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In the interest of broadening the understanding of Islam on campus, the Muslim Student Association is staging an Islamic exhibit on April 17 and 18 in the University Union Redwood Room.

Muslim Student Association President Navid Rezaei, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, said in an e-mail interview that the group’s main purpose of holding this event is to “clarify the negative images presented by today’s media.”

To accomplish this, Islamic displays and materials will fill the Redwood Room. Rezaei said participating students are encouraged to walk through the exhibit and ask questions of the presenters.

In addition, speakers will discuss some of the religious and cultural practices of Muslims and Islamic countries, Rezaei said.

The event is held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, which Rezaei said helps to better allow students an opportunity to attend regardless of whether they’re on a Monday-Wednesday or a Tuesday-Thursday class schedule.

In an effort to attract an audience, the organization also contacts professors, which often results in entire classes experiencing the exhibit and expanding the campuswide appreciation of Islam, Rezaei said.

This year is no different, as Rezaei already has received commitments from numerous professors to bring their classes to the event, which is held once every semester.

There is no admission charge and, in addition to free snacks and beverages, Korans will be given out to participants interested in picking up some reading material.

Norm Erickson can be reached at [email protected]