The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at the University of Idaho hosted their first ever cultural night Sunday, the first in a series of events part of Islamic Awareness Week.
Held in the International Ballroom of the Bruce M. Pitman Center, the event included Arabic coffee and tea, presentations on different Islamic cultures, traditional music and dance performances, a fashion show of different national dress, henna body art and an authentic dinner. MSA has trialed different activities such as guest speakers and movie nights, but this was their first time putting on an all-inclusive event for the public.
Some of the dancers and singers attend elementary and middle schools in Pullman and Moscow, and other performances were from UI students and the general community.
MSA President Husam Samkari said the event clarified what it means to be Islamic and what the American-Islamic culture embraces. The general mission statement for MSA is to spread peace and love to everyone, and it is just that simple, Samkari said.
“Muslims are open to learning and celebrating other cultures and religions, and this night is a way for all of us to come together,” Samkari said. “It is possible for everyone to peacefully co-exist with each other, friendship isn’t determined by what culture you come from.”
Samkari said the community of Moscow has given him a lot as a graduate student living here for a while, and the Islamic community wants to give back in the same friendly and welcoming way. The cultural night allowed people from all backgrounds to experience Muslim traditions together and reminded everyone to support diversity in the community.
The rest of the week includes speeches and open discussions, social gatherings, opportunities to swim and play soccer, a movie night and an open house at the Islamic Center of Moscow that will host a Friday sermon of how Islam and Christianity are the same yet different.
“We tried really hard to make activities that would cover everyone’s different interests and schedules,” Samkari said. “Some people may enjoy sporting events, while others would rather relax and watch a movie, so this week offers a wide variety of ways to learn about the Islamic culture.”
Ernest Lee, a student in the Visiting Scholar Program at UI, saw a poster for the event in the library and decided to attend for fun. Two of his roommates are Indian, and he said he has gone out of his way to learn more about their culture and the issues they face to develop a deeper understanding with them.
Throughout the night, Lee said he learned a variety of information about the Islamic culture and enjoyed the fashion show the most for both the men and women.
“In every culture and every religion there is at least one part that is misunderstood by other people,” Lee said. “I felt comfortable at the event to ask straightforward questions for clarification to those participating. Events like these provide mitigation for potential conflicts that may arise if we don’t fully understand someone else’s background.”
Lee said he plans on attending a few more upcoming events such as Indian Night to continue expanding his knowledge on other cultures.
Allison Spain can be reached at [email protected]