Islam Awareness Week aims to provide the Carleton University community with an opportunity to learn about Islam, including its beliefs and values.
From Feb. 3 to 7, the five-day event includes educational lectures and cultural stories in the Nideyinàn Galleria. Organized by the Carleton University Muslim Students’ Association, Islam Awareness Week focuses on ensuring people have an accurate understanding of what the Islamic religion represents.
Abdulrahman Siraj-Sanni, one of the event’s co-coordinators and fourth-year aerospace engineering student, said the week is a chance to show “the beauty of Islam.”
This year’s theme for Islam Awareness Week is “One Path, United Hearts.” Siraj-Sanni said he wants the week to showcase a sense of unity and “some of the values we hold dear.”
“As Muslims, we value unity,” he said. “And I think in general, society is better when we’re united and we’re able to come together.”
Some booths featured throughout the week include a modesty table where people can try on and learn about the hijab, a Qur’an table to learn about different verses and a cultural foods table. Foods include dates, olive oil, and tea, all of which are held in high regard in the Islamic tradition for their health benefits.
Noor Elshanawany, a second-year software engineer and design student and event volunteer, said everyone is welcome to engage, no matter their background. Volunteers like Elshanawany will run activities throughout the week and are available to answer questions and engage in conversation.
“Even [Muslims] as a whole, we all come from very different places,” Elshanawany said. “[Islam Awareness Week] is a big opportunity to bring people together.”
Siraj-Sanni said the event is a space for everyone to learn about Islam.
“Whether or not you’re Muslim, it’s a chance for you to learn a bit more about the religion, to have conversations and also to empower students to be able to hold this dialogue that’s necessary for inclusivity.”
Nour Kaddoura, a third-year biomedical student, said she appreciated the openness Islam Awareness Week provides students.
“Seeing people come with curiosity and leave with a newfound understanding [of Islam] is always meaningful,” Kaddoura said. “It encourages interfaith dialogue, helps build bridges between communities and promotes mutual respect.”
This year, proceeds from food sales will go toward emergency relief for Sudan and Syria.
Sudan is currently facing a civil war that began in April 2023. Thousands of people have died and more than eight million have been displaced, according to the United Nations (UN). The World Food Programme has said the country risks experiencing the world’s largest hunger crisis.
Since 2011, Syria has endured an ongoing civil war. The UN has declared the country’s crisis the largest displacement crisis in the world. More than two million children are unable to attend school as a result of mass displacement, destroyed schools and economic hardships, according to UNICEF.
Siraj-Sanni said Islam Awareness Week hopes to show that “Islam values unity, justice, and advocacy for people in need.”
Evening activities will also take place throughout the week, including a fast-a-thon dinner on Feb. 6. The dinner comes ahead of the holy month Ramadan, when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset.
Siraj-Sanni said people shouldn’t be shy to engage with the programming throughout the week, as it’s an open space for everyone.
“We [want] it to feel like home for members of the community here.”
Featured Image by Grace Martin/the Charlatan.
