As Salaamu Alaikum,

I am Dr. Isam Vaid, the Muslim Religious Life Scholar in the Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life. I offer you greetings from chilly Atlanta, a vibrant gateway city and now home to two national champions, one in major league baseball and one in college football. 

The energy of students was palpable as our Gold and Blue returned to yellow status at the end of January with a triumphant return to campus. As the calendar turned to February, it brought with it  the longstanding tradition of Islamic Awareness Month at Emory.

The Emory Muslim Students Association has been very active this semester with a panel on Muslim sects, observing World Hijab Day, and holding several educational events. The Graduate Muslim Students Council is actively bringing together Muslim students from all of Emory’s graduate schools at Maghrib and Mocha later in February. The rhythm of the Muslim community continues to anchor around university-wide Salaat Ul-Jum’ah and the community remains strong.

There is a lot of excitement on campus too, with key university initiatives such as student flourishing, faculty eminence, and research excellence with the 2O36 Campaign in full swing. As our office already begins to plan for our WISE (Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration) pre-orientation program and multifaith Baccalaureate Service, students are actively serving as decision makers and leaders. I am thrilled for them to eventually find a home within the Emory Interfaith Center, which will be active place for Muslim life and an opportunity for students of all backgrounds to embrace their spiritual development. 

For over two decades I have been dreaming about the idea of an Emory Interfaith Center and through its multiple iterations, it is now finally happening. By next spring, the Emory Interfaith Center will inshallah debut, so please consider supporting bringing it to life, as well as supporting the vibrancy and future of Muslim Life, on Emory’s Day of Giving on March 30 and 31. Information on how to contribute is below.

Sincerely yours, 
Isam Vaid 
Muslim Religious Life Scholar 
Office of Spiritual and Religious Life