“Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow." Education is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human.”
-Malala Yousafzai
Islam and Nature
This class discussed readings of the Quran and the Hadith that may be interpreted as “Green Readings” and examined the ways in which Islam can be used to promote environmental ethics. Aside from comparing the environmental readings in Islam to other religions, we also looked at ways in which different Islamic countries are using religion in order to justify environmental projects. For example, after the revolution, the Iranian constitution included an article supporting the protection of the environment as a religious duty and established the Department of The Environment. But, why do we need Islamic Environmental Ethics when it can just be common sense to want to protect the environment? Perhaps because many people don’t look to western science as highly as they look to religious authority. The environmental ethics that works in the west may not be enough to motivate the common Muslim to actively find ways to become more conscientious about the environment.
Furthermore, this class introduced me to the concept of Eco-feminism and how this movement examines the oppression of women in relation to the oppression of the poor and the environment.
Click the image on the left to read a research paper I wrote on this topic.
Arabic Culture
As a requirement for the Arabic minor, this class examined many uniting aspects of the Arab world. From Islamic, scientific, and colonial history, to the diverse demographics, family life, and even food. Arab culture has much more depth than it is given credit for in American cinema. Kebabs, camels in the desert, and belly dancing are some images that come to the common American mind when talking about Arabs but, this class really cleared up misconceptions that some of the students in my class previously had and made others of Arab descent even more proud of their culture.
Click image to read an essay I wrote in Arab Family Life
Arabic Language
I began taking Arabic in the fall semester of my Junior year. This was also the semester I decided to start wearing hijab. For me, learning Arabic has been more than just a way to gain international language experience. Learning Arabic was personal and a way for me to feel more connected to the Quran and my religion. Although these were my intentions, I gained so much more than I expected. The group of students I progressed through these classes with ended up becoming such a big part of my last 2 years here at UF. We studied together, laughed together, and stressed about not ever going to be able to speak Arabic fluently together. I think we have come a far way but, we also have a far way to go.
Click the button for an audio clip of me talking about my spring break