It’s still months away, but a crew of dedicated volunteers from Carleton’s Muslim Students’ Association are putting together February’s annual Islam Awareness Week.
Sevda Zaynali, an event coordinator, said the association has been preparing for its largest event of the year since June.
“It’s a week-long event where we talk to people about Islam, Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” Nafis Faiyaz, another event coordinator said.
Event volunteers in the Nideyinàn atrium will answer visitors’ questions, distribute free copies of the Qur’an and host interactive booths and bake sales.
There will also be games, trivia and Islamic lectures from renowned speakers from organizations like the Muslim Association of Canada, the Ottawa Muslim Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims.
Nearly 300 volunteers who have already signed up will undergo training starting in January, according to Faiyaz.
“We teach the volunteers how to conduct themselves on the floor, the basics of Tawheed (Islamic monotheism) as well as other fundamental beliefs within Islam,” Faiyaz said.
“This could be for people who want to learn more about Islam, for those who have misconceptions about Islam and to create a safe space and an environment where Muslim voices are heard.”
Zaynali said it’s also about challenging Islamophobic stereotypes.
“Familiarity helps people understand,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to convey who we are and for people to be able to ask questions.”
The theme of Islam Awareness Week this year is Mercy to Mankind, because “Muslims believe God has sent for the Prophet (peace be upon him) to bring glad tidings through the religion of Islam, invite people to it and make positive societal change,” Faiyaz said.
The group still needs to invite speakers and book space, Zaynali said. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes.”
Faiyaz said Islam Awareness Week is special for the Carleton community.
“People say it’s an event that’s in their memory forever,” he said. “We’re doing this for the cause of Allah.”
Dana Alsaed, a second-year public policy and management student, volunteered at the event last year, calling the experience “very fulfilling.”
“It was beautiful. I really enjoyed the sisterhood, getting to know different Muslim girls on campus,” she said.
Volunteering again this year, Alsaed said she wants to help those on the verge of reverting to Islam with the last conversational push.
“Seeing someone revert for the first time — right in front of my eyes — was so heart-touching, and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
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Featured image provided by the Islam Awareness Week Media Team.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misattributed a quote about when volunteer training will begin. The Charlatan regrets the error.
