The Muslim Student Association hosted an event Feb. 16 in the Oklahoma Memorial Union titled 10 Misconceptions About Islam to dispel Islamic stereotypes.
Imad Enchassi, senior imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City and professor of Islamic studies at various institutions, was the speaker for the event. Enchassi’s presentation included questions, examples and verses from the Quran to dismiss misconceptions about Islam.
Enchassi says verses in the Quran that have been promoted as violent have been taken out of context.
— Kayla Branch (@kayla_branch) February 17, 2017
Misconceptions ranged from the meaning of “jihad,” to the idea that Muslim women are oppressed, to the origins of the religion as a whole.
Enchassi said Muslim women have always had many rights, including the right to wealth and property and voting rights since the 7th century
— Kayla Branch (@kayla_branch) February 17, 2017
“Muslims are a very diverse group of people.” – Enchassi
— Kayla Branch (@kayla_branch) February 17, 2017
Questions followed the presentation, with attendees asking how rules regarding women are applied in the Islamic faith, if people in the Middle East preach anti-Christian rhetoric and how Muslim-Americans deal with hostile situations, among other things.
Enchassi says there are many portrayals of all Muslims being violent, but that is not true. He says peaceful relationships are encouraged
— Kayla Branch (@kayla_branch) February 17, 2017
Enchassi said in an interview after the event that hosting events such as this one is important to create dialogue and awareness.
“Education is a key element in expelling the myths and the misconceptions,” Enchassi said. “Nowadays, as our faith is being demonized, it is extremely important to come out to a university that has a reputation that it is open and is tolerant so we can spread the truth about our religion to those who are seeking it.”