Who of you is fasting?', I asked the thirteen students who took my course 'Introduction to Islam'. One single hand at the back of the classroom was raised. This course was part of an exchange... Show moreWho of you is fasting?', I asked the thirteen students who took my course 'Introduction to Islam'. One single hand at the back of the classroom was raised. This course was part of an exchange programme that sends European teachers to post-Soviet republics, and I had come to Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, in order to teach some courses in social anthropology for one semester. This particular course was attended by students of sociology, political science, and ethnology, who referred to themselves as Muslims. And yet, their formal knowledge of Islam was minimal. I suppose nobody can blame them for this, as they have grown up in a society that has previously been declared 'atheist' and is nowadays considered to be secular. For me, as their teacher - from Europe and a Christian - realizing that I knew a lot more about 'their' religion than they did was extremely awkward. Show less
Much has been written recently about the so-called 'crimes of honour' in Jordan. By now, the facts and fiction about those heinous crimes have become widely known. According to official statistics,... Show moreMuch has been written recently about the so-called 'crimes of honour' in Jordan. By now, the facts and fiction about those heinous crimes have become widely known. According to official statistics, about 25 women on average are killed every year for the sake of their families' 'honour'. The number of deaths that could also be categorized as such crimes but are recorded as suicides or accidents is much higher. Show less
