"My roommate is Muslim, and I never knew a whole lot about it until I met her," Pea Lay He (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said. "It's opening my eyes. There's a lot of prejudices about Muslims."

Students of all backgrounds were invited to view cultural displays, share ethnic foods and participate in activities such as henna tattooing and woodcarving. The fair also featured speaker Imam Muhammad Zakiuddin Sharfi, chair of Islamic Educational Services.

Sharfi emphasized the significance of the 1 billion Muslims in the world.

"There is hardly any country of the 188 of the United Nations that does not have a population of Muslims," he said.

Posters about Muhammad, Islamic art, the status of women and the Koran -- the sacred book of the Muslims -- were displayed at the fair to educate viewers about the facets of the Islamic culture and religion.

Additionally, fairgoers got a unique glimpse of the Muslim culture in viewing the noon prayer, one of five daily obligatory prayers. The prayer, led by Muslim Student's Association President Akhnuwkh Jones, consists of a series of movements designed to glorify Allah or to seek his forgiveness, he said.

Reasons for students' attendance varied from curiosity to interest in the culture.

"I came to become more aware of the cultural diversity on campus," Melanie Swartz (senior-geography) said.