Meet the MSA Executive
To assist you in the implementation of your ambitious ideas are this year’s executive, 2006-2007:
PRESIDENT: SHUAIB ALLY
Masters, Islamic Studies
He played for the Well-Oiled Machines (an admittedly dorky name) in a ball hockey league this summer. His team made it to the finals before bowing out in unconvincing fashion to an undermanned squad. His team did not leave with anything resembling a consolation prize, only the knowledge of a season wasted. Shuaib also plays roller hockey in the summer, ice hockey in the winter. He is somewhat injury prone due to recklessness. His current disability (wrist due to roller hockey collision) serves as a worthy excuse to stay away from the gym.
Instead, he spends time pretending to be a scholar, reading books in the general field of Islamic studies, mostly Quran and Hadith. He has tricked numerous people into believing that he knows Arabic.
He likes joking around and will poke fun at himself if there are no other available targets, as this brief introduction attests to. Those who don’t know him may believe that he’s always serious. Some who know him accuse him of never being serious.
He is a very nice guy. He is not married and has no kids. He has no pets but has two and a half friends. He wants to play in the National Hockey League when he grows up.
He is working on creating a beef with the editor of The Muslim Voice.
He hopes to be better than last years’ president, who was not quite accessible enough to the general body. He will strive to serve their interests, and sincerely requests their input and their assistance in the coming year.
VICE-PRESIDENT, SISTERS: ASMAA HUSSEIN
Fourth year, Sociology and English
For the past two years, Asmaa has served on the MSA as the Editor of The Muslim Voice and the General Secretary. Asmaa plans on whipping the MSA into shape as well as cracking down on any budgeting mishaps. Asmaa is ecstatic about many things, but especially enjoys writing uber boring descriptions of herself. Although Asmaa doesn’t yet know what she wants to do when she graduates, she seems to believe she is destined for great things, Insha’Allah.
“The MSA positions that we execs hold are a trust given to us by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and we must fulfill them to the best of our ability. If that means I have to skip classes sometimes, then goshdarnit, I’m willing to do so! For new students at UofT, you may feel lost when you come to this big and cold campus, but be assured it gets better…well, at least it becomes familiarly big and cold.”
“The MSA is made up of a great bunch of people and I’m glad to be among them, though I’m nowhere near being the best of them. Join the MSA and count on your fingers and toes how many cool people you meet. You might actually need more than just your fingers and toes though. Buy an abacus.”
VICE-PRESIDENT, BROTHERS: AHTISHAM ASHRAF
PEY in Industrial Engineering
Ahtisham hopes to make the MSA more approachable, i.e. make the execs approachable, make events welcoming to all, and provide open and flexible forums for suggestions and improvements on MSA events on the whole. He recognizes the need to concentrate on quality rather than quantity of events of committee heads and asks them to do events members want to have. Finally, he would like to mend relationships with other student groups and make MSA a student club rather than an administrative organization.
Ahtisham has served in various Dawah committee positions and events coordinator in the past. Furthermore, he has volunteered time with the South Asian Alliance, the Hindu Students’ Association, Pakistani Student Federation, Engineering Clubs and as a Project Coordnator for Kids in Developing Society (KIDS).
“This summer I worked, watched movies, went on a trip and spent time with my family. The most interesting course I took at UofT was Slavic Civilization because I didn’t even know the name of the course till half way through the course. Even after finishing the course and getting an A grade, I still don’t know what the course was all about.”
“My advice to Frosh students is to just make a plan and stick to it, be good at time management. To all engineers out there, just do quality work rather than studying for hours. Make good friends and copy smart.”
GENERAL SECRETARY: NILOFER RANGAREJ
Second Year, Human Biology and Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations
Nilofer is a second year undergraduate doing a double major in Human Biology and Near and Middle Eastern Studies. Nilofer will help make the MSA more accessible through establishing and maintaining regular office hours, allow members to be more up to date on MSA affairs through making meeting minutes available for viewing and improve the way the MSA is organized in general. She has worked on the sister’s formal committee and volunteered at the sandwich run.
“I have volunteered for the special pregnancy clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital. This summer I worked for Cara Operations and took NMC185, Intro to Islam.”
“The most interesting course I’ve taken at UofT was the course I took this summer, Intro to Islam. Although this course reinforced many things I already knew, it was a great experience because I was able to step away from my usual field of study, science, for a while. After taking this course I realized that I should pursue courses from more than just one field of study.”
“The hardest aspect of university in my opinion is finding the balance between school work and getting involved. For me the best thing to do is to simply set a schedule for yourself! During my first year here I learnt that the only way to get involved even in the least bit is to figure out what needs to be done when and act accordingly. When you find that you have a certain number of hours available every week, spend them doing something you enjoy be it a club or volunteering. Every bit makes a difference!”
TREASURER: REHAN IRFAN
Third Year, Commerce
Rehan would like to reduce wastages in MSA events, spend wisely and avoid excess purchases and make use of current inventory items. Also, Rehan hopes to make the MSA more approachable and student friendly organization.
Rehan has served as Treasurer for Brothers’ Events as well as being coordinator for events like movie nights and other brothers’ social events. He also was a designer for dawah initiatives. In addition to these volunteer positions, Rehan has worked on the UN model, groups for Commerce Students and Pakistani Student Federation.
“I spent the summer in Alain, UAE, and also had the honour of visiting the site of my beloved Prophet and did Umrah. The most interested course I took at UofT was Islam 101, in which I already knew what was going on…just a bird course.”
“If you are an international student like myself, try to come to as many MSA events as possible and make good friends. They do come in handy when you need things. Try to learn as much as possible and don’t get overwhelmed with work. Just relax an enjoy your first year.”
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: HAJERA KHAJA
Masters, Medical Biophysics
Hajera’s goals for her position this year are to increase membership involvement in the MSA so as to ensure that the Muslim community on campus becomes a vibrant and thriving one, and to continue building lasting ties with the UofT administration.
Hajera’s personal message to the masses reads as thus:
“I’m your average run-of-the-mill UofT student who possesses a great love for synonyms and who, like many of you I’m certain, is unsure of why I’m here and what I’m doing. And I don’t mean academically since that’s all been thankfully sorted out (at least that’s my naïve assumption). I’m referring instead to my current position on the exec, given that after two strenuous years one would think I would have had enough and would have sworn off the MSA for life. Yet, here I am back for a third year, with no good reason to pacify the ever elusive question: Why?”
“Nonetheless, since I’ll be around for a while, here are a few things I’m going to take the liberty of assuming you would like to know about me: I’m indecisive about things I don’t necessarily care much for; I’d rather skip the meal and head straight for the dessert, except when the meal has anything to do with shrimp, and the dessert, pudding that tastes like an omelette; in addition to reading, I love to write far too much for my own good; I am known at times for having a rather paranoiac and overactive imagination that tends to scare people and make them wary of me; and I strongly dislike (bordering on hate) going shopping, but not so much if there’s ice cream or chocolate cake on the agenda.”
EVENTS COORDINATOR, SISTERS: ISRAH ENAZ
Third Year, Urban Studies and Geography
Last year Israh served as Secretary for the Sisters’ Events Committee, and Co-Ameerah for the Sisters’ Formal. This year she hopes to promote genuine feelings of sisterhood for new and returning students. She wishes to work with and involve sisters from all GTA University campuses in her events. Finally she is planning on having amazing events that will cater to the needs of all sisters, ranging from sports, trips, movie nights a formal, and plenty more!
Israh has spent her summer taking courses and working. She has worked as an ESL Summer teacher at York University, for International Students. She has also volunteered as an Assistant Teacher at Wexford Public School. Previously she has volunteered with UofT Aiesec in organizing the largest University Job fair in Canada. She has frequently participated in political campaigning, especially in the 2006 Federal Election.
“UofT offers too many wonderful courses. In fact, I ended up switching my majors last year because I was introduced to a whole new field that I was previously unaware of. I would suggest Frosh to take as many varied courses as possible to see where you’re truly interested in; and to try any of the NMC courses, especially NMC185 – it is a very informative course.”
“I can honestly say that extra curricular activities have enriched my whole high school experience. I urge all students to take some time out from their demanding academic pursuits and join a few of the diverse, and numerous student groups offered here. Not only will volunteering look good on your resume and future job applications, but you will gain valuable experiences, and create friendships and fun memories that will last a lifetime.”
EVENTS COORDINATOR, BROTHERS: MOHAMED ABDELGAWAD
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
He got his B. Eng. degree from Assiut University in Egypt and his M.A.Sc from Concordia University in Montreal, both in mechanical engineering. Mohamed’s plan for the brothers’ events committee aims primarily at providing halal fun on campus. He will try to hold multiple short gatherings (coffee breaks, sports events, and the like) along the school year to bring MSA members together.
Prior to being elected as the brothers’ events coordinator, Mohamed was the head of the housing committee under the religious accommodation committee where he was responsible for helping new students coming to Toronto for the first time. He was also secretary of AMIGAS (Association of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Graduate Students).
“I believe the only measure of our success in the MSA is the amount and quality of services and events we offer to our members. I really hope that all Muslim students on campus become one family under the MSA umbrella.”
“In my spare time I like watching animated movies (“A bug’s life” is one of my favorites). I quote from these movies many times, which is kind of childish, but I can’t help it. I like reading about history, especially Islamic history because I believe it is the best way to learn about our future as an Ummah.”
OUTREACH COORDINATOR: ILYAS ALLY
Second Year, Philosophy and Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations
Ilyas will be responsible for major MSA events such as Islam Awareness Week (IAW). He hopes to add to IAW and other dawah initiatives by looking into mobile dawah booths on campus.
He is best known for his wild hairdo, which he has cultivated over the course of a year. Some think it makes him look like a soccer player. Others believe it makes him look like an inmate. Most wonder whether he will shave it on his current trip to Umrah. Some are convinced he will only clip it.
He is also an avid biker. He used to be an avid mountain biker until he realized that the sport scared him. He then switched to long distance biking. He now has a pretty sweet roadie and the accessories to prove he’s for real.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COORDINATOR: AASIM HASANY
Fourth Year, Human Biology and Anthropology
Aasim is an avid reader of Seyyed Hossein Nasr and frequently recommends books by that author to anyone he meets. Since he agrees with the postulate that Islam addresses the intelligence “before” the will, Aasim is keen on stressing the need for a more contemplative “activism” which accents the fact that knowledge must be cultivated before proper action may take place. The famous hadith, “Actions are but
intentions…” coincides with this view as it establishes the need for man to ensure that his intentions are not delusions.
Ultimately, what will be striven for this year with MSA Community Affairs is a healthy mixture of events that will provide an opportunity for students to both enlighten their hearts and minds and actively participate in grass-roots initiatives across the GTA. The concern will be on quality as opposed to quantity and the objective of the committee will be to ensure that students leave the year positively transformed and not just with additional features to add on their resumes. It is hoped that MSA Community Affairs may be an avenue for individuals to cultivate selfl essness — for there is nothing more honourable than being charitable.
STUDENTS FOR WORLD JUSTICE: ARSHEEN DEVJEE
Fourth Year, Religious Studies
Arsheen Devjee is this year’s Students for World Justice (SWJ) Coordinator. Arsheen is a third year undergraduate in Religious studies. Her committee reaches on a more international level and brings awareness to injustices committed across the globe. She plans that the SWJ committee becomes an active voice in the Toronto community for justice. She aspires to see the MSA become more politically active.
RELIGIOUS ACCOMODATIONS COORDINATOR: TARIQ RAFIQUE
Masters, Electrical Engineering
In the upcoming year Tariq’s primary job will be to ensure that prayer spaces are maintained and kept as clean as possible. The Religious Accommodations committee will attempt to provide an opportunity for Muslims on campus to learn more about their religion. It is also responsible for scheduling and maximizing use of the soon to be ready Multifaith Centre (MFC).
“Because the editor asked me to, here’s my tidbit of personal wisdom. Ever been in a situation where you’ve wished you had more time to complete an assignment? If only you had more time, you could do a better job and not be spending the night rushing to complete it. You look back at the way you spent your time during the week and you find you’ve wasted an average of an hour a day. My point here is: don’t procrastinate! As Edward Young said, Procrastination is the thief of time, and time is nothing but your life.”
The religious accommodations committee is looking for volunteers and your input on how it can better serve students. It can be contacted through the website, or by emailing tariq.rafique @ utoronto.ca.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COORDINATOR: TAZEEN SIDDIQUI
Fourth Year, Pharmacy
Tazeen’s goal for the committee is to increase exposure for the ICNA Relief-MSA Scholarship, and increase membership in both the MSA Alumni Society and Professional & Graduate (ProGrad) Students subcommittee, as well as continuing to provide help and support for undergraduate students.
Tazeen is entering her (hopefully) final year at UofT, and is not entirely looking forward to becoming a contributing (read: employed) member of society next year. As such, she plans on making this year tonnes of fun for all those who choose to become involved with MSA, by far the coolest student organization on campus! When not feverishly memorizing everything she can about drugs in the few hours leading up to her exams, she can be found sleeping comfortably in her bed—one of her all-time favourite hobbies. On the odd occasion, she can also be found in a lecture hall, but will most likely be partaking in said hobby.
“My advice to all new students is this: the library is NOT your friend. Get involved, join clubs (even if not MSA), sign up for classes at AC/Hart House, get out-and-about! MSA has many great committees catering to everyone’s interests, and holds events CONSTANTLY throughout the year. Try to come out for a few, and see just how wonderful we all are!! And if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, please know that Shuaib Ally is here for you.”
EDITOR, THE MUSLIM VOICE: ASIM ASHRAF
Third Year, Human Behavioural Biology
Asim will use his skills in organization to making the TMV more efficient in publishing four quality issues this year. He also would like to see more efforts in fundraising efforts during Ramadan and getting new advertisers. TMV also welcomes new writers and staff members for the various coordinating positions immediately available.
Asim was Assistant Editor of the TMV last year. He also was coordinator of the Shoreline Cleanup and the second Sandwich Run for the Community Affairs committee. In addition, Asim has volunteered as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health as well as a Core Volunteer for the Saturday Program. This past summer Asim got the opportunity to do research at The Hospital for Sick Children in a neurological study.
“The most interesting course I have taken at UofT is the first-year seminar course I took called Mystical Dimensions of Islam and Judaism. The course dealt with understanding the intricacies of Sufism and Kabbalah. I noticed many shared fundamental concepts between the two, and I absolutely fell in love with Sufi poetry. I hope to take more Near and Middle Eastern (NMC) courses that are unique to this university and to diversify my science-based courses.”
“I encourage all members of the MSA to contribute in some shape or form to their community. I would love to see more people write for the TMV, personally. I understand though that writing is not for everyone…maybe poetry is better? Whatever you do during your school year, always take time to unwind at the end of a week, to make sure you use your weekends with clarity and focus. UofT has a standard among students and its a challenge to maintain that standard.”
The TMV and Poetry Society can be contacted by emailing muslimvoice@yahoo.ca or through the MSA website.
