When I was researching and applying to colleges my senior year, it was important for me to have a Muslim community on campus – a place that I could be accepted and be supported with my identity as a practicing Muslim woman. And while I am thankful to attend Princeton for many reasons, it is the Muslim community here on campus that has had the greatest impact on my experience here.
The Muslim community on campus is smaller than other religious groups, but we are a closely knit family. There isn’t a day that I don’t go to Murray-Dodge, the Office of Religious Life on campus, to see my friends and snack on the free cookies in the basement. As Muslims are obligated to pray five times a day, I am often running to – as it is affectionately known to many of us on campus – “MD” to quickly catch a congregated prayer in the prayer room on the third floor.
I am also the Events Coordinator for the Muslim Students Association, which is an organization I love dearly. Our events range from Muslim Monologues, an open-mic style event to invite members of the community to discuss various aspects of their faith, to more casual events of community cooking and ummah nights. I look forward to Friday afternoons the most, to the weekly Jummah prayer, where the corresponding sermon revitalizes both my spirit and heart – and there are always samosas after.
Another of my favorite times throughout the year is the month of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. Prior to my first Ramadan on campus last year, I was concerned about how I would practice my faith under the day-to-day workload of Princeton. I can now say that was the least of my concerns – the previous Ramadan ended up being the most spiritual and community-focused Ramadan of my life! From breaking my fast daily with friends to late nights in the Frist MPR in prayer, it was an experience that felt both completing and connecting. Many of my professors were aware of Ramadan and were also very understanding with extended deadlines and general aid. As I write this, I am even more excited for the upcoming Ramadan.
Truly, without the Muslim community, I would not have been able to call the Princeton campus home. They are my family here, and I love each of them dearly – even when they distract me from work. Feel free to come to any of our meetings, Muslim or not, as we simply are a community with a love of love to give.