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Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
Praying Dhur in School |
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Kathy |
10/18/02 at 08:32:14 |
[slm] It is that time again.... I am hoping the parents are benefitting from my postings, Insha Allah. [quote]Dear Mrs. Shoemaker: The daylight-saving time will change next weekend. This affects Ali as a Muslim. Muslims perform five prayers a day and it is obligatory upon them. Once a child turnsseven they need to make their prayers. Prayers (called Salah) are said at different times of the day. The first one is just before dawn. The second one begins just after the sun passes its zenith. This prayer is called Dhur prayer (early afternoon prayer.) Up until this time Ali was able to make his prayers as soon as he got home. With the upcoming time change, Ali will need to perform Dhur prayer while at school. The time frame in which he has to say his prayers is roughly between noon and 2pm. A 7-minute break would provide an appropriate time for him to perform the requisite ablution (Wudu- washing) followed by the actual prayer. All Ali needs is a quiet small spot to pray. Last year his teacher let him wash and pray when the class was dismissed for lunch. I will send in a prayer rug with him that he can leave at school. Ali is one of the millions of children in America (Muslim, Christian, Jewish, etc.) whose religious needs must be accommodated in public school. President Bill Clinton had instructed schools and teachers to accommodate the religious needs of all students in America. I am confident that you are aware of the Statement of Principles- released in 1995- mandating freedom of religious expression and activities in public schools. Some of the important aspects of this are in regard to student prayer. Students can take part in individual and group prayer during the school day. This web site has more information: http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=3964 You may contact me if you have any questions. You may call me at ***** or e-mail me at *******. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Kathleen [/quote] |
Re: Praying Dhur in School |
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Kathy |
10/22/02 at 23:15:53 |
[slm] I receieved this note today: [code]Dear Mrs. ****Kathleen***: As always, thank you for the additional background information about your religious practices. **last years Teacher** informed me last June about the mid-day prayer. I will make sure that Ali is as comfortable as possible about fulfilling this requirement. I respect your wishes and will work with you as much as I am able to. Ali has grown since coming on the first day of school. Keep up the good work that both you and your husband are doing with him. I am looking forward to seeing you during the November parent comferences. If I can help you with anything else, please contact me. I check my e-mails usually within the first 45 minutes of the school day. Sincerely, Mrs. ***Teacher*** [/code] |
10/22/02 at 23:17:22 |
Kathy |
Re: Praying Dhur in School |
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gift |
10/24/02 at 05:43:11 |
[slm] Alhamdulillha Kathy, not only are you securing rights for Ali - you're also doing da'wah work :o [wlm] |
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board |