Source: ballstatedaily.com

Blood banks in Indiana have been suffering from a state-wide blood shortage. The Indiana Blood Center has urged Hoosiers to donate blood or volunteer at blood drives across the state. One group hopes to help combat against the short supply.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is considered to be a progressive branch of Muslimism. In order to promote inclusivity, they often host events and programs open to all people, one being the “Muslims for Life” blood drive. 2015 marks the fourth annual nationwide drive.

The campaign was created to honor 9/11 victims by collecting 13,000 pints of blood, which is enough to save 39,000 lives. Over the past three years about 33,350 pints of blood have been collected to help save more than 100,000 lives.

The campaign also aims to emphasize Islamic teachings. Muzaffar Ahmad, treasurer and spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Indiana chapter, explains they also help to reverse fears and doubts associated with Muslims.

“We want to spread the true message,” Ahmad said. “Islam believes in the sanctity of life.”

By collecting blood to help save American lives, Ahmad believes that this may help to diminish negative stereotypes surrounding Middle Eastern religions.

Because this campaign has been well received nationally, those at the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Ball State University were eager to partner with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Graduate assistant Hunter Sully helped plan the event.

“After 9/11 the images of Islam and Muslims became very negative. They’re associated with terrorism,” Sully said. “The ’Muslims for life’ [campaign] decided to come together and approach it in a different light; give them a good image.”

However, the blood drive never happened. It was cancelled by the Indiana Blood Center for the second semester in a row.

But just one week after the “ Muslims for Life” blood drive was cancelled, the IBC sponsored a drive on Ball State’s campus in partnership with Greek Life organizations.

“I don’t know why our blood drive was cancelled but theirs was allowed to go on,” Sully said. “I don’t know the politics behind that, unfortunately.”

Kristine Pierce chose not to add additional comments in regards to the cancellation. IBC Communications Director Andrea Fagan could not be reached for… read more at ballstatedaily.com