Bilal Choksi

Asalamu’alaikum Everyone!

Born and raised in Toronto, north of the border, I’m a proud Canadian Desi. When I came to Penn, like everyone, I was not sure what the future had in store for me. Islam had always been a defining part of my life and one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a part of the MSA. Even before arriving to Penn, during Penn Previews, the MSA welcomed me at Jummah Prayer and introduced me to the family that I deeply value being a part of. Having both Pakistani and Guyanese roots, both Diasporas extending from India, valuing diversity, as Islam teaches, has always played a strong role in my life. The MSA not only provided me with an extended family, and a great way to contribute to society, but it has fed my thirst for diversity, knowledge of Islam and growth as a Muslim. The plethora of interests, people and cultures, and Islamic values like kindness and generosity are cornerstones of the MSA. Regardless of what you’re in need of, whether it is support, knowledge, fun times, or just a place to fit in and be yourself, the MSA is THE place to be. A bit about myself: I love all sports, culture, good humour, techy gadgets, debates and chilling with friends.

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. :)

Salmon Kadivar

Salam my people. I ws born in Iran and lived there for a bit. I've also grown up in Illinois and Kansas... yeah... Kansas with a hick accent added on. I have four sisters. I am a math major who is pre-med. For fun I like to play sports and just chill or do anytihing that makes me laugh. I'm the social chair and I like to have fun so if you have any ideas hit me up. The MSA is fun and a great place to meet new people so don't be shy. So keep it real and come out. Peace.. The one and only ;)  

Zohaib Mohammad

Sohail Dar

Assalamu Alaikum. I hail from a homely Midwestern city of Akron, OH (close to Cleveland and home of the best player in the NBA- Lebron James). Growing up, Islam was always a big part of my life and I was surrounded by friends and family who valued their faith, which continues to this day. Alhamdullilah, I am surrounded by the same type of people with these qualities at Penn, and Insha'Allah I will put my faith into action as long as I am on the board.

Munhim J. Chaudhry

workin hard these days.

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.

Arif Rashid

Saara Hafeez

Salaam everyone! Coming from a unique background, I've always felt that the only thing I can truly identify myself as is being a Muslim. During my junior year of high school, I started a MSA and was President for two years so getting involved in the Penn MSA my freshman year was a nice way to continue my passion. Through the MSA and other organizations that I'm involved in, I've gotten the chance to meet loads of amazing people on campus. Other than meeting new people, I'd say that I love to sleep, eat, and run.

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.

Aatir Abdul Rauf

Secretary
Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan
Majors: Computer Science Engineering
Passions: Cricket. Lyricising. Composing. Trying to be funny. Designing. Videographing (is that a word?)

Assalamualikum all!
I come from the food-crazy city of Lahore (Pakistan) and this isn't just my first year as Master's student at Penn but also my first time in America. And boy, it looks pretty different from what I imagined. Naiive as I was I thought being a Muslim in America would make me an outcast who gets those menacing looks from random bypassers. In fact, people back home used to mentally prepare me for the alienation I was going to be greeted with. But the fact of the matter is that, with the help of the MSA, I've never been more at ease or more proud with my Muslim identity. Moreover, the MSA events showed me what inter-cultural unity and respect truly meant when I saw people of different origins and color break their fast under one roof and bow down before One God. The strong sense of brotherhood and the active leadership motivated me to join the society and contribute in whatever way I could. These are the reasons I quote,

"These people may not look like me. They may not act like me. But they love my Islam. And thats reason enough to call them family"