MUSLIM LIFE CENTER

Spreading Salaam (peace), Cultivating Community and Celebrating Muslim Life

The Muslim Life Center at Hobart and William Smith is a vibrant hub where students, faculty and staff can explore and strengthen their Islamic faith while building meaningful connections with others. Our Center serves as a spiritual, educational and social space for the Muslim community on campus, as well as anyone interested in learning about Islam. Located in the heart of campus at 117A Demarest Hall, the Center is home of the HWS Muslim Student Association.

 

 

 

Meet Us
Muslim Life Center

By The Lake

Mission

MSA
We are dedicated to nurturing the spiritual well-being of Muslim students while promoting interfaith understanding and dialogue within the larger campus community. We offer positive socialization, classes in foreign languages and basic Islamic teachings, as well as congregational prayers including Jumu'ah prayers led by Muslim Life Center Director lmam Shaheed Ali.

  • Prayer and Worship: We provide regular prayer services, including Jumu'ah (Friday prayers), as well as a quiet, welcoming space for daily worship and reflection.
  • Islamic Education and Support: Our center offers a range of educational opportunities, from Quranic studies and Islamic history discussions to workshops on personal and spiritual development.
  • Community and Cultural Events: We organize events that celebrate Islamic culture and foster community, including iftars during Ramadan, cultural festivals and social gatherings.
  • Interfaith Dialogue: We are committed to building bridges of understanding through interfaith programs, discussions, and collaborative events with other campus organizations.
  • Student Support: The center provides spiritual guidance, mentorship, and a supportive environment for Muslim students navigating both academic and personal challenges.

Contact

Shaheed Ali
Chaplain/Resident Imam
alis@hws.edu

Feel free to reach out to Imam Ali at alis@hws.edu for more information about the resources available at the HWS Muslim Life Center.

Muslim Life Theme House

theme house
The Muslim Life Theme House is a unique residential space dedicated to fostering a supportive, faith-based community for Muslim students and those interested in Islamic culture and values. It offers residents the opportunity to live in an environment that emphasizes spirituality, mutual respect, and cultural exploration, while also providing a strong sense of community and belonging. As a hub of Muslim life on campus, the house plays a central role in organizing events like iftars, holiday celebrations and interfaith dialogues, bringing people together to learn, connect and grow.

 

Events

  • Muslim Basics

    MSA Muslim Basics 102

    The Muslim Basics class is back! New foundational basics topics covered, for Spring 2025, at a new time - same day, same location. Join us every Monday at 5 p.m. in Demarest 117B. Class taught by Imam Shaheed Ali. Refreshments provided.

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  • prayer

    Jumu'ah Friday Prayer

    Jumu'ah service will be held every Friday at 1:30 p.m. and led by Imam Shaheed Ali. Please join us!

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  • MSA

    Beginners Quran Class

    Learning to read the Quran requires learning how to read Arabic. That is what we do, every Weds, 12:30 p.m. Join us at the Muslim Life Center, Demarest 117A. Refreshments served.

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  • new heights

    Reaching New Heights

    Did you miss our "Reaching New Heights" event with pro trainer Saman Munir after she returned from climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro? Check out the entire program with edits courtesy of the HWS IT department using their Vimeo channel.

    Watch