Spring Break
University holds first-ever Muslim welcome evening
Internationally-inspired event gives opportunity to welcome students, learn about Islam
Rebecca Johnson
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: News
OSU hosted its first-ever Muslim Welcome Reception in the MU Thursday. It provided not only an opportunity for Muslim students to come and be welcomed, but gave all members of the campus community a chance to learn about Islam.
The event presented speakers who explained the fundamentals of Islam while correcting many of the misconceptions surrounding the religion.
The event also had some entertainment such as a drum performance, modeling of head wear and a table set up to have a person's name written in Arabic.
Noor Al-Bader greeted the audience and explained the reasons behind the reception.
"The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of Islam and to shed stereotypes about the religion," Al-Bader said.
Dawn Moyer, advisor to international students, explained about some recent negative media attention given to Islam. Moyer said a private organization was dispersing CDs that were trying to instill fear about Muslims. Her reaction was a desire to help the Muslim community.
"What can we do to be supportive... and counterbalance the negativity?" Moyer asked. "We also want to show the diversity of ideals among Islam."
The festivities started off with a traditional Islamic prayer. Those who were Muslim participated, while the rest of the audience was allowed to look on.
Following the prayer was a presentation by Mohamed Omar, an engineering student at OSU, who explained the basics of the Islam religion.
"Islam is a religion that God sent in order to promote humanity and spread peace everywhere."
There was also a slideshow presentation created by Fateemah Fakhraie, entitled "Misconceptions about Islam." The show set straight many false, though common beliefs about Islam. One misconception is that all Muslims are Arab, when in fact of the 1.5 billion Muslims in the world only about 20 percent are Arabic.
Another misconception that was debunked dealt with the treatment of women. The presentation stated that contrary to popular belief, Muslim women are allowed to own property, consent to marriage, consent to divorce and receive an education.
The event presented speakers who explained the fundamentals of Islam while correcting many of the misconceptions surrounding the religion.
The event also had some entertainment such as a drum performance, modeling of head wear and a table set up to have a person's name written in Arabic.
Noor Al-Bader greeted the audience and explained the reasons behind the reception.
"The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of Islam and to shed stereotypes about the religion," Al-Bader said.
Dawn Moyer, advisor to international students, explained about some recent negative media attention given to Islam. Moyer said a private organization was dispersing CDs that were trying to instill fear about Muslims. Her reaction was a desire to help the Muslim community.
"What can we do to be supportive... and counterbalance the negativity?" Moyer asked. "We also want to show the diversity of ideals among Islam."
The festivities started off with a traditional Islamic prayer. Those who were Muslim participated, while the rest of the audience was allowed to look on.
Following the prayer was a presentation by Mohamed Omar, an engineering student at OSU, who explained the basics of the Islam religion.
"Islam is a religion that God sent in order to promote humanity and spread peace everywhere."
There was also a slideshow presentation created by Fateemah Fakhraie, entitled "Misconceptions about Islam." The show set straight many false, though common beliefs about Islam. One misconception is that all Muslims are Arab, when in fact of the 1.5 billion Muslims in the world only about 20 percent are Arabic.
Another misconception that was debunked dealt with the treatment of women. The presentation stated that contrary to popular belief, Muslim women are allowed to own property, consent to marriage, consent to divorce and receive an education.
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