MSA club is a Muslim Student Association, a group run by students in schools or universities. It creates a supportive community for Muslim students, helps spread knowledge about Islam, and organizes activities like religious events, social gatherings, and learning programs. The club usually meets on Fridays from 3:15pm to 5pm (Rm 343).
A Friendsgiving organized by the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at JDHS is a chance for Muslim students and their friends to come together, celebrate and build connections especially around Thanksgiving time. Although Thanksgiving isn’t an Islamic holiday, MSA club hosted this event to create a space for students to relax and enjoy a meal together. Everyone was assigned to get something, a dish or snacks. There was Pizza and Biryani (a Pakistani dish) served. There were more than 20 people. Students were playing games, teachers engaged in great conversation.
Mr. Rahim, Advisor of the MSA Club said “The Friendsgiving event was an open invitation for all members on the Google Classroom page, with students prompted to fill out an interest survey. They could bring dishes from their own cultures, such as one student who brought traditional food (Biryani). The event emphasized building community, with students greeting each other, connecting, and sharing meals in a supportive environment. It highlighted the importance of recognizing the Muslim student population, providing them with a space where they felt seen, valued, and empowered. Over 30 students attend the club voluntarily, forming a small family where they can learn, grow, and connect with others who share similar values.”
Junior Malaika Ali said that the thing she liked the most about the Friendsgiving event was “how everyone brought food and shared it with each other.” She said that “it would have been much better if more people came”. She wants MSA to do more events like this because she gets to communicate and make more friends. It helps her be more confident.
Momna Asghar said as MSA president, “I made sure to greet everyone personally, provide food options for all dietary needs, and create an open space where everyone felt comfortable sharing and participating, no matter their I reminded everyone how gratitude is important in Islam and encouraged everyone to reflect on what they are thankful for. We did fun activities like going around and saying what you’re thankful for and appreciating, we had a lot of games and a lot of activities going on.”
