Ramadan: Christian story for homework?

Question

Salam wa alaikum,

Ramadan Mubarak!

For the last two periods in Composition and Reading, we have read 2 Christian religious stories by Flannery O'Connor. I understand we should be diverse in content in our lives, but I don't believe its fair that these views are being seen as dominant over other views. Most students in my class are Christians with the exception of an atheist. Tonite we had to read "Good Country People" by Flannery O'Connor which is highly-religious in the Christian department. Should I view my Islamic views when discussing this story?

Answer 1

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Actually, if you have a good teacher, he/she should actually welcome the fact that there is a muslim and an atheist in the class, as it might turn out your life or personal experiences allow you to see a point the author is trying to make that no one else sees.

While I would steer clear from debating the importance of the religion within the literature (the class shouldn't actually be discussing the religion, except in comprehension of the story), I think if you can somehow show that your being muslim has helped you to understand it in a different way, you should go for it when discussing the story.

I don't know the author, so I don't really know what the stories are about. But perhaps you have read muslim stories, with morals or values you could tie in. Point out how there are certain underlying themes in all religious literature, and how the author is either following those same themes or if he is actually talking about something new that most religious stories don't contain.

I think though, if it is the christian veiws themselves, and not the intention of the author or the story that the teacher wants to discuss... at that point I would actually have a problem with the entire assignment. You're supposed to be learning how to understand and comprehend what you are reading, not the importance of the religious beliefs or opinions.

Just remember... if it starts to feel like an uncomfortable discussion, more about religion rather than actual literature, you have every right to excuse yourself from the class and explain to the teacher later why you did so. Unless you are at a private school, in public schools there are typically laws that prevent religion from being taught, so no one can force you if you feel that is the real intention.

Hopefully it's not about that, and as I said, hopefully you actually have a good teacher. If you do, you know you might actually suggest some literature to your teacher having to do with Islam or muslims, and see if she might have the class do an assignement on that as well. You could even tell her it would be interesting to discuss both authors and both types of stories side by side, and see how the authors compare and differ from each other in their writing style, and the ways in which they go about communicating their ideas.

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Alhumdulilah!!

Answer 2

Go for it. Rocking the boat is always a good thing when education gets too stodgy.

Answer 3

Absolutely, as long as you can contribute in a positive manner. Rocking the boat is disruptive and not condusive to learning and will only mark you as a trouble maker. Study up on your Islam and know about what you will say. Know your stuff and you'll amaze your class and most importantly, your teacher!

Answer 4

Wa Alaikum Assalam & Ramadhan Kareem :)

I think you should! Why not? it's also a perfect way to do some Dawah without intending to! I'm a revert, and I went to Catholic school, and from what I remember we weren't even taught the basics about other faiths- I didn't know anything about Islam till I left school at 18! So yeh, maybe this is a good opportunity for you to reach out to your teacher and classmates and educate them about our Deen for a change?!

goodluck and peace...

Answer 5

Wa alai kum salaam , to read the story no problem you are learning a culture ,this will serve you in future ,but you are reading a false ideology ,Allah said in the Quran they are astray ,they are not the guided one ,this must be always in your mind ,,thanks for your question ,hope you get the answer ,for more read all my question from my profile question asked

Source(s):

Islamic views