Posted on 01/15/2007 2:06:40 PM PST by Cagey
Amid the cheering Northwestern football fans at Ryan Field, all Ashar Wasi wanted was a quiet place to pray. The only place he could find was a spot of less-than-clean floor in a public walkway.
"We had to pray in front of the concession stand, in front of all the people," the McCormick junior said.
Perhaps someone noticed. At last Wednesday's ASG meeting, the Muslim-cultural Students Association proposed a bill establishing a designated prayer area at Welsh-Ryan Arena for Muslim students for football and basketball games.
McSA President Amir Siddiqui estimates more than 20 Muslim students are in attendance at nearly every game.
"Oftentimes while students are at sporting events, the prayer time falls during the game," the Weinberg senior said. "If there was a space to pray, or even an opportunity for students to leave and re-enter, things would be better. Right now, it can be difficult."
John Mack, associate athletic director of external affairs, said McSA contacted him about the problem as early as mid-October. Despite discussing the request in staff meetings, Mack said they couldn't provide a solution.
"This is a request we took seriously," he said. "We appreciate all student support, but we didn't feel there was a suitable area for prayer. There's not enough space in the arena."
Mack said the athletic department doesn't allow any spectators to leave and re-enter the facilities during an event.
"When you give preferential treatment, while respecting their group's religion, it's tough to determine where to draw the line in terms of our entire fan base," he said.
Regardless, some Muslim students said the current rules present an inconvenience that warrants more discussion.
"Right now, we have to pray late afterwards or early and it's annoying," said Ramah Kudaimi, a Medill senior. "It's a lot more convenient to have a designated area than having to pray at different times."
Kudaimi said she occasionally uses the designated prayer area in Parkes Hall on Friday, the Muslim holy day. Another area was established in the Technological Institute for a similar purpose.
"It's a lot more comfortable for other students who may not want to come upon someone praying," she said.
Siddiqui said he hopes the ASG resolution, if passed, will open up a dialogue with the athletic department.
"If we just had an opportunity to talk, we could find a solution," he said.
For his part, Mack said he would be willing to listen again. He doubts, however, that much can be changed for this season.
But Wasi, who frequents the prayer area at Tech five days a week, wishes it were different.
"All I want is a little bit of privacy, he said. "Carpets would be nice. It doesn't need to be soundproof, just clean."
Thank you for the correction.
so far, the MPLS Airport Commission has not complied to their demands.
Wait a minute, they were praying in front of the concession stand, where alcohol is served? I thought that Muslims were offended by alcohol consumption, even the sight of a closed container in a taxi cab. Maybe the Muslims should just stay home, so that they won't be offended.
Well, as Boortz says, "Allah, protect me from your people." That's my prayer.
Absolutely! That's why I backed it up with a link to the info.
What I'd like to know is how long each prayer lasts if you're not at the mosque.
I'm surprised they didn't ask for the game to be suspended so they would not miss a play. Oh wait, that's next.
Go to the men's room and pray to the porcelain god while praying to mohammed. They're both full of sh*t.
Northwestern is a private school.
Yes, people do pray at football games (and baseball games, etc.) but, as was apparent during this years World Series, they tend to do it quietly in their seats. It's called adjusting to your situation.
Will they then be making another quiet area as a chapel for the Christian students who may be overcome with a need to pray?
Absolutely, positively, no alcohol is served at Northwestern sporting events. The city of Evanston is the world HQ of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. The town was completely dry until the early 1970's.
Look for it under its new name.
No problem
The Muslim god, <--- Note small 'g'
Or ilah (god)
Or Allah (Name of Islamic rock ilah)
Satan.
This is a wedge issue, expect it to continue until there are two standards: one for Muslims and one for everybody else.
Ha ha that's great!
Look under "Land of the Great Satan".
They intentionaly want to annoy you, shove their religion in your face, make it dominate in society.
There plan isn't to adapt to our ways, it's to convert you to theirs, Dhimmi.
Convert, or pay Jizya tax (infidel tax) or die.
The world and all that's in it is for Allah. You beter learn to understand that they mean it, and will do everything, including kill you to make it so.
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