Muslim Student Association hosts Islam Awareness Week
Published by May 9, 2018 | By Salimah McCullough
Flyer for Islam Awareness Week. Photos by Salimah McCullough.
Many students of different cultures, races, and religions came together during the week to learn more about the Muslim/Islamic culture.
The Kean University Muslim Student Association recently hosted Islam Awareness Week. This week is a tradition throughout the MSA that Kean has had for over a year now. From April 10 to April 13, the MSA hosted several events that students could take part.
The purpose of Islam Awareness Week is “so that we can bring awareness to Islam on our college campus,” said MSA president Najiba Syed, senior and biology major. “There’s already a lot being said about Islam in a negative tone in the media and we’re trying to combat that and any stereotypes people have of Muslims and Islam.”
On April 10, the first event that took place was a lecture from Bakar Assaf about the misconceptions of Islam. Assaf spoke about how some people believe in certain misconceptions and stereotypes that involve the Muslim/Islam community.
“Well we do have a problem. we have a community who view us in a particular manner in which we are not supposed to be viewed in,” said Assaf.
His lecture was focused on the beliefs that people outside of the Muslim community have about the Muslim community as well as beliefs that people inside of the Muslim community have that aren’t true.
Students gathering together to listen to Bakar Assaf speak about misconceptions. Photos by Salimah McCullough.
“Our events are not only lecture and workshop based, but we also have cultural and fun events as well,” said Syed.
On April 11, the MSA hosted poetry night in the Cougars Den. The next day’s event was a paint night in Vaughn Eames. The MSA hosted these two events to give students the chance to enjoy and relate to the Muslim community.
“These events not only allow people to enjoy themselves but also interact with people of different faiths and backgrounds, in circumstances they wouldn’t otherwise,” said Syed.
. The last event of the week was called Jummah. Jummah is known as a congregational prayer that Muslims hold every Friday around noon.
“Friday is one of our holy days of the week where we gather specifically to offer Friday midday prayer. The Imam (preiset) gives a sermon that reminds us of our duties to humanity, ourselves, neighbors, parents, etc. and then we pray after and enjoy some good food,” said Syed.
With the help of these types of events, more awareness can be spread about the culture of Muslims/Islam and help defeat the stereotypes that people outside of the Muslim community hold against Muslims and Islam.
As many aren’t aware of, Islam Awareness Week is something that is celebrated nationwide. “It is actually a nation-wide event in most if not all colleges. All MSAs around the US designate a week in April to bring awareness to Islam on their college campuses,” said Syed.
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