ISLAM
ISLAM
A simulation of Islamic history and culture, 620-1100
Student Guide
Introduction
You are beginning a simulation of the history and culture of Islam. It is important to study the origins of this religion and how it has affected mankind. The study of religion is one of the most important aspects of what shapes the history, culture, and contributions of a great civilization. It is impossible to study Islam without understanding the relationship between the teaching of Prophet Muhammad and the entire Mid-Eastern culture. It was the early Muslims, primarily the Arabs, who shaped the future of a wide area of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Muslim contributions are extraordinary in art, architecture, philosophy, science, mathematics, government, and of course, religion.
[If it’s true one cannot understand Islam without the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad’s religious beliefs, then why don’t we study in similar DEPTH the Christian beliefs of George Washington?]
From the beginning, you and your classmates will become Muslims. You will be a member of a caravan starting from a trading center based around an Islamic city. The task of each caravan group is to be the first group to complete a pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest of Islamic cities, with the most amount of dirhems (Arabic money). This pilgrimage or “haij” is a requirement of all faithful Muslims once in their lifetime. During your journey, you will travel in caravans, enact generosity and hospitality, engage in trade, dress up as a desert nomad or Bedouin, eat authentic food from the Islamic world, build Islamic structures, produce poetry, create works of art, and race to be the first caravan to reach Mecca.
I object to teaching our children that Mecca is “holiest,” telling our children to be a faithful Muslim and build (as outlined later) mosques for worship of Allah.
Goals
Just as Muslims value education and knowledge, so should you. Your participation in this simulation is important to your own personal enrichment, to your group, and, indeed, to your entire class’ enjoyment. Your goals should be learning a great deal about Islam and its culture, striving for group success, and having a memorable time while you are experiencing the simulation.
[The class depends on you, that’s real pressure to perform, this is coercion of every child who has the RELIGIOUS FREEDOM to abstain from practices of other nations and their gods.]
Length and Phases
This simulation lasts from 10 to 15 days, depending on your teacher. Your teacher, because of time constraints, may decide to do the short version, but hopefully time will permit you to enjoy this simulation over the whole 15 days. The simulation has five phases, each divided into several experiences. Your teacher may decide to do all or part, depending on the time.
Introduction (Phase 1)
First you will read a short history of Islam, be briefed on coming assignments, be placed on one of six Middle Eastern city groups, and pick an Muslim name. In addition, you will receive a specific role to play inside the group such as, Caliph (the leader), Khazim (the banker), Kattib (the secretary), or Muwatin (the citizen).
Caravan Days (Phase 2)
The caravan was an important way of life to many early Muslims. In this phase your group or city will compete with other groups to collect as many dirhems (the name of value points awarded for doing well on Quiz Cards) and Wisdom Cards as possible. You may also be attacked by a rival city or be a victim of a Bulletin Card which describes a good or bad desert experience. These dirhems and Wisdom Cards will be used later as your group tries to be the first to conclude the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. Finally, the class will occasionally become a Bazaar (marketplace) where you can look for bargains in buying and selling Wisdom Cards from other groups.
[Was it wise for John Walker Lindh to make a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca? How many “Wisdom Cards” did Walker earn with the Taliban?]
Oasis Days (Phase 3)
These cultural days, interspliced with the Caravan Days, allow you to earn more dirhems by completing projects with other group members. One important Phase 3 activity is learning Islam’s Five Pillars of Faith by imitating a requirement of each Pillar. Also, your group will work together on such projects as building a mosque, creating a map or timeline, or working on other group assignments to learn about Islamic history and the Islamic faith. You will meet, in addition, several important caliphs in Islamic history and have the opportunity to interview them in the MEET THE CALIPHS activity. Finally, during the most important event, you will listen to a companion or Prophet Muhammad explain about Muhammad’s life, his teachings, and his influence on the world today.
[Would that include the MASSACRES that Muhammad led , slaughtering Christians and Jews after they rejected him as a prophet?]
Festival Days (Phase 4)
During Festival Days, each group will present a research project from an extensive list. These projects require you to complete several interesting tasks which will culminate in a group presentation of your choosing during “Festival.” You will possibly decide to serve food from the Islamic world, play Middle-Eastern music, present a Middle Eastern dance, explain and wear Middle-Eastern clothing, or do any one of many different options. This presentation is not only a good peer teaching experience for you, it is also great fun and, likely, will become a major part of your grade during ISLAM.
[So, if Johnny decides not to get on his hands and knees and pray to Allah or fast during his lunch, he gets an F? Coercion.]
Islamic Bowl (Phase 5)
Your group will have one final chance to collect direct dirhems by competing against rival groups during the Islamic Bowl—a sort of World Series of Islamic knowledge. Here you review the knowledge you have learned in the last three weeks, as well as help your group gain enough dirhems to complete your pilgrimage and win the race. This final activity reviews information which will be used during a possible final test on Islam. (A unit test consisting of questions based on those asked during the Islamic Bowl activity, plus possibly an essay question or two, ends the unit.)
Other responsibilities
During ISLAM you will have several important responsibilities. Working in your group as a responsible member is important to you and your group. Attendance, punctuality, and sharing group work all help to insure you and your group a good experience. Dressing as a Muslim and trying to be involved will increase your learning and enjoyment. Finally, trying your best at all tasks will guarantee you an excellent grade and a more enjoyable time.
[This is bribery, threats, and peer pressure all rolled into one! Sheesh!]
Surprises
As Muslims during the time of Prophet Muhammad, you will be affected by Bulletin Cards which will aid or hinder your progress on your pilgrimage. You could be attacked by a rival tribe, misdirected by a “jinn” (devil), or confronted by a severe dust storm. You could sell a valuable cargo, make a pilgrimage to Mecca, or host a dignitary. Whatever you experience, you should find this simulation to be exciting and challenging.
Debriefing
With so much information, what is important? Your teacher and group members will help you organize the key information you need to truly understand Islamic culture. Given the historical and present-day importance of the Islamic World, it is very important that you ask questions if you don’t understand something brought up in this unit.
Good luck!
[A picture of a crowd of Muslims and Westerners walking together toward fanciful Arabic style buildings is shown with the caption:] “Today the Arab world is not isolated; it is inter-related with other countries throughout the globe.”
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Islam 1:13
ISLAMIC NAMES
Directions: Meet in your city and choose a name for each of you. Then neatly print your name and city on your ID tag, which you then wear around your neck while in class. See example below.
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Men
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Women
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