Celebrate Islam Awareness Week with a variety of on campus events

The Oakland University community is invited to take part in Islam Awareness Week from November 16-20. Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association (MSA), the week features a variety of events in celebration of Islamic religion, history and culture.

The week kicks off with a “Basics of Islam” presentation by OU Director of Islamic Studies Achmat Salie from 6-6:40 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16 in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge, with a question and answer session following the talk.

The celebration will continue with a “Diversity of the Muslim World” presentation delivered by a group of MSA members from 5:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge, with a question and answer session following the presentation.

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, will discuss an array of thought-provoking issues in his keynote address “Islam: Friend of Foe?” The lecture will be held from 7-7:40 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge. Additionally, the OU community is welcome to visit the Fireside Lounge to attend the Jumu’ah prayer and Khutbah sermon to be delivered by Sayed Nassar, OU professor, from 1:30-2 p.m. that day.

These events are intended to help raise awareness of Islam among the campus community, according to MSA President Adam Siddiqui. He said that such events are important because they allow participants to enhance their understanding and appreciation of different cultures, in addition to giving them a chance to reach out and expand their social circle.

“It is our hope to that Islamic Awareness Week will provide a more appropriate understanding of Islam and Muslims,” Siddiqui explained.

For more information on Islam Awareness Week, contact Siddiqui at (248) 835-6125 or aasiddiq@oakland.edu.