Should You Join Your University Islamic Society? – Aysha Anwar
For the Seekers – Episode 12
featuring Aysha Anwar
Our college or university years are some of the best times of our lives. During this time we undergo crucial stages of growth and development, learning, and for many, discover the person whom we want to become for the rest of our lives.
For Muslims, this can be a time for developing a deeper connection with one’s faith and serve as a defining moment in one’s journey toward Allah SWT.
University, along with our new found independence, maturity and desire for growth, presents a wide array of opportunities for us to ‘find ourselves’ by joining clubs and societies, extra curricular courses and social circles for recreation and building life-long relationships.
Among these is the institution known as the iSoc – or Islamic Society – which for many Muslims serves as the foundation of their experience as Muslims on campus.
The concept of the University Muslim Student Association began decades ago, and usually involves an organised group of Muslim students coming together to provide support, social activities, prayer spaces, and other essential services to Muslims on campus. As well as providing a place of belonging, these organisations give students the opportunity to hone their teamwork, organisation and leadership skills, among other benefits.
[RELATED EPISODE: We discussed life in Islamic Societies back in Episode 19 of our podcast.]
In this episode of ‘For the Seekers’, Aysha shares her own experience of joining the Glasgow University Muslim Students Association (GUMSA) and why she believes all Muslim students should take part in similar activities during their studies.
In this episode, you will learn:
- When and why Aysha chose to join her iSoc
- How seeing other influential Muslim women gave her confidence
- How the iSoc provided Aysha with a stronger sense of belonging and shaped her identity
- The type of skills and experience Aysha gained from her time in the iSoc
- An important message to new Muslim students
- An important message to existing iSoc members
- Why you should consider joining an iSoc if you’re a student
About Aysha
Aysha graduated in 2014 with an LLB from the University of Glasgow, and is currently a practising solicitor working in-house within the legal department at Dundee City Council.
Throughout her time in University Aysha was heavily involved in GUMSA (Glasgow University Muslim Students Association). She became the secretary for GUMSA in her third year and the president in fourth year, with a passion for creating a strong community for the Muslim students on campus.
Out with GUMSA, Aysha has always involved herself in community work and still does today. This includes being a member the Scottish Police Muslim Association Youth Branch. More recently she became involved in working with the Law Society of Scotland and other bodies to promote equality and diversity within the legal profession.
For the Seekers is a new weekly video series on Deenspiration aimed at students, young professionals and all seekers of spiritual, academic and work-life success. Each video contains valuable tips, advice and self-development techniques by a range of influential Muslims.
