Michigan Journal

Issue date: 11/25/08 Section: Student Life

Media Credit: Majed Afana

Media Credit: Majed Afana

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) celebrated Islam Awareness Week last week.

According to Majed Afana, MSA president, the purpose of the week is to "create an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding for the religion which has been under the spotlight for almost a decade now."

The group strives to educate both non-Muslims and Muslims on campus by providing lectures and activities.

"As leaders in the Muslim Students' Association, every year we take it upon ourselves to provide a week-long series of programs that cover a wide variety of topics, many of which are often filled with misconceptions and misunderstood facts," said Afana.

The week kicked off on Monday when Dawud Walid discussed the history of Islam both prior to and after coming to America and its neighboring countries. "He presented a very educational look into the spread of Islam," said Afana.

Women in Islam are often one of the most misunderstood topics in American society. People are often confused about the roles of women, their rights and their significance in both the history of the religion and in the daily lives of Muslims. Nadia Bazzy, a former UM-D student cleared up this confusion in her lecture, "Women in Islam" on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Imam Salie spoke about Jesus in Islam and also showed a documentary. "Students seemed to be very intrigued by the documentary and commented on how much they were surprised of the level of respect Jesus held in Islam," said Afana. "Although the Muslims and Christians may have different views on Jesus, what we can both agree on is the significance of his life, the way he carried himself and the greatness of his love for mankind."

MSA had their most successful social of the year on Thursday. There was free food and several activities for attendees to partake in. Students were able to get henna tattoos, learn how to write Arabic calligraphy and have their name written out for them. There was also a Turban Wearing Contest where individuals were tested on how fast they could tie their turbans. "I was surprised at how enthusiastic the participants of the social activities were," said Afana. "The level of excitement was almost as loud as the bands who come to play for students on the stage."

On Friday Usama Khalid, MSA's Outreach Chair, led students in prayer for those who have classes and weren't able to make it to their community Mosques.

The week came to a close on Saturday when 15 MSA members traveled down to Detroit to work on Habitat for Humanity. Some of the jobs that the members got involved with included building a staircase, wood framing and painting in the facility headquarters. According to Afana, MSA takes part in a community service activity every month.

"We brought in good sized crowds at the beginning of the week, and they continued to grow at every event," said Afana.

"The attendees really seemed to appreciate the topics and were much more well-informed after the week ended. It was a great way for MSA to show the student body what Islam represents."

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