Islam and Muslims are one and the same, Christians are unaccepting and Buddhists are vegetarians — those are just some common myths that surround some of the world’s largest religions.
“I AM Religion: Dispelling the Myths” aims to eliminate stereotypes about different beliefs with the help of a panel of experts from six religions.
The idea for an interfaith panel had been brought up last winter when Project Nur, a nationwide student-led initiative advocating improved relations between Muslims and other religious groups, formed a chapter at Ohio University.
Lauren Ziegler, president of Project Nur at OU and a senior studying anthropology, said the event stemmed from an idea she had about religious stereotypes.
“I know a lot of people who don’t know or understand other religions other than their own,” Ziegler said. “After September 11, it is important for people to come together to overcome stereotypes and to understand other religions.”
Salah Awad, president of the Muslim Students Association and an Ohio University graduate student studying biochemistry, said he was excited when Ziegler asked if MSA would host the event in conjunction with Project Nur and United Campus Ministry.
“Project Nur started this idea that they would like to clarify the misconception about different religions and make people satisfied about religions,” he said. “As the MSA president, I was very excited about this idea.”
Each of the panelists will cover a specific religion and the myths surrounding it.
Ziad Akir, the Islamic panelist and an adjunct professor of communication and director of distance learning at Washington State Community College, said he hopes students will be able to understand how Islam relates to other religions after he speaks.
“I do hope students will learn the commonalities between these three world religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) and also some of the major differences,” he said.
Following the panelists, Azhar Osman, comedian and co-founder of “Allah Made Me Funny — Official Muslim Comedy Tour,” will provide entertainment for the audience.
Ziegler said the event will provide an opportunity for people to learn about religions they don’t understand.
“They should attend because it is the responsibility and duty of everyone to make tomorrow a better place,”
she said.
ao007510@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: I AM Religion: Dispelling the Myths featuring comedian Azhar Usman
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Baker University Center Ballroom
Admission: Free
