Throughout the week of Monday, Feb. 12, the Muslim Student Association Club (MSA)  hosted Islamic Awareness Week activities at school. The purpose of this nationwide event is to raise awareness about Islam, the religion, and Muslims, those who practice it, while dispelling misconceptions about the religion.

Each day featured a new activity for students.  On Monday, club members handed out goody bags filled with chocolate and interesting facts about Islam. On Tuesday, Safi Qadir, junior, led an interactive workshop on Arabic calligraphy.

“This week has really showed both the students and staff what my religion is about. Islam is a lot more than what the media shows it to be, and I’m happy I was able to show people that,” said Ferzam Berki, junior.

On Wednesday, traditional henna tattoos were given to girls after school. On Thursday, Bushra Amiwala spoke to students at the library. Amiwala is a Muslim-American who is running for Cook County Board.

“She gave us great advice about how to get involved in politics as high schoolers if we are interested and how her experience working for Senator Mark Kirk has sparked her interest in running for board. It was pretty inspirational and very useful,” said Sedra Khan, MSA president.

On Friday, both Muslims and non-Muslims were invited to try on a hijab for a day, and breakfast was served to all who participated.

“I participated by wearing a hijab on Friday. I felt completely normal and  comfortable wearing it around my friends, as most of them are aware that I am Muslim. I think it’s important for people to experience and participate in order to develop a more personal understanding of Islam and what it represents,” said Jennah Khan, sophomore.  “I was happy to see so many girls take part in it, and it really felt like a community effort.”

The Muslim Student Association meets Wednesdays after school in room 300, and it is a place for Muslim and non-Muslim students to meet and discuss Islam. Contact Ms. Sofia Rahman, club sponsor, for more information.