Ingrid Mattson, president of the Islamic Society of North America, spoke last night in the Palmer Museum of Art, addressing tensions and dynamics concerning religious issues within the North American Muslim community.

During her speech, "Knowing and Not Knowing: The Psycho-Spiritual State of the Muslim Ethicist," Mattson encouraged audience members to participate in an open discussion of religion.

"This state of uncertainty seems to be a common dilemma among Muslims, particularly in North America," she said.

Mattson stressed the need for the creation of more Muslim institutions to create an open space for discussion.

"Institutions provide a safe place for discussions [about religion]," Mattson said during her speech. "Right now discussions become personal attacks."

Mattson explained that in institutions, Muslims can feel free to discuss their views on religion.

"Every individual Muslim does not need to master this field of knowledge but, in a community of others, work to create bodies through which your community can come to these decisions," Mattson explained.

Zehra Sirin (graduate-manufacturing management) said that he agreed with Mattson on the need for more religious institutions in North America.

"There is a lack of getting information that a lot of people can actually trust," she said.

Mattson also encouraged her audience to focus on things they could control.

"We spend a lot of time thinking about issues over which we have very little control, like foreign policy," she said. "Ethics [can be implemented] at the personal level and at the community level."

Mattson encouraged people to focus on everyday events.

"You can create Islamic space," she said. "You can choose to patronize this shop owner because it is part of your values to support family business."

Hamdan Yousuf (senior-economics) said that he was pleased to have the opportunity to be able to hear Mattson speak.

"It is rare that we have an activist for the understanding of Muslims here at Penn State," Yousuf said of Mattson.

Throughout her presentation, Mattson stressed the need for a community to be confident and to work together.

"If you're serious about doing what is right, you can't do it by yourself," she said.