On the weekend of Jan. 27-29, 2012, in the Busch Student Center, the Saint Louis University Muslim Student Association presented an event called “The Balancing Act: Deen & Dunya.”
The term “deen” refers to religion, and “dunya” refers to the world we live in. When asked about the symbolism of the name of the event, co-President of MSA Imman Musa responded that the title means “balancing our religion with the life we live right now.” Musa is co-president of the MSA along with Bilal Mahmood.
The lecture titles included: “Rights and Responsibilities of a Muslim Woman,” “Dhikr: All Day, Every Day,” “Putting the Unity back in Community,” “Akhirah State of Mind,” and many more. The lecture topics ranged from discussions about how to handle the role of a Muslim woman according to the Quran and Sunnah while living an American lifestyle, connecting with Allah throughout the day, finding ways of valuing time and increasing productivity, among others.
Certain lectures were reserved for only men or women such as: “Rethinking Romance,” wherethere was a section reserved for only sisters and a section reserved for only brothers.
This is the fourth year that the event has been held. The event consisted of 20 lectures from eight different speakers throughout three days. Each year, there is a variety of different entertainment and speakers. Such speakers have included Hafidh Wisam Sharieff, Mufti Minhajuddin Ahmed, Sister Yasmin Mogahed, Sheikh Abdul Nasir Jangda, Mufti Abu Layth Al-Maliki, Ustadha Menahal Begawala, Sheikh Omar Hussaini and Mufti Asif Umar.
When asked about her favorite lecture from the event, freshman Emina Selimovic responded, “Hafid Wisam Sharieff because he made modern references to historical events. It’s the type of event you wish would happen every weekend because it portraits the ‘true’ Islam rather than the ‘media-portrayed’ Islam,” she said. “It could also bring more awareness to those who aren’t familiar with the Muslim religion. There were people of all ages that came from all around the country to unite, and it was a huge learning experience.”
Not all attendees were Muslim. Freshman Emerald Austin, a Christian, said, “I wanted to learn more about other religions. I don’t want my opinions to be based off of other people’s opinions. I think more people should attend next year.”
The weekend consisted of lectures, prayer, food and entertainment.
