Muslim students sponsor culture night
The event offered opportunities for non-Muslims to explore Islamic culture.
Published April 5, 2005
A night filled with traditional Muslim dances, music, henna and mehndi tattoos and ethnic foods took place Monday at Memorial Union.
The Muslim Students Organization sponsored Islamic Culture Night, the second in a series of events for the annual Islam Awareness Week.
"We hope to raise awareness of Islam on campus," MSO Secretary Rehab El-Buri said. "This event gives students a chance to meet real Muslims."
The night was filled with scents of authentic food from many Muslim countries. Nations including Bosnia, Turkey and Pakistan were represented with dishes of their own flavor. Posters and pamphlets offering information on different aspects of Islam, including the Quran, were spread throughout the room. The information and the food was presented in an effort to increase students' knowledge of Islamic culture, El-Buri said.
Earlier in the day there was another offering of traditional Muslim food with the Tastes of Islam food festival in Stotler Lounge, presenting delicacies from around the Muslim world. El-Buri said roughly 50 people attended the festival.
Students' attitudes toward Muslims are the main focus of the week's events.
"I have always felt very welcome on campus; people are very respectful," MSO Social Chairman Omar Waheed said. "The university has done its part to move toward diversity."
El-Buri said though the atmosphere on campus is generally welcoming toward Muslims, some students have misconceptions.
"This attitude seems to arise from a lack of exposure, and hopefully this night will counter those attitudes," said El-Buri.
El-Buri said the week will also address the media and general public's views of Muslims, and "counteract the vilification sometimes directed at Muslims."
Education Officer Mohamed Sawani said he was pleased with the Taste of Islam turnout and expects more students to attend the other events as the week progresses.
A discussion will be held at 7 p.m. today in room 113 at the Arts and Science building to discuss the "Faces of Islam in America."
Events of the week include lectures and discussions covering an array of subjects pertaining to Islam, as well as an open house at the Islamic Center of Central Missouri. Topics to be discussed include the different views of Islam in America, the religious aspect of the war on terror and American involvement in the Middle East.