COH goes to Tatnall School

We visited 6th grade at The Tatnall School in Febuary 2009.

Speakers : Rummana, and Sheerin.

Presentation Assistants : Aneesa, Rakshan and Mohammad Malek

COH presented the Muslim nations of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Middle Schoolers were introduced to the major cities, ports and resources of these nations. We discussed the religions, people and politics of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The children were very attentive and full of questions. Below are some impressive issues brought forth by the children and the discussions that followed.

1. Is Pakistani society closer to the Saudi Arabian model or to Jordanian model of Society?

The Pakistani Society is similar to the Jordanian model. Women can drive, all post graduate institutions are co ed. Women have a very visible presence in government and the society allows individuals to choose mode of dress and leaning towards faith.

Major Islamic months like Ramadan see a unanimous following and show of respect as in restaurants and cafes are closed during the daytime and all festivities resume after sunset or Iftar. Pakistan has 95% people of the Muslim faith but most fall into the moderate category.

2. How is Umrah different than Hajj?

Hajj is performed at a set time of the year and lasts 3 days. After performing Hajj aMuslim is like a new born without any recorded sins. Hajj is a must on all those Muslims who can afford it at least once in a life time.

Umrah on the other hand can be performed at any time of the year usually takes a few hours only. It carries a lot of reward but is recommended and not a must.

Both Hajj and Ummrah are performed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

3. How can girls play sports with the scarf/veil and abbaya in Saudi Arabia?

All sports in Saudi Arabia are seggregated. When girls play they are not in the presence of the men. They have seperate modern day recreational facilities either devoted to women or timing when only women are allowed.

Many Muslim girls and women who observe the Hijab in the US, play Lacross, hockey soccer etc. and have a fun time. Yes, sports can be played in a head veil and track bottoms.

4. How do people from Bangladesh eat if floods destroy their crops so often?

The government stores extra reserves for these emergencies. Many times food has to be imported from other nations. Many poor people do lose their lives from starvation or death

from the flooding.

Many thanks to Mrs. Mary Beth Howard for extending the invitation and facilitating the presentation.