Growing up a Muslim in a Western society surely adds colours to one’s experience. The show Little Mosque On the Prairie has successfully shattered some stereotypes surrounding Muslims in the Western Hemisphere.
Now, for the first time in Vancouver, The Muslim Social Club presents an Arts-Comedy Night to promote Muslim artists and “halal” comedy. The show on Nov. 8 at the UBC Medical Student and Alumni centre (2750 Heather St.) is brought together by an active, young, vibrant and dynamic group of the Muslim community. The Muslim Social Club (MSC) was formed to address the social needs of young Muslims.
“Too often, various Muslim groups such as the MSA are either geared towards religious services, or social groups, which are ethnically biased,” said Salman Ali, event co-ordinator for MSC. “Such segregation does not allow for a crossover of interaction with people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.”
The MSC works to ensure a sample representation of the existing mix of various races and sects among Muslims living in Metro Vancouver, without limiting to one ethnicity or sect. The goals of MSC are to provide a platform for interaction amongst Muslim youth, while promoting the arts and culture.
For its first effort, the MSC Arts-Comedy night features amateur comedian Jamal Bajwa, plus an arts display by Bilal Hamoudi and Iman Virji. The event will also have “ice breakers” to facilitate dialogue and understanding between those attending.
Tickets are $10, which includes refreshments. Space is limited.
“We are hoping to grow this platform by recruiting amateur and professional artists in all fields, such as comedians, painters, and poets,” said Fatima Akbar, another member of the group.

What: Arts-Comedy Night
When: Novermber 8, 2008
Where: 2750 Heather St.
Information: 778.855.0786 or 778.388.2786