Upenn Muslim Students Association

Artina Sheikh

Assalamu'Alaikum everyone! Even before coming to college I knew I wanted to be a part of the MSA. But here at Penn, I've found so much more than just a student organization. Coming from a diverse suburb in central Jersey, I've grown up in a fairly strong Muslim community so I didn't know what to expect from college. But to my pleasant surprise, the MSA quickly became my family and I don't know what I would do without it today. When I'm not at a subcommittee meeting or writing an email to another board member, I also enjoy spending time with friends, shopping, football, basketball, graphic design, and food. :)

Naveed Rashid

Salaams everyone - I am a Political Science major from Atlanta, Georgia. I love playing ultimate frisbee and basketball and enjoy good humor. My favorite part about Penn is definitely the diversity of the students. The MSA at Penn has been great because it has offered a whole host of spiritual, educational and social resources that have made my experience at Penn all the more exciting.

Amanda El-Dakhakhni

As-Salaam 'Alaikum everyone! I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the MSA before I even set foot on Penn's campus. Coming from Hawaii—a state with a very small Muslim population—I grew up without the Muslim brother- and sister-hood that I found here in the Penn MSA. The MSA was so welcoming to me when I first arrived my freshman year and one of the main reasons I'm involved with the MSA is to help provide that same friendly, comfortable environment for incoming students. Whatever your background or interests, there's definitely a place for you here with us in the Penn MSA! When I'm not planning events for the MSA, I like to travel, shop and smile, preferably all at the same time. :)

Danish Munir

Salamz everyone! Born and raised in Pakistan, I'm a true desi at heart. I'm a dual degree student in Business and Comp Sci, so I hate to admit it but yes, I am pretty geeky. I love computers, gadgets, and anything and everything to do with technology. If your looking for me on campus you will find me either doing some work for the MSA, PPS or the MnT Club, or just hanging out with my freinds. I joined the MSA in my second year at Penn because I found myself constantly drawn towards the strong sense of community that I felt it provided. I was lucky enough to make it on the board, and the my only regret since that day has been why I didn't do it earlier! I know a lot of people come to the MSA, looking for it to play a different role in their lives. I've come to learn that no matter what your level of involvement, your going to love the people here, so definitely give us a shot!

Sakina Zaidi

Salaam all! I just finished my freshman year at Penn and honesty feel that the MSA has become my family away from home. I’ve lived my whole life in Abu Dhabi, right on the equator and had to get used to a lot of things other than just the weather in Philly. The MSA definitely provided me with a great cause, a friendly community and a crazy good time. From praying in the library during finals to skiing in the Pokonos in the Winter, the MSA is a great blend of faith and fun. In my opinion, we are all ambassadors of Islam and this is a great opportunity to leave our mark on anyone and everyone we meet.

Salah Chafik

Peace be upon you. I was born in the Bronx, New York and grew up in Effort, Pennsylvania. I consider myself Moroccan however since the majority of my family was born, raised and currently resides in Morocco and I visited back nearly every summer growing up. Having done so, I retained the culture, language, and most importantly the religion of my peeps. Thank God, Islam defines who I am and insh’Allah it always will. Naturally, I took part in many activities during the while of my freshman year, but none were nearly as worthwhile as MSA. It provided me with most of my friends and memorable learning experiences. I could turn to the MSA as a route to pretty much anything Islam in a mostly non-Muslim campus, which was real nice. I believe that our religion should be practiced with joy, happiness, and kindness as we together submit to Allah (s.w.t.), so I try my best to do so.

PS: I'm the kind of muslim who, upon completion of wuduh, begins singing outkast's "so fresh and so clean."

Aminah Ali

Salaams. I was born and raised in NYC, but my parents are from Trinidad and I love going back to visit. The one thing I love most about there is the understanding and respect among religions there. Having been involved in MSA in high school, I knew that the MSA was something that I wanted to be a part of, but never expected it to be what it is now. MSA @ Penn is like my family away from home. From social to spiritual, I believe that there is something for everyone in this organization. The people in the MSA are what make it amazing and that’s why I enjoy being part of the MSA.

Azam Qureshi

Penn Muslims for Change Chair
Hometown: Athens, Alabama
Majors: History, Biology

Assalamu 'Alaikum, 

I was born and raised in Athens, AL.  (Yes, I know it's a shocker that Muslims live there, but it is true and the community is amazing.) I have always loved being involved with Islamic organizations, especially at universities when people are often far from home.  By having Iftaars, lectures, fairs, and other events, MSAs can create close-knit communities for students, with a beautiful religion as the backbone. Aside from MSA, I love the Chicago Bears, tennis, basketball, and movies.