Muslim Students’ Association collection

Biographical/Historical note

The Muslim Students’ Association was formed in 1963 by a small group of Muslim students from the University of Illinois. The original purposes of the MSA were to provide an active social and community-oriented outlet for Muslim students, to abolish ignorance surrounding Islam, to promote a sense of brotherhood among Muslims, to create good relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, and to assist local chapters in spreading Islam throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. The MSA made a point not to be affiliated with any political groups and membership was open to Muslim students, Muslim alumni, and Muslim faculty. In 1980, following substantial administrative changes, the organization changed its name to the Islamic Society of North America.