On Tuesday, three people not of the Islamic faith spoke abouttheir encounters with the religion and their thoughts afterinteracting with its members.
The Muslim Student Association, in conjunction with the IslamicCenter of Muncie, organized Islamic Awareness Week for Muncieresidents and Ball State students. This event, titled "Islam InTheir Eyes," was the first of many events scheduled this week.
Reverend Thomas Perchlik, one of the speakers at the event, saidthey were there to promote a better understanding of the Islamicreligion through the eyes of non-Islamics.
The evening started with speakers recounting the times theyspent with Muslims.
George Wolfe, a representative of Muncie Interfaith Fellowshipand the director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, saidhe saw the similarities among people of every faith after he hearda young Muslim venting about how much he disliked going to weddingsbecause of their length.
"It made me realize that we are all the same, really," Wolfesaid.
Herb Stahlke, a linguistics professor, said religions need tolearn to tolerate and embrace one another as individuals.
"There is a family relationship between Christians, Muslims andJews," Stahlke said.
The Muslim Student Association hopes to accomplish much over theweek. "(We want to) expand dialogue, increase understanding, (and)get rid of stereotypes," said Fahad Alqurashi, a member of theMuslim Student Association and host of Tuesday's event.
The last part of the discussion allowed the audience to questionthe panel's views of Islam or their opinions on controversiesaffecting the world today. One audience member said the problemsthat cause the strife in the world are due to misunderstandings andignorance.
"It's all a way of life," she said, "and if I do somethingdifferent from someone else, it's because I live in a differentlifestyle."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
