Interfaith hosted a Speedfaithing event on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the basement of the Schwitzer Student Center. Anisse Adni, the youth director at Al Huda, a Muslim place of worship in Fishers, came to the University of Indianapolis for Interfaith’s first event this semester.
Junior human biology major Caryn Kiel defines Speedfaithing as “a short breakdown of the basics of the religion— not too in depth, just a brief overview.”
Kiel and her supervisor decided to highlight the Islamic faith during this first Speedfaithing because of the large number of students at UIndy who identify themselves as Muslim.
“We thought it would be a good idea to give the rest of the students that are highly populated as Christian an opportunity to learn about Sunni Islam,” Kiel said. “We want all Muslims and Christians to connect with each other on campus.”
Speaker Anisse Adni talks with students about Islamic beliefs during Speedfaithing. The event was held in Schwitzer Student Center on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Photo by Kaley Gatto
Freshman physiology major Natalie Benson came to the event because she wanted to learn about faiths other than her own.
The event began with Adni speaking about the Abrahamic heritage, the six articles of faith and the five pillars of Islam .
He also told the crowd the difference between Islam and Muslim. Islam is the act of submission to God, while a Muslim is the person who submits to God.
Benson enjoyed this Interfaith event because of how simply Adni explained the Islamic faith.
“I thought he was very good at describing what his faith was and made it clear and straightforward,” Benson said. “It was simple enough to understand. He chose the most basic parts so we wouldn’t get lost.”
Benson also mentioned her interest in a Judaism Speedfaithing event for the future because of the way she sees Islam and Judaism overlap.
“I don’t want to be ignorant if I can help it,” Benson said. “That’s why I love to learn about different religions.”
Kiel offered what she thought to be a good definition of Interfaith at UIndy.
“[Interfaith is] taking the time to learn enough about people from other backgrounds to be able to respect them enough and understand them to work with them,” she said. “What you’d work with them for is social justice issues— so being able to bring our issues together to create a stronger force. It’s great to know other people and understand them, but it doesn’t mean a ton until you put it into action.”
Sophomore psychology major Andi Bailey had a few final words about the event.
“By Interfaith holding these events, it allows us to not only get an insight into other religions and cultures, but have a basic understanding, so we can all work together as a whole,” Bailey said.
On Nov. 17, Interfaith will pair up with UIndy Pride to host an event with a gay pastor talking about his life and struggles.
