| Islam Awareness Week 2007 |
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October 21-27
Celebration of Eid and Islamic Culture Date: Sunday, October 21, 2007 Location: Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall Time: 6-8 pm
Join us in celebration of the completion of Ramadan! Share in joyous festivities with other Penn students and celebrate the cultural heritage and ethnic diversity of Islam. In addition to a catered dinner featuring foods from all around the Muslim world, enjoy Islamic calligraphy, henna tattoos, and other elements of Islamic culture.
Islamic Comedy Night – Allah Made Me Funny Date: Monday, October 22, 2007 Time: 7:00-9:00pm Location: Terrace Room, Logan Hall
Azhar Usman--who has toured with Dave Chappelle and appeared on Comedy Central--will seek to engage the audience and address issues and stereotypes pertaining to Islam through a stand-up comedy skit. Refreshments will be served and the event is open free of charge to all members of the Penn Community and the Greater Philadelphia area.
Jihad, Terrorism and Reconciling Muslim Identity in the West Date: Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007 Time: 7:00-9:00pm Location: Terrace Room, Logan Hall
This lecture will discuss the issue of a collective Islamic identity, and the need for adaptation to the misconceptions about Jihad and Terrorism in Islam, with contrast to Western Society. Dr. Sherman Jackson emphasizes the need for Muslims to remain true to their religious beliefs while reconciling their presence in secular, liberal democratic America. Q&A to follow.
Don't Believe the Hype: How the Media and Hollywood Portray Muslims and their Faith Date: Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 Time: 7:00-9:00pm Location: Terrace Room, Logan Hall
This event will seek to address the way Western media has created an unwarranted sense of fear towards Muslims. This speaker panel will address the heavy-hitting issue of Islamophobia as a form of racism towards Muslims. What is it, how is it formed, and how does it influence Western thought? Dr. Aminah McCloud and Azhar Usman will reflect upon the many negative images painted about Islam in today’s media and attempt to reconcile the problems. The goal of this panel is to reach a stronger understanding of Islamophobia and how Americans can respond to counteract this negative force. By better understanding Islam a victim of mass media, we can uncover the truth behind the misconceptions people have about the religion itself.
Separation of Mosque and State Islam and Democracy: The Role of Muslims in the West Date: Thursday, October 25th, 2007 Time: 7:00-9:00pm Location: Terrace Room, Logan Hall
Is it true, as some claim, that democracy is basically a western concept and ideology and therefore fundamentally at odds with the values and principles of Islam? The relationship between the two presents a broad spectrum of perspectives ranging from the extremes of those who deny a connection between Islam and democracy to those who argue that Islam requires a democratic system. Shaykh Faiz-ul-Siddiqi asserts that there is no inherent contradiction between Islam and democracy and that democratic ideals are in line with Islamic principles. What can we as Americans and particularly as American Muslims do to promote democratization in Muslim countries and the West? This lecture compares the ideal Islamic state against modern day Western society. Shaykh Faiz-ul-Siddiqi will try to elaborate on how Muslims can appropriately live in a Western society, while maintaining their identity and social values.
Open Friday Prayer on College Green Date: Friday, October 26th, 2007 Location: College Green Time: 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm
Observe the oft-seen, rarely-understood traditional Muslim prayer service. To be held out on College Green for all passers by to see, the service consists of a 30-minute sermon followed by a 5-minute collective prayer. Q&A to follow.
Day of Interfaith Service Date: Saturday, October 27th, 2007 Location: Malcolm X Park at 51st and Osage Ave Time: 10 am - 1 pm (tentative)
This event, in conjunction with University City Green will mainly involve tree planting in various localities. The community service event is an effort to increase environmental awareness, beautify some of the lower-level income neighborhoods and foster a spirit of cooperation between members of the different participating organizations as well as the larger community.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors: SPEC, T-Change, NELC, Political Science Dept., Middle Eastern Center, VPUL/Chaplain's Office, Annenberg, Greenfield Intercultural Center, Religious Studies Department, GAPSA, South Asia Center
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