Islam Awareness Week
The 8th annual Islam Awareness Week sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Muslim Student Association and Al-Madinah Cultural Center is set to take place on the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus March 30th through April 3rd, 2009. This year’s theme is “ Islam Contributing to U.S. National Interests.”
One often hears media reports about the threat of Islam to our nation's security and freedoms, but can the principles of Islam be used to actually further our national interests?
A variety of events including lectures, seminars, and panel discussions will try to provide solutions based on Islamic principles to pressing national issues such as the financial crisis, global health care, and foreign policy.
The goal of the week-long event is to provide the American public with accurate information about the religious and moral beliefs of millions of American Muslims. The group hopes to alter the notion that Islam is a foreign enemy that fundamentally clashes with western ideologies and liberties. Instead, by learning about this misunderstood faith, we can use some of its principles to further our nation's interests.
As part of the week's objectives, local charities will be sponsored to help them weather these particularly trying economic times. Everyday, funds will be raised through attendees' donations. A representative of each charity will speak briefly at each event.
Monday, March 30th - 7pm Panel Discussion "Islam and the Economy: An Alternative Solution to the U.S. Economic Meltdown" featuring Carlson School of Management Professor Felix Meschke
Tuesday, March 31st - 6pm Lecture "Realities of Global Health Care: Catering to Muslim Patients' Needs" by Gates Foundation Scholar Abdirahman Mohamed, M.D., M.P.H.
Wednesday, April 1st - 12.30pm Comparative Religion Luncheon led by a local Sheikh
Thursday, April 2nd - 12.30pm Seminar "Women in Islam: Second Class Citizens?" by Imani Jaafar-Mohammad, J.D.
Thursday, April 2nd - 12.15pm, Lecture "Islamic Shari'ah, the Rule of Law, and U.S. Foreign Policy" by Wisconsin Law School Professor, Asifah Quraishi
Friday, April 3rd - 12.30pm Open Friday Prayer at Northrop Mall
Friday, April 3rd - 6.30pm, Poetry Night featuring Def Jam Poet Amir Suleyman