More than 30 people, both Muslim and non-Muslim, gathered together Saturday in the Muslim Students Center, 13 Stewart St., for a Day of Dialogue: Sharing the Islamic Tradition organized by Ohio University's Muslim Students Association.
MSA President Usame Tunagur, who opened the event, said the members of MSA decided to have an open forum with refreshments instead of the previously planned cultural presentations, because presentations are boring G? especially on a Saturday afternoon. The goal, Tunagur said, was to create a fruitful interaction that we can continue in and throughout campus between Muslims and other Athens residents.
After refreshments were served, the floor was opened for questions. MSA Communication Chair Heather Irwin and Vice President Jordan Robinson moderated the discussion. We will rarely
if ever get offended by a question Irwin said.
Questions ranged from how to increase cultural understanding about Islam to the controversy about the Danish cartoons to the manner in which Muslims pray.
When asked to comment on the extreme reactions to the cartoons, Irwin explained that the rioting represented a minority of Muslims. How many times are people in the middle given a microphone? she said.
MSA faculty adviser and professor of electrical engineering Savas Kaya said the minority of Muslims who reacted violently to the cartoons were acting outside the scope of Islamic tradition. He raised the question: Is any idea or position, no matter its personal or spiritual value, open for criticism?
Robinson expressed optimism on the Hammas victory in Palestine. They have to pick up the trash now
he said.
He said the election results demonstrated democracy working. You shouldn't punish the Palestinians for having democratic elections. You can't tell them that they need to have fair elections and then be upset when you don't like who wins.
In keeping with Muslim tradition, a passage from the Quran was read to bless the meeting. The prayer was repeated in English, so those unfamiliar with Arabic could understand it. Readings generally are chosen by the person leading the prayer, Tunagur said, but most people choose something they know the best.
When you read from the heart you don't want to make any mistakes
Tunagur said.
Jordan Robinson gave a short presentation at the beginning of the event titled Diversity in Unity. He showed pictures of various people in cultures all over the world, showcasing diversity and humanness in different places, Robinson said.
The Day of Dialogue included a second session. From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Bentley Hall, the PBS documentary Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet was shown, with another opportunity for questions afterward.
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Yuyan and her daughter Sueda enjoy authentic cuisine and casual conversation during the Athens Islamic Center's day of dialogue on Saturday. The event provided an opportunity for people of all religions to spend time discussing their beliefs and the cur
