Rogers State University in Oklahoma hosts panel discussion on Islam

Wednesday 03 Feb 2016 - 11:27 Makkah mean time-24-4-1437

Image from Claremore Daily Progress

Oklahoma, US (IINA) - A panel discussion to highlight Islam's diversity and bring about proper understanding about the religion and its culture was held at Rogers State University (RSU) in Oklahoma on Monday. The discussion, of a five-member panel was hosted in recognition of World Hijab Day (WHD), Claremore Daily Progress online news reported.
“While we were identifying issues of diversity for us to cover in our program throughout the year, one issue was religious tolerance, so we knew we wanted to do a program that addressed different religious traditions,” said Katy Launius, RSU director of student development.
Launius had discovered the Peace Project, an outreach of The Islamic Society of Tulsa, founded by Sheeba Atiqi, and felt WHD was a good opportunity to introduce the religious conversation.
“This year RSU really ramped up diversity programing. The last time we had conversations about religion and Islam was more than four years ago,” Launius said.
In additional to the panel discussion, the group set up a hijab demonstration booth before the event.
Ahmed Ashrafasi, a student at the University of Tulsa, began the panel discussion by presenting basic Islamic beliefs and practices. He talked about the five pillars of actions and the six pillars of faith.
“The most important thing is our morals,” Ashrafasi said. “We need to be honest and treat people equally. No one is better than another. At the end the day, treat people with respect, be kind to neighbors, visit the sick and help the needy."
“A lot of people, especially in the United States, get their information from the news. This is why we are here today to fix these misconceptions.”
Safa El-soueission discussed why she chooses to wear a hijab on a regular basis. “It is not out of oppression,” said El-soueission. “It is out of modesty and respect.
She also said a hijab is more than a head covering, and it also includes conduct and is a lifestyle.
“I am not supposed to go to sleep if my neighbor is hungry. I am to treat people from any culture, religion, or sexuality with respect,” said El-soueission.
One member of the panel was Reverend Sarah Thornhill, associate pastor of Boston Avenue United Methodist.
“I am a United Methodist, but I wear a covering today in solidarity. I am excited to go to the grocery store and experience what other religions sometimes experience. We are working for peace. Besides theological differences, we have many things in common,” said Thornhill.
SM/IINA

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