DUBLIN – The Muslim Student Association at the University of Memphis announced its plan to host week-long events leading to an open mosque event, where anyone is invited to a mosque to learn about Islam.

“This week is about showing the community what real Islam is and how Muslims portrayed in the media are different from what they actually are,” Robyn Pennella, co-president of the association, told Daily Helmsman on Monday.

“We aim to strengthen our own faith while teaching the campus and greater community more about Islam and to present it in a positive light,” she continued. “Tons and tons of people have misconceptions on Muslims.”

“I want my campus community, my friends, to understand my religion,” the co-president said.

“I don’t want them to think it’s some foreign concept, and I don’t want them to be afraid of us. People just don’t know about us, and they get their information from inaccurate sources, so we’re here to help the community.”

The week will begin with Muslim students explaining to others what Islam is. Then, the following four days will have discussions, hijab and henna workshop.

Moreover, a fast-a-thon, where anyone is welcome to fast that day and break their fast in the University Center with food provided by the association.

Throughout the week, the association will also host a canned good drive, where people can bring in canned foods to the association’s office to give out to needy people.

Another co-president of the association, Ata Amro, said: “Basically, we try to be something good for the community, especially the youth. We try to provide prayer access in rooms. We try to provide events on and off campus, like Islamic Awareness Week.”

He continued that “Islam means peace and one god. Islam revolves around God, where everything we do is for the sake of God and for the wellness of us and others.”

On her behalf, Tasneem Hassouneh, a student volunteer in the association talked about the importance of the week for her.

“It’s our duty to tell people what Islam is about because it’s being butchered in the media,” she said.

The event’s Da’wah table will be run by the association’s secretary Adil Abdurahaman who invites visitors to ask questions and receive detailed answers about Islam.