University holds first-ever Muslim welcome evening

Internationally-inspired event gives opportunity to welcome students, learn about Islam

By: Rebecca Johnson

Posted: 10/24/08

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.

After the speakers, the audience listened to a performance by Seif Borki, an OSU student, on the darbuka, an Arabic drum.

Next traditional headwear worn by men in Afghanistan was modeled, with each cap being specific to a particular region.

The reception had a modest turn out, with the audience ranging from practicing Muslims to those who wished to learn more about Islam.

The multicultural psychology class of Ayesha Nagra was in attendance. They attended this function in lieu of going to class.

"I'm hoping to have them experience multicultural experiences," said Nagra. "It's important for all of us to have some exposure to multiple cultures."

If the purpose of this reception was to answer the question of who a Muslim really is, then the answer can best be summed up by a quote presented at the beginning of the reception:

"The Muslim ummah (community) is one ummah regardless of race, color or origin."

Rebecca Johnson, staff writer

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