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  • 14 June 2018 | Canada

    Family Reflections June Activity: Perceptions of Islam - Challenge Your Perceptions

  • 14 June 2018 | Canada

    Family Reflections June Activity: Perceptions of Islam - Challenge Your Perceptions

Related Information
French version Juin 2018

Purpose: To consider our own assumptions and biases about Islam and our role in combating misperception.

Your Mission

Step one: Create a word cloud

Consider all the things you’ve thought about and learned over the course of the last ten months’ activities. Create a word cloud that brings together your ideas, perceptions and feelings towards our faith and our Imam.

Need some help? Here are some questions to guide you:

  • What does it mean to be a Shia Ismaili Muslim?
  • What are some of our beliefs and values?
  • What are some pieces of guidance we've received from the Imam?

Step two: The misperception challenge

Think about some of the common misperceptions of Islam that you might hold.

** Hint: Misperception is a mistaken belief, idea or interpretation about something. Often, we have these because we know little of the subject and rely on stereotypes and others’ opinions**

Make a list of misperceptions that are often seen on tv, reported on by the news or things you have heard. Some questions to think about to help you create your list are:

  • What are the gender roles associated to Muslim men and women?
  • What are beliefs and practices that Muslims follow?
  • What are some common images shown about Muslims on TV and in the movies?

Create an advocacy statement that shows your intention to combat misperceptions of Islam.

  • For example: I swear to always stand up for my faith and explain to others that we (Muslims) are not all the same and in fact Islam stands for Peace and Justice.

Dinner Time Discussion:

  1. What can you do to help with misperceptions of Islam?
  2. How does it make you feel when you hear others talk about Islam in an uninformed way and/or when they make jokes?
  3. What roles do the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre play in dealing with misperceptions?

Resources:

Bonus activity: Find articles or experiences (e.g., artwork) that reflect your perception of Islam. Think about organizations in Canada and abroad that are promoting justice and understanding such as the Aga Khan Museum and the Red Crescent.