Dan Jackson/Manifest Photography -Haggadah Project

As we were walking back to the bus Shooting Star appeared a bit anxious. I heard the call to prayer in the distance and I saw some of the guides and drivers rolling out prayer mats next to the busses. I called out “Yellah Beena” to some of the stragglers and we all climbed aboard while Shooting Star disappeared for a few minutes. After he climbed aboard he handed me a few volumes of photocopied notes stapled together. The top page was titled “Explaining Islam to non-Muslims.” I skimmed through the 20 or so pages. It was a pretty good read. It was frank and interesting. But when it discussed customs that contradict western values it was a bit slanted and carefully edited to deliver a positive spin. It included info on a variety of topics. Trivia such as; the mortarboard that graduates wear at their commencement ceremonies originated from Cairo University and represents the four corners of the Pyramid. It’s tone was less about extolling the virtues of Islam and, I think, was intended more as a strategic guide for breaking down stereotypes and misinformation.