In an effort to address and discuss the Elon community’s misconceptions about Islam and the people who practice it, the Truitt Center is hosting “Navigating Islam,” a series of discussions about the religion.

Maurice Hines, Arabic professor at Elon University, hosted the first discussion Oct. 3.

“We came up with the series because of the negative media coverage and current affairs related to Islam,” Hines said. “We want to teach students about Islam.”

The first panel, “Meet Islam: An Overview of Beliefs, Etiquettes and Terminology,” featured general information about the Islam, such as the Five Pillars of the religion, the levels of understanding, the way of life and Muslim etiquette.

The panel was created for the Elon community to address the negativity sometimes associated with Islam, as well as the controversial YouTube video “The Innocence of Muslims,” according to Hines.

“The film was childish,” Hines said. “There were offensive parts to it. It was made to be offensive.”

Hines chose to convert to Islam while in high school. He is originally from Durham, but spent a large amount of time living in Los Angeles. According to Hines, he never experienced any negativity toward his religion until after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Before 9/11, Islam was fine, we didn’t have a lot of issues.” Hines said. “But it escalated after the attacks.”

Chaplain Jan Fuller helped Hines and other members of the Truitt Center develop this informational series for students and professors.

“It’s a commitment of Truitt — Islam is a religion we honor and welcome on campus,” Fuller said. “We are building bridges between religions and opening our minds to another honorable relationship with God.”

Eight students and faculty members attended the presentation, as well as Hines’ wife Nsenga Knight, who was born into a Muslim family in New York.

“We want to discuss with Elon students about the Islam religion and get their perspective,” Knight said.

The panel will most likely convene monthly, and future panels might discuss the American perspective on Islam and its portrayal in the media.

“Now is the time,” Hines said. “Islam is on the spotlight.”