CAIRO – Following months of preparations, the Muslim Student Association in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln opens today a week-long event to educate fellow students on Islam and combat Islamophobia in the society.

“We’ve had numerous meetings and asked non-Muslims about the topics they would like to hear about,” MSA secretary Karez Hassan told The Daily Nebraskan on Tuesday, February 23.

“And from there we compiled a list of focuses that would be respectful and beneficial to the UNL campus and community.”

MSA began preparing for the event last fall and has worked with faculty advisor Hany Makkawy, as well as listened to non-member student input.

Held at the City Union, the educational events will run from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25.

The topics addressed will include the pillars of Islam, its beliefs and morals.

The Islamic Awareness Week was urged after Muslim UNL student was subjected to racism.

“The university and community immediately denounced this racism, and we were asked to organize an event to counter such actions and create a respectful and peaceful environment,” MSA president Sara El Alaoui said.

For members of the MSA, the discussions will extend a bridge between different cultures and faiths, resulting in correcting misconceptions.

Hassan said that understanding and unfair representation of Islam must be combated with true knowledge.

“I don’t counterattack with ignorance. Rather, we should have interfaith dialogue and use education as a weapon to guide those who are misguided about Islam,” Hassan said.

“Islamic Awareness Week will represent my faith in its true peaceful form, and I want non-Muslims to know what Islam truly is and not what the media portrays.”

Along with cultural events, the MSA will set a booth to answer questions about women in Islam and clear misconceptions and stereotypes.

El Alaoui said women can try on hijabs, share their experiences and receive a free shawl.

“Through this event, we hope to clear up the stereotypes about Islam that have been circulated through the media, uninformed people or even people who have some political agenda,” El Alaoui said.

“We should treat others for who they really are, not for the image that we build of them based on some stereotypes or social and cultural expectations, and I think that it is our responsibility as Muslims to teach our community and remind them of these concepts, in an effort to bring understanding, peace, harmony and lots of love.”