السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته 

AsSalaamu alaykum MSA Family! We are back with the December edition of the MSA newsletter. 

It’s been an incredible semester filled with growth, community, and memorable moments, and none of it would have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of each and every one of you.

With immense gratitude, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our passionate members, devoted volunteers, and supportive community for making this semester an amazing journey. Your commitment to fostering unity, understanding, and solidarity within our association has truly made a difference.

That being said, we have one more event before you go off to enjoy a well-deserved break!!

The University of Kentucky Muslim Student Association and its community collaborators proudly present 

رحلة للروح

A Journey for the Soul: Celebrating a Living Palestine

Join us for a celebration of the resilient spirit of the Palestinian people. Our event is a vibrant tribute to Palestinian heritage and culture, a moment to come together in solidarity. Through the challenges and heartaches, let's cultivate a sense of unity and understanding. Enjoy authentic Palestinian dishes, experience heartwarming performances by the talented children of the Lexington community, and witness a captivating showcase of Palestinian art and history. Together, let's appreciate the enduring strength and breathtaking beauty of Palestine. 

We will have a night of delicious Palestinian dishes, beautiful artwork on display, and captivating performances. Scan the QR code on the attached flyer or visit www.ukymsa.org/palestine  for more information. Tickets are FREE but please be sure to RSVP!!!! 

SHARE Lunch

• SHARE Lunch was hosted on 11/4, 11/18, and 12/2 and we passed out over 180 lunches alhamdulillah. Thank you to all who volunteered this semester!

• The next December SHARE Lunch (and last SHARE Lunch of 2023) will be on the 16th.

LUA Tutoring 

• As tutoring comes to an end this semester, I want to give a special shout-out to THE Arsh Ansari for being a dedicated tutor the whole semester! Thank you, Arsh! 

• Tutoring will continue January 10th, 2024

• • Tutoring is every Wednesday from 3:15- 4:15 at LUA

  • I’ll send out an interest form some time in early January Inshallah

Be on the lookout for monthly drives and other community service opportunities! If you have any suggestions on what type of drives/events we should have, don’t hesitate to text me!

Thank you for a great semester!

AsSalaamu Alaykum everyone!

This month we held an educational tabling event in the Gatton Student Center. We delved into the profound significance of Palestinian symbols like the watermelon, kuffeiyah, and the deeply symbolic representation of keys, each carrying layers of heritage and identity. Our aim was to inform and engage, shedding light on the current happenings in Gaza while inspiring active involvement. We had fantastic engagement, sparking meaningful conversations, and fostering a deeper understanding of the Palestinian narrative. We also handed out stickers for people to proudly display their support.

This event was a great success, Alhamdulliah, and we are excited to announce that more tabling events like this will be planned for the spring InshAllah!

Alhamdulillah for a great semester. Here are some things you can look forward to next semester:

• In January we are planning an inter-MSA Perfect North trip! It's always one of the most exciting events of the year so make sure you plan to come out! 

• In February we will observe World Hijab Day. We plan on having a hijab try-on tabling event at the GSC.

• We are also in the midst of planning Islamic Awareness week! If you have any speakers you want to hear from, please feel free to reach out!!!

• This Ramadan we will also be partnering up with SAB to host a Fast- a- thon!

More details for all these events are coming soon, please keep the success of what we have planned in your duas! Have a great winter break and let me know what else you’d like to see

~ Junaid

As-Salaam-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu!❗️

Lookback 

• Last month we had our Mental Health Halaqa given by Hoda Shalash! We started off the event by having brownies and icecream! The turn out was great and we learned about how we can take care of ourselves during these challenging times. The event ended off with a dua circle where we all went around and made dua one by one!  May Allah reward Hoda for the time she gave us Ameen! We look forward to working with her again In sha’Allah!

Thank you for a great semester things to look forward to for the next:

• There will be many more halaqa next week including the anticipated marriage halaqas and more Jubillee events! 

Dr. Palmer Hadith Class

• Dr. Palmer classes WILL be BACK for the SPRING SEMETER! 

• • Hadith Classes will take place in Whitehall where Dr. Palmer is offering FREE classes about the 40 hadiths every other Thursday. Be on the lookout for when the first class of spring semester will be! 

  • May Allah reward Dr. Palmer for his efforts Ameen! 

Fajr and Folgers

• Fajr and Folgers will return next semester Insha’Allah!

• • We meet in the interfaith room in the Student Center. We start off the day praying fajr together, reading the first and last 10 Ayats of Surah Kahf, and then going to the office to play games! Coffee and donuts will be provided! We have a great time at the previous events so don’t miss out the ones next semester and spread the word! 

Jummah Salah/Friday Prayer

• Jummah Salah happens every Friday at the MLK Center at 2 PM! If you are interested in giving a Khutbah, please reach out! If you would like to write a khutbah for a Khatib to deliver, reach out and that can be arranged as well! 

• We looking for khatibs for next semester so please reach out! I will send a google forms in the MSA Reminders Chat  In sha Allah!

  • We will have Jummah this week December 8th! Abrar Rahman will be the Khatib In sha Allah!

AsSalaamu alaykum everyone!

Our big event for November was Friendsgiving, and Alhamdulillah it was a success! So many people brought amazing dishes and we had an EXCELLENT turnout. In times like this–with all the pain of our ummah right now–it’s important to come together for the sake of Allah swt, with pure intentions, and heal together as a community. 

Look ahead:

Thank you for a great semester! We’ve had incredibly successful social events so far and inshaAllah it only gets better from here! Here are some upcoming events to look forward to:

• Ice skating in January inshaAllah

• Cultural night in February!

  • *If anyone would like to host please reach out to a board member*

• Before we know it, Ramadan will be here in March! So look out for some very exciting Ramadan and Eid events inshaAllah!

• End of year banquet!

*If there are any events that YOU want to see, always feel free to reach out to a board member and we will do our best to make it happen!

AsSalaamu Alaykum! Enjoy some highlights from recent events :)

Friendsgiving X Halaqah Event pics

Notes from the Treasurer

AsSalaamu alaykum everyone! Below are some donation links for Palestine. Please consider donating as it is a responsibility on each of us to use what Allah SWT has given us to help others.

• This is a link to out Islamic Relief USA fundraiser

  https://secure.qgiv.com/event/palestineemergency/account/1627458 

• This is a link to Baitulmaal, which is a credible place to send donations.https://shorturl.at/gKQ09 
  

• We also have a linktree in our Instagram bio that has some resources to donate to. @ukymsa

Dues

• If you have not paid dues they are now 25$ since the midterm of this semester has passed. Remember if you want to run to be on the board, you have to be a member of the MSA for at least a year. Venmo is @ukymsa, or cash can be handed to a board member as well.

Thank you all for a great semester and see you all in the spring.

JazakAllah Khayr

Notes from the Secretary:

AsSalaamu alaykum!!!!

• THE MERCH HAS ARRIVED, Alhamdulillah (it looks insane!!) 

  • If you ordered merch and haven’t picked it up already from the office or from the Chai and Chill event on Thursday, December 7th, contact a board member to pick up yo drip!!!

  • • If you didn’t order previously, we ordered a few extra and you can pay there!!!!!!!!!!!

• If you are graduating at the end of this semester or next semester and would like a graduation cord, fill out the link below ASAP!!!!!

  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0DmaYYytNGnOwly1COPi4nJYbXDyqrCPlbQ4-GQIwIhG2WA/viewform?usp=sf_link
  

The last day for official office hours is TODAY, December 8th! If you need anything from the office or would like to speak to a board member let us knowww.

Please contact me or other board members if you have any concerns or questions about dues, shirts, or anything else in general!

To stay involved and updated, join the MSA reminders groupchat on groupme, follow us on Instagram, and check out our bbnvolved page and website!!

Before you go, here is a dua for exam season. Make sure to study and take care of yourselves. Tawakallu ala Allah, put your complete trust and faith in Allah (swt), for he is the Best of Planners.

As the semester draws to a close, we want to extend our deepest appreciation to each member of our vibrant community. As finals approach, we wish all our members the best of luck and pray for your success. Your hard work and perseverance throughout this semester have been truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that you will shine brightly in your exams. Remember, always put Allah (swt) first so that you may never lose :) 

As we prepare to part ways for the break, we hope you take this time to rejuvenate, spend cherished moments with loved ones, and create beautiful memories. Whether you're traveling or staying close to home, may your break be filled with joy and relaxation.

Thank you once again for making this a great semester. Your contributions and passion have made our community stronger than ever. May Allah (swt) bless you all with a successful end to the semester and a great break! 

That wraps up the December newsletter and the 2023 Fall Semester! As always, follow our Instagram (@UKYMSA) and join our GroupMe for more updates and announcements. 

Until next semester, 👋

وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته