Ellington

Feelings, faults, culture and history were the major topics and points of interest promoted by the Ramadan event.

Hosted by the Muslim Student Association of Cerritos College, the event took place in the Student Center this past Monday.

What two things Irfan Khan, president of MSA wanted people to leave with was,"A clear concept of Ramadan and the realization that Muslims are not terrorists; people are terrorists."

The event kicked off the month of Ramadan, which Muslims fast from the first night of the lunar month until the last.

The Student Center was decorated with a variety of posters and informational banners detailing different themes of the Islamic faith and Arab cultures.

The nights' events started off with the explanation of the significance of Ramadan by Dr. Muhammad Allali. After which he took some questions on the topic.

There was also a discursion over the truth of the war in Iraq by Dr. Syed Shakeel. He briefly talked about the history of Iraq and the different occupations that the country had endured over the last 1000 years, including the current United States involvement in Iraq.

"A wealth of knowledge" Josh Franco, student body president, said about Dr. Shakeel's discursion and presentation.

To conclude the night, there where closing remarks by Ahmed Whaheed a member of MSA. Waheed thanked several people including Franco and other members of the ASCC in attendance.

Other groups that attended and participated in the event were FMLA, M.E.Ch.A, Rotoract and other clubs.

The final activity was a feast that included many traditional Middle Eastern dishes.

Many people partook in the food, which was donated by Bismillah restaurant in Anahiem.

"It's not bad, it's different but it is pretty good" Carlos Mesa, undecided major said about the food.

In the main entrance of the student center there was a book sale that had many subjects available including Islam, the Quran and understanding the Muslim faith.

Amir Punjabi bussines major and MSA member handed out more than 30 books to participants that explain the Muslim faith and Islam. "A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam."

"Islam is not terrorism." Punjabi stated about what he thought the major point was behind the Ramadan Event.

Punjabi who in the past has taught several people how to speak Arabic and about Islam through club activities at Cerritos, felt that it is important that people see the similarities between cultures and religion especially the Christian faith and the Muslim faith.