Recap of Fall semester!

Fall Kick-Off Meeting (September 7, 2006): An opportunity for both Muslim students and the broader campus to meet their MSA Executive Board and the activities we have planned for the coming year.-

The kickoff was very successful, we had many new faces join the UW-MSA. The board was able to show off their acting skills in a skit they had prepared, and were able to get to know their new members.
(http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5904839529762294514&q=uw+msa&hl=en)

MSA Boating Trip and Picnic (September 9, 2006): A chance for students to enjoy their first weekend on campus and see the beauty of Madison while also meeting new people.

Unfortunately the weather was a bit chilly and we had to hold out on canoeing, but Inshallah we will have another canoeing event later this semester. Members were able to enjoy the great food we barbecued! The brothers were also involved in an intense soccer game.


Interfaith: Women in Islam (September 14, 2006): Our first event specifically targeted at the broader campus community, this event hopes to confront a major issue facing Muslims in America through discourse and hopes to leave people understanding more about Islam.

Brother Mamoon and Sister Rohany did a great job explaining what Women mean in Islam.


Back to School Dinner (September 16, 2006): A dinner for both students and local community members seeking to announce our plans for the upcoming year and allow the community to get to know our student community


Open Mic Night (September 21, 2006): A chance for MSA members to channel their creative side and offer thoughts about what they see in the world. This year, the event has ranged from people reading their favorite surahs and passages from books, to poetry they have written on their own.


Ramadan Iftars (September 23- October 23, 2006): Being away from home during Ramadan is difficult. As such, the MSA seeks to offer iftar twice a week to students in the effort to create a greater sense of community during Ramadan.

Iftars were very successful, and thanks to all the volunteers who cooked, we had bigger crowds mashallah.


Fast A Thon (October 12, 3006): Once each Ramadan, the MSA seeks to offer an opportunity for friends, and members of the broader community to fast in solidarity with their Muslim peers. The event includes a short speech and an iftar. It is a great opportunity for both the MSA and the broader campus to learn more about Islam.

Our Fast-a-thon was VERY successful, we had around 150 participants. Food was catered by the Casbah and King of Filafel. Our guest speakers, Manju Gupta, Becky Dill, and Abe S. were able to deliver phenomenal experiences about fasting!




























































Eid Parties, separate for brothers and sisters (October 22, 2006): Being away from home during Eid is always difficult. The girls were able to have a Secret Eidy! Gifts were secretly exchanged between Sisters.


General Body Meeting (November 2, 2006 and December 7, 2006): The MSA seeks to hold events that students can benefit from. The General Body meetings are a great opportunity for students to offer their feedback regarding the semester’s events both previous and upcoming. Further, it allowed students to raise issues with which they would like the MSA to get involved.

The General Body meeting had a low attendence. But the Constitution was amended to allow a larger diverse group to be a part of MSA. The December meeting had a larger attendance and many suggestions were given.


Lecture: Maintaining Spirituality Post Ramadan (November 18, 2006): With guest speakers coming to the Madison area, this lecture seeked to reflect upon the spiritual high we get from Ramadan and maintain such motivation after its departure.

Sisters Karaoke and Ice Skating, Brothers Basketball Tournament (November 30, 2006): An opportunity for MSA members to grow in friendship and build community.

Lecture: Tawaqul (December 9, 2006): A great opportunity to learn about our faith and gain from the pearls of wisdom of speakers. This lecture seeked to remind us of our greater purpose amidst the trials of college life.