Everything from Mecca and holy war to apprehensions and myths about the Islamic faith highlight a presentation by two Sacramento State professors today in Hinde Auditorium at noon.

“September 11: Islam, the Misunderstood Religion” looks at the history, core beliefs and misunderstandings of Islam in the wake of the attacks on Washington, D.C. and New York.

Professors Ayad Al-Qazzaz and Henry Chambers, who are speaking at the forum, see the event as a chance to explode some of the myths surrounding Islam.

“Forums such as this are important because there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about Islam,” said Al-Qazzaz. “Hopefully, this forum will contribute to a better awareness and a better coexistence between different religions and communities.”

Al-Qazzaz will discuss the core beliefs of Islam common to other religions, the history of the Muslim community in Sacramento, and the relationship of the media and Islam, especially in the wake of the terror bombings last September.

Chambers will look at the various forms of Islam including the Taliban and the 50-year-old Egyptian Jihad movement.

“Islam is used as a political tool to condemn the West through violent means,” Chambers said. “You would not normally characterize Islam by its terrorists but the Taliban has taken it and turned it on its head.”

Professor Chambers hopes to show how information leads to understanding.

“Forums such as this are important because generally college students in America have had very little exposure to Islam and the Middle East, and what you don’t know, you fear. This will allow you to not be fearful,” said Chambers.

Al-Qazzaz and Chambers want to dispel fear with information that needed to better understand Islam and its cultural practices.

The two-hour forum is sponsored by Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Associated Students, Inc., the Faculty Senate, the Office of Global Education and the Peace and Resolution Conflict Program.