Peace and Conflict in Islam: Classroom Discussion

Study Notes

Bradford, a city in West Yorkshire, England, has a large Muslim community, with over 70% of students at Nab Ward School being Muslim.
Mick Walker, a head of Religious Education (RE), has taught at the school for 15 years and is teaching a Year 10 class about peace and conflict in Islam.
The class objectives include assessing media representation of Islam, understanding Muslim meanings of terms like "submission to God," and having a balanced view of Muslim attitudes to peace and conflict.
The class is discussing the role of media in shaping perceptions of Islam and how it can contribute to negative stereotypes, focusing on two images to determine their fairness and accuracy in representing Islam.
One student raises concerns that an image of a Muslim protesting with a hood and a gun may be biased and unfair, as it could be seen as intimidating or associating Islam with violence.
The class debates the meaning and implications of the image, with some students arguing that the protestors were peaceful and not doing anything wrong.- The text discusses the importance of avoiding negative stereotypes about Islam in media and education.
Some people associate Islam with violence and terrorism due to controversial images and portrayals in media.
Schools should address controversial areas of the curriculum and encourage open discussions to prevent stereotyping.
Jihad is a term with a complex meaning, often misunderstood as religious justification for violence.
In Islam, jihad is primarily defined as inner struggle and self-defense, authorized and led by Muslim authority.
During a classroom debate, a group of students discussed the role of jihad and whether suicide bombings could be considered jihad.
The speaker emphasized that suicide bombing goes against the teachings of Islam and harms innocent civilians, making it unacceptable.
The text highlights the importance of respecting students' opinions and creating a safe space for open discussions, while being sensitive to their religious beliefs.
The class activity involved debating the scenario of a friend who believed suicide bombers were in heaven and the concept of jihad.
The text suggests that engaging students in discussions about controversial issues can enhance their education and critical thinking skills.

Description

Join the Year 10 class at Nab Ward School in Bradford as they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on peace and conflict in Islam. Explore topics like media representation, Muslim attitudes towards violence, and the true meaning of jihad. Discover how open debates can challenge stereotypes and enhance critical thinking skills.