MSA 'Al-Risalah' Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 1

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS BANNED IN FRENCH SCHOOLS and in America?

Text Box: However, after the school board representatives discussed the issue and a Muslim rights advocacy group based in Washington interceded on the student’s behalf, the girl was allowed to wear the scarf. Yet, not everyone was happy with the decision. Rhonda Thurman, a county school board member was reported to have said, Text Box: "I think it opens up a Pandora's box for us. You may have Jewish students asking to wear yarmulkes and students from other religions making requests.” Text Box: Because of Ms. Thurman’s discontent with the outcome of the decision on scarves, there will be another meeting held to discuss the issue and the future of the school policy on headscarves and other cultural and religious insignia. Text Box: MUSLIM STUDENT ASSOCIATION

2004-2005

Volume 1, Issue 1

MSA @villanova

Scarf issue in france and the US	1
Ramadan dinner pictures	2
Eid dinner 2005	3
UPCOMING MSA EVENTS	4

Special points of interest:

· Ramadan Dinner 2005

· Upcoming events

· Eid-al-adha dinner event in Philadelphia

· Pictures

A Muslim student in France protesting the newly instated ban on hijab in schools.

“The Iftar last Thursday was in this regard a very successful religious event. Congratulations to the Villanova MSA.”

Dr.S. Inati

Arab and Islamic

Studies

MSA @villanova

On Thursday November 11th, nearly 200 students, faculty, and members of the community gathered in the Villanova room to celebrate Ramadan.

Muslims and non-Muslims alike shared several hours together over food, company, and discussion of what the holy month represents for more than one billion people across the globe. Many professors encouraged their students to attend the dinner in order to understand the Islamic faith and what it means in light of the negative perceptions many people have regarding Muslims and their conduct.

Dr. Shams Inati, a professor in the Department of Arab and Islamic Studies commented on the dinner by saying,

“I was very pleased with the dinner for a number of reasons, the most important of which is that it helped bring people together from different faiths. This was most obvious during prayer when Muslims and Christians prayed together. Religions should help in creating love, peace and harmony in society. The Iftar last Thursday was in this regard a very successful religious event. Congratulations to the Villanova MSA.”

Other MSA members like Nameer Bhatti thought,

“I thought it was a good cultural experience. Having both Muslims and non-Muslims come together to learn more about Islam, and about each other.”

Abolhassan Sadighi remarked,"

The atmosphere at the MSA Ramadan dinner was beautiful, and since it was this very atmosphere that helped draw me into the MSA three years ago as a freshman, I am sure it will draw others in the future, God willing."

“

MSA at Villanova welcomed the featured speaker Brother Haneef who discussed the history of the month and tradition of Ramadan and why Muslims celebrate the month . Also, President Safeer Bhatti delivered a few words of introduction on the speaker and the meaning of Ramadan. In addition, Vice president of MSA @ Villanova, Imran Punekar talked about his experiences at Villanova during Ramadan and what the month means to him. Finally, the breaking of the fast was preceded by the traditional call to prayer, the athan when Muslims and non-Muslims alike were invited to perform the maghrib prayers. With the fast broken with dates and water, the 2004 Ramadan dinner officially began.

The featured speaker at this years Ramadan event was Brother Al Hazar Haneef.

Also pictured are President of MSA @ Villanova Safeer Bhatti and Vice President Imran Punkar and MSA Member Hilal Alharbi who delivered the adhan.

THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO CHINAR ! MSA @V ILLANOVA APPRECIATES YOUR GENEROSITY