Islam Awareness Week begins with 'Taste of Islam'

Students at the event had to answer a question about Islam before getting free food.

By Jaime Williams

Published Oct. 25, 2011

The Muslim Students Organization began Islam Awareness Week with Taste of Islam on Monday.

MSO Vice President Mahir Khan said Islam Awareness Week is an annual event that was moved to first semester last year because of the attention generated by the Ground Zero Mosque controversy.

MSO President Taha Hameduddin said people often have misconceptions about Islam, and the goal is to educate MU and the greater community about what Islam really is.

“The general purpose is in the name,” Khan said.

Taste of Islam took place on Lowry Mall. Khan said they offered free snack food from various Muslim regions hoping to change students’ perspective on the culture.

“It’s not a big secret that food brings people together,” Khan said.

Students had to try to answer a question about Islam before they were able to move on to food that included hummus and falafel.

Senior William Lendof said he likes the idea of Islam Awareness Week because Islam is not a religion that is as visible on campus as others. He also said food is always a good way to raise awareness.

Other events this week include a presentation of the film “Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think” and a panel on Women in Islam.

Hameduddin said misconceptions about Muslim women and oppression exist. At the event, women will talk about their experiences and roles in the Muslim community in order to promote understanding.

Keynote speaker Haroon Moghul will present "Who is afraid of Shariah?" on Thursday.

Hameduddin said "Jump Rope with a Muslim" on Friday is a more relaxed event. MSO will be offering breakfast food in addition to jumping rope in Speakers Circle, and those who participate will receive a badge that says “I jumped rope with a Muslim.”

“It’s about demystifying Muslims,” Hameduddin said.

A full calendar of events can be found at mizzoumso.org.

Source: The Maneater http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/10/25/islam-awareness-week-begins-taste-islam/