Amnesty International BookClub discussion
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Laughing All the Way to the Mosque
March & April 2017 - Laughing All the Way to the Mosque by Zarqa Nawaz
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We'll be reading this at the book club I host in Surrey (not an AI book club) as we focus on Canadian literature, but members wanted something a little less depressing for a change!
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For those of you who wanted to return to getting some discussion questions up front, here you go! These should be the same as those in the discussion guide that will be released soon. Some are from the guest reader who chose the book for the group and others from the AI bookclub.
Discussion questions from guest reader Janie Chang
1.What beliefs did you have about Islam before reading this book, and did Zarqa’s stories change or challenge any of those beliefs?
2.Which chapter or incident in the book gave you the most to think over and why?
3. When 9/11 happened, Zarqa told her husband their lives, as they knew them, were over. He replied she was overreacting.
a) If you are Muslim, what do you say to non-Muslims about how and/or whether your outlook has changed since that tragedy? What have you found to be effective approaches when talking to people who express concerns about Islamic extremism in Canada?
b) If you’re not Muslim, but have friends who are, what discussions have you had with them about their lives since 9/11? Over the years, how have their concerns changed (or not) when it comes to their safety and the safety of their families and community?
4.In this book and during interviews, the author contends that Islam, as originally practiced in the 7th century, was far more female-friendly, but that patriarchy has eroded women’s freedoms since then. Can you think of how other religions have evolved over the centuries, to either the detriment or benefit of women? What do you know of the influences that informed such changes?
Discussion questions from the Amnesty International Book Club
1) What did you think of Laughing All the Way to the Mosque? Which aspects did you appreciate, and which aspects were most challenging?
2) Zarqa repeatedly uses humour to diffuse what could be an otherwise tense situation. How did you respond to her type of storytelling?
3) While this book could be considered ‘light reading’ there is much that could also be considered heavier issues considering our world today. What struck you most?
4) In discussing gender segregation, Zarqa Nawaz quotes one scholar around the issue. His response? “It’s a cultural problem …not a religious one.” This idea of culture vs religion guiding decisions is interesting. What are your thoughts, having read the book and from your own life?
5) Why do you think the sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie had such great success? Have you seen the show? If so, how does this book impact your perception of the series?
6) Repeatedly throughout the book the author challenges others. Whether it is through her writing, campaigning, parties or speaking, she is proactive towards what she feels needs addressing. How are you proactive with your own life issues, and what do you wish you’d take more in hand?
7) Storytelling like Laughing All the Way to the Mosque and Little Mosque on the Prairie are thankfully able to be created – but still, Nawaz faced considerable push-back within her community. Should there be a line when commenting upon one’s society, and if so, where does it exist? What kind of push-back is good, and when does it become dangerous?
Enjoy everyone, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!