Muslim Student Engagement (formerly known as Ahmadiyya Muslim Student Association)
By Religion·Community Service/Nonprofit·Political Advocacy Groups·Health/Wellness
Berkeley MSA is the Muslim student community at Cal, built around the principles of inclusiveness, responsibility, and action. Members gather weekly for Friday Jumu'ah prayers at Hearst Gym, Ilm (knowledge) classes, community socials, and Project Downtown, a weekly service project making sandwiches for unhoused residents. Students can join committees in areas like Community Service, Political Action, Da'wah, and Youth and Admit, each meeting weekly and open to all regardless of background.
Weekly
Committee meeting frequency
200
Weekly Jummah prayer student attendance (on-campus), at least
400
Students served by MSA, at least
$3,000
Estimated monthly operating cost
Events They Host
Experience Islam Week
A week of events dedicated to sharing Islam with non-Muslim friends, including a Quran Circle and Jummah. Previously held April 17-21.
Charity Week
A multi-day series of fundraising events; proceeds go to Islamic Relief's campaign to help orphanages around the world. Previously held October 21-30.
MSA College Application Workshop
Free all-day workshop for high school and transfer students covering personal statements, letters of recommendation, and application strategy. Includes a free halal catered lunch. Previously held November 2, 2019, 11AM-4PM at Sproul Plaza.
Berkeley MSA College Day
A day event for high school students featuring speakers, campus tours, and workshops. Previously held April 15; check-in at 9:30 AM.
Jumu'ah (Friday Prayer)
Weekly Friday prayers held at Hearst Memorial Gym Room 237, 1-3 PM, during the academic year when classes are in session (excluding RRR week and finals week).
Ilm Classes
Recurring Islamic knowledge classes open to the community. Past topics include 'Building a Relationship with Allah,' 'Dealing with Hardships,' and 'Reconnecting with Islam.' Notes and recordings are available on the events page.
Welcome Week Tabling
MSA tables on Sproul Plaza every day during Welcome Week at the start of the fall semester, open to all students including non-Muslims.
Member Experiences
Annual Retreat
A two-night overnight retreat held early in the spring semester. Previously held at Sierra Friends Center in Nevada City, CA (February 3-4, 2017).
Brothers and Sisters Welcome Week Dinners
Separate welcome dinners for brothers and sisters held at the start of each fall semester, for new and returning students to meet one another.
Big C Hike
A community hike to the Big C on the hills above campus; members meet at the Campanile and walk together.
Brothers and Sisters Socials / Dodgeball
Recurring gender-separate social events including dodgeball games, kickbacks, and community nights throughout the semester.
Senior Grad Photos
Free professional grad photo sessions for graduating seniors at Sather Gate, Doe Memorial Library, and the Campanile, organized by MSA. Each senior receives at least ten edited photos.