11With intolerance, misconceptions and stereotypes create hate. To help combat these forms of ignorance, Grand Valley State University’s Muslim Student Association presents the second-annual Islamic Awareness Week, set to begin today and end Friday.

MSA adviser Sebastian Maisel will open the week with a lecture titled, “What Do You know About Islam?” from 3 to 5 p.m. today in the Pere Marquette Room of Kirkhof Center.

“The week will showcase more than a single event and will be able to reach a larger audience,” Maisel said. “The week will show different aspects of Islam through several events and educate the public.

“Right now in society, we need to tackle the misconceptions and stereotypes that the media portrays,” he continued. “There is a fear about Islam in the media now. We want to show the public that Islam is an open and caring religion.”

Through Islamic Awareness Week, the students of MSA want to show the public different aspects of Islam not normally illustrated in the media.

“We tend to generalize the actions of a few who hijack the name or religion of Islam, such as radicals and fundamentalists,” Maisel said.

MSA president Kaifa Alsoofy helped coordinate the weeklong event. She said she hopes the events will give students a first-hand experience about Islam.

“I really want people to know and understand Islam better and to know the real meaning of Islam,” she said.

From Muslim Americans to voter behaviors and from Muslim women to comedy, events this week examine various facets of life in the Islamic religion.

“I want students to be willing to learn about this topic beyond the media and take away a positive perspective about Islam,” Alsoofy said.

MSA member Pamela Martin said she is disappointed that a very marginal fragment of the Muslim community has dominated the headlines of the media.

“I’m very passionate about Islamic Awareness week because it gives us an opportunity to represent ourselves as Muslims and paint a clearer picture of Islam for the students and community members that haven’t had the opportunity to witness our faith for what it really is,” Martin said.

She said she believes American citizens now live through unfortunate times because the media has misrepresented the Islamic culture and only the atrocities, which go radically against the most basic tenets of Islam, are broadcast in the media.

“We’re here to represent the Islam that we love, which teaches peace and tolerance,” Martin said.

Martin said she understands Americans live in an ever-changing and increasingly diverse environment. Gathering knowledge and maintaining an open mind in regards to all faiths and cultures is vital to maintaining tolerance and respect within our community.

During the week in which America celebrates Valentine’s Day, Martin wishes the GVSU community will grow in the area of brotherly love.

“I hope that the students who attend our events will walk away with some new knowledge and a fresh perspective,” Martin said. “The main message of Islam is to surrender one’s will to God, to promote peace throughout humanity, and to treat each person with kindness and compassion.”

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