Our society is often characterized by its quest for newness and change. This is seen in the latest trends in fashions, home furnishings, automotive design, and what is popular in music. Magazines feature lists of "what's in, what's out, what's hot, what's not." Contrast this with some fundamental features of Islamic culture—the repetition of daily prayer, the frequent hearing of the words of the Qur'an, and how the repetition of phrases and images is comforting to hearers. What in your own life is repetitious yet is meaningful and brings comfort? Reflect on ways you might enhance this aspect of your life.
Many Muslims have traditionally used prayer rugs on which to perform their daily worship and praise. These have served the functional purpose of protecting one's clothes in whatever environment the worshiper finds himself when the call to prayer occurs. Yet on a symbolic level, a sacred space is created that is oriented to Mecca and connects the worshiper to all it represents. The design on the carpets often reflects concepts of paradise with flowers and fountains, or it often has an image of the Kabah, which is the centerpiece of the Hajj. Perhaps like the flying carpets of Arabian lore, they metaphorically transport the rider—this time to a spiritual place or state evoked by the images. If you were a Muslim, what would your ideal prayer rug look like? Perhaps leaving the religion of Islam behind, develop and draw a design for a prayer rug that reflects your own spirituality. What images would be on it? In what direction would you point it? Try making one on paper or drawing it on cloth (approx. 26" by 44"), and explore your thoughts and feelings while using it.
During the Hajj, one Muslim said she had never been crowded in such a large throng of people as when circling the Kabah, yet never felt so alone and close to Allah. Have you ever been in an extremely large crowd united in purpose? What was the experience like? How might it be similar and different from the Hajj? You might interview someone who went to the Million-Man March or who has participated in a Promise Keepers rally. Analyze their experiences and develop into a paper.
It has been said that quite a few Arabs who initially opposed Muhammad's message were so overwhelmed by the Qur'an's beauty when they first heard it recited that they instantly converted. Can you image such an impact of beauty in your own life? What would it be?
If you were asked by the CEO of a United States company to set up a branch office in an Islamic country, staffed by both locals and Americans, what considerations and adaptations would be required? This could become a full-fledged project for business majors. Since there are 43 primarily Islamic nation-states, the project could involve researching the unique features of one of them. (Thanks to Fr. Joseph Hirsch of Regis University for this idea.)
