The University of Toledo

Understanding Islam: Its Voices, Its Culture, Its Practices

The OEDC was awarded the "Understanding Islam: Its Voices, Its Culture, Its Practices" grant by the Toledo Community Foundation in December 2012.  The goal is to foster a greater understanding of the culture and practices of Islam by presenting interactive events through education, intellectual exchange and visual illustration for program participants.

This project is designed to empower participants with a greater degree of understanding, appreciation and awareness of the world’s diversity.  Our activities create dialog and an exchange of information. It also provides new knowledge for some and corrects misunderstanding for others. This program  includes men, women, students, Muslims, non-Muslims and the greater metro-Toledo community.

This program has been developed with the involvement of: The UT Arab Student Union, The UT Saudi Club, The UT Muslim Student Association, The UT American Muslim Student Association, The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women (UT), UT Department of Women and Gender Studies and UT Office of Multicultural Student Success. 

Events

Common Dialog Day: The History of Islam in Toledo - This event was held on Tuesday, January 15 during the UT Martin Luther King Unity Week. It featured Mr. Shamsuddin Waheed, Imam of the Toledo Masjid of Al-Islam speaking on the history of Islam in Toledo. It took place in the Student Union, room 2591 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments were served.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Showcase - Thursday, January 24, 2013, 6 – 8 pm, Student Union, room 2591.
This was a celebration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) supported by the Muslim Student Association. We learned about him and his messages through displays, music, film, art, poetry and literature. Free halal food was provided and door prizes were awarded. 

Gender Roles in Islam – Monday, February 11, 4:30 - 6 p.m., Student Union 2591.
Dr. Asma Abdel Halim, Associate Professor in UT's Department of Women and Gender Studies will be the lead panelist in this discussion on women's roles in Islam. Light refreshments will be served.  This event is free and open to the public. 

Visit to the Arab American National Museum – Friday, February 22, 2013, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Dearborn, Michigan is home to the Arab American National Museum, the nation’s only such museum and the Islamic Center of America, the nation’s largest mosque. Both co-ed and female-only transportation will be provided to all participants, space is limited. This events is free (including lunch) but reservations are required, seating is limited. Register in-person in UHall 3770 or Snyder Memorial 1000. 

 

For more information, please call 419.530.5538.