Exploring the always-growing Muslim community

As my sophomore year draws to an unbelievably hasty close, my experiences as a practicing Muslim in the predominantly non-Muslim environment of Yale University permeate my thoughts. While it took some time to adjust to being away from my family, my religious community, and my close Muslim friends, I can confidently say that I have made the transition and have been able to continue my religious practices here at Yale.

On a personal level, practicing Islam at Yale is not difficult. I have been able to perform the five daily prayers, recite Qur'an, and fast during the month of Ramadan without much distraction or difficulty. In general, my fellow students have been very understanding and respectful of my religious practices.

But Islam consists of more than just personal convictions and private rituals. Yale's Muslim Students Association (MSA) provides me with a small but close-knit group of fellow Muslim students with whom I can share my faith. A mere eight years old, the MSA organizes activities ranging from daily evening prayers and weekly dinner discussions to Juma services and the annual Eid dinner and speech.

Though it is not as large or active as MSAs in other college towns like Boston and Chicago, the Yale MSA has a core of dedicated members who work hard to strengthen the Muslim voice on campus. And with the help of the Yale University Chaplain's Office and the Administration, the MSA is steadily growing. The Muslim community here not only allows practicing Muslims the opportunity to learn more about their religion and to foster ties with others of their faith, but also enriches Yale's diverse atmosphere.

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