A: Muslim students are absolutely comfortable here! Boston College is extremely supportive of spirituality and religion, more so than most secular schools. This can actually make it easier to be Muslim at college!

Clearly, being a minority at BC brings special challenges to Muslim students, ncluding heightening their identity. There are many resources in the neighboring towns for students who wish to be guided to these networks. The major Islamic Civilization and Societies also offers additional courses for interested students, Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

The religious affiliation of Boston College impacts student life by emphasizing the school’s “Jesuit Catholic tradition”, based on the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola: scholarship (free & open; not subject to mandates from authority, whether Church or State) and community service. This is very similar to the Muslim value of Zakat.

A: It is difficult for any school to know the exact number of Muslim students. We estimate that 2% out of approximately 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students are Muslim, which is about 300  students. However, we are a small, tight-knit community whose numbers are growing each year Alhamdulilah!

A. The Boston College MSA offers social, cultural and religious programming as well as a family-feel within a larger school. Our events include:

- Jum’uah                                                                       - Annual Banquet

- Student/Chaplain Led Halaqahs                   - InterMSA programming

- Weekly Social Gatherings                               - Brothers/Sisters Specific Programming

- Weekend spiritual retreats                             - Iftars and Taraweeh

A: Yes! Boston College MSA continues to advocate for its Muslim population's dietary needs every year! Alhamdulilah, we have slowly increased the variety of halal options available to us since our inception. Options range from halal chicken, halal beef pepperoni, and much more. Check out our Halal Food page for more details!

A: Approximately 1% of the undergraduate student body is Muslim, so being a student at BC is a unique experience. Many Muslims students appreciate the emphasis of the Jesuit ideals of scholarship and service similar to Zakat in our own tradition. The Boston College MSA offers many programs to connect Muslim students on campus and offer a piece of home on the Heights. 

A: Yes, most definitely! Our MSA provides a space and a community for everyone, regardless of their level of faith. At the campus level, Boston College was founded on religious values, but it is also a university focused on scholarship, where the majority of campus activities are secular, such as sports, community service, and arts.

A: The Multi-Faith Center, located between 90 St. Thomas More Rd. and 66 Commonwealth Ave., and across from Lower Dining Hall, is open between 7 AM and 10 PM every day and has space for praying. The closets in the Center have several prayer rugs for salat. If the space is reserved by another group, they are normally very accommodating of other students who are there to pray. Additionally, the Multi-Faith Center is reserved for Friday prayers, which are hosted on campus for the benefit of students. The khutbahs will begin around 1 PM. Besides the MFC, every dorm hall has an interfaith reflection/prayer rooms in the lobby for students to utilize as they wish. For more information, check out our Campus Spaces page!

A: While the campus is majority Catholic and features Jesuit teachings in courses, there is no pressure from faculty or students to convert from Islam. In fact, the religious atmosphere of the school is encouraging of embracing spirituality in whatever form one feels most comfortable.

A: Massachusetts state law requires that the university excuse any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in any examination, study, or work requirement because of religious observance, and allow students the right to make up the work without any adverse or prejudicial effects.

The law also provides that such makeup work may not create an unreasonable burden upon the university. This means that students must inform professors in advance of the days on which they will be absent for religious reasons. It is not a bad idea to let professors know in writing and as early in the semester as possible.

New students often find this task intimidating. If you would like advice in how to approach your professors, MSA board members and faculty advisors are always happy to help.

A: Boston College is very supportive during Ramadan. For exams, state law allows students to reschedule work due to religious observance, and professors are accommodating as long as you communicate with them in advance. The MSA is happy to help you draft that email! For meals, BC Dining works with us to provide special to-go boxes for suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and ensures Halal options are available for iftar. The MSA also hosts numerous community iftars throughout the month, creating a wonderful atmosphere of community and worship right on campus.

A: Yes. University Counseling Services (UCS), through the Wellness Center, provides confidential, professional support for all students. While you can't filter for a therapist by religion, you can request a counselor who has experience with or is sensitive to issues of faith, identity, and culture. Additionally, BC's Muslim Chaplain, Mahmood El-Rifai,  who just obtained a Master's Degree in Psychology from Harvard, is a wonderful resource for confidential, faith-based guidance and spiritual counseling.

A: This is a common question! Yes, at the start of every academic year, BC MSA releases a Muslim Roommate Search form, where we pair brothers and sisters with a respective roommate(s) for their freshman year. Although a Muslim roommate isn't guaranteed, we find that communication is key to a great roommate experience. We advise having an open and friendly conversation with your roommate(s) at the start of the year about your prayer schedule. Most BC students are respectful and curious, and it can be a great opportunity for dialogue. If any issues arise, both your Resident Assistant (RA) and the MSA board are here to help you navigate the conversation.