Muslim Students Association President Abdulkerim Abate said many still have misconceptions about Islam.

Among these is the oppression of women, the distinction between religion and culture, and quotes taken out of context from jihad, the junior microbiology major said.

In response, he and other members of the MSA organized Islamic Awareness Week, which began Monday and continues with events on and off campus until Friday.

“The goal of the week is to address misconceptions about Islam and give more accurate information other than the media’s portrayal,” said Naima Abshir, a junior genetics major and MSA vice president.

Monday, MSA members handed out information on Glenn Terrell Mall to inform people about the week of events.

Today at 6 p.m. there will be a movie titled “The Message” shown at the Museum of Art/WSU with a discussion afterward.

Wednesday follows with a panel discussion at 5 p.m. in Todd Hall room 276 called “Islam: A message for humanity” that features University of Idaho economics professor S.M. Ghazanfar and WSU English instructor Amina Ben Ezzeddine.

“Having both sides represented like that will really hit home,” said Deborah Ashley, a sophomore nursing major and MSA secretary. “Having a woman there presents a positive image and shows we are not being oppressed.” Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Todd Auditorium, guest speaker Shaykh Khalid Yasin will speak with a message called “Islam: The Treasure Uncovered.” Yasin will also speak Friday at the Gladish Community and Cultural Center, with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and his lecture, “From the Womb of the Tomb,” at 7:30 pm.

“He is very knowledgeable and aware,” Abshir said. “Being from Western society he is able to touch upon all areas of the spectrum and discuss Islam as a way of life and depict its reality.” Adherence to the truth and reality over stereotypes and falsities is something the MSA is working toward, Abate said.

The group hopes for strong participation so these and other concerns can be addressed and discussed.

“This week is just as much about the participation of the students,” said ASWSU Dist. 9 Sen. Qasim Hussaini, an MSA member. “It’s up to all of us to actively participate so we can educate ourselves and break these misconceptions.”