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WikiIslam:Structure: Difference between revisions
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The lead is an introductory summary that comes before the table of contents and is not followed by any section titles. It aims to give the most essential information about the subject within the first few lines in simple and short sentences. The lead should contain no more than five easy to read paragraphs. | The lead is an introductory summary that comes before the table of contents and is not followed by any section titles. It aims to give the most essential information about the subject within the first few lines in simple and short sentences. The lead should contain no more than five easy to read paragraphs. | ||
===First | ===First paragraph=== | ||
The first sentence should tell the reader what or who the subject is. If possible the page title should be the subject and if the subject is definable then the first sentence should be the definition. The first sentence should have the subject’s name in bold for the first occurrence and should not be linked. The rest of the paragraph should aim to answer the questions “Who, What, Where, When, and Why” that have not already been answered in the first sentence. | The first sentence should tell the reader what or who the subject is. If possible the page title should be the subject and if the subject is definable then the first sentence should be the definition. The first sentence should have the subject’s name in bold for the first occurrence and should not be linked. The rest of the paragraph should aim to answer the questions “Who, What, Where, When, and Why” that have not already been answered in the first sentence. | ||
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[[File:Lead First Paragraph Example.png|center|frameless|493x493px]] | [[File:Lead First Paragraph Example.png|center|frameless|493x493px]] | ||
=== | ===Subsequent paragraphs=== | ||
Following paragraphs should include “peacock terms” or stand out summarized information about the subject from the body. For example, in an article about Aisha, her age at marriage would be a peacock term of interest. This should be mentioned in the lead in no more than one or two sentences and developed later on in the body. These paragraphs should also be kept as simply written and possible. All text should aim to be as neutral as possible. | Following paragraphs should include “peacock terms” or stand out summarized information about the subject from the body. For example, in an article about Aisha, her age at marriage would be a peacock term of interest. This should be mentioned in the lead in no more than one or two sentences and developed later on in the body. These paragraphs should also be kept as simply written and possible. All text should aim to be as neutral as possible. | ||
==Body== | ==Body== | ||
===Text quote=== | |||
Text quotes are sometimes necessary to highlight a relevant piece of work within the article. Generally, using the "Template:Quote" format outside of the "Relevant Quotations" section should be avoided, as it is highly preferable to simple incorporate a summary of the source directly into the text along with a footnote. If, however, a summary would prove ineffective and a brief direct quote cannot be incorporated into the text directly (if, for instance, the quote is lengthy or includes a bulleted list), then the "Template:Quote" format may be used. Be sure to include a footnote reference either way. | |||
===Sections=== | ===Sections=== | ||
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Always consider the trade off between length and readability. For sections that are not as relevant to the subject of the article it may not be necessary to go into exhaustive detail (such as referencing multiple hadiths that say the same thing). If this is a topic worth such attention consider making a page of its own. Some subjects may naturally require more extensive coverage than others. Sections which become overly long should be considered for articles of their own. | Always consider the trade off between length and readability. For sections that are not as relevant to the subject of the article it may not be necessary to go into exhaustive detail (such as referencing multiple hadiths that say the same thing). If this is a topic worth such attention consider making a page of its own. Some subjects may naturally require more extensive coverage than others. Sections which become overly long should be considered for articles of their own. | ||
=== | Below are some guidelines for certain kinds of recurring/useful article sections | ||
==== Relevant quotations ==== | |||
=== | ====Modern perspectives (NOT to be titled "apologetics")==== | ||
Islam, as with any storied tradition, has and continues to change with the times. What a Muslim scholar wrote in a book in 10th century Baghdad is not going to perfectly reflect the beliefs and practices of Muslims living on the West Coast of the United States in the current year. The beliefs of both and in fact all other Muslims fall within the scope and purview of WikiIslam, and it is the wiki's job to document both. | Islam, as with any storied tradition, has and continues to change with the times. What a Muslim scholar wrote in a book in 10th century Baghdad is not going to perfectly reflect the beliefs and practices of Muslims living on the West Coast of the United States in the current year. The beliefs of both and in fact all other Muslims fall within the scope and purview of WikiIslam, and it is the wiki's job to document both. For more on what falls into this category, see [[WikiIslam: Writing Style Guide]] and [[WikiIslam:Scope and Article Relevance]]. | ||
For more on what falls into this category, see [[WikiIslam: Writing Style Guide]] and [[WikiIslam:Scope and Article Relevance]]. | |||
When it comes to these views, they need to be firmly and clearly segregated from the main body of the article discussing the actual event(s) the idea or doctrine is based on and the views of the traditionally esteemed classical Islamic scholars such as Tabari and ibn Kathir. This should be done visually, with an entirely new section covering "Contemporary perspectives." This should be done at or near the end of the body. This should not come towards the beginning of the article. As outlined in the [[WikiIslam: Writing Style Guide|Writing Style Guide]], this section should not in any way attempt to argue or persuade. It should be made clear that the views catalogued here are modern and whatever factual errors are inherent to them should be mentioned but WikiIslam is an encyclopedia, not a repository of polemical articles, and as such this section should not be argumentative or polemical in any way. | When it comes to these views, they need to be firmly and clearly segregated from the main body of the article discussing the actual event(s) the idea or doctrine is based on and the views of the traditionally esteemed classical Islamic scholars such as Tabari and ibn Kathir. This should be done visually, with an entirely new section covering "Contemporary perspectives." This should be done at or near the end of the body. This should not come towards the beginning of the article. As outlined in the [[WikiIslam: Writing Style Guide|Writing Style Guide]], this section should not in any way attempt to argue or persuade. It should be made clear that the views catalogued here are modern and whatever factual errors are inherent to them should be mentioned but WikiIslam is an encyclopedia, not a repository of polemical articles, and as such this section should not be argumentative or polemical in any way. | ||
==== Criticisms of modern perspectives (NOT to be titled "refutations") ==== | |||
Detailed criticism of modern/apologetic arguments included in the "modern perspectives" section. Again, here, the words "apologetics" and "refutations" should be avoided to keep the wiki clear of polemical content. The objective of the wiki in this regard, again, is to document rather than engage in ongoing polemical debates. The same writing guidelines outlines for the "modern perspectives" section apply here. | |||
==Conclusion== | ==Conclusion== | ||
The conclusion should pull together and summarize all of the information provided in the article. As per our guidelines no original research should be presented, however it is acceptable to offer the conclusions of leading scholars whose work has been cited, as well as what opposition may exist to these conclusions. As with all sections, repitition is the key to retention, and the conclusion should fall under the third piece of the adage "tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them what you have to tell them, tell them what you have just told them."Media | |||
The conclusion should pull together and summarize all of the information provided in the article. As per our guidelines no original research should be presented, however it is acceptable to offer the conclusions of leading scholars whose work has been cited, as well as what opposition may exist to these conclusions. As with all sections, repitition is the key to retention, and the conclusion should fall under the third piece of the adage "tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them what you have to tell them, tell them what you have just told them." | |||
==Media== | ==Media== | ||