Sacrilege on the sidewalk

In recent days, there have been reports of Arabic painting in various locations on the grounds throughout campus. These reports made their way to the Religious Bias Incidents Team. While "chalking" sidewalks seems to be part of the culture on the IUB campus to advertise events, this writing is very different. We'd like to point out why.\nThe purpose of bismillah -- the term used to refer to the phrase "In the name of Allah (God) the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate' -- is to represent the creation of a pure space so that God will bless the act or place. The saying is of utmost importance to Muslims and is held in the highest regard.\nThe sidewalk paintings were first noticed by students around the Bloomington campus shortly after the semester began. With the help of the Muslim Student Association, we were informed of the distress the incidents have brought. Members of our team have learned much about bismillah and have even consulted with an expert currently at Oxford University. There seems to be no room for misinterpretation of its significance in Islamic culture or the inappropriateness of writing it on the ground to be walked upon. We appreciate the fast response of the Dean of Students Office, IUPD, the Physical Plant and everyone who helped find and remove the paintings.\nPerhaps those who painted the bismillah might say that they meant it as a symbol of respect or support, but to the Muslim community, it is clearly used inappropriately. By painting it on sidewalks, bismillah is subjected to being walked upon, defiled and disrespected. Muslim scholars would consider this a major and very deep offense. As we learned, there are actual, legal rules, agreed to by the four orthodox schools of Islamic law, which prohibit the writing of the name of God on the ground or floor. Because bismillah creates sacred space, seeing this on the muddy sidewalks would be disturbing at any time of year. Worse, in this case, these paintings have happened around the eid al-'adha celebrations. The hajj period is one of only two truly sacred periods on the Muslim calendar, and to write the bismillah on the ground so that people walked on the name of God at this time of year adds greater insult than usual. Above all of these facts, there is one indisputable truth: members of our own community have been deeply hurt and offended by this act.\nTo those who painted the sidewalks: Whatever your intent was, please understand that the result of your actions was that members of the IU family have felt a direct attack on their faith. If you want to learn more, we can assist in an open, fair dialogue. But please discontinue the painting. \nTo the campus community: It is with each other's support and sharing that our awareness increases and conversations turn into even more than mere discussions. For anyone interested in exploring the bismillah or being able to recognize it, a simple search on the Web can show you some of the ways bismillah can be properly written.\nIn a community that takes pride in celebrating the diversity of its members, we owe it to each other to be more aware and more open. We should remember that when some are hurt, many are hurt. Let's all recommit ourselves to learning more, sharing more and speaking up for ourselves as well as others. \nIf you see, hear or experience discrimination or intolerance, remember to e-mail reportit@indiana.edu.