Freedom Dogs

As part of "Islamic Awareness Week," female students at the U of M will be "treated" to a free hijab outside of the Coffman Union today, courtesy of the U of M Muslim Student Association. Da'wah (defined there as 'spreading knowledge') is the theme behind the events.

From Engage MN:

Islamic Awareness Week: Not Just a Load of Lectures

On Friday, there are two events. “Hijabi for a Day”—where volunteers hand out free hijabs (scarves) for women to wear for the day—and a nasheed performance. Nasheed is a popular “a capella” form of religious singing. Both will take place outside Coffman from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Last year, “Hijabi for a Day” was such a success that the committee decided to host the event again this year. The difference this year is that the committee received several free hijabs from the Karmel Somali mall in Minneapolis. Another advantage this year is that Holy Land Deli will serve free food during every night’s lecture.

...

So brothers and sisters, please support your Muslim community and participate in Islamic Awareness Week by attending at least one event – and bringing a friend. The entire Minnesota community is welcome. Participating in da’wah together can only bridge the gap of misunderstandings and spread knowledge of the true and beautiful entity of Islam.

I looked up da'wah and here's one of the purposes:

From an Islamic standpoint, the purpose of dawah is to "invite" people to understand the worship of Allah as expressed in the Qur'an, as well as to inform them about the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. In some cases, Dawah can also be seen as preaching to non-Muslims in hopes that they will become Muslim.

I can appreciate how peaceful Muslims want to reach out to the public, but this sounds more like Shari'a for a week. Just curious: Is there a Christian or Jewish (and their beautiful entities) Awareness Week at the U of M? I'd be curious to see how Muslim Student Association members might react when handed a Catholic chapel veil or a yarmulke.

Hat (or yarmulke) tip: Loyal Opposition.