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Student-Run Islam Fair Brings Clarity On Religion

Anthropology major, Alexis Brown, 18, tries on a hijab for the first time at a photobooth in the Islamic Fair. Brown was referred to the fair by Huda Aziz, her friend and neighbor.
Anthropology major, Alexis Brown, 18, tries on a hijab for the first time at a photobooth in the Islamic Fair. Brown was referred to the fair by Huda Aziz, her friend and neighbor.

Jan. 28 marked the beginning of the two-day Islam Fair, the first of several events during Islam Appreciation Month.

Hosted by the student-run organization Islam on Campus, the fair is meant to bring awareness and clarity of the religion. Members set up a Da'wah table — Da'wah meaning to teach about the faith — so people could have their questions answered and pick up a translated Qur'an.

Students were lined up around the tent all afternoon for other stations, including henna, calligraphy, tie-dye and a prize wheel. On the other side of the tent was the food station where guests could snack on hummus, grape leaves and pita bread. Also available was a photo booth where fairgoers could take photos wearing traditional Middle-Eastern clothing or wrap themselves with scarves. For some, like Alexis Brown, an 18-year-old UF anthropology freshman, it was their first time trying on a hijab.

Other events coming up in Islam Appreciation Month include the spring bonfire on Feb. 6 and Hijab Day on Feb. 12.

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Alyssa is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.