Muslim Student Association
By Religion·Community Service/Nonprofit·Political Advocacy Groups·Health/Wellness
Berkeley MSA is the Muslim student community at Cal, bringing together Muslims of diverse backgrounds under one unified, proactive community. Members attend weekly Friday Jumu'ah prayers, join committees that meet weekly to plan events and take action on causes they care about, and participate in Ilm (knowledge) classes, community socials, political panels, and charity projects like Project Downtown. Non-Muslims are also welcome. The club actively helps members navigate campus life, from finding halal food and prayer spaces to securing Ramadan academic accommodations.
Weekly
Committee meeting frequency
200
Weekly Jumu'ah student attendance (at least)
400
Students served (at least)
$3,000
Monthly operating cost
Events They Host
Weekly Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer)
Held every Friday from 1-3pm in Hearst Memorial Gym Room 237, during the academic year when classes are in session. Over 200 students attend.
Experience Islam Week
A week-long series of events dedicated to sharing Islam with non-Muslim friends and the broader campus community, including Quran circles, talks, and other programming.
College Application Workshop
Free full-day workshop for high school and transfer students featuring Q&A sessions, presentations, and workshops on personal statements, letters of recommendation, and application strategy. Lunch is provided (zabihah halal).
Ilm Classes
Educational Islamic knowledge classes open to the community, featuring guest scholars and imams. Past topics include 'Building a Relationship with Allah,' 'Dealing with Hardships,' and 'Reconnecting with Islam.' Notes and recordings are made available afterward.
Project Downtown
Weekly community service event held after Friday Jumu'ah. Members make and distribute sandwiches and lunches to the unhoused population in Berkeley.
Charity Week
Multi-day fundraising campaign each fall featuring bake sales and other events, with proceeds donated to Islamic Relief and other charitable organizations.
Political Action Panel Discussions
Topical panel discussions and speaker events organized by the Political Action Committee on campus, regional, national, and international issues.
Member Experiences
Annual MSA Retreat
Overnight retreat held early each spring semester. Past location includes the Sierra Friends Center in Nevada City, CA. Approximately two nights away from campus.
Brothers and Sisters Welcome Week Dinners
Separate brothers and sisters dinners held during Welcome Week each fall, giving new and returning students a chance to meet each other.
Big C Hike
Group hike to the Big C landmark above campus during Welcome Week, starting from the Campanile. Framed as a bonding and reflection opportunity for new and returning members.
MSA Community Nights
Regular community gatherings for members throughout the semester, in addition to weekly Friday prayers.
Brothers and Sisters Socials
Recurring gender-specific social events including kickbacks, dodgeball nights, and other gatherings held throughout the year.
Senior Grad Photos
Free professional graduation photos offered to graduating seniors on campus, organized by the MSA. Each senior gets five minutes each at Sather Gate, Doe Library, and the Campanile, plus at least ten edited photos.