The Muslim Student Association, also known as a MSA, is a new club recently implemented at the school during the month of October. MSA is a student club aiming to bring Muslim students at Plainfield South together, and they hope to bring a sense of community and security for students.
“The club is there to bring Muslims together, not only Muslims but anyone in our community,” junior Urooj Moin said. “In MSA we come together, and not only learn about Islam and its teachings, but we strive to spread awareness on matters around us while providing a safe and peaceful environment on campus. MSA promotes unity, and we serve the community by presenting our religion.”
MSA is focused on discussing the foundations of Islam and its teachings, such as the importance of prayer, the Five pillars and much more. Members participate in activities while also implementing these very teachings to make meetings more enjoyable for its members.
“I joined the group because I feel like it’s cool to have people like you understand where you’re coming from,” junior Aysha Kawash. “Let’s say you see someone who is muslim, they’re gonna feel uncomfortable saying it out loud because there isn’t a community. People look at you differently because of your religion and culture. That’s why it’s better to make a club where everybody feels like they belong in the school.”
MSA is open to anyone interested in Islam and the culture. It’s not only for Muslims, but for people who want to simply make friends, or just want to learn about Islam. The group and club itself aim to be a welcoming space to anyone who might need it- a place for people to embrace their religion.
“It’s also to bring us together, there are not a lot of muslims in this school,” senior Marwa Khanani said. “We’re trying to bring us all together to have something in common.”
A lot of activities are being planned for this upcoming Spring. Some of these activities include coming together in the mosque, and learning about our society, as well as the issues taking place around the world.
“In my old school, it was full of people like us, full of different varieties of cultures and people of different backgrounds and religions,” senior Samara Alyamani said. “I feel like we can also make that happen here as well, just by trying to raise awareness, but also welcome people in.”
In daily meetings, members will participate in fun and unique games, discussions, and will be able to hear stories involving the islamic history and current events. They plan on organizing events that celebrate religious traditions, such as Iftar gatherings, where members break their fast with a feast during the holy month of Ramadan.
With everything that has been happening in Palestine, MSA is aiming to bring and spread awareness on the issues taking place and how it’s affecting many of the students. Having a community to talk about these issues, and being able to serve as a safe space for Muslims students, is what MSA hopes to do.
“With everything that is happening in different countries, the school doesn’t talk about it at all,” Kawash said. “I know I shouldn’t expect the school to talk about what’s happening, but it would be good to bring it up, the school is full of all types of cultures and religions. It would make students and I feel more comfortable if the school understands what is happening, just so I know they understand what is happening.
Meetings are every other Monday from 2:15 to around 3:30 in room 207. For any questions students might have in regards to the club itself, they can contact Ms.Musani at [email protected] or can check out their Instagram page at pshs.msa.
“Our hope is to show others the beauty of Islam and what we stand for. Free Palestine,” senior Faadil Syed said.
