Lina Ibrahim and Meluck Almutkassi, presidents of MSA and original idea holders of clubs, return. photo by Barah Khalfalla-Alsaid
The Muslim Student Alliance is back at Thomas Jefferson after being gone for almost two years, and it has a stronger presence than ever.
The Muslim Student Alliance (MSA) is excited to announce its official relaunch at TJ, and its meaningful addition to the Spartan community. The mission of its leaders is grounded in education, conversation, and cultural appreciation. MSA hopes to spark curiosity, encourage open-minded dialogue, and build genuine connections among students of all backgrounds. The club’s return marks an important step toward strengthening inclusivity on campus and amplifying voices so that they don’t go unheard.
The club aims to create a safe space for Muslim students to express their identity and practice their religion, while also providing a valuable opportunity for non-Muslim students to learn about the faith and Islamic culture. Meetings take place every Thursday in room 16 on the garden level. All students are welcome to drop in, participate, ask questions, and build connections. Whether someone is looking to understand Islamic traditions, explore a new cultural perspective, or simply meet new people, the Muslim Student Alliance hopes to offer something meaningful for everyone.
One of the founders of the club, junior Meluck Alumtkassi, shares that the motivation behind creating the group was to challenge and reduce Islamic prejudice. Alumtkassi stated that, “With Islam tends to come a lot of prejudice and misconception. We are hoping that with this club being at TJ again, it can help change that and give students a newer understanding of Islam.” Alumtkassi stated that she often encounters stereotypes about the religion, and MSA hopes to provide a space where those questions can be addressed and challenged openly and respectfully.
The club emphasized that you do not need to be Muslim to join and everyone of all cultural and religious backgrounds is welcome. Their mission is rooted in inclusivity, curiosity and mutual respect. The leaders hope that students who may not know much about Islam will still feel comfortable attending meetings, engaging in conversations, and learning directly from their peers. The MSA is working to build bridges across different parts of the school community by creating an environment where students can ask questions without judgement.
This year, the alliance has set ambitious goals to grow the club and increase its impact within the Thomas Jefferson community. They hope to see more students attend weekly meetings, engage in open conversations, and learn directly from their peers about the Muslim experience. Alumtkassi and her team have also expressed excitement about expanding their activities which includes planning field trips, hosting cultural showcases, and establishing a designated prayer room for students who need a quiet and respectful place to complete their daily prayers. Alumtkassi stated, “With the new daylight saving hours, many students might find it difficult to keep up with prayers. Establishing a prayer room will help students with that.”
As the club begins in the year of activities, members hope their efforts will not only strengthen their own sense of community, but also foster greater understanding and unity throughout the school. Through weekly meetings, upcoming events, and continued outreach, the Muslim Student Alliance is aiming to make TJ a more informed, connected and inclusive environment for everyone.
