Education: The Key To Our Future

It is human to be wary of what we don't understand. That is why it is so important to educate ourselves with facts, rather than misconceptions or stereotypes. We all have been victims of a misunderstanding at some point in our lives, and at that time we wondered how the situation could have been so poorly misinterpreted. The following are facts about the Arab world compiled from the American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee....

Some Facts:

"The Arab world is culturally rich, complex and diverse: It includes 22 countries; it is the cradle of the three monotheistic world religions, each of which is itself diverse; political loyalties and worldviews of every sort; as well as differences of locality, region, kinship and social class.

"The Arab world is cosmopolitan, not an isolated and insulated culture. It has always been the crossroads of the world and, like the United States, has been enriched by the contributions of many cultures -- from Greece, Rome and the ancient Near East; from Christianity, Judaism and Islam; from the Persians and the Turks, India and China; from Europe and America.

"At their height the Arab and Muslim empires were central parts of a vast civilization which united territories stretching from the Atlantic coast of Spain and Morocco across the Levant far into central and south Asia. Within that civilization there was a free flow of commerce, trade, culture and ideas. The Muslim empires united a multitude of peoples. Their culture was the product of these diverse peoples, who mutually influenced one another through the ages. Some elements of Arab culture are still shared throughout much of the region ruled by these empires." more >>

Additional Information from the Anti Discrimination Committee:

Arab Contributions to Civilization
By Mary Macron

Arab Stereotypes and American Educatorsî
By Marvin Wingfield and Bushra Karaman


Want to learn more about the Islamic faith? Many of us are asking questions about the teachings of Islam, and once we find the answers, we realize how far off our previous notions of the religion were. Following are a number of excellent resources that provide detailed information about Islam and its teachings...

Facts about Islam

Introducing Islam

25 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Islam

Learn More About Islam and Muslims

Islam Guide: A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam, Muslims, & the Quran