Islamic group seeks to raise UC awareness
The atrium of Tangeman University Center is ripe with cultural information this week. Along with the "Marching Toward Freedom" exhibit, which has been in the atrium for the past month, the Muslim American Society is presenting a series of exhibitions for Muhammad Awareness Week.
Across the country, the society is showing displays, hosting speakers and having open discussions about the prophet Muhammad's life and the lessons he tried to teach the world. At the University of Cincinnati, an educational exhibition is scheduled to be held in the TUC atrium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day this week.
Each day, the exhibitions have a new focus; covering topics such as Muhammad's view on women's rights, his views on morality and the meaning of jihad. At these expos, students can watch a slideshow of Muhammad's words and explanations of their meanings, have their name written in Arabic, receive pamphlets and books and possibly sample some tasty traditional treats.
After the first day, Alaa Minkara, vice president of the UC chapter of MAS, said she felt very good about the response from students. "Someone from the campus interfaith group came up to me and told me she thought there was definitely a need for this type of information," Minkara said. "A lot of students came through today and a few even took books."
In addition to the exhibitions, Chantal Carnes is scheduled to speak about the myths of Islam on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Swift Hall 800.
Carnes is an ideal speaker for the topic, having been a victim of misconceived notions about Islam herself. Before speaking last year at a spiritual retreat for Muslims in Tampa Bay, Fla., Carnes, a 12-year Islamic convert, was called a terrorist supporter on many Internet blog sites. The retreat had to be moved due to the threats of violence received by MAS and the church scheduled to host. Carnes said she believed it was all the more reason she needed to speak.
On Thursday, the society opens the floor to the public in a discussion called "Does Muhammad Really Have the Qualities of a Prophet?" also at 6 p.m. in Swift 800.
At 6 p.m. on Friday, also in room 800 of Swift Hall, MAS is scheduled to show the Oscar-nominated movie about the prophet, The Message, starring Anthony Quinn.
University students such as Naveed Aijaz are contributing to the cause. Aijaz, a first-year biology student and MAS member, helped post fliers around campus to promote Muhammad Awareness Week.
He, like many others, said he believes his religion has been the victim of slanted media coverage, especially since Sept. 11 and with the conflicts in the Middle East.
"People know so little about Islam and what they do know is usually wrong," Aijaz said. "The media has been biased with everything that is going on, and I feel like a whole religion is getting labeled by the wrong actions of a few."
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