Community Event Assignments - Essay Example

The speaker also explained the deep meaning embedded behind this sacrificial ritual. The story of prophet Ibrahim was narrated really well. Since the event was spread over a long span of time, the members arranged for a time to read the Dhuhr (noon-prayer), Asr (after-noon prayer) and Maghrib prayers (evening prayer). These prayers are 3 of the 5 prayers that every Muslim is expected to read every single day. There was also a Henna session for the female students. During this session, intricate designs using henna was drawn on the palms of the willing female students.

The henna designs are known as mehendi in the Muslim culture. Food was served up along with some dessert. A Muslim trivia was also arranged for during which questionnaires revolving Muslim traditions, history and culture were asked through which we gained a lot of more information and facts about Islam. The day ended with a cleaning up session after which we all returned home feeling much satisfied that we had the chance to come so close to such a rich yet misunderstood culture. I am glad that I had the opportunity to attend the community event. . In fact, I believe that young Muslims Americans, like those who organized the event, can decrease the negativity between their culture and the West.

American Islam dates back when slaves were brought from around the world to America but since they were freed the American Islam population was completely forgotten. We all are aware that immigrant Muslim population and American Muslim population are fast increasing in numbers and since Muslim students need to keep their cultural background intact as well as merge into the secular Western culture, this community event was an endeavor to accomplish just that1. The event was a nice platform for Muslim as well as Non-Muslim interaction.

While the Muslim students had the chance of understanding the cultural and communal strength and the real meaning of Islam, the non-Muslim visitors gained an unforgettable experience. Since American Islam has to thrive among hostile population there are times when American Muslims are not valued, which leads to a feeling of dejection and abandonment. However this community event brought together so many like-minds to discuss about their feelings. I feel that I learnt a lot about cultural pluralism.

An African-American poet had said-“Diversity makes for a rich tapestry and we should understand that all threads have the same value.” Somehow, in present day America, the American Muslims and the immigrant population are on the verge of losing their identity and I was not sure if they are recognized that well. Some studies even suggest that Muslim children often try to hide their real identity among fellow American students, but when I first came to this community event I immediately realized that the work the ASSOC was up to was incredible because they strived to keep their