Muslim Students' Association Holds Friday Prayer Service, Works to Eliminate Stereotypes
The service, which was originally scheduled to take place on Old Main lawn, was relocated due to inclement weather.
Zakariya Khayat, a member of the MSA, said Friday is the most religious day of the week, according to Islamic tradition and this prayer service was "paramount” in attempting to the bridge the gap between Muslim students and their fellow Penn Staters.
"Many people aren’t aware that you can be Muslim and American,” Khayat (graduate-material science and engineering) said. "It shouldn’t be a paradox.”
With stereotypes of Muslims circulating in the media in light of the presidential election, Khayat said it’s time to "have some good news about us.”
Lee Juarez said it was her first time attending the Friday prayer. Though she is not a Muslim, she said she is drawn to the Islamic faith.
"I remember the first time when I read the Quran, I felt so at peace,” Juarez (graduate-higher education) said. "It’s very beautiful, it called to me right away. It brought tears to my eyes.”
In additional to silent and spoken prayers, many of which were recited with members kneeling on rugs, Khayat delivered a sermon titled "The Sweetness in the Struggle.”
Khayat spoke about the struggles of the prophets and made connections to everyday issues faced by college students. Khayat said it’s important to understand the "beneficial” outcomes of these obstacles.
"We might be going through struggles in life," Khayat said. "But the struggle is what defines us."
Salem Alakbari said the Friday prayers are a "good experience” for him. He said Khayat's speech reminded him of a time when he faced discrimination for the food he was eating as a Muslim.
"I remember these stories [from the Quran], and I know I shouldn’t treat people badly even if they treat me with disrespect,” Alakbari (senior-chemical engineering) said.
Khayat said he hopes the MSA can host a prayer service on Old Main Lawn in the fall semester.
Source: Collegian
