Muslim Awareness Week Features Panel

The first week of March was Muslim Awareness Week. To inform our community about the Muslims in our neighborhood a panel met in the chapel on the first floor of Old Main on Tuesday, Mar. 3. The panel consisted of Zainab Al-Baaj, Rawa Al-Helfi, Zeinab Al-Badry, Maliha Zuberi and Raad Alruwaili. In a very intimate setting, these five individuals were able to discuss the Muslim religion in the United States and abroad with those in attendance.

The panel members noted that they are often asked strange questions about the Muslim culture. They all have to remember to be patient when they are faced with questions about Islam that, to them, are basic.

What is the most important part of Islam? Each person on the panel answered the question with "Islam is a way of life." They each explained how practicing this religion helps in everyday life and helps a person to be organized, focused and proud.

We also discussed the hijab. The hijab is a scarf worn by Muslim women. One common misunderstanding is that women have a certain time when they are to start wearing the hijab. Others think all Muslim women wear the veil all the time. It is something that signifies ones spiritual being inside and it is worn only when they feel the time is right. It comes at all different times in peoples' lives.

Media influences were also a main topic during the panel. Muslims portrayed on television and in magazines are very stereotypical. Panel members commented that they feel they are attacked in the media and that such stereotyping leads people to make assumptions about Muslims and have a negative view.

Attendees were also informed about the relationship between a man and wife. The husband does not make the choices for the wife. He respects her and allows her to choose what she does with her life.

Finally, the panelists spoke briefly about God. One of the panelists said, "God is always watching. He is the creator and is the judge. Humans cannot judge others. God is who you should worship and his opinion is the only one that matters."

The Islamic community is very present in our area and this panel really illuminated their way of life. No matter what they do, their religion is present everyday. We could all focus more on our religion and take more time out of our days to pray and reconnect with our inner selves.