Islam Take Home Exam

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• There are two questions for your take home exam. The due date will be given in class. The second question will be given in class.

• By giving you the first question now, I am encouraging you to keep it in mind over the course of the semester. This may be the only course on Islam you ever have. I want you to practice using the knowledge you have learned in the course. This assignment will help you prepare for the conversations that are bound to happen now you've got some learning under your belt.

• The question must be answered in dialogue form and in conversational-sounding language. I will not accept any answer that is in “essay” or “exam answer” style.

• You should know by now you certainly do not need to agree with me. You should know that what I value most are simple, straightforward, well-argued presentations. That said, if you say "Islam is peace" you will not get full credit on this dialogue. Islam is not war, either. Recall Omid Safi's words, "Islam does not get up in the morning and brush its teeth. Muslims get up in the morning and brush their teeth." In this sense, there is no "Islam" there have only ever been Muslims. So be honest about what some Muslims have claimed for Islam, whether those Muslims are marginal or not. Tell your family who is marginal and who is not. Explain why. Do not forget Khaled Abou El Fadl's call to tell the truth when it matters.

QUESTION ONE

You are home for break at a family gathering. After a few too many beers your not too bright Uncle Bob starts saying things about Muslims like, “Their religion just teaches them to kill! They have no respect for human life!” And, "Have you looked at those women!? They live their whole life wrapped up in garbage bags!"

Other, brighter, family members don’t contradict him. They suspect Uncle Bob, for all his lack of manners and brains, is right about Muslims.

Your parents, proud of you and wanting to prove their money is actually doing some good at Skidmore, say, “You took a class on Islam this semester, didn’t you? Well, does Islam teach its members to kill?” And, "Are those women as oppressed as they seem to be?"

Your little sister chimes in, “What is Islam anyway?”

Give your answer to your family. Take the different intellectual abilities of your audience into account. You need an answer that will work for your Uncle, your parents, and your little sister. It should not be so long as to bore them, but long enough to make a few central points. They will probably ask a few questions.