From the Archives: Building Muslim Students' Associations

On January 1, 1963, about 75 Muslim students representing nearly 10 campus organizations congregated at Urbana Campus (University of Illinois) to discuss the establishment of the Muslim Students’ Association of the USA and Canada. Without funding or prior blueprints, these students built an organization dedicated to offering Muslim students, many of whom were international students and newcomers, space to practice faith and nurture unity across ethnicity and nationality.

By 1983, the Muslim Students’ Association of the USA and Canada had 300 student chapters and countless non-student Muslim communities affiliated with their work. They hosted conferences, operated an Islamic book service and publishing house, offered marriage facilities, and established professional associations including the Islamic Medical Society and the Association of Muslim Social Scientists. 

In Canada, Muslim Student Associations (MSA) such as the McMaster MSA were important Muslim organizations that fosterd links between Muslim students and non-students alike. The McMaster MSA’s publication, the MacMinaret, circulated 5000 copies both on campus and across Southern Ontario throughout the 1980s. What began as a spiritual and social support initiative for students soon became a means for Muslim communities across North America to more openly and/or conveniently practice their faith, connect with one another, and access important resources.  

As a part of Islamic History Month, MiCA had the pleasure of talking about the history of Muslim Student Associations with high school students and educators at the York Region District School Board. Together, we recoded a podcast on Muslim life in the classroom. Students shared their experiences practicing Islam, navigating Islamophobia, and building networks of support including MSA chapters. Educators shared their role advocated for MSAs within high schools – as well as ongoing challenges they face. We also collectively considered the value of documenting these experiences in the archives and preserving the stories as a part of the living Muslim history in Canada. The podcast is now live!