Introduction to Islam

Today we began our examination of the religion of Islam by looking at several images and discussing what we noticed and what we wondered.

Sofia noticed that one spire is gold and ends in a crescent shape, similar to the moon-shape symbol associated with Islam. She wondered if people were inside worshipping, when this photo was being taken.

Liam J., Hannah and Case also noticed the crescent-shaped object at the top of the golden spire, and they wondered what this object means or symbolizes.

Xavier noticed that the building resembles a king's castle (Colby also noticed this resemblance), and he wondered if the building is old or new.

Chloe M. noticed the interesting architecture of the building, with its combination of rounded domes and pointy towers.

Caden, Landon and Anna noticed that these men are washing their faces, hands and feet. They wondered why they are doing this and whether there is a religious reason.

Brody and Cadigan noticed that there are many faucets for people to wash themselves, together. Brody wondered why they wash together, rather than separately in their homes, and Cadigan wondered whether they are getting ready to worship.

Liam B. wondered whether Muslims consider this water to be sacred.

Isabel G. noticed that both people in the photo are men, and she wondered whether this washing place is only for men (and, if it is only for men, why?).

Layla noticed that there are several thousand people gathered around a building and it looks quite peaceful. She wondered whether this is a funeral for someone important, or another kind of ritual.

Caroline noticed that about 90% of the people in the photo are wearing white. She wondered why most of the people are wearing white (Logan wondered about the white outfits, too), and she wondered what the large black building is.

Ryan D. noticed that all of the people are facing towards the black building, and he wondered whether the building represents something important in Islam.