Islam Awareness week gives students the opportunity to learn more about the Islamic faith and the Muslim Student Association on Marshall University’s campus.

The week began with two events Monday. The first was the Meet a Muslim event, which included Jeopardy and henna tattoos, in the Memorial Student Center. The second was a pizza and game night in the INTO Center.

The MSA will hold a bake sale beginning 11 a.m. Tuesday in the MSC lobby. Tuesday night’s event will be an Interfaith Panel, which will include a discussion entitled: “How Can We Find Forgiveness From a Holy God?” beginning 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the MSC.

Wednesday will consist of Hijab Day beginning 11 a.m. in the MSC lobby and a tie-dying party of head or neck scarves beginning 4 p.m. on Buskirk field.

On Thursday, students will discuss Islamophobia and the current election while enjoying popsicles in an event called “Politics and Popsicles” beginning 11 a.m. in the MSC lobby. There will be a showing of the movie “30 Days” on Thursday evening 6 p.m. in MSC 2W22.

The week will end with an open house at the 20th Street mosque beginning 1:30 p.m. Friday. Students will tour the mosque, observe an Islamic service and take part in a Q&A session with Muslims in the Huntington community.

MSA vice president Malak Khader said the goal of this week’s events is to clear up misconceptions about the Islamic faith prevalent in today’s society.

“The goals of these events are for people to get to know their local Muslims and gain a better understanding of what Islam really is,” Khader said. “We’re trying to clear misconceptions about Muslims and Islam and just have fun with Marshall students through our social events.”

MSA president Suzann Al-Qawasmi emphasized this week is about trying to “tear down” the preconceived notions that can lead to misunderstanding the Islamic religion.

“Our main purpose with these events is to build bridges between the Muslims and non-Muslims on campus and to promote unity, love and understanding within our community,” Al-Qawasmi said. “We believe that much of the hate that we’ve seen toward our religion lately is a result of misunderstanding about what Islam truly means.”

Nancy Peyton can be contacted at [email protected].