It’s no news to anybody that Islam has been in the news, a lot. Between Trump’s recent immigration ban, frequent terrorist attacks, and recent attacks on Canadian mosques, many questions have been surrounding the nature of Islam. Nebraska has mainly stayed out of this conflict with no news breaking conflicts or protests. However, Lincoln East Sophomore Adam Arslan has decided to take action into his own hands. This last

Wednesday was the first meeting of the MSA or Muslim Student Association, in which Arslan is President of. Having attended the meeting and being interested in what this club stands for, I sat down with Adam and asked him a few questions;

What’s the clubs official name?

Muslim Student Association

What’s your position?

I’m the president.  Basically I’m the one that’s up at the front talking most of the time, of course with the help of my other friends.

Why did you start the club?  I started the club to provide a safe place for Muslims to gather at our school and not be ashamed of it. Due to what’s going on lately, it’s hard for Muslims to catch a break.  Another reason would be to educate non-Muslims and to take away any false ideas about Islam from them.  Islam is truly a religion of peace and if someone were to come to this club, they’ll most definitely learn that.

What does a weekly meeting look like?

A weekly meeting would look fairly generic.  Everyone comes in and takes a seat while me and my friend Muhammad sit at the front.  Then we start our “lecture” in a way, and teach about Islam.  Questions are taken at the end and I take it as a privilege to answer them for everyone.

How many members do you have?

Currently, we have around 20 maybe? There were 7 Muslims that came to the first meeting and about 13 non-Muslims which very much surprised me.

With recent events, do you see any backlash?

Although I don’t affiliate myself with any party in the United States, I do believe Muslim are to an extent, mistreated in this country.  God willing, there will be no problems having this club.  Lincoln East has a great reputation for being a very accepting school and every Muslim in our club is very thankful that we are allowed to do this.

When is the next meeting?

Then next meeting will be on Wednesday the 8th at room 026 at 3:10

What is one thing you want students to know?

Islam is an amazing religion to learn about.  If you genuinely want to learn about Islam, this club is for you.  We are very accepting and ready to answer questions.

If you have any more questions about the club, talk to the MSA sponsor, Mr. Flowerday, in room 025; Or submit a comment to the form below!

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