My beliefs in public school:
the story of a 5th Grade Girl
At the start of the new school year a few months ago, I experienced
something new at the school. It really made me happy and proud of
my religion! That's why I want to share it with others.
In my school, one of the classes we have to take is music. In this
class, all we really do is discuss the different kinds of music. But
recently I faced a problem. The teacher brought in a record player
and asked us to dance with other kids to the music. I knew I was not
allowed to dance as a Muslim. But how was I going to explain this
to the teacher? I would be embarrassed in front of all the kids, I
thought.
I finally decided to write on a paper that I couldn't dance. Having
written that, I gave it to the teacher before she could turn on the
stereo. She said fine, and told me to sit down and do some other work.
So for one day at least I didn't have to dance. But I knew I couldn't
say this every day, and I had to do something. That day after school,
I waited till my father got home from work and then I explained my
problem to him. He was really glad that I didn't dance and to help
me in the future he wrote a letter to my teacher explaining why it
was not allowed for me to dance.
The next day I gave the note to my teacher and she was really surprised.
After all, its not everyday that someone brings in a note like that.
It also interested her. After the class she told me if she could have
some books on Islam. Now that was a surprise for me. The next day
I brought some books that my older brother had helped me pick out.
After seeing the books she asked me to prepare a presentation on Islam
for the class. She wanted me to explain to the class the basic teachings
of Islam. I agreed.
My father helped me to write down things for the presentation. He
told me to keep it short since I was going to explain only the basics.
I was supposed to prepare it in one week. I couldn't wait for the
week to end so I could read my little paper. Finally the day arrived.
After I finished my presentation, I was asked a lot questions by the
kids. They really liked it. The teacher also helped explain what I
had read.
The teacher and the kids were really happy that I helped them to understand
Islam. But most of all, I was happy because it gave me a chance to
feel proud of my religion.
writer Ayesha Ali, 5th grade, New Jersey
(© The Message International Jan. 1990, pg. 34. Published with
permission)
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Food for thought ... and action
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"Anyone who wants to be true in his love for God and His Messenger, or desires that God and His Messenger should love him, he should always speak the truth, fulfill all trusts entrusted to him, and be a good neighbour." Hadith
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