Written for The Argo by Iman Ahmed

The Muslim Student Association collaborated with Stockton Story Spaces and Parth Thakkar of the Office of Student Development for Islamic Heritage Month. They held an event, Story Spaces: Islamic Voices, to represent the Muslim community on campus. The theme of the event, Kindness, was chosen as a topic that is familiar to people in general, whether they are Muslim or not. The act of kindness is a universal language.

The event began with a slide presentation created by Iman Ahmed and Zikra Naz, board members of the Muslim Student Association. Iman Ahmed double majors in literature and psychology, writes for Argo, and serves as the secretary of MSA. Zikra Naz is a major in sociology and anthropology, the President of MSA, and works for the Academic Achievement Program.

Ahmed started the presentation, by explaining how kindness is a virtue that “can transform individuals, relationships, and entire communities for the better. It promotes positive relationships, enhances well-being, and reduces stress and anxiety. Most times kind acts of one person can lead to a positive ripple effect and create a chain reaction. Small acts of kindness, when multiplied across individuals and communities, lead to positive social change and help create a more compassionate global society.”

The presentation went further with citation of examples from the Hadith (a saying, action, or approval of Prophet Muhammad (peace be Upon him) and a story of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be Upon him). The lesson from the story explains how one small act of kindness can help change a person as a whole. Despite a woman throwing trash at his doorsteps every day when she was unable to properly dispose her waste due to her sickness, he went to visit her. Then the woman realized her mistakes as she was amazed by his character. 

Naz talked about how kindness is an obligation in Islam. She explained, “It is foundational in Islam among Muslims, that certain obligations are owed to one another. This includes returning salaam (greeting of peace) when greeted, visiting the sick, accepting an invitation when invited, attending a funeral, and praying for the diseased, regardless of whether you know them or not.”

After the presentation concluded, attendees were asked to share an experience or a story about kindness. Students shared experiences whereby loved ones were there for them during low times in their lives. A small kind act of checking up on someone can make someone’s day or even week. 

Aliyan Khan, a freshman student majoring in Health Sciences shared his thoughts on the topic. He says, “We should never strive to spread hate, we should always strive to spread kindness, awareness, and never judge people by whatever [they’re going through].” To create a culture that is inclusive and positive, compassion, empathy, and understanding must be encouraged. Especially in times of hardship, we should try to encourage and support one another rather than inciting hatred or condemnation. Each person is fighting their own battles, and showing compassion and empathy can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Awareness and education also play crucial roles in fostering understanding and acceptance of diverse perspectives and experiences. We collectively have the power to create a more compassionate and peaceful society by spreading kindness and awareness.