{"id":879,"date":"2023-12-01T21:10:02","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T21:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/capitalchill\/?p=879"},"modified":"2023-12-01T21:10:02","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T21:10:02","slug":"muslim-community-building-during-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/capitalchill\/2023\/12\/01\/muslim-community-building-during-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Muslim community-building during holiday season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The Carleton University Muslim Students\u2019 Association is organizing various events for Muslim students and community members in Ottawa during the holiday season to provide support and social opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting Friday, the association \u2013 which has teamed up with Muslim student associations at Algonquin College and University of Ottawa \u2013 is hosting four weekend programs throughout December that deal with Muslim identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first event is called \u201cYou as a Muslim in the West.\u201d Tickets for the in-person lecture, which will be held Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. at Algonquin College, have already sold out, but organizers say the program will also be available online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday\u2019s lecture explores the experiences and challenges of Muslims in Western societies and how they can thrive while maintaining their Muslim identity. Speaker Abu Umar Abdul Azeez, an international speaker and scholar, will speak about Muslim identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ali Abdur Raheem, a fourth-year electrical engineering student, said he is not a club member, but he usually participates in its events. He said he benefits from the support the club provides to Muslim students.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe safe prayer room at Paterson Hall is one such support,\u201d he said. \u201cWe also come together for Jummah (Friday) prayers every week at Norm Fenn Gym.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abdur Raheem said he will attend Friday\u2019s lecture online and added that he and Muslim students come together in the prayer room five times a day, pray and chat with each other. He said that events like \u201cYou as a Muslim in the West,\u201d as well as the various other supports offered by the Muslim association on campus, are essential to maintaining a strong sense of identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is vital for Muslim students to come together with various organizations so that they do not lose their identities.\u201d<\/p>– Ali Abdur Raheem<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAli Abdur Raheem, a fourth year electrical engineering student, plans to attend the “You as a Muslim in the West” course online. [Photo \u00a9 Semih Kaya] <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Club member Mariem, who did not want her last name published, said she plans to attend Friday\u2019s lecture. \u201cAs an international student, events featuring Muslim academics and speakers raise my awareness of the challenges I face as a Muslim,\u201d said Mariem, who is studying psychology at Carleton University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mariem, who also volunteers at some club events, said the club supports the community by providing a safe space. \u201cThe association regularly posts on social media, and if you follow its Instagram account, you will be aware of many events related to the Muslim community. We also regularly put up announcement posters on the notice board opposite the prayer room,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Carleton\u2019s Muslim student association aims to represent Muslim students within the Carleton community, promote civic engagement and organize events and services, according to Ruqiya Ahmed, a spokesperson for the club. It serves the Muslim student community at Carleton by organizing book clubs, travel programs, regular prayer meetings and other forms of support.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSupport is a key part of community, and we aim to provide it for one another to balance our social and work life,\u201d Ahmed said. \u201cWorking with sincere intentions enables us to have what we believe to be blessed and fulfilling experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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