The University of Arizona Religious Studies Program’s Response to the Planned Anti-Islam Rally
A core mission of the Religious Studies Program at the University of Arizona is to foster deeper understanding of the complex religious traditions in our community and around the world. Over the years, many of our students have visited the Islamic Center of Tucson (ICT) in order to learn more about the religion of Islam. The people of the ICT have graciously welcomed our students and faculty, sharing their time and space with generosity and kindness.
We are grieved to learn of the intimidation tactics and hate speech being promoted by the planned “Let Freedom Ring Free Speech Rally.” This anti-Islam rally is to be held near the Islamic Center of Tucson (ICT), when Muslims in our community are concluding Eid al-Fitr, an important religious holiday in Islam marking the end of Ramadan. This is similar to holding an anti-Christian rally by a church at Christmastime.
With 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, Islam is the religion of many of our students, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. We encourage students and community members to educate themselves about the religion of Islam.
The University of Arizona offers numerous courses through which students can learn about the diverse religion of Islam. The University also hosts campus events and forums where the larger Tucson community can learn about this major world religion. For example, the UA Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture has been hosting an Abrahamic Family Reunion series, which is free and open to the public.