Even before “9/11” and “War on Terror” entered our national lexicon, Islam and other eastern religions were misinterpreted or the victims to sheer ignorance by many Westerners. Since 2001, Islam has become one of the most discussed religions in the United States. Still, it has remained one of the least understood. Even at Wesleyan, where we consider ourselves to be well educated, a basic understanding of Islam is largely absent.
Islam is addressed in many different contexts in various courses on campus, from historical influence to the modern role of Islamic fundamentalists, but the actual pillars of the faith need to be accurately introduced before those with no background in the religion can truly discuss it. Of all the courses the religion department is offering this academic year, none are dedicated to Islam alone. And while most members of the Wesleyan community would be able to distinguish between religious fundamentalists involved in groups such as Al Qaeda and the over one billion Muslims practicing other forms of Islam across the world, that is not enough.
The Muslim community on campus has made great steps in recent years, including the introduction of the Muslim house Turath and the addition of Muslim Chaplain Abdullah Antepli. Introducing Islam as a major presence within the academic field is simply the next logical step. A large portion of the religion department is currently dedicated to Christian and Jewish studies, but given its role in influencing and being influenced by these religions, Islam is beyond due for more recognition within the department. The not-for-credit discussion course that Antepli began as an introduction to the basics of Islam should be expanded into a two-semester course, as he wishes it to be. Given the 17 students who showed up for the first meeting, there seems to be ample support for expanding the course. And as Islam becomes a larger part of our shrinking and multicultural world, there is no doubt good reason for it.
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