On October 7, 2016, Wright State University hosted its third Arabic Immersion Day and welcomed 16 students, parents, teachers and the principal from the Islamic Sunday School in Dayton to celebrate the Hijri New Year 1438 known as the Islamic New Year (Arabic: " Ra's al-Sanah al-Hijriya"). The first Islamic year begins in 622 AD with the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as Hijra. Students pledged to speak only Arabic throughout the activities. The students toured the Wright State University Library and enjoyed the storytelling "Prophet Muhammad before al-Hijra". After the reading activity, students were engaged in other activities hosted by professor Orr and the Dayton Islamic School Arabic teacher, Arwa Saleh: Arabic Calligraphy, a movie " Al-Hijra of Muhammad" followed by a Quiz, and the "99 names of God" Quiz . Students also enjoyed learning and singing the Hijri New Year song " Tala'a-l badru 'alaynaa" as well as Henna. We are grateful for Dr. Marie Hertzler, chair of the department of Modern Languages who welcomed the students and encouraged them to continue their language and culture studies.
