May 8, 2013

MSA National Strategic Plan: 50 Years and Moving Forward

As you know, this year MSA National turns 50 years old!  Since its founding in 1963, MSA National has strived to serve the Muslim students of the US and Canada.  So much progress has been made with Allah’s help, and we have you, generations of members, volunteers and supporters, to thank as we mark MSA National’s golden anniversary.

Strategic planning

As we all celebrate this occasion and take the time to thank our founders, members and supporters, we at MSA National recognize the importance of developing a strategic plan for the next 50 years and forward, inshAllah.  So we are taking this opportunity to evaluate our progress and assess how far we as an organization have come, identify areas for improvement and think critically to develop a strategic plan.  This planning effort builds on the organization’s tradition of strategic planning from 1996 and 2004.  MSA National’s golden anniversary is yet another opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the organization.  Our objective is to engage you, our members and stakeholders, through this process to keep MSA National serving students for the next 50 years, as we understand that the needs and demands of Muslim students and associations across campuses continue to change and grow.

Developing a strategic plan is no easy task, and we’ve already begun some of the hard work and research that are essential to making this a successful endeavor.  A strategic planning committee, comprised of a number of volunteer MSA alumni from a cross section of professions and backgrounds, has come together and over the next several months, they will be reaching out to you through surveys and interviews to get your input in this process.  The strategic planning committee is specifically focused on accomplishing the following goals:

• Understanding the priority needs and demands of Muslim students and associations across campuses;
• Developing the organization’s mission and vision for the next ten years;
• Developing MSA National’s organizational structure to better serve the needs and demands of Muslim students and associations; and
• Establishing a detailed implementation plan to ensure that the strategic planning process is fruitful and effective.

Transitional team and Elections

To see the strategic plan through and realize these goals, we have requested a number of volunteers, including past and present board members, COMPASS trainers and advisors, to give their time as members of a transitional team that is tasked with implementing the strategic plan over the course of the fall of this year.  After that time, with the strategic plan in place and to ensure a successful transition, we will then call for the election of new leadership according to the new organizational structure.  We are confident in both the strategic planning committee and transitional team, and know that your input and feedback are critical to making this planning process a success.  We appreciate your support as we prepare MSA National for the next 50 years and forward, bi ithn Illah.

We are looking forward to engaging with you on this effort and welcome you to join us over Labor Day weekend in Washington, D.C. at the Continental Conference, where we will host interactive sessions focused on hearing your feedback and sharing your insights to make MSA National the best organization that it can be.  Please watch out for surveys from the strategic planning committee seeking your response, and follow our progress online at www.msanational.org/strategic-planning-2013. We hope that you have been able to partake in 50th anniversary celebrations organized in various local communities, and look forward to working with you!

Assalamu alikum,

MSA National Board of Advisors

Dania Ayoubi, chair

Zahir Latheef

Lubabah Abdullah

Mohamed Sheibani

Asma Mirza

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been a bit frustrated with all you’ve been hearing on the news, especially in the wake of the Boston bombings a few weeks ago.  I remember coming home from work that day and tuning in to CNN to figure out what exactly was going on.  I watched the footage of the first bomb, then the second–the frantic scattering of runners and spectators, and, of course, the great show of courage and heroism that followed.  And then came the manhunt.

Even in those first moments, as the nation’s major news networks were just breaking the news, speculation pointed its fingers towards Muslims.  I remember sitting in my living room and hearing the CNN newscasters try again and again to explain the true definition of the word “terrorist,” which by that point had already been attributed to those behind these bombs.  They were trying to make it clear that the word “terrorist” has no religion or cultural background—meaning they knew that people were already making a connection between this event and our beautiful religion, unfortunately.

Soon after, stories of unsuspecting Muslims around the nation being attacked and harassed began to surface.  Even the investigation itself got caught up in this fever, searching a bystander Saudi college student’s apartment, dragging all his belongings out making a show of them in front of his neighbors and interrogating his roommate.  We all prayed that those responsible are not Muslim.  We were wrong.  And now so many are responding with more hostility and a lot less understanding about our beautiful religion.  So, what now?  What do we do now as Muslims, particularly as Muslim Americans?

First, we need to read up on our religion.  Most of the fuss in the media regarding Islam stems from misunderstandings.  Many people in the United States haven’t had much—if any—experience with Islam and Muslims, so it’s up to us to teach them what is true about our religion.  We have to be able to answer the questions people will inevitably ask us.  The more we understand about our religion, the better we can represent Islam to those who may not know much about it, thus dispelling these stereotypes and misunderstandings.

However, remember to have patience and humility in all your communications about Islam.  It’s important to have patience with those who approach you with curiosity and misunderstandings.  Give them time, especially if they’re willing to learn—even if they ask you “too many questions.”  A little kindness goes a long way.  But don’t feel like you have to fully answer their questions on the spot.  We’re not perfect; we don’t have all the answers.  If there is something you don’t completely understand or know, say so.  But be sure to follow up with the person who asked you the question, if possible, after asking a scholar or someone who knows more about the topic than you do.  Just as it is important to cater to those who are curious about our religion; it is also just as important to make sure the knowledge you do share is true.

I understand, though, that not everyone who approaches you is merely curious.  Some are a bit more forceful, as though looking for debate.  That’s okay.  Show them kindness and patience, as well, but don’t get defensive.  You didn’t do anything wrong; you shouldn’t feel like you have to defend yourself.  Playing defense only weakens your statements anyway.  Instead, approach these people with calmness.  Answer their questions, and if you notice any large misunderstandings in their arguments, address them creatively (if you can), without offending anyone.  And don’t be upset if they leave the conversation with just as many misunderstandings about Islam as when you started; Rome wasn’t built in a day.  But by treating them with kindness, you’ve made a step in the right direction by showing them a different face of Islam than one they might be used to.

While spreading the truth about our religion and working to dispel misconceptions is important, I think there is something even more important: we must not lose faith.  While we know it isn’t true, hearing falsehoods about our religion can be discouraging.  I’ll be honest; I become upset over stories I hear on the news about Muslims being harassed at work, on the road, at school.  I’ve even shed tears when I’ve heard people passionately explain that Muslims shouldn’t have basic rights, like attending universities or even practicing their religion, when people show a deeply-rooted distaste for our beautiful religion.  Despite what people say or do, it is vital that we look to Allah (swt) when things get rough or when we get discouraged.

I know how hard laying a prayer mat down in the library can be.  I know how difficult it can be to explain to coworkers at a luncheon that you’re fasting.  I know it gets tedious explaining to people why you wear the hijab or why your foot is in the sink.  But the harder doing a good thing is, the more Baraka there is in it.  You can’t doubt yourself or lose faith every time someone misunderstands Islam.  Allah (swt) knows your every thought and action, and He will reward you for the good.  You just have to put your faith in Him.  I truly believe that when you put your unfaltering faith in Allah (swt), your actions and words become sweeter and you will feel at peace.  Funny thing is people will notice that.  And that is the best dawah we can give.  As they say, actions speak louder than words.

By Nesha Usmani

While I was a member of the MSA during most of my undergraduate college career, I was never very active aside from sporadically attending general body meetings or dinners. It was definitely not because I did not want to be or had no interest, I was simply involved with other things.

Looking back, I see how lame of an excuse that really was.

I don’t know why I wasn’t as active as I should have been. Perhaps I felt that I wasn’t “good enough” or didn’t have a lot to offer (looking back; what nonsense!). Maybe I felt that the other members of the MSA and I didn’t have enough in common and so it would be difficult to understand each other, remain friends, work together, etc etc…

Excuses, excuses!

I totally regret letting all of my personal assumptions or insecurities get in the way of me being more active and involved.

Your undergraduate and/or graduate college or university experience is entirely made up of just that—experiences! Whether for better or for worse, an experience is something to learn from, benefit from, to teach others, and to remember.

And since graduating, the most important thing I’ve learned is the importance of putting your insecurities, fears, worries, or what-have-you’s on hold to allow yourself to be a part of something much bigger than you. To allow yourself to grow and accomplish and learn without the burden of those emotions getting in the way.

Being on “the outside” of MSA (i.e. not being very involved) allowed me to see how truly amazing my school’s MSA truly was. From bringing halal meats to our school’s campus, to having amazing motivational speakers and conferences organized so professionally and creatively, and seeing many people from all different backgrounds and religions attend MSA events, it is no wonder at all; Allah truly blesses those who work and persevere for Him, mashAllah, subhanAllah!

It makes me think, if I was so impressed by the results of my MSA’s hard work, imagine how much I could have benefitted if I had more of a hand in it. The friends I could have made, the things I could have learned, the people I could have met, the blessings I could have received. Unfortunately, these thoughts didn’t occur to me until I had already graduated.

So, if you’re like pre-graduation me, and are having trouble fitting in at your MSA or are simply scared you won’t, take my advice:

Don’t worry about it.

Jump in with both feet. Jump in with good intentions, a good work ethic, ideas and opinions, and a positive attitude and be completely open and okay with what happens next. Because, just a few short years later, you might regret not having done so.

If you’re in a leadership position at your MSA, try coming up with new and creative ways to reach out to people who are like how I was; shy and uncertain about fitting in. Try having a FAQ meeting where you address the concerns and questions of incoming members.

And in the end, any good thing you do for the sake of Allah will be rewarded, inshAllah.

In light of the upcoming Earth Day on April 22, we wanted to share a few ideas on how to make your MSA (or your life) more environmentally friendly. As Muslims it is important for us to take care of our environment, as Allah says:

“Hence, do not spread corruption on earth after it has been so well ordered. And call unto Him with fear and longing: verily, God’s grace is ever near unto the doers of good!” [Asad 7:56]

Every atom’s weight of good you do will be recorded and every atom’s weight of bad will be recorded (Qur’an 99:7-8). With this in mind, let us all help each other to do good small things which when added together will comprise a larger good.

Some ideas/actions to incorporate into your MSA:

- Frequent MSA members should be encouraged to bring their own non-disposable water bottles instead of using cups for water during functions

-Bringing non-disposable plates for food served would be ideal during events and meetings; however this may be difficult for MSA attendees. An alternative could be the MSA providing non-disposable plates that some volunteers can wash after use

-Another alternative could be the MSA providing biodegradable products for use. Some can be found here: http://greenpaperproducts.com/biodegradable-tableware.aspx

-Organize carpools for commuters and off-campus events

-Encourage use of public transportation, walking or biking whenever possible

-Encourage recycling and conserving power

-Organize an event to go plant trees, “If any Muslim plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 8:41)

-Organize volunteer trips to help in gardens/parks or go clean some streets/mosques

-Dedicate a general body meeting/lecture to environmental consciousness. For example, you can focus on issues like water waste during wudu, spending less time in the shower, and using only what you need of resources

Remember to always be grateful for what you are blessed with. As Allah says:

“Yea, indeed, [O men,] We have given you a [bountiful] place on earth, and appointed thereon means of livelihood for you: [yet] how seldom are you grateful!” [Asad 7:10]

Members of Princeton University’s MSA pose for a group picture.

By: Aatifa Shareef

This article is written in response to “Mosques are Missing the Point”. The attitude, “The mosque needs to be a hospital for the broken, not a guild for ‘good people’” should not be limited to mosques, rather it should be applied to all Islamic institutions. The one I am most familiar with is the university MSA. These are my thoughts in regards to whom the Muslim Students Association at a university is responsible towards and how it should go about fulfilling these responsibilities.

The classifications are only for people to identify themselves with, not as justifications to judge others. The information is focused for the specific group of people in each category, but of course applies to everyone.

Freshmen: Open-Armed Hug

The MSA’s responsibility towards this group is to welcome them to the Association and the school, help them get to know their peers as well as the upperclassmen, and familiarize them with the campus and city, regardless of whether they are Muslim or not.

Over the summer, try to find out who they are, help them find roommates, give them a Big Brother or Sister, and set up a full schedule of fun events for orientation week. During that week, help them move into their dorms, give them gifts (a college survival pack and guide), host parties, grill at barbecues, guide them around campus with scavenger hunts, adventure to the city, break ice with ice cream, and visit the local halal restaurants. This is not the time for hard core qiyams and halaqas; it’s the time to create a home away from home.

Not-So-Religious Muslims: Halal Fun

The role of the MSA towards this group is to provide a halal alternative to what college students could be doing on a Friday night, with a focus on brotherhood and sisterhood. Have MSA intramural sports teams, attend athletic events, go camping, mini-golfing, ice skating, or bowling as a study break, host bonfires, and hang out at apartments, all gender-specific. The MSA as an organization solely provides the means for everyone else to be an excellent friend, no strings attached.

Religious Muslims: Horizon Expansion

For this group, the MSA should be like exercise to one’s Islam muscle. It should break down one’s preconceived notions of what it means to be a Muslim, especially a religious one, and build the person up to someone stronger based on real conviction to the religion and not just what was learned in one’s family bubble. Practically, this means 1) the MSA should host General Body Meetings on taboo topics, such as everything that happened in 1960s America, with knowledgeable scholars, forcing participants to think about one’s opinions and why one holds them; and 2) open one’s eyes and hearts to Muslims unlike oneself. Those “not-so-religious” Muslims are still Muslim. Learn from them and benefit from them and inspire each other to do good.

Average Muslims: Network

If you feel like you’re on the middle path deen-wise, what could the MSA possibly do for you? Along with halal fun, for this group, the MSA should provide a Muslim network. In college, one meets a huge variety of amazing human beings who could be beneficial to one’s life post-college. This is the time to network, and the MSA should be a conduit towards that end, particularly with graduate students and Muslim professors. There is no better person to network with than someone who is Muslim, has the same love for and familiarity with the nuances of the university as you, is in the same field that you are interested in, and has already figured out his or her life post-undergrad.

All Muslim Students: Service Provider

The girls want to stay fit? Work with the university to get girls only gym and pool timings.

Books getting expensive? Start a textbook exchange service.

Homesick? Or just sick? Every MSA needs a comfort service that gets students medicine and soup when they’re feeling under the weather.

No halal food on campus? No prayer room? Students having a tough time getting out of class for jummuah or Eid? The MSA should work with administration to provide the services that are needed to improve the daily life of every Muslim university student, whatever above group they fall under.

Where is the ‘ilm? General Body Meetings are not the proper setting to gain ‘ilm. Instead, they should be treated as a platform for discussion (i.e. chai chats and short talks with long Q&A). If possible, the MSA should set up a separate weekly class or halaqa for those students who want to increase their Islamic knowledge. A chill iman-boosting blog or magazine made for and by students is cool too, but not a replacement for class.

University: Positive Force

In terms of the rest of the university, the MSA should collaborate with other student groups toward good ends like the Virtuous Pact the Prophet Muhammad (S) took pre-Islam. It should be a beacon of defending the rights of others. There should be a Muslim representative at the highest levels of student government. Muslims are not an insular group. They are part of the university so they should be involved with the university in a beneficial manner, making positive things happen for the Muslim community and the greater university community. Secondly, the MSA should appreciate the university and celebrate with them, ideally at the same time. What better way to celebrate Eid than by showing gratitude towards the administration, faculty, and staff who helped make the MSA and what it does possible? What better way to celebrate being Muslim than by sharing it with those around you through a university-wide Discover Islam Week? Most MSAs have such a week, but try revolutionizing it with the mindset of appreciating the university – the university will have more of a reason to appreciate Islam.

Greater Muslim Community: Activism

1)              Be involved with the local masajid. Do a clean-up, attend the halaqas and classes, teach at the weekend school, volunteer at masjid events, and march with the community to the capital to petition to fix the food deserts, pollution, and education system in the city (see CIOGC’s IMAD)

2)              Be involved with other MSAs. Host a multi-MSA conference or competition, advertise and go to each other’s events, and become a think tank for positive change.

3)              Be involved with greater Muslim institutions. Take trips to AlMaghrib, Bayyinah, Qalam, and other institutions’ classes; volunteer for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the local Muslim free clinic, youth center, and women’s shelter.

4)              Be involved with those younger than oneself. As college students, it’s a responsibility to keep connected with middle and high school students. Be good role models and collaborate with Young Muslims, Muslim American Society Youth, Muslim Youth of North America, Muslim Inter-Scholastic Tournament, and the local Sunday schools and youth halaqas.

The Muslims of MSAs are young and active. You aren’t the future of Islam; you’re the now of Islam. Go out there and benefit the Muslim world.

Greater Non-Muslim Community: Good Samaritan

Taking care of one another is a priority for the Muslim ummah – it acts as one body – but it is also our duty to serve all of humanity. Actions speak louder than words, and that applies to da’wah as well. As part of a greater community outside of the university, it is important to give back. This is not simply to show the Muslim face on acts of kindness, but because it is a good that will please Allah. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, take a Winter or Spring Break Habitat for Humanity trip, tutor kids at the local library, make blankets for sick children in the hospital, hold food and clothing drives, and raise money for relief efforts around the world. Work for other than yourself, and Allah will make the rest fall into place for you.

The MSA plays many roles in a community, but first and foremost, the intention should be to please Allah. I pray that every MSA is a rope of Allah for Muslim university students to hang on to Verse 1033 of Surah Al-Imran. It is a means for us all to enter Jannatul Firdous.

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” — The Holy Qur’an [3:103]