GVSU Muslim students host awareness week

ALLENDALE, Mich. — With a production of "The Hijabi Monologues" and an appearance by the nationally known comedy troupe the Muslim Funnymentalists, Grand Valley State University's Muslim Students Association is sponsoring a week of events aimed at broadening people's views of Islam.

The Muslim Students' Association is presenting a series of events on the Allendale Campus for its first Islamic Awareness Week, February 15-19. All events are free and open to the public.

"We wanted to host these events to help give people a broader look at the lives of Muslims," said Kaifa Alsoofy, president of the Grand Valley Muslim Students Association. "A lot of times, non-Muslims don't get to see Muslims laughing or being lighthearted. We think these events are going to be enjoyable for Muslims and non-Muslims alike."

"The Hijabi Monologues" was inspired by the popular play "The Vagina Monologues," and shares a similar format. The play takes an often controversial symbol — the Muslim headscarf called a hijab — and uses it to help create a space for American Muslim women to share their voices. Founder and playwright Sahar Ullah will perform on Wednesday, February 17, from 7-9 p.m. in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center.

The Muslim Funnymentalists are a comedy troupe featuring Baba Ali and Asif Ali from Los Angeles, and Aman Ali from New York City. Performances begin with standup sets from each comic and close with audience improv games. They perform Friday, February 19, 7-9 p.m. in the Cook-DeWitt Center.

Other events include:
• Monday, February 15
"Islam 101" presentation by Arabic professor Sebastian Maisel
3-4:30 p.m. 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center

• Tuesday, February 16
"A Day in the Life of A Muslim Student" panel discussion
7:30-9:30 p.m. 2250 Kirkhof Center

• Thursday, February 18
Islamic Finance presentation
3-5 p.m. 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center