Geared up with its theme, “Islam Exposed,” MSA is trying to promote the basic tenets of Islam and at the same time clear up all misunderstandings that Muslims are facing in today’s world. As stated in the theme, the event is part of the MSA’s outreach to Rensselaer’s community.

“The word Islam derives from “peace;” we want peace in the world, but that can only be achieved through understanding. Understanding is achieved through knowledge, and Islam Awareness Week is geared to spread some of that knowledge,” said former president of MSA, Tauseef Ansari.

Adding up to Ansari’s comment, Nur Zahira ’04 added, “as most of us are aware of today, there are many misconceptions or misunderstandings regarding Islam, especially with the ongoing conflicts that have involved countries that have a majority Muslim population.”

She continued, “We are trying to help the general population at Rensselaer to understand what Islam is really about, what Islam’s stand on women is, what terrorism means and Islam’s relation to it, and other different aspects of Islam.”

IAW, which is an annual activity for the MSA, originates from the MSA National organization. From this idea, the other chapters of MSA across the nation carry out this idea on their own campuses. Each year, Rensselaer’s MSA tries to bring changes in IAW without changing the whole purpose of the event—to be Islam’s advocate on local campus.

As Zahira said, “In terms of whether this year’s IAW is the same as last year or different, of course there are some aspects that stay the same, but overall, every year we try to tailor our programs so that they meet the audience, context, and purpose of the time.”

Many ongoing activities are planned in conjunction with this two-week program. Among them are interactive lectures on specific topics that are targeted to dispel certain misunderstandings relating to Islam and its way of life. Tables have been set up all around the campus to answer any inquiries related to the religion. Meanwhile, to make sure that the event is accessible to those with limited time, the MSA is holding an exhibition in Folsom Library. The exhibition features Islamic arts with a special presentation on Islamic calligraphy by a well known calligrapher, Reem Hussein.

All of the activities are open to all in the Rensselaer community regardless of their religion. The targeted audience is everyone as anyone—Muslim and non-Muslim—who wants to know the truth about Islam and to dispel any of the myths exist is very much invited to attend any of the activities except for one, a lecture on the topic of “Serving God through Our Mothers,” which is only for women.

The MSA looks forward to seeing participation of Rensselaer’s community in IAW. Hopefully their aim to give first-hand exposure of Islam is achieved. Just as mentioned by Ansari, “If someone says something as simple as, ‘I learned something new and positive about Islam today,’ then I think the goal of IAW has been accomplished.”