Application essay for college: The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admissions committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and other application information cannot convey.
Statement of Purpose
I have always been a person who believes and advocates for compassion, unity and peaceful existence of people of different races, ethnicity or religious affiliation. I have thus been perpetually disillusioned by the state of the world; conflict, fueled by race and religion, has been omnipresent in all parts of the globe. However, as disappointing as this may be, I have never been one to give up on humanity that easily. I still believe that all human beings in the world can learn to coexist peacefully in spite of hundreds of years of fighting each other. The most ubiquitous conflict in modern times is the Muslim versus Christian conflict. As both a devout Muslim and an exponent of global peace, I believe the study of Islamic Studies will help me play a part in campaigning for peace.
Terrorism is a vice that affects numerous people and countries in the world. Needless to say, Islam has been closely connected to terror as Jihadists result in violence to supposedly serve their religion. The connection between Islam as a religion and terrorism is a curious topic for people of all religions. This is one of the reasons why I believe knowledge acquired from Islamic Studies will be helpful. I aspire to understand my religion much better in the hope that I will comprehend why believers would, ironically, choose murder as a way of advancing the values of Allah and the great prophet Muhammad.
From recent developments, it is evident that the evil effects of terror affect even innocent, devout Muslim believers. Although I have lived in the United States all my life, my parents immigrated to the States from Pakistan. My descent, obviously, manifests itself in my physical appearance. I have, therefore, been a victim of negative stereotyping due to my race and religion. My torment has ranged from curious and unfriendly looks to vociferous abuse from people who ignorantly believe that all people from my race and religion are terrorists. This is another reason why I believe taking this course will help me appropriately deal with such situations.
Closely related to this are the recent issues concerning immigration. Since the ascendance of Trump into Presidency, there have been numerous controversies and policies concerning immigration. Having been born to Pakistani immigrant parents, these controversies have affected me first hand as I believe millions of people are suffering due to the same. Wrongful policies regarding immigration are alienating and antagonizing our peoples and jeopardizing my dreams of peaceful living. However, I believe that studying Islamic Studies will equip me with the knowledge that can help me contribute to making the world a better place.
Although I have fallen in love with the United States, my Pakistan descent reminds me of the challenges that my homeland is facing on a daily basis. Conflict has been part of the Islamic state for so long; from the civil war that led to the formation of Bangladesh to the eternal conflicts with neighboring India. Terrorism, poverty, corruption and illiteracy also plague my motherland. This implies that there exists an internal conflict in Pakistan. Consequently, the course on Islamic Studies will equip me with knowledge and skills that can help me contribute to solving the internal challenges facing my home country in addition to reconciling the ever-present feud between Muslims and Christians. Knowledge, I believe, is one of the keys to peaceful living.
Gender equality has also been a divisive topic in recent times. Women have been traditionally oppressed by their male counterparts. However, recent developments have seen the empowerment of the female gender from the dismal roles females have historically enjoyed. This is closely related to Islam. Muslim women have always been subjugated in the name of religion. The Quran, just like the Bible, stipulates that women be submissive to their husbands. Women in the Muslim world have therefore been reduced to submission despite the rise of women in the Western world. Due to changing times, it is essential that people understand the connection between religion and gender roles. Therefore, as a Muslim, I believe that this course will help me understand and appreciate the inevitable change regarding gender roles as well as the impact this will have on Islam.
Similar to changes in gender roles, there have also been changes concerning sexual orientation. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons have been fighting for recognition since the end of the 20th century and the start of the 21st. While their grievances make sense politically and socially, religion disputes same-sex marriages. Islam has a particularly hard stance on LGBT issues. It interests me to observe how Islam will handle these issues in the coming years. In the meantime, I hope that further knowledge in Islamic Studies will help me understand the LGBT issues more adeptly.
From the issues described herewith, it is evident that religion is at the center of the major issues facing the world. This ranges from terror, conflicts, the role of women and sexuality. Knowledge on Islamic issues is valuable in solving these problems as the world changes dynamically day after day. I, therefore, hope that I get the chance to further my knowledge of Islam and its connection to global issues at this college.
