Since Sept. 11, there have been numerous threats against Muslims. Muslims everywhere have been blamed for the horror that occurred on that day.
USM’s Interfaith Programs and Services has taken a stand against the bigotry by setting up an event called, “Understanding Islam.” This event will give all students a chance to understand Islam instead of judging the religion and its followers.
Andrea Thompson McCall, University interfaith chaplain, said this would be a beneficial learning experience for all students.
“We need to raise awareness about other traditions,” Thompson McCall said.
The event will be held during the month of November to help celebrate the holiday of Ramadan, which is a fast that is held from sunrise to sunset. The fast signifies a love for Allah, by abstaining from anything that could detract one’s attention from Him. Muslims are expected to abstain not only from food and drink, but also from alcohol and sexual activity.
The interfaith chaplain encourages students of all faiths to come and join in the event, and to learn about Islam and meet with members of the Muslim community.
“We hope to form solidarity with our Muslim neighbors,” said Thompson McCall.
The first part of the event focuses on religious diversity while the second part focuses mainly on Ramadan. Thompson McCall hopes that the event will help to educate non-Muslim students about Islam and in this way, she hopes to eliminate the prejudices that Muslims face.
In addition to the event, there are other ways in which the interfaith programs and students are trying to accommodate the Muslim students. The students themselves are planning on setting up a Muslim Student Association for USM where those who follow the Islamic faith can come together.
Another plan is to set up a room where all students can come to worship. Considering the fact that Muslims pray five times a day, this room would make it more convenient for them to do so, as they wouldn’t necessarily have to leave campus in order to pray.
The prayer room would not only be there for Muslims, but for people of all faiths to share, giving everyone an opportunity to use it for prayer. The University has the right to form this prayer room since it is not just for one particular religion.
USM dining services is also doing their part by serving foods that fit the dietary needs of Muslims. In Islam, Muslims are not permitted to eat any form of pork. Because of this, the campus dining services will be making more vegetarian dishes available during the time of Ramadan.
“Understanding Islam” will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. in the Brooks Student Center at the Husky Hut in Gorham. It will also continue on the next day, Nov. 6 at noon at the Woodbury Campus Center in Portland in Room C.
Thompson McCall anticipates a good turnout and hopes that a difference can be made in society, because as she said, “We are all wanting peace.”