Written By Raisa Gire
“UT Community, Unity in Ummati!”
Our communities are representations of our greatness. They are the circles in which we share our talents, diversity, and passion for making change. Rooted in their mission to leave a great impact, the Muslim community at the University of Texas at Austin harbors a zeal like no other. The Longhorn Ummah aims to create an environment that welcomes their peers of all backgrounds, celebrates their faith, and leads their generation with service and compassion.
There are many religious and cultural organizations on UT’s campus that represent the diversity and strength of its Muslim community. The most encompassing of these are the two branches of the Texas Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) and Nueces Mosque. Like many universities in America, UT Austin has a dynamic Muslim Students’ Association that brings together students of different backgrounds, identities, and religious beliefs. From the classic cookie halaqa, to a lively picnic with, of course, free food, the UT MSA hosts events that aim to “cultivate community, and ignite iman.” In addition to the MSA, Nueces Mosque stands peacefully among the west campus high-rises, the “home away from home” for many students, serving as a place for retreat and companionship.
The UT MSA creates a space on campus where Muslim students can find their voices through companionship with their fellow classmates. UT sophomore Fatima Shaikh shares that the MSA is where “we have a place where we can go and find people who have the same values and core beliefs as us.” Many students share a common worry about maintaining their faith when coming to college, but the MSA for so many students serves as a pillar to maintaining their Islam as they pursue their academic and professional goals. The MSA provides a safe haven for students to engage with their peers through social events, revitalize their faith with reminders from religious scholars, and connect in a way that creates a foundation for Muslim representation on UT’s campus. Fatima shares that, “this community is a place of belonging where we can make new friends […], a place where we can feel comfortable and foster meaningful connections, which contributes to a greater sense of unity within the wider Muslim ummah.”
Nueces Mosque is a precious asset to the UT Muslim community as it is an entirely student led mosque. From its daily operations, to weekly events, and Ramadan iftars, Nueces Mosque serves both students and the greater community with the perspective of student leaders. When asked about what makes the Nueces community so special, the mosque’s vice president, Salma Bora, shares that “everyone is so kind and they genuinely want to welcome you into the community.” Students and greater Austin community members gather at Nueces to learn about their faith, share delicious meals, and study in the back of the prayer hall, all while cherishing each other’s company. The religious direction and education comes from the community’s Imam Anwer Imam. Imam Anwer brings a light to the Nueces environment that reflects prophetic teachings of devotion, service, and companionship. He serves as a support system to the community, and meets the needs of congregants by doing everything from creating laughter with classic dad jokes to providing thoughtful guidance in office hours. Most recently, Nueces Mosque launched a new initiative, Nueces Seminary, to become a center for formal Islamic education. Students are given the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their faith and are there to support one another in their religious and spiritual journeys.
The Muslim community at the University of Texas is a beautiful testament to the devotion and reverence that young muslims have for their faith. It is incredibly moving to see students proudly represent the banner of Islam on UT’s campus, in a pursuit to inspire and serve both the Muslim and greater community.
Students gather outside of Nueces Mosque following a halaqa. Photo Credit: Raisa Gire