Middle School Curriculum
Special thanks to Ameena Jandali Islamic Network Group. (ING) who created chapter-by-chapter curricula from Commander of the Faithful: a story of true jihad. by John W. Kiser. User-friendly materials adapted by Kat Rinken, Social Studies Teacher for Des Moines Public Schools
What Makes A Good Leader?
This series highlights Abd el-Kader’s leadership, resilience, and compassion, from resisting French colonialism to saving thousands during the 1860 Damascus riots. His life, shaped by Islamic principles, earned global acclaim and remains an enduring source of inspiration.
From Jerusalem to Elkader
An exploration of three Abrahamic faiths coming together (and colliding), an examination of Islam in particular, and a spotlight on the Algerian hero Abd el-Kader.
Abdelkader Stage Project
Five vignettes, modified for middle school students, emphasize Abdelkader’s exemplary character, his impact worldwide, and the naming of Elkader, Iowa, in his honor.
When did Abd el-Kader die?
A lesson in which students use a variety of 19th century newspaper articles (adapted for middle school readers) with conflicting information to explore the quirks and limitations of primary source materials.
Bibliography
Khan, Daisy. Wiseup: Knowledge Ends Extremism. Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality & Equality, 2017.
Kiser, John W. Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd El-Kader. Monkfish Book Publishing, 2008.
Marston, Elsa. The Compassionate Warrior: Abd El-Kader of Algeria. Wisdom Tales, 2013.
Other Selected Readings
Bouyerdene, Ahmed. Emir Abdelkader: Hero and Saint of Islam. World Wisdom, 2012.
Churchill, Charles-Henry. The Life of Abd el Kader, ex Sultan of the Arabs of Algeria. Chapman Hall, 1867.
Danziger, Raphael. Abd al-Qadir and the Algerians. Holmes and Meier, 1977.
DeTocqueville, Alexis. Writings on Empire and Slavery (translated by Jennifer Pitts) Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
Kiser, John W. The Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, Love and Terror in Algeria. St. Martins Press, 2003
Kiser, John W. Lessons From An Arab Warrior
Hourani, Albert. Islam in European Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Johnston, Douglas, Religion Terror and Error: American Foreign Policy and the Challenge of Spiritual Engagement. Santa Barbara: Praeger, 2011.
Nasr, Hossein. Man and Nature, The Spiritual Crisis of Modern Man. Chicago: ABC International Group Inc, 1997.