Al-Risalah Volume 12, Issue 1

Meet Our executive BOard

President Eman abdElhadi eta@umich.edu Senior/Sociology & AAPTIS

FavoritE QuotE(s): The last two verses of Surah Al-Sharh. Look them up.“I learned two things (kalimaat) from the Sufis: Time is a sword, if you do not cut it off, it will cut you off; and the nafs, if you do not preoccupy it with good, it will preoccupy you with evil.” - Imam Shafii

“What has he found who has lost God?And what has he lost who has found God?” Ibn ‘Ata’ Allah Al-Iskandari

Why msa: It’s the only organization on campus that truly creates community. For the past 3 years, this community has brought me closeness to Allah (SWT) and a greater understanding of myself. It has been one of the greatest and most humbling experiences of my life to be a part of it, it’s only natural that I do something small in return :)

Fun Fact(s): Eman is the word name backwards.In elementary school (and beyond sadly), people would call out POKEMON and poke me... As a child, my career aspiration was: President of the United States or FBI agent--Fail.

carEEr Goals/drEam Job: I am going the academic route, applying for PhD programs in sociology at the moment. Maybe someday your kids will take my class (but I warn you, I’m going to be a tough grader. Dear World, it’s payback time! Mwahahhahahahahaha.)

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: This question is irrelevant, a movie about my life has already been made. Two words: The. Godfather.

FavoritE QuotE(s): “Learn to know thyself.” Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Why msa: For an organization that has given me so much for the past three years, I am honored to be serving the MSA community in my last year as an undergraduate. MSA has given me a platform to raise my conscious-ness, challenge others and myself, strengthen my deen, all while being part of a wonderful community. MSA has given me a safe space to foster my activism and understanding of social justice. Insha’Allah, it will do the same for you.Fun Fact(s): I’m a table tennis champion. I eat sriracha on everything.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: “Happiness is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”” Helen Keller I hope to find that purpose. FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Eastern Flame for life

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: The bollywood actress Kajol would play me. The film would be a mix of a 90s bollywood movie and a socially conscious feminist documentary.

FavoritE book(s): “To Kill a Mockingbird”

VP, External Qurratulain

‘anniE’ saJid qsa@umich.eduSenior/Women Studies & English Karachi, Pakistan/Escanaba, MI

FavoritE QuotE(s): The Prophet Muhammad (S) said, “Islam began as strange and it will return strange as it began, so glad tidings to the strangers.” His com-panions then asked, “‘Who are the strangers oh Messenger of Allah (S)?” He replied, “Those who enjoin good when the people become corrupted.”

Why msa: When I was a freshman, a certain senior brother told me to come to an MSA iftar. That’s when I met the love of my life, Faz Pizza. I’ll always remem-ber that first bite of halal pepperoni. That’s when colors started to seem vivid, music became uplifting, and brotherhood began to take meaning. I still make du’a for that senior brother every time I get the chance. To think that I was robbed of 18 years of life without Faz...Also the quote above. But mostly Faz.

Fun Fact(s): I am the best in the MSA at the following activities (and yes, challenge accepted):-Super Smash Bros Brawl...Osama who?-2v2 Halo...Hakim bros are SO overrated. Humam and I will school you fools any day. Oh, and 3C is such a joke that it’s offensive that I even have to mention them here as possible contenders. -Competitive refrigerator magnet toss...5F rules, none of that 7C garbage (If you cross the line prior to the throw and your competitor doesn’t flag the microwave, you get a re-toss?!? Also, not having internet for two days was awful)-MSA Bros historical trivia...why yes! That IS the famous Danny Kalash’s couch you’re sitting on!-Competitive brothers-leave-stuff-in-my-apartment-and-never-come-back-for-any-of-it...Please, for the love of Allah, would someone explain to me why there is a VHS copy of KickBoxer starring Jean-Claude Van Damme in my apartment?!? -Coming up with AMAZING nicknames that never stick...Iron Man, Orlando, Firefox, Chief, AP Phyics, A1, Mr. Khalid, Youfsul, Tiburon, 3aaarij (as guttural as possible), Pikachu, Nemo, Johnny Depp, etc. You all know who you are.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Staple of the post-jummu’ah lunch tradition, home of Ann Arbor’s only legit zabiha philly cheese-steak, and the number in my phone saved as speed dial position 2 (over my dad (3) and my mom (4)), Ahmos. Btw it would be number (1) if I could figure out how to move my voicemail...

Why othErs should Join msa: Why you should join MSA: To end on a serious note: With a phenomenally diverse membership, you can find anything you need including religious resources, study groups (please sign up for mine! Chem 210, Wednesdays 8-10 pm :D), and even someone to listen patiently as you talk about how your English professor is very frustrating. Each individual, with their sincer-ity and passion, helps contribute to our overall success. Jazakumallahu khair, and we look forward to you being a part of our journey.

VP, Internal omar malas omalas@umich.eduSenior/Majoring in Legassicks East Lansing, MI (where the hard pic only takes one try)

Education bilal Zaidi bzaidi@umich.eduSophomore/Undecided Troy, MI

sarah abEsarahabe@umich.edu Senior/Sociology Coldwater, MI

FavoritE QuotE(s): “If we don’t stand for something, we may fall for anything.” -Malcolm X

Why msa: I decided to join the MSA because I was aware of its rich history and the many leaders and activists that it has produced. I know that in order to be suc-cessful in college, I need to be deeply rooted in my deen. MSA provides the perfect opportunity to get involved on campus, strengthen your connection with Islam, and put your stamp on an organization that is built upon integrity and pleasing Allah (SWT). My favorite MSA event is definitely the Sacred Time Project. I was intro-duced to it in high school and have enjoyed every single one that I have attended since then. It is an amazing weekend filled with acquisition of sacred knowledge, interaction with amazing scholars and teachers, and the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Fun Fact(s): I accept anyone’s challenge to beat me in Madden NFL 2011.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Either a doctor or a coaching position on the Michigan football team.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: A toss up between Ahmo’s and Faz Pizza.

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: If “they” wanted to make a movie about me, I would know that “they” are desperate.

FavoritE book(s): The Prayer of the Oppressed by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

FavoritE QuotE(s): “I have not honored Muhammad with my words. Rather, it is my words that have been honored by Muhammad.”

Why msa: I was a pretty confused freshie and decided to give it a shot. 4 years later, I’m still here. :-)

Fun Fact(s): I’m actually Croatian. No joke, I am!

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Retirement.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Anywhere with frozen yogurt!!

Why othErs should Join msa: The MSA has definitely been the best part of my time at U of M. It has everything you need, from spiritual and social events to com-munity service and social justice projects. But what makes the MSA so amazing is the people you will meet - I met my best friends here, and Alhamdulilah had the opportunity to be involved in the greatest community I could ever have asked for. :-)

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: Definitely a comedy about a klutz, and Jennifer Garner be-cause she is awesome.

FavoritE book(s): Rising Soul: A Guide to Personal Tarbiyah. Treatise for the Seek-ers of Guidance. In the Footsteps of the Prophet. To name a few.

Islamic RelationsayEsha usmani ausmani@umich.edu Junior/Public Policy Memphis, TN

Social Justice & Activism ahmad hasan hasanah@umich.eduSenior/BBCS & Philosophy Ypsilanti, MI

FavoritE QuotE(s): All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immov-able, those that are movable, and those that move. -Ben Franklin

Why msa: The amazing people. Enough said.

Fun Fact(s): I really like watching Korean TV shows. So if you’re a fan, we’ll prob-ably be very good friends. I’m also from the South, meaning I will say yall a lot and refuse to say pop. Unlike the majority of MSA, I’m not pre-med, in engineering, or anything science related.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: As a Model UN geek, I really want to work for the United Nations. I also wouldn’t mind working in an embassy overseas. I like learn-ing about foreign policy, so any career path related to that is suitable.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Almost all the of the halal/zabiha restaurants. (My op-tions were very limited in the South.)

Why othErs should comE to msa: Besides the awesome people and the friends you will make, MSA has an activity for every type of person. I especially love all interfaith events that Dawah committee puts on!because of her bright personality. (Hey, I’m a Korean drama fan after all.)

FavoritE book(s): I never had a real favorite book, but I did enjoy reading Pride and Prejudice as well as Crime and Punishment.

FavoritE QuotE(s): It’s only as awkward as you make it.

Why msa: My parents forced me to. Yo, you should most definitely be pumped about MSA this year. We’ve got a TON of plans, events, and initiatives that you can jump right into! As for the Social Justice and Activism committee, we are working on sending members abroad on international humanitarian missions, so stay tuned and get involved!

Fun Fact(s): I’m a married man. I have a motorcycle. I’ve wrestled a tiger with my bare hands.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Playing in the NBA was my projected career of choice up until my sophomore in high school. Seriously.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Ahmo’s

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: I’d make a documentary of my life and struggles as a Muslim, a son, a brother, an activist, and a husband.

FavoritE book(s): Manufacturing Consent, by Noam Chomsky

Community Affairsomar hadiEd mhadied@umich.edu Sophomore/Pre-Med West Bloomfield, MI

ZEinab khalil zkha@umich.eduSophomore/International Relations & Mideastern Studies Toledo, OH (dont judge me by my state)

Why msa: I was very interested in helping other Muslims find the MSA and be-come involved with one of the best student orgs on campus.

Fun Fact(s): Im on the Michigan Rifle Team. I have a parrot. I love to organize things.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Traveler/Explorer...not much of a job but thats the point.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Famous Hamburger

FavoritE EvEnts msa puts on: Relay for Life: The penny wars that goes down be-tween the brothers and sisters is intense, and the day of the event everyone chills, we play a variety of sports such as football, soccer, frisbee, batminton etc..and we walk around the track in support of those who are battling cancer. Then we spent a night under the stars in our tents. Overall great experience.

FavoritE book(s): ......The Quran

FavoritE QuotE(s): “The machine will grind you down, but the machine is not bigger than the imagination. Rome fell in a day. We know this.” -Suheir Hammad

Why msa: It’s great that a single student org can cover so many functions. I was initially drawn to the community service/interfaith projects of MSA but became more apprecia-tive of its other aspects like social justice and civic engagement.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: A job in diplomacy/the state dept/an analyst at a foreign policy think tank or research institution

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: sushi.com

FavoritE EvEnts msa puts on: Sacred Time Project!!

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: a wannabe revolutionary of the MENA uprisings+revolutions. i would like snape to play me- he’s quite the rebel. or shah rukh khan. or george clooney. omg i just came up with a really good idea.

FavoritE book(s): A Border Passage, Leila Ahmed

OutreachEman dabaJa edabaja@umich.edu Junior/English Lit Dearborn, MI

omar shaikh oshaikh@umich.edu Junior/Economics Troy, MI

FavoritE QuotE(s): “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” –Gandhi

Why msa: I first fell in love with HSR and outreach’s efforts toward campus unity. Then I really began to see the potential of this org and its ability to help communi-ties that are less fortunate.

somEthinG cool about you: What isn’t cool about me? That is a better question...lol, don’t include this.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: lol, seriously Noor? I plead the 5th....

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Noodles :)

Why othErs should Join msa: Come to learn about people who are like you and unlike you, to experience things that are familiar but strange, to challenge yourself to question norms and the status quo, and most importantly to laugh.

FavoritE book(s): The Awakening by Kate Chopin

FavoritE QuotE(s): “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” - Dr. Seuss

Why msa: My ma. :)

Fun Fact(s): I have a set of hyper sexually active orange fish; they produce babies like they are getting paid; if you ever are in need of some orange fish, let me know. I play violin.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Professor/Architect

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: PKG’s Beef House Burger, Totoro SushiWhy you should comE to msa: Because Mozlem Wolverines are the most intellec-tually forward, unbiased, friendly, and critically thinking people I have ever met. :)

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: I would be the Avatar(not the blue one). Played by Morgan Freeman because his voice is bad ass. B)

FavoritE book(s): The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Socialtooba siddiQui tooba@umich.edu Senior/Political Science Hyderabad, Pakistan

ariJ naZir anazir@umich.edu Junior/BBCS Islamabad, Pakistan

FavoritE QuotE(s): “No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Why msa: I asked myself this very question while planning mass meeting with Community affairs. JK :) Because I love this community and wanted to give some-thing back in return for all the love and help that it has given me. MSA is the best thing that will ever happen to you at this campus. It has something for everyone. You can choose your level of involvement. My favorite MSA event is the Banquet. Its awe-some. You get to meet with the families of people you got to be friends with through-out the year. Skits are the best part of banquet without a doubt. Sisters cultural show is awesome too because you get to see the hidden talents of the sisters.

Fun Fact(s): Ok so I know some people might find this weird but i have a dislike for chocolate and ice cream. Also I am really scared of jimmy (the homeless man next to NYPD)

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Hmmm.. idk I haven’t figured out my life even though I am senior but working for the UN in any capacity would be awesome

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Famous Hamburger fersureee. Also Ahmo’s.iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: Ahhh my life is too boring. But if i had to pick, Ann Hathaway can play me cuz we are like twins right? And I have no idea what it would be about. Noor come up with something.

FavoritE book(s): My feudal Lord by Tehmina Durrani

FavoritE QuotE(s): “A boy that doesn’t stand up for himself becomes a man that can’t stand up for anything”

Why msa: I’ve never been part of a MSA before, so I thought this was a good op-portunity to see what it was like.

Fun Fact(s): I have mastered the force

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Being whatever Bruce Wayne is

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Tios

Why othErs should Join msa: With the amount of studying we have to do at Michigan, we need time to enjoy ourselves. That is where Social comes in.

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: It would be about my life, duh. Tom Hanks spray painted brown would be the perfect actor to play me.

FavoritE book(s): Great Gatsby and Huck Finn would probably be near the top.

Financetaha mahmood stmahmoo@umich.edu Senior/BBCS Northville, MI

Technologyhusam alGhanEm alhusam@umich.edu Senior/Biochemistry Flint, MI

FavoritE QuotE(s): “Without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world.” - Malcolm X

Why msa: Community.

Fun Fact(s): I learned to drive stick shift just so I could drive a Lotus Elise in the future.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Of course, I would want to be a profes-sional race car driver, but in this world, I’ll settle for a doc.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: F-A-M-O-U-S, ‘nough said.

FavoritE EvEnts msa puts on: Fastathon, STP, Banquet, Senior Halaqa.

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: ummmm....

FavoritE book(s): Purification on the Heart by Hamza Yusuf. There is a reason why this book costs an arm and a leg.

FavoritE QuotE(s): “I want to be, the very best.”

Why msa: My cousin told me to. Actually, he says “Hi.”

Fun Fact(s): I’ve never lost a staring contest.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: I want to teach physicians.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Zingermans. I’ve only been there once, but those people have amazing Akhlaq (good moral manners).

Why othErs should Join msa: Because angels will be there. You may not see them, but they’ll be there.

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: “Receive Much, Give Little” would be a story about how it’s impossible to give back more than you’ve been given. I would want Mu-hammad Alghanem (my cousin) to play me, because it’s the only way I could ever get him on camera.

FavoritE book(s): Please, don’t look at the title of my favorite book unless you actually intend to read it: The Anatomy of Peace

Publications noor haydar nhaydar@umich.eduSenior/Screen Arts & Cultures Flint, MI

Administrative AffairsayEsha noorulla anoorull@umich.edu Junior/Sociology Farmington Hills, MI

FavoritE QuotE(s): Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good? (55:60)Be like the flower that gives its fragrance to even the hand that crushes it. -Ali b. Abi Talib

Why msa: Because it’s awesome. I found a community the moment I arrived in Ann Arbor. I felt so welcomed, so I decided to try and help ensure that the welcoming environment is maintained.

Fun Fact(s): I snowboard. I think baking and running are major stress relievers.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Still working on it, but somewhere in the film/television industry.

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Three way tie - Zingermans, Savas & No Thai

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: It would be a comedic remake of “The Sound of Music.” Julie Andrews would be the lead, obviously...and there would be a lot of singing. I guess I just outed myself.

FavoritE book(s): Zeitoun - Dave Eggers, Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

FavoritE QuotE(s): “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift; that’s why it’s called the present.”

Why msa: I joined the MSA because I heard a lot great things about it from upperclassman that I knew and, since I was involved with MSA in HS, I wanted to continue it in college. I just fell in love with how multi-faceted it is; I not only met my closest friends through MSA, I also had the opportunity to get involved on campus and learn more about my faith. It’s absolutely awesome, like seriously awesome! If you have ANY particular interest/passion, there is a place for you in the MSA! My favorite events/services: Thursday Halaqas, Fast-a-thon, Jumah, AWIMS, etc.

Fun Fact(s): I was born in India (I’m not Hydrabadi, I know you were thinking that! ;) ) and raised in Canada, so I’m actually an Indian Canadian-American! Weird, ay? Oh and I’m kind of (really) obsessed with Korean dramas/movies/mu-sic, you name it!

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Real World: Pediatric Pharmacist. Ideal World: Social Worker (working with Muslim families and youth)/ Travelling Philanthro-pist/Islamic Studies Teacher. Hopeful Reality?: A mix of both iA! FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: No Thai! If you’re Desi and love Asian food but need the spice, this is the place for you :).

FavoritE book(s): There’s more than one, but one that stand out is The Kite Run-ner, one of the most emotional, riveting books I’ve read to date.

Ex-OfficionadEr hakim nhhakim@umich.edu Senior/Psychology

FavoritE QuotE(s): Every good act is charity...A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.

Why msa: The brothers and sisters I’ve met in MSA and partnered with in the past changed my life for the better, so I thought I owed it to the org/community to help in any way I can.

Fun Fact(s): I can perform one sleight of hand trick very well. I was born in Kan-sas, but that’s not why I’m white.

carEEr aspirations/drEam Job: Hmm, still working on that, but I plan on pursuing a graduate degree in Psychology inshAllah (as of now).

FavoritE ann arbor EatEry: Ahmos and Mary Markley Dining Hall

Why othErs should Join msa: The biggest thing is having a community. Every activity/event/function is a chance to grow closer to people who share with you the most important blessing we have in our faith. Everything MSA pursues increases our community and everyone loves welcoming new folks too.

iF thEy madE a moviE oF your liFE, What Would it bE about and Which actor Would you Want to play you: Either Jim Carrey or Robin Williams, so they could make me look funny. It would be about an immature person with a very short attention span trying not to screw up his life ( a la Dumb and Dumber, Mrs. Doubtfire).

msa WEEkly: Friday/Jummah Prayer Congregation, 2:15pm

(location TBA weekly)

Meetings, Tuesdays at 7pm (location TBA weekly)

For information and updates, visit our website: www.umich.edu/~muslims

Contact us: msa-eboard@umich.edu

Upcoming Events 9/17 – Interfaith Dialogue, East Hall

9/18 - Brothers Paintball Social9/18 - Suicide Prevention Walk at Gallup Park, 11am-2pm

9/23 & 9/25 – Jummah / Church Service10/9 - Big House Big Heart, 7-11 AM

MSA ServicesBig Sib/Little Sib ( SIGN UP TODAY!)

Cough2MSA

Buy an MSA membership card for $10 today! Or for $15, you can get MSA Campus Discounts.

For questions about Al-Risalah or to join our committee, email nhaydar@umich.edu

Halal EateriesPita Kabob Grill (PKG)

La MarsaLa Pita

Hello Faz (Pizza)Eastern Flame

Famous Hamburger (North Campus)Madras Masala

Taste of India - SuvaiWest Quad: Permanent Halal SectionMoJo: Halal Sandwiches at Victor’s

U’Go’s shops: Halal Sandwiches

Reflection RoomsUGLi

LeagueChem. Building

Angell HallPierpont Commons (North Campus)

Other Muslim Orgs on campus

(not affiliated with MSA)Michigan Muslim Alumni Foundation

Muslim Engineering Students AssociationMuslim Business Students Association

Muslim Grad Students AssociationMuslim Law Students Association

Muslim Medical Students AssociationIslamic Society of Ahl-ul-Bayt