2008 Woodie Awards
Muslim students show true Islam
Joanne Maxwell
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: News
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Islam is the world's fastest growing religion with 1.6 billion followers. Winthrop welcomed a number of undergraduate and graduate Muslim students this semester who continue to add diversity and provide an opportunity for local students to mix with various cultures.
The Islamic tradition is based around the teachings of the prophet Muhammad,and acknowledges the Christian and Jewish bibles. It is based around the five pillars or articles that govern their faith including:
•There is no god but God, and Mohammad is the messenger of God;
•Formal worship and prayer five times a day;
•Fasting during Ramadan;
•Giving to the poor;
•Pilgrimage to Makkah.
In addition, there are two schools of thought: Sunni and Shia.
The religion also encompasses every aspect of life from family and taxation to prayer and doesn't support a distinction between secular and religious law.
It is a peaceful and gentle religion that respects all mankind, as noted by graduate student Tarik Tashkandi.
"Islam is made on mutual respect; we treat others as we would like to be treated," he said. "There is no me or I in Islam, it is about unity, how to unite. We love life."
Tashkandi has been part of the Winthrop community since January and is working to complete his MBA in finance.
Although he is aware of the negative perception of his culture, he continues to practice his beliefs in what he describes as a "conservative manner."
"I pray at home or in an empty classroom. I show respect to all other religions but prefer not to talk about [religion]. Otherwise, I do whatever Americans do."
Among the 16 Islamic students welcomed this July, Yasser Alzahrani, Ghazi Alotaibi and Alquraish Hussain are also excited to be at Winthrop and do not hesitate to portray their affection for the campus. All computer information system majors, they are grateful for the opportunity to study in America.
The three go in Charlotte each week for Friday prayer at the local mosque.
The Islamic tradition is based around the teachings of the prophet Muhammad,and acknowledges the Christian and Jewish bibles. It is based around the five pillars or articles that govern their faith including:
•There is no god but God, and Mohammad is the messenger of God;
•Formal worship and prayer five times a day;
•Fasting during Ramadan;
•Giving to the poor;
•Pilgrimage to Makkah.
In addition, there are two schools of thought: Sunni and Shia.
The religion also encompasses every aspect of life from family and taxation to prayer and doesn't support a distinction between secular and religious law.
It is a peaceful and gentle religion that respects all mankind, as noted by graduate student Tarik Tashkandi.
"Islam is made on mutual respect; we treat others as we would like to be treated," he said. "There is no me or I in Islam, it is about unity, how to unite. We love life."
Tashkandi has been part of the Winthrop community since January and is working to complete his MBA in finance.
Although he is aware of the negative perception of his culture, he continues to practice his beliefs in what he describes as a "conservative manner."
"I pray at home or in an empty classroom. I show respect to all other religions but prefer not to talk about [religion]. Otherwise, I do whatever Americans do."
Among the 16 Islamic students welcomed this July, Yasser Alzahrani, Ghazi Alotaibi and Alquraish Hussain are also excited to be at Winthrop and do not hesitate to portray their affection for the campus. All computer information system majors, they are grateful for the opportunity to study in America.
The three go in Charlotte each week for Friday prayer at the local mosque.
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