An open forum, "A Mercy to Mankind," kicks off Islam Awareness Week today. The event, hosted by the Muslim Students Association, will run through Friday with a series of activities.

Stanley Neely, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, will talk about the prophet Mohammed's life and teachings.

"It is very timely to talk about these issues now. Islam stresses personal responsibility for the society and the importance of family," Neely said. He converted from Christianity in 1987.

"For me, Islam is the best religion because it simplifies a lot of things that had developed in other religions. I agree with Bernard Shaw when he said this religion is the best," he said.

The nationwide event takes place not only in American colleges, but also in Canadian colleges.

During this week, various activities will be held to promote Islamic principles and ideals as well as to spread the message of Islam.

The first years of coordinated effort by MSA on all campuses simultaneously were 1991 and 1992. Colleges have been doing similar projects on the national level. Last year, about 80 college chapters across the United States held the event. However, this is the first time that OU's MSA is participating.

"Our membership is growing and now we feel we are ready to do it," said Aisha Ali, committee chairwoman for Islam Awareness Week. "We hope to educate people on campus of the diversity that Islam is made up of."

The association is an international community, Ali said. Members are students from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the United States.

Members of the association said they hope to educate people about Islam through lectures and arts displays.

"Whenever people think of Islam, they always think of it as a negative connotation," said Yasmine Salama, a chemical engineering senior and women's representative of MSA.

"For example, when people think of terrorists, they always link it to the Muslims. Islam actually means submission to the world of God by means of peace.

"We are trying to educate people about Islam and also to unite the Muslims community through various projects."

In Islam, women have equal rights to that of men, like voting, owning land and making money for themselves.

Ali said the religion is based upon five major pillars:


* Shahada - to have faith and believe in God;
* Five daily prayers;
* Fasting during the month of Ramadan;
* Zakat - donations to the poor based on level of income and
*
Hass - paying pilgrimage.

The awareness week will wrap up with a bake sale. Cultural foods ranging from pastries, dishes and snacks are available from 50 cents to a dollar per item.

Food items are prepared by the Muslim students.

Monday, November 13, 1995