“Unity amid diversity” of Islam

  1. Our main theme this semester has been the “unity amid diversity” of Islam. In thinking about what we covered throughout the entire semester, describe three elements of unity and three elements of diversity that you have learned about. Be sure to describe each of the elements (don’t just mention them) and explain how you think each one represents either the unity or the diversity found in Islam. Also be sure to include a quotation from the readings to support each of your explanations (at least six quotes total). (40 points) 2. Choose three inspirational Muslim figures that you read about during either half of the semester. (They can be inspirational for you in particular or inspirational for people more broadly.) For each of the three figures please provide: 1) basic biographical information 2) what they are famous/known for 3) what makes them inspirational (15 points) 3. Imagine you are producing a YouTube show called “Cultural Mythbusters.” Choose three “myths” about Islam and/or Muslims today that we discussed during the second half of the semester and explain why those myths are incorrect. Be sure to include a quotation from the readings to support your explanations about why each myth is inaccurate (include at least five quotes). (30 points) 4. Imagine talking a friend who doesn’t know anything about Islam and has never met a Muslim. Based on what we have covered in the second half of the semester, what do you think are the five most important elements of Islam, Muslim belief and/or Muslim practice that you think your friend should know about? Be sure to explain why you chose each of these three unique elements. (15 points)