The Muslim Student Association’s big event of the year will take place at the end of March, when they host iftar, a meal to end the dawn-to-dusk fasting practiced daily during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection.
Before Ramadan begins, though, MSA will recognize World Hijab Day in early February. The occasion, which they have honored for the last several years, is intended to mitigate discrimination against Muslim women by giving others a chance to experience wearing the hijab, a head covering that is a sign of faith.
Scarves for Solidarity, MSA’s event to commemorate World Hijab Day, takes place Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. in the Student Center Atrium. The campus community is invited to wrap a hijab and take a photo. Those who do not wish to don the hijab can pose with a sign showing their support of Muslim women.
MSA President Nuha Kazi says that her own experience wearing the hijab is different from what many expect, as they see the head wrap mainly as a means to maintain modesty.
“It’s a way for women to feel empowered, but in a different sense,” Kazi said. “People see you for who you are and focus on your personality and character, rather than making assumptions based off your appearance — which can be really freeing.”
Indeed, Kazi said she chose to come to ACPHS in part because she saw during visits to campus that Muslim women here felt free to express their identity through wearing the hijab. She grew up in a community with few Muslims, as did MSA Treasurer Mahad Tarar.
Tarar described World Hijab Day as a way to “spend a day in someone else’s shoes.”
Unlike her classmates on the MSA Executive Board, Social Chair Tasnim Chowdhury grew up in a diverse community, Schenectady, N.Y.
“I like to educate people and help dispel misguided ideas about Muslim people and Muslim cultures,” Chowdhury said of her involvement in MSA.
And that underscores the mission of the club that strives to promote a positive image of Islam and encourage Muslims and non-Muslims alike to evolve intellectually, physically and spiritually during their time at ACPHS.
MSA welcomes all, regardless of religious beliefs.