Islamism is a group of ideologies in Islam that want to use the Sharia law vs. foreign cultures. Islamists feel that the Western impurity is invading the world. Islamism has proved that it can work as a political alternative. Countries such as Iran, Sudan, Pakistan, and Libya adapted it. Islamic Resurgence “We want to modernize, not Westernize…” A broad intellectual, cultural, political, social movement throughout the Islamic world. A revival of Islamic ideas that has affected Muslims in every country. The Muslims in this movement have created special services to gain followers. Islam around the world? Not such a farfetched idea anymore! Important Fundamentalist Leaders and Organizations The bomb keeps ticking… one of blood, hatred, and terror. ô Ayatollah Khomeini ô Taliban ô Usama Bin Laden ô Muslim Brotherhood ô HAMAS ô Islamic Jihad Faces of the Terrorists Members of the Taliban, the oppressive regime in Afghanistan , below. Yassin, left, the founder of HAMAS. Hassana ElBanna, founder of Muslim Brotherhood. ? Usama Bin Ladin, behind the bombing of U.S. foreign embassies. The face of Islamic Jihad…wishing to stay anonymous? Ayatollah Khomeini, below, leader of Islamic Revolution. What The Future Holds... Is There Hope for Tomorrow? We must make a difference. World peace is at stake. What we can do? Educate the masses: we are not against Islam. Use our powers. Try to negotiate peace. There is not much we can do to stop these fundamentalists from lashing out. We must have patience, and the will to struggle, to fight, for peace on earth. Arabs in Israel The Continuing Struggle… Arab-Israeli Wars How long will this go on? Arabs and Jews in Israel are always having wars over land each claim as their “holy land.” Until the early 1990’s, Israel was in conflict with its Arab neighbors, including 5 wars from 1948 to 1982. Some Jews live in Arab countries. Many Arabs live in Israel. Fist fights are common in Israel, even in the streets. Israeli Arabs & Israeli Jews So different, yet similar, somehow... Arabs are a minority VS. in Israel. They make up only 18% of the population. Arabs are full citizens of the Jewish state and also have the right to vote, and must obey laws. The Peace Process Is there hope for the future? The United Nations has been trying to bring peace to Israel for many years. They have had many ups and downs in their struggle. Peace is something that will take a long time, with Israeli Arabs, and Israeli Barak, Clinton, and Assad… making peace in the Middle East. Terrorism In Israel Will It ever stop? Tick tock… how long until the next bomb will go off? Israeli Arabs and terrorism. HAMAS and terrorism. Many Israelis blamed the recent increase and growth of terrorism and fundamental Islam among Israeli Arabs for the attacks and suggested restrictions of Islamic activity. Many Arabs see discrimination as feeding fundamentalism inside Israel. Women In Islam Is equality always equal? Are beliefs always believed? Conservative View “Women are for the home…” The Western feminist cause is viewed with distrust. Alien philosophy, corruption. Abuse of women in Taliban areas. Belief on Hijab and how it helps society - it’s better to be safe (in terms of rape, sexual abuse, danger) than sorry. Laws, customs, and women A Muslim woman wearing Hijab. important as wife and/or mother. Men have similar restrictions. Modern View Women are equal to men... The views on how women should act, behave, and be treated in a moderate manner. Egypt, Morocco. How to understand the moderate view, and comparisons to make things clear. Don’t practice Hijab because not necessary and has no worthwhile Deborah Whitley - a purpose. It should be the woman’s Muslim who thinks Hijab choice. is unnecessary. Interpretations of the Koran. Do not interpret it harshly. How Women Look At Things in the Western World This lady had the freedom to write an article -- and have it published. There should be equality between sexes. History of feminism. Small families and more equal roles is the Western way. View of Hajib and covering up. There’s an ideology: If you have it, you should flash it. A woman makes her own individual decisions. How Women Look At Things in the Islamic World Household, children, husband are first priority, aside from Alla, and now marriage within A Muslim girl is forced to wear hijab and cover Islamic society. up. She may not have a View on feminist cause. Veil future where she can be as liberating. Spiritual values successful on her own. rather than bodily lust. Men and women are equal and have different roles and rules. Women Accomplishments and history. covered from Laws, college attendance. head to toe in chadors. Different path for Islamic women- Iran and Taliban or Muslims in the West Coming to a new country to escape, or to start anew? Immigration The Statue of Liberty held her torch high... The Statue of Liberty greets immigrants to America. Most Muslims in the West are emigrants. Most immigrants are from South Asia, Middle East, South East, Asia, and Africa. Emigrate for economic reasons, to unite families, because of war or political turmoil. They are not here to change society; afraid society will change them. Religious Tolerance Freedom for all religions? West fears Islamic fundamentalism, military radicalims, terrorism. Accuse Muslims for causing acts of terrorism. Much misunderstanding and ingnorance about nature and religion of Islam. Muslims feel Westerners don’t let them practice religion. Freedom…peace? Assimilation Can we fit in the way we are? Muslim girl or valley girl? Some Muslims feel they need to assimilate to fit in. Many Muslims have fallen into “traps” of Western society: T.V., fast food, technology, etc. About 6 million Muslims live in the U.S. today, many of which participate in American life. Many Muslims do not want to assimilate into American society. Similarities Between Islam World and the West Ø Islam World and West have much to learn from one another. Ø Islam reiterates basic American values in many ways. Ø When citizens, many Muslims vote for president. Ø Key similarities: respect for knowledge, justice, compassion toward poor, importance of family, respect for parents. Not that far away... Thank You!!! We appreciate your patience and hope you enjoyed all of our speeches. Next up…a fun game for you to play!!! We hope you’ve learned all about: Islamic Fundamentalism Arabs in Israel Women in Islam Muslims in the West STOP!!!!!!!!! Finally, it’s the END!!!!