Like almost all Muslim Student Associations at US universities, Lehigh's MSA started with a few graduate Muslim students who had come here from their home countries. Also like almost all MSAs here, Lehigh's MSA's membership has evolved to be dominated by undergraduate students though it is still in an early phase of its transition from a mostly graduate to a mostly undergraduate club unlike at other comparably sized and ranking universities in the US where the transition is complete or close to completion.

The MSA-LU Chapter was formed in 1997. It then became dormant in the university setting while the Muslim students still gathered in its privately leased apartment for various Islamic events and for daily prayers and such. The club was recognized again by the university in the 2003-2004 academic year and has since been functioning under the umbrella of the Global Union. The brunt of the work of this reorganization was done by the likes of Faisal Khan, President MSA-LU Chapter 2003-'04.

Since then, the MSA has not looked back. Soon thereafter, it was recognized by the MSA National (USA) and became one of the prominent voices of the Muslim population of the city of Bethlehem (due to its strong bond with Muslim students from Moravian and the small, but rapidly growing, local Muslim population).

MSA-LU Chapter is working closely with Chaplain Lloyd Steffen, Chaplain's Office, Bill Hunter, advisor of the MSA and the larger university administration to ease the practising of religion among the Muslim population at Lehigh. In addition to a Masjid for daily prayers, Friday services and weekly/biweekly Halaqas, the MSA-LU Chapter provides a library (within the Mosque) consisting of religious text for consultation and reading.

The MSA continuously strives to spread knowledge of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims and develop a greater understanding of the Islamic religion and culture among the students of Lehigh by organizing lectures, gatherings, iftars (breaking of the fast) and has also recently held an Islamic Awareness Day.

For more specific information, such as members, current programs and such, either click on one of the tabs on the left, or contact us directly.