EMAN BARE
News Writer

Islam Awareness Week will be hosting talks on campus March 3 and 4. The Muslim Students’ Association hosts this event yearly in order to raise awareness on the misconceptions of Islam and to prevent “Islamophobia.”

Islamophobia is a term used to describe the irrational fear of Muslims that certain terrorist groups have caused the media to associate with Islam.

This year, IAW will feature two days of lectures at 6 p.m. in Arts 241. These lectures will discuss a range of topics from the prophet to the Quran, and each will be followed by questions and answers.

IAW is a worldwide event, taking place on various campuses as well as in larger communities. It originated in Britain and became a tool to educate the masses on Islam, and to create unity amongst diverse communities. Since then, it has expanded into North American communities and campuses.

The University of Regina’s Muslim Student Association held their IAW Jan. 31 to Feb. 5 and flew in notable speakers including Sheikh Harith Al-Shiraida and Dr. Syed Ibn Iqbal.

“I consider myself fairly well rounded, but still feel an event like this would be very useful,” said Michael Warren, a University of Saskatchewan student. “I can only imagine what it would be like for someone with little or no knowledge on the subject.”

Warren’s hopes that IAW speakers use direct references from Islamic holy text to support the statements they are making. By doing so, he feels that the discussions and resulting answers will be a lot more effective.

“It’s a good way to introduce people to Islam while reviving the Islamic spirt among Muslim students on campus,” said another U of S student, Faiza Jamil.

“It’s a way for Muslims to show their true colours and teach people about Islam the religion of peace, rather than the negative image Muslims are given in the media,” she added.

Although IAW is still a few weeks away, anticipation is mounting on campus. The success of last year’s event will hopefully encourage a higher turn out and a more educated student body at the end of the week.