The mosque at the end of the hall

Senior Sami Said stands before seven male students as they kneel on a woven rug in quiet thought. The students stand, chant a melodic prayer, then bow to the floor. As the chants permeate the hallway, only the hum of the Beltway remains as a reminder that this service isn't being held in a mosque, the traditional place of worship. Said's ID still adorns his neck and backpacks line the walls of Blair's child development hallway, where Islamic students come to worship every Friday afternoon.

For the past three years, Said has led Muslim services, called Jummah, at Blair, creating a unique opportunity and a safe place for Muslim Blazers to congregate at a time when backlash against Muslims is prevalent throughout the world. According to former Iman (leader of a service) and Muslim scholar Omar Baloch, approximately five to ten percent of Muslim students participate in services at public schools.

Jummah, Blair-style

"A Muslim knows Allah is present because he senses it in his consciousness," Said says, his voice filled with conviction and his eyes filled with passion. He relates this inner-awareness to global politics, asking President Bush, "How can you sleep at night when you know you are killing innocent human beings?"

Jummah services at Blair are on a much smaller scale than those at a mosque, with the half-hour long student-run services averaging about seven participants and dealing with topics such as drugs and sex.

Initially, senior Mahbu Khan, who frequently attends the services, felt awkward about participating in Jummah at school. "I didn't feel like it was comfortable to do prayer in school, but Sami kind of eased me into it," he says. Khan appreciates the Muslim friendships he has built as a result of the Jummah services. "We can talk about common things in our culture and be with fellow Muslim students, and that's really special to me," he explains.

Baloch, who teaches classes at the Islamic Center of Maryland, which Said attends, feels that Jummah services at schools can empower students to take pride in their religion and identity. "It gives kids the knowledge that they can express their faith within a public institution," he says. "When they're older, they'll know they can express themselves in a wider sphere, and that gives them confidence, especially with the 9/11 aftermath."

Refocusing on Islam

Near the end of the service, the students stand and bow as Said recites a passage from the Quran, his words lingering in the peaceful atmosphere. The door to the hallway clicks as a teacher scurries through, feeling embarrassed at intruding, and not wanting to mar the sacredness of the moment.
For Said and the student participants, like junior Izal Satterfield, Jummah is a time to refocus on the teachings of Islam. "The services help you to remember that being Muslim means helping people constantly, being the best person you can be as an example and converting people to Islam," he explains.

Experiential education

Education is a very important part of Islamic religious practices for Said, who tries to inform fellow Muslims about their responsibilities to Islam. His mission of educating people about Islam extends beyond Muslim students.

Jummah at Blair often attracts as many observers as participants, as evinced by the ten non-Muslim students lining the back wall. Seated in miniature chairs borrowed from the child development room, the spectators remain on the outside of the service, quietly absorbing Said's words and the students' chants.

Although Khan initially felt uncomfortable about praying in front of non-Muslims, he is now glad to see other students interested in Islam. "All my life nobody [outside of the Muslim religion] has really taken an interest in Islam, but now a lot of people are expressing interest because of what's going on in the world and that's really good to see," he says.

Said's lecture comes to an end, and the students chant their final prayer, then stand up and shake each other's hands before grabbing their backpacks as the bell ending eighth period sounds.