7 Things That Can Make or Break MSAs (Muslim Student Associations)

Religious Diversity… or Divisions

Few MSAs are homogenous in the way they understand and experience Islam. The terms “conservative” and “liberal” can be revealing as to where the line between too-religious or not-religious-enough is for any given member of the MSA. Not only are the students of the MSA products of their upbringing, but they are also subject to ideological battles being waged in American society. Many MSAs are being confronted with LGBTQ issues (sometimes from within their own membership), stances on controversial topics such as abortion and other political skirmishes happening at the time.

The easiest way to handle religious diversity is perhaps the most prophetic: Commit the MSA to being as inclusive as possible. This does not necessarily mean sanctioning impious or unvirtuous behavior, but rather emphasizing that all are welcome in the community regardless of where they are on their path to being better Muslims (or just better people, for those non-Muslim members of the MSA). Just as the Prophet welcomed those less-than-perfect Muslims into his community, the MSA can do the same.