Carleton’s Muslim community is sharing their culture with their fellow students and countering misconceptions for Islam Awareness Week (IAW), which runs from March 19-23.
The theme of this year’s week is “Pursuit of Excellence.” Asma Hassan, one of the event co-ordinators, said the theme aims to “show people how they can excel as a person through the lens of Islam.”
Hassan said ending Islamophobia starts with hosting events such as IAW and providing a platform for people to seek knowledge and ask any questions they have.
Visitors are free to walk through the display in the University Centre Atrium, view exhibits, and speak to volunteers in order to learn about the meaning of Islam and the culture. IAW activities include allowing students to try on the hijab, a religious scarf worn by Muslim women, and a henna table. There is also a booth that plays Islamic music and is handing out free copies of the Qu’ran in different languages.
There are three main booths this year: the first talks about views and how to excel individually and in one’s relationship with God, the second references the basic foundations of Islam, and the third is based around society and how to excel within your environment, families, and with others in society.
Each year, IAW raises money for a charity, and this year is no exception. This year, money is being raised for the Yemen Relief Fund, a club that Hassan said was started by Carleton students. It seeks to raise awareness and proceeds for Yemen’s current humanitarian crisis, the cholera outbreak.
At each year’s IAW, about $6,000 to $7,000 is raised for charity through bake sales and activities.
Carleton University Muslim Students’ Association (CUMSA) president Biftu Hulo said the event is close to her heart.
“Something about the week itself, is something I can’t explain,” Hulo said.
Aqeel Baqar, a fourth-year neuroscience and mental health student, has previously volunteered with IAW and has been a member of CUMSA for a few years. He added that the event’s message to promote diversity and eliminate misconceptions about Islam is important.
“Muslims are inviting people and not what everybody portrays [us] to be. There are peaceful Muslims doing well in society and living among us,” Baqar said.
Nima Badan, a recent transfer student from Alberta studying applied linguistics, said that she was just passing by and decided to stop and see what the event was about. She said it made her aware of the strength of the Muslim community on campus and made her feel welcomed.
“The impact of this event is so positive, and it engages other students who otherwise would not have a way to know about Islam,” Badan said.
Photo by Aaron Hemens
