By Neha Shahid December 19, 2022
This article is part of CHS Journalism's series about clubs at Centerville High School. If you have a CHS club/program you'd like an article written about, email us at centervillejournalism@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom!
Izza Haq, the Muslim Students Associations club leader, spoke to me about what MSA is. Izza mentioned that MSA was a club started before she came to Centerville, however it wasn’t as developed and had very few members, as the Muslim population wassmall, with only three people.
MSA was initially created because Muslims students needed a place to pray the Friday prayer (Jummah) on time, which would be missed because of school dismissal time. Now Friday prayers are a regular occurrence in the library meeting rooms after school. They are also open upon request at any time throughout the day to pray. Izza decided to expand the club to more than just Friday prayer and into an inclusive community for people of all faiths.
MSA is a place for Muslims and non Muslim students alike. It is a place where they can gather and take part in community service, in light of Islam’s teachings of equality and helping others. Izza compares MSA to an “umbrella” as it’s for people of all faiths. They strive to create understanding and relationships with people of all different backgrounds and faiths. The inclusive and safe community allows for anyone to come and make new friends regardless of religion and to give back to the community.
Izza mentioned that by being in MSA, the isolation sometimes felt by Muslim kids can be prevented. She believes that MSA should be a core club in every school as a place where Muslim students can go to have a safe space and make new friends with the same beliefs. Also, Izza talked about how she has been able to talk to different people about what Islam is and what their questions are about through the Club Fair and people coming to her during meetings. That has been a memorable experience for her because she is able to clear the many misconceptions people have surrounding Islam.
So if you’re someone looking to find answers to questions, have a safe space to be around people like you, or just want to meet new kinds of people. MSA is the place for you.
The club meets every Friday in the library meeting rooms for Friday prayer and in Mr. Dalton’s room where they have activities planned.