Project Nur: Group works to dispel Islam myths

By: Ivan Flores/ Staff Writer A group of students is working to improve the image of Islam as part of a project they call “Nur.” Project Nur is a national organization that has recently opened a chapter at FIU. Nur, defined in Arabic, means “enlightenment.” Project Nur is a student-led initiative of the American Islamic Congress. According to the Project Nur Web site, the AIC was created after the attacks that took place on Sept. 11, 2001 as a non-religious organization that would challenge the increasingly negative perception of Muslims. The FIU chapter of Project Nur was started by Maryam Shakir, a senior philosophy major who is also pursuing a minor in biology. According to…