By Ruby Setara
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is one of the many clubs at MCSM. Our school is proud to represent its Muslim population by hosting this club. When walking into Mr. Gandhi’s room during the meeting, it was quite a sight: club leaders were going through a prepared Powerpoint presentation, as participating students listened along. The meeting went smoothly, even as inquisitive students interrupted the presidents’ monologues to ask questions.
A club where one can make friends and learn about the Muslim identity
In the interview below, I sit down with Malik Mohsin, the president of MSA, to break down the entire MSA experience through her eyes.
Q: What does MSA stand for?
Mohsin: MSA is the Muslim Student Association, literally. This club was founded in Manhattan Center pretty much many years ago when the Muslim student population was only so much. Usually club leaders hold elections / elect new board members to be responsible for the following year. We stand for equity in the MCSM student body, especially for Muslim students. This club is a place to freely be a Muslim– and learn about Islam if you’re not religious! At the very least, we hope to educate the student body by discussions, meetings, and events.
Q: What do you guys do in meetings?
Mohsin: At a typical meeting, we have discussions based in the context of Islam. These meetings are purely there to teach Muslims and non-Muslims alike about the Muslim experience. Questions like, “Why don’t I wear a hijab?” and “Why do I wear a niqab?” often yield different responses from different Muslims. We don’t judge. This is a learning experience for us all.
Q: Now, help me feel like Malak. How do you prepare for the club?
Mohsin: Oh boy. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without Fakhr and all the other club members. We usually get together every weekend to create a presentation– and we always ask the students what they would like to see next! Feedback is important to running any club. We debrief the students on the basics of the issue through the board, and have some sort of fun activity to break in the main discussion. When there is a lull in the conversation, we have to figure out ways to keep the conversation interesting and keep the ball rolling. Besides that, we let the students take charge! The debates and shouting and laugher are endless. I think that’s what keeps them coming back every week.
Q: How do you think the MSA has changed, or will change under your leadership?
Mohsin: I feel as if MSA became a little bit more student-led than anything. I never want to limit what the club members are capable of—I always let the discussion or debate carry on. Before, it would sort of not be very student-led. I also hope to have more enriching events. Some other clubs do field trips and various events to help newcomers learn what they’re all about. I hope to plan field trips to museums, restaurants, and even plan a large-scale Eid party when the time comes around.
Q: Many say that Islamic identities are challenged under today’s political climate. How do YOU cope when your beliefs and identity can be challenged every day?
Mohsin: I totally agree with you. Under this political environment, it’s difficult to think that many people hate me entirely because of my religion. I used to be annoyed by people who make inaccurate assumptions about me based upon how I dress and my religion. Now I realize that they’re just not educated about Muslims. I try to fix this issue by running MSA. Not only is it a safe place for Muslims, it’s also a place where non-Muslims can learn as well. I deal with the challenges by disregarding the assumptions people make about me. If anything, I try to educate them so they can be more informed and more considerate. Not doing anything, makes me part of the problem.
Q: Any closing statements?
Mohsin: This is going to be the best year MSA will have! Shout-out to the Rampage for this coverage on us! It’s always appreciated.