Muslim students at U of G work to foster understanding
Islam Awareness Week is the biggest event of the year for the University of Guelph Muslim Student’s Association (MSA). This year, from Feb. 4 to Feb. 7, the organization set up a walk-through exhibit in the University Centre (UC), facilitated talks across campus, and invited students, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to get to better know the faith.
Every year the organization plans the week around a single theme. Last year’s theme was the Prophet Mohammad and this year’s subject is One God.
The exhibit in the UC featured prints with verses from the Qur’an in Arabic and English, as well as a series of posters that provide basic information on Islam. Most interestingly, a table was set up inviting passers-by to ask a volunteer from the MSA questions about Islam.
“Sometimes people are afraid to talk, especially when it comes to religion,” said Kamela Salimi, a Vice President of the MSA. “People are so scared of offending one another but this is an opportunity for dialogue and an opportunity to come together from both sides.”
Salimi says that posters and pamphlets have their place but that for creating a real dialogue there is no substitute for “having that one-on-one conversation.”
“You don’t really have to know a lot about my faith to understand me,” said Esra Mohamed, active member of the MFA who was volunteering at the table, “but when you do see me walking around, you do go through those questions and this [week] gives you an opportunity to ask those questions you want to ask.”
Volunteers at the table take dawah – or invitation – training. This ensures they are equipped with a good understanding of the Islamic doctrine, are comfortable answering questions, and are aware of the subtleties intrinsic to the process of speaking on behalf of the faith.
The purpose of all this, stresses Salimi, is not to rouse new believers, but to encourage understanding.
“We have a beautiful message,” said Salimi. “We want to show it to people. It’s an invite. They can either accept that invitation or not accept that invitation, it’s up to them.”
Islam Awareness Week is a significant event for the wider Muslim community at the U of G as well.
“It’s the event that brings the whole team together,” said Salimi, “not just the MSA team but also other Muslims on campus… [This week] gives them an opportunity to also get involved.”
Ultimately, as much as this week is about fostering tolerance and correcting misunderstandings through first-hand encounters, it is more about giving an underrepresented group a chance share a part of their fundamental experience.
“Islam is important to us,” said Salimi. “For me, personally, it’s an important part of my life and it’s my identity; it’s who I am and I want to be able to share that with people. I want to let them know how Islam has affected my life and its importance to me.”