Islamic History Month is returning to Queen’s and Kingston this October, with this year’s programming highlighting Islamic calligraphy.
Islamic History Month Canada promotes the initiative nationally and develops annual themes and resources. In Kingston, the month has been recognized annually since its inception in 2007.
Now in its 20th year, the month was created as an opportunity to celebrate and educate Canadians about Muslim history, said Mona Rahman, a Queen’s research awards officer, in an interview with The Journal.
Rahman said the distinction between “history” and “heritage” is important to her. While Islamic Heritage Month can celebrate the diverse cultures and backgrounds of Muslims living in Canada, she said Islamic History Month also emphasizes that Muslims have a longstanding place in Canadian history.
“We are an academic institution also, and part of our sphere is history,” she said.
This month’s theme, “Islamic Calligraphy: A Living Legacy of Faith, Art and Expression,” turns attention to another aspect of Muslim history Rahman said is often less visible.
She said public discussions of Muslim contributions often emphasize fields like medicine and science while artistic traditions receive less attention.
“Muslim contributions to our civilization, to our world, span a range of spheres,” she said.
Rahman explained that traditional Islamic religious art generally avoids depictions of prophets and other figures, contributing to the importance of calligraphy and geometric patterns in mosques.
Several events in Kingston will explore the theme throughout the month. Kingston City Hall will be illuminated green on Oct. 3. The Islamic Society of Kingston is planning its annual Islamic History Month Open House on Oct. 25 at the Islamic Centre of Kingston from 2 to 4 p.m.
The programming also extends beyond October. Writer, artist, and calligrapher Jamal Saeed is scheduled to lead an Islamic calligraphy workshop at the Central Branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library on Nov. 5.
At Queen’s, the Queen’s University Muslim Students’ Association (QUMSA) said the month is an opportunity to demonstrate Islamic teachings including “service, neighbourliness, and compassion” while strengthening understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim community members.
According to a statement to The Journal, QUMSA is hosting a Rock Dunder hike on Oct. 3 focused on spiritual reflection. Located approximately 50 kilometres north of Queen’s campus, Rock Dunder is near Morton, Ont.
Later in the month, Queen’s Islamic Relief club will participate in their charity week from Oct. 19-25, an international fundraising campaign supporting orphans and vulnerable children. QUMSA said the club raised $5,000 during last year’s campaign, contributing to a $550,000 national total.
“These events—and more being planned—all work towards Islamic Heritage Month’s goals: building community and deepening understanding,” QUMSA said.
Rahman said she hopes that understanding continues beyond October, including through greater incorporation of Muslim history and perspectives into university curricula.
“The whole point of a university is to expand our minds, expand our perspectives, learn about different things that may not be considered to be the traditional academic core learning pillars,” she said.
As the month enters its 20th year, Rahman said she hopes its programming can offer an opportunity for communities to learn about one another at a time she described as difficult internationally.
Tags
Advocacy, Islamic History Month, QUMSA
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