Islam Awareness Week will take place this year from May 18 to 22, 2026. It is an annual initiative by MSV Nijmegen (organized for over 15 years) and consists of a series of lectures, workshops, and interactive events centered around Islam. The aim of this week is to inform the wider student community, encourage dialogue between Muslim and non-Muslim students, and challenge misconceptions about Islam.
The theme for 2026 is “See Islam through a different lens.” With this theme, we focus on critically examining common perceptions of Islam, which are often shaped by media, politics, and societal narratives. In a time of increasing polarization, we aim to create space for knowledge, empathy, and mutual understanding through open conversations and reflection.
From Plates to Perspectives
18 May 18:00 - 20:00 @Student Church
This potluck brings students and staff together through food, culture, and conversation. Participants share homemade or meaningful dishes that reflect their backgrounds, creating a vibrant and diverse dining experience. In addition to the food, the event includes guided discussions around statements about Islam and how it is portrayed in the media and politics, encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue. In a relaxed and welcoming setting, attendees can exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another’s experiences. The slogan is: “Eat, talk and break a stereotype.”
Decolonizing the Narrative - Rethinking Islam Beyond Western Lense
19 May 18:30 - 20:00 @EOS N 01.610
This lecture explores how perceptions of Islam are often shaped by media, politics, and Western academic traditions. Drawing on historical and academic insights, it critically examines how knowledge about Islam has been formed and, at times, distorted. The session invites a more nuanced and critical approach, focusing not only on what we know about Islam, but also on how that knowledge has been constructed. The lecture will be delivered by author, writer, speaker, and lecturer Ibrahim Sbaa.
Framing Faith - How Islam is Seen, Shared, and Misunderstood
20 May, 18.30 - 20:00 @EOS N 01.610
During this session, various experts will come together to discuss key questions and statements. The panel focuses on how public narratives about Islam are shaped by media, politics, and social platforms. The goal is to foster an open dialogue on how perceptions are formed and how they can be challenged and changed. Through open discussion, the session will address topics such as representation, identity, and the impact of stereotyping and discrimination on Muslim communities. The speakers are Dr. Thijl Sunier (Professor of Anthropology of Religion at VU University), Alesso Dibinoudis (Chair of MSV Nijmegen and a convert), and Alihan Uzun (former spokesperson of MSA Netherlands and former committee member of the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusive Higher Education and Research). The panel will be moderated by Huzeyfe Önal (Treasurer of MSV Nijmegen).
Additionally, we will be present in the Refter during the lunch break (12:15–13:30) on May 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 to distribute flyers and engage with interested individuals.
