Assalamu-alaikum,
We hope everyone’s summer has been going well and that you’re ready for the upcoming semester. We have many plans for MSO this year and in order to keep everyone informed we’ll send out announcements each week, insha’Allah. The announcements will include information about MSO events, Islamic Center of Columbia, Missouri (ICCM) events, as well as events going on around campus that MSO members should try to take part in. Please take the time to add the MSO address to your safe sender list to make sure you are aware of everything MSO is doing.
If you have any questions regarding MSO or other Islamic activities in Columbia please feel free to send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Also don’t forget to become a fan of our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2209886057&ref=ts and you can even follow us on our Twitter account at https://twitter.com/MizzouMSO.
MSO Welcome Dinner/Breaking of the Fast
The first MSO event of the semester is the Welcome Dinner/Iftar. This is a chance for everyone in MSO to get together and kick the year off with some goof food and friends Ramadan-style. It is scheduled for Wednesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in Stotler Lounge which is located on the first floor of Memorial Union North (here is a map http://map.missouri.edu/memorial-union-north.htm). Last year close to 70 people showed up so we hope to exceed that this year insha’Allah.
Separate from the Welcome Dinner is our annual Fast-a-thon. For those who don’t know, the Fast-a-thon is a day when non-Muslims are encouraged to fast with Muslims so they can get the experience. Because Ramadan falls so early in semester, we plan to hold it after the month Ramadan. It is tentatively scheduled for mid- to late-September.
MSO Qiyam Night at the ICCM
MSO is also sponsoring a Qiyam night for brothers and sisters in which they can stay at the Islamic Center overnight and pray and participate in activities. A short talk is scheduled to begin around midnight and everyone is encouraged to stay to begin the fast and for Fajr prayer the following morning. More information regarding this event will be sent out soon.
Another event we are planning is the Eid Celebration. Details for this event will be also be sent out at a later time.
Sisters’ pre-Eid Activity
The first sisters’ activity will be making Eid goody-bags September 6. The time and place for this event will be announced soon insha’Allah. If you have any questions you can reach the Sisters’ Social Chair Hafsa Lodhi at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There will also be a sign up sheet at the MSO Welcome Dinner scheduled for September 1 so try your best to make it.
Ramadan Activities at the Islamic Center of Columbia Missouri (ICCM)
Isha prayer at the masjid is at 9:30 p.m. and Taraweeh prayers begin promptly afterwards. There is a short talk (less than 10 minutes) before Isha every day so make an effort to come early for this.
Also, there is Iftar at the masjid every evening for singles and the weekends are open to the entire community. Every Saturday and Sunday a different group of Muslims in the community sponsors Iftar. The schedule is:
Sat. 8/21—Pakistani night
Sun. 8/22—Bangladeshi night
Sat. 8/28—ISCM (Islamic School of Columbia Missouri) Fundraising night
Sun. 8/29—Somalian night
Information regarding the ICCM can be found at their website http://theiccm.org/. We’ll keep you posted on other ICCM events that MSO members should get involved with.
MU Accommodations for Muslims during Ramadan
For those you on a meal plan, Ramadan just got a little easier courtesy of Campus Dining Services. This Ramadan they are implementing a “take-away meal” program at Eva J’s, Mark Twain Market, and Pavilion at Dobbs so you can get food during dinner time and eat it at your own convenience later. You can just ask the cashier for take-away box and fill it up with specific item form the menu, but ask the cashier exactly what to do first. This take-away thing works the same way as a regular meal so it’ll only count as one on your weekly tally. Also, Emporium at Plaza 900 is offering takeout breakfast options based on the points system (one meal is equal to 10 points) so you can take advantage of that to stock up on items for Sohoor.
