An ISU group will carry out the duties laid on Muslims by Allah by celebrating the legacies of the first Muslims in the United States at the Iowa Da’Wah Convention this weekend.

The convention, directed by the Muslim Student Association, which has branches at Iowa State, the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa and Drake University, kicks off at 7:15 p.m. Friday and lasts until 12:40 p.m. Sunday.

It will feature prayer, exhibitions, programs, lectures and workshops from local and national speakers. All events are in the Memorial Union.

According to its Web site, www.iowamuslims.org, the convention is meant to continue the legacy of the first Muslim settlers, who settled in Iowa.

Yassir Mahmoud, sophomore in chemistry and treasurer of the Muslim Student Association, said the program, which is the first of its kind in Ames, will promote awareness about Muslims.

“The goal is to bring clarity and insight to promote the better understanding of the teachings of Islam,” he said.

The convention will address certain issues concerning Muslims today, clarifying public misconceptions on the beliefs and teachings of Islam.

“I’ve heard a lot where people say to me, ‘You know, the Muslims worship Muhammad.’ No, we don’t,” Mahmoud said. “So it’s questions like that, that brought me to point where I thought maybe we should hold a convention or a workshop or a series of workshops to clarify people what the true teachings of Islam are and stuff like that.”

Registration starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the front desk in the lobby of the Memorial Union. The opening ceremony begins at 7:15 p.m. in the Great Hall, with a recitation from the Quran, a speech from Ames Mayor Ann Campbell and a children’s performance.