Discover Islam Week Highlights Muslim Culture, Identity

EVANSTON, Ill. --- The Muslim Cultural Students' Association at Northwestern University invites all members of the campus community to participate this week (Feb. 18 to 22) in a program of five events that will facilitate dialogue and explore Muslim identity and culture in an open, safe and intellectual environment.  

Discover Islam Week will help shed light on the role of Muslims in both American and global society and draw significant parallels between Muslims and other politicized races and ethnicities. Events highlight Muslims' stand against gang violence, the politicization and racialization of the Muslim identity and how many Muslims, including Malcolm X, played a requisite role in writing America’s history as we know it. 

The keynote address will explore common questions on Muslim Identity, such as "How do Muslims perceive the West? Who are the extremists? And where are the moderates?" 

Schedule of Events

Chicago Muslims in Your Backyard
Find out what local Muslims are doing to help reduce gun violence in Chicago and Evanston.
- Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Annenberg Hall, G21

Contours of Race in Muslim Identity
How race informs American Muslim identity.
- Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., University Hall, 201

The Legacy of Malcolm X
An exploration of the life and faith of Malcolm X in forming the revolutionary we know.
- Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Harris Hall, 107

Keynote Address: Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think
John Esposito, a devout Catholic, is professor of international affairs and Islamic studies at Georgetown University. He is widely known for his efforts promoting diversity and encouraging stronger ties between faith groups, and he has challenged the Vatican to make greater efforts toward this goal. Co-author of "Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think," Esposito bases his work on more than 50,000 interviews representing 1.3 billion Muslims who reside in more than 35 nations that are predominantly Muslim or have sizable Muslim populations. Esposito is president-elect of the American Academy of Religion.
- Thursday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., Harris Hall, 107

Jum'ua Prayer
See how Muslims conduct weekly prayer and sermon.
- Friday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m., Parkes Hall, 122

All events are free and open to members of the Northwestern community.