MSA celebrates and spreads awareness of religion through food

In a school brimming with diversity, the Muslim Student Alliance, better known as MSA, acts like a home away from home for Muslim-identifying students in the upper school. Today, the group plays host to nearly a dozen students from all four grades, spanning different cultures, languages, and countries.

This, however, was not always the case.

“MSA used to be a thing until it died out when students graduated,” senior Humza Murad, co-leader of the group, said.

He, along with seniors Baasit Mahmood, Wafa Naqvi, and a former SPA student, brought it back in their sophomore year, allowing for the continuation of the group.

Together, they place special importance on showcasing their religion through cuisine, hosting numerous potlucks and food sales throughout the years.

“We had Egyptian food and a lot of Pakistani food and some Indian food and some Ethiopian food. […] We had a food sale, we raised a ton of money both times. And I think that was a really good way to spread the culture of food,” said Murad.

During meetings, the atmosphere is light and relaxed, with the members discussing community topics of relation to their faith. Among the list are a group clothing donation, get-togethers with the middle and lower school groups, and a retreat with Mishpacha, the Jewish student affinity group. The group talked at length about the success of the Culture Fair in January, along with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict panel in early-February.

Since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, MSA has been advocating for the freedom and safety of the Palestinian people, holding a bake sale to fund humanitarian efforts within the Gaza Strip.

Advocacy extends beyond the people of Gaza and into the school community: “Some of the school’s statements and actions [since October are] based on multiple affinity groups’ pressures for the school to do something,” Murad said, “so I think MSA has helped in that regard this year.”

Their dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding within their diverse school community continues to drive the MSA forward, making a meaningful impact both within and beyond the school walls.