To foster an empathetic classroom and school setting, it is imperative for educators and administrators to be well-versed in issues, topics, and celebrations specific to their Muslim students. Here are several areas to keep in mind for your Muslim students:
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Diet
- Like other faith communities, Muslims follow some dietary rules. Muslims will avoid eating any pork or any food with pork as an ingredient. Gummy bears and other fruit snacks typically contain pork-derived gelatin, so for classroom treats it is best to include vegan gummies or any snack which does not contain gelatin.
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Fasting during Ramadan
- Muslims fast during the daylight hours during one month each year. On the Islamic calendar this month is named Ramadan. During Ramadan, fasting Muslims will abstain from all food and drink (not even water) from dawn until sunset. Providing a quiet space for fasting students during the lunch period is a welcome and reasonable accommodation. Also, teachers should consider providing alternative, less-strenuous activities during physical education classes. Ramadan 2021 will begin April 12 and end May 11.
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Prayer
- Young Muslims will typically begin praying regularly during the middle school years. Two of the five daily prayers fall within the school day and each prayer takes about 5 minutes to complete. When giving allowances to students for these prayers, please also consider time for traveling to and from the prayer space.
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Clothing for PE class and labs
- Muslims believe modesty of dress is a mandatory part of their faith practice. As a required practice, Muslims will often wear looser clothing which covers their arms, legs, and—most frequently for women—their hair. It is best practice to allow Muslims uniform modifications during physical education classes. If loose clothing or head scarfs are a safety hazard in lab classes, a lab coat can be used to contain any loose fabric.
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Seek professional development training
- For detailed discussion of these topics and many others, Islamic Resource Group provides professional development courses for educators, administration, and staff of schools across the upper Midwest. Contact us for more information or to schedule a professional development workshop at your school.
COVID-19 Considerations
The above suggestions may be applicable primarily to school environments conducting in-person learning. As COVID-19 may have your school conducting virtual education, just be sure to keep in mind that Muslim students still may elect to do the two/five daily prayers while at home and engaging with school work.
