•
A general statement in the 10th Grade Islamic Religious Education reads: “The Kor’an promotes the idea of brotherhood between and among Muslims through cooperation and mutual support”(pp. 39-40).
•
Citations from Islamic religious texts (Kor’an and Hadith) also urge believers and people, in general, to avoid aggression and enmity, to resolve conflicts peacefully and in accordance with the laws (Islamic Religious Education, Grade 5, pp. 42, 43, 45), and to avoid killing, violence, and spilling believers’ blood (Our Beautiful Language, Grade 5, p. 60; Health and Environmental Studies, Grade 5, p. 41; Islamic Religious Education, Grade 10, p. 35-6).
•
Several other texts address the issue of “just rulers” and the obligation to be fair, judicious, rational, and reasonable in carrying out the laws and rules (Our Beautiful Language, Grade 5, p. 106; Civic Education, Grade 5, pp. 57, 66).
•
Several texts remind the believers to be pious and to fear God, and to be merciful, charitable, truthful, devoted, and forgiving (Kor’an Recitation, Grade 10, pp. 2, 6, 9; Islamic Religious Education, p. 80).
•
The texts (many are Kora’nic verses) also remind believers and the readers of God’s mercy and of the fate of ancient oppressive and unjust nations and civilizations (Islamic Religious Education, Grade 5, p. 14, 32, 34; Kor’an Recitation, Grade 5, p. 2).
•
Some religious texts promote respect for and belief in all of God’s prophets, holy men and holy books (Islamic Religious Education, Grade 10, p. 20).
•
Several references are made to the characteristics of Islamic societies and the attributes of believers (keeping agreements and covenants, fulfilling duties and promises, and avoiding damage to others) (Islamic Religious Education, Grade 5, pp. 10, 12, 80; Islamic Religious Education, Grade 10, p. 12).
Our review also revealed several references to Jews and Christians “the People of the Book” (in name or in a generic sense as believers and/or people) presented in the context of the need to respect their religion, holy places, property, ceremonies, prophets and messengers. In one instance, we find a call to “treat all people well” (Kor’an Recitation, Grade 10, p. 45) and “to work for achieving peace and reconciliation” (Language Sciences, Grade 10, p. 77). The 10th Grade Islamic Religious Education includes a Sura (Surat At-Tawbah) that stresses the importance of respecting conventions and agreements, even with the infidels and to allow them to go about their business until the expiration
26