FAIRNESS Art Director: Annie Idris Editors: Amin Aaser & Sana Aaser Researcher: Armaan Siddiqi Credits & Honors Creative Developers: Maryum Mohsin & Kenneth Molloy In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote, “all men are created equal.” Though the deeper sentiment is true, at face value this is overly simplistic. If we compare any two people we notice that they are far from equal. We differ in talent, strength, appearance, health, opportunity, and just about everything! Therefore, the question isn’t whether or not people are equal, but rather: what differences matter and how do we treat people with differences? This is where fairness comes in. Fairness is putting aside our biases in order to avoid partiality based on unsubstantial factors. The goal of fairness is justice, the concept of things being placed in the appropriate position according to Godly standards, even if it doesn’t always seem fair. For example, when we see Allah’s (SWT) differentiated blessings to people, we might feel that it is unfair. Why don’t I get a new backpack? Why am I bad at sports? Our first lesson teaches that whenever we feel that things are “unfair,” we must look at things from another perspective: if two people are treated differently, that doesn’t mean that it is unfair. Building empathy helps us understand that to truly be fair, people must be treated according to their own, unique, circumstances. Asad learns this in our first story, “ Finding Fairness, ” as he struggles to accept his grade from Mr. Salmaan. Our second lesson is that we have a responsibility to act fairly in our social interactions, even if it means going against our own interests. Allah (SWT) says, “Stand firmly for justice, though it may be against your own selves or your parents or near relatives” (4:135). If we do not, imbalance and disharmony would ensue. In our second story, “ Acting Fairly, ” Amira realizes that Shireen must be fair in choosing people to act in the class play, not giving Amira the part simply because she is her friend. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 1 01/12/2020 07:41:51 2 1 3 4 Me, too! Alhumdulillah. Mr. Salmaan returns graded book reports to the class. Asad’s report has a silver star on it. I got a gold star! Only a silver star? There must be some mistake. Shireen and Amin did easy stuff. I wrote about orbital speed and satellites. My topic was so much tougher. FINDING FINDING FAIRNESS FAIRNESS noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 2 01/12/2020 07:41:51 6 3 9 Asad asks Mr. Salmaan about the assignment. Frustrated, Asad returns to his seat. On the way home, Asad complains to Mom. Mr. Salmaan said he expects more of me. Mr. Salmaan, why didn’t I get a gold star? He should treat us the same! It’s not fair! I expect more of you, Asad. You can do better. More?! Better? noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 3 01/12/2020 07:41:51 Asad, I know the silver star upset you, but treating you the same wouldn’t be fair. I thought treating people the same is what it means to be fair. In her car seat, Yusra cries loudly. Asad, please give your little sister the new toy I just got for her. It’s in my purse. Did you get a new toy for me, too? Not today, Asad. It’s not fair. You never treat us the same! I have to show Asad the meaning of fair. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 4 01/12/2020 07:41:52 I’m so hungry! The burgers smell delicious. Thanks, Mom. Asad sits at the table. The burgers are for your father and me. Why is there baby food on my plate? Well, you wanted me to treat you and Yusra the same, so I gave you the same dinner. Asad grumbles to himself but eats the mashed carrots and potatoes. Later that evening, Mom makes Asad’s favorite dinner—burgers. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 5 01/12/2020 07:41:52 B A A B C A B C Yusra chews on a block. Can’t she read with me? As long as you do the same. Nah, blocks are good. Well, you wanted me to treat you and Yusra the same, so you can play blocks with us. Where’s my tablet, Mom? I was going to read. After dinner, in the family room, Mom takes out blocks for Asad and Yusra to play with. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 6 01/12/2020 07:41:52 I’ve set out your pajamas. What? These are baby pajamas. And not just that, they are girl’s pajamas! Asad throws himself on the bed and covers his head with his pillow. But, I don’t want to be treated the same anymore. I’m different! Well, you wanted me to treat you and Yusra the same... Finally, it’s time for bed. Asad brushes his teeth, does his wudu’, and goes to his room. Asad picks up the pajamas. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 7 01/12/2020 07:41:52 Mom sits on the side of the bed. Asad rolls onto his back. Okay, but that’s Yusra. I know she’s just little. What about my friends? Shouldn’t Mr. Salmaan treat us the same? That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, Asad. You are different. If I treat you the same as Yusra, it won’t be fair for you. If I treat Yusra the same as I treat you, it won’t be fair for her. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 8 01/12/2020 07:41:52 Asad, Mr. Salmaan has a difficult job. He wants all his students to reach their highest potential. That means he doesn’t just want you to do a good job, he wants you to do your best. Allah (SWT) tells us that to be fair, we must treat people based on their own, unique, circumstances. That’s how Allah (SWT) treats us, too. He knows us, and He keeps track of what we have done. (24:64) noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 9 01/12/2020 07:41:52 Okay, Mom, I get it. I knew you would. I don’t really have to wear these pajamas, do I? Of course not. Questions: 1. Why does Mom treat Asad and Yusra the same? 2. What does being fair mean? 3. If Allah (SWT) doesn’t treat us all the same, is He still being fair? Mom hugs Asad close. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 10 01/12/2020 07:41:52 Chocolate Baklava Roll-Ups Serves ten people 30 pieces Phyllo Pastry squares, 6x6 in 3/4 cup melted butter 1 cup of honey 3/4 cup cocoa powder juice of 1 lemon 1/2 tsp of rose water crushed nuts 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Mix honey, rose water, and lemon juice. 3. Spread a pastry square on a flat plate. Brush with butter all over. 4. Spread a little honey syrup and cocoa powder over it. 5. Layer another sheet over it and repeat the process 3 times. 6. Sprinkle nuts over the last layer. 7. Start rolling from one end to the other as tightly as possible. 8. Brush all over lightly with butter. 9. Place on a greased, oven-proof tray, seam side down. 10. Bake for 10 minutes. 11. Turn them over and bake for another 10 minutes. 12. Serve with chocolate syrup, honey, or golden syrup. *Adapted from www.foodaholic.biz 6 3 9 12 noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 11 01/12/2020 07:41:53 The Sweet Taste of Fairness In the Qur'an What does it mean if something is fair? Let’s answer this question through an activity! You will need 12 raisins to help you count. Follow the instructions and questions below. Amin has five raisins and you only have one. Count out the raisins and put them in the boxesto show how many raisins Amin and you each have. Now, do the activity again, but this time, you start with five raisins and Amin only has one. Amin’s Box Allah orders justice and fairness. (Surah An-Nahl, Ayah 90) noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 12 01/12/2020 07:41:53 Question: Mr. Salmaan has four extra raisins. He gives Amin and you each an equal number of raisins. Count out four more raisins. Now put them in the boxes to show how many raisins Amin and you would have if Mr. Salmaan gives each of you the same number (two each). Is it fair? How many raisins do you each have? How can you make it fair (so that each of you has five raisins)? Is treating people exactly the same always the fair thing to do? Your Box noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 13 01/12/2020 07:41:53 ANNUAL school play! 6 3 9 12 sun mercury venus mars uranus earth ACTING FAIRLY ACTING FAIRLY Mr. Salmaan’s class is learning about theater. Shireen is the director of the class play. This year, our class will be performing “Velveteen Cat!” We need actors and artists to help with the play. Auditions will be today in the auditorium after school. I’m going to be a star. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 14 01/12/2020 07:41:53 ANNUAL school play! 6 3 9 12 sun mercury venus mars jupiter saturnus uranus neptunus earth Back in her desk, Shireen tries to get Amira’s attention. Amira wants Shireen to pick her for the lead role. Oh Shireen! I’ve been practicing the lines all week. I’ll get the lead role, right? Amira, I wanted to ask you— Well... After all, we are best friends. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 15 01/12/2020 07:41:53 The time for auditions arrives. One after another, each student reads lines from the play, showcasing their best acting skills. Shireen scores each performance in her notebook. Amira performs well. As she leaves the stage, she whispers to Shireen. I’m best for this role. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 16 01/12/2020 07:41:53 Questions: 1. Should Shireen select Sarah or Amira for the lead role? Why? 3. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice like this? 2. Why does it matter who Shireen chooses? Sarah also auditions. She performs even better. Shireen doesn’t know what to do. She has to make a choice. Sarah was the best. Sarah will surely get the lead. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 17 01/12/2020 07:41:53 At the end of the auditions, the performers come back to the auditorium. It doesn’t feel right, but I can’t disappoint my friend. The lead role will go to... Amira. Yay! Thanks Shireen. I’ll be the best lead ever. I was hoping you could do me a favor... Sorry, I don’t have time to help you, Shireen. I need to practice my lines. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 18 01/12/2020 07:41:53 The first day of rehearsal is a disaster. The set isn’t ready, and Amira keeps forgetting her lines. The second day of rehearsal is not much better. Where did Baltafor go... uh... What is the rest of that line? This pains me... Amira, you’re supposed to be sad! CUT! CUT! TAKE 5. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 19 01/12/2020 07:41:54 The third day of rehearsal is just as bad. The next day, Amira overhears two others. CUT! CUT! CUT! Amira, you should know the lines. This is harder than I thought it would be. Why did Shireen choose Amira to be the lead? She keeps messing up. Don’t you know? Amira is one of Shireen’s best friends. I know. Sarah is still sad about it. That’s not fair. Sarah’s audition was so much better. noor-19-3-26_new.pdf 20 01/12/2020 07:41:54