CB Cultural Patchwork: Islam

CB’s diversity extends all the way to Mecca.

Christian Brothers High School prides itself on successful intellectual , social, and spiritual development of young women and men. Inclusive community, one of the five core principles of a Lasallian education, is strongly promoted throughout the school.

Dr. Holly Peterson, a member of the CB Religious Studies Department, and one of the Comparative Religion instructors, truly understands the importance of inclusive community. Having taught Comparative Religion for many years now, she has a heightened respect for all religions outside Catholicism.

“It’s sad, how the news sometimes doesn’t always tell the full story,” she says.

It disheartens this Religion teacher that some individuals have developed such negative attitudes towards other religions — like Islam — because of the portrayal of the media. It is her goal to provide the students with the full truth of the religions she teaches — many of which are similar to the Catholic religion.

[pullquote“]”Most people think all Muslims are terrorists”[/pullquote]

A follower of the religion of Islam and student of CB, Wahid Sheek (‘14) strongly agrees with Dr. Peterson.

“Most people think all Muslims are terrorists,” he told the Talon in an interview. “That is not true.”

Wahid prays four times a day, which is a slight moderation of the Salat — the traditional prayer for Muslims which involves a morning, noon, afternoon, sunset, and nighttime prayer while facing the holy land of Mecca.

“I am at school during the second prayer, so I don’t do that one,” he explained.

The practicing Muslim was not as sure about coming to CB as some of his friends were because he is of a different faith. Now in his third year at CB, Wahid knows that he is welcomed.

“Going into Freshman year I was a bit uncomfortable,” he remarked. “But I am comfortable now.”

All CB students are required to take two semesters of religion per year. Having taken five semesters already, Wahid has begun to see that his religion is not too different than the primary religion promoted by Christian Brothers.

“My religion does have some similarities to [Catholicism],” the junior observed. “We believe in one god and follow most of [the morals in] the Ten Commandments”

Wahid is one example of the many diverse students here at Christian Brothers. Although we may not all come from the same background or faith, we do share one thing.

We are all students of Christian Brothers High School, Sacramento, and we all exemplify its diversity.