The RMSA (Ryerson Muslim Student Association) is a recognized student group which is an extension of the Ryerson Students’ Union Services. Its purpose is to serve as a representative body of Muslims on campus to provide its members with all necessary services on the religious, academic and social levels. The RMSA strives to be a role model in its various involvements on campus in spreading awareness, love and respect.

•    The history of the RMSA goes beyond 1993 when it was just a group of students praying together

•    In 1993, the RMSA took a more formal shape with a management structure and a mandate

•    By 1994, the RMSA had about 60 members and organized activities were taking place including:
    -    Approximately 60 members
    -    Friday congregational prayers (juma’a)
    -    Info booths for new students
    -    Welcome dinner

•    From 1995 to 1997, the scope of the services began to expand and included:
    -    Discussion of a permanent prayer place
    -    Sisters’ swimming program
    -    1st ever Ski Trip at Mount St. Louis Moonstone
    -    1st ever Welcome BBQ

•    In the 1998-99 school year, the RMSA’s maturity began to appear with occurences such as:
    -    Membership reaching approximately 150 brothers and sisters; with membership cards offering retail discounts
    -    A lecture given by Sheikh Siraj Wahaj
    -    1st ever Graduation Dinner
    -    Completion of the Multifaith Center
    -    An interfaith debate between Shabbit Ally and Tony Costa

•    In the time frame of 2000-02, the RMSA really moved to the next level:
    -    Membership reached 400 students
    -    A presentation of the Palestinian ordeal (2nd intifadah) with Sheikh Ahmed Shehab was organized
    -    1st ever GTA MSA Eid Dinner with a lecture by Sheikh Suhaib Webb
    -    ‘The Dream Event’ was planned, bringing basketball star Hakeem Olajuwon and Dr. Jamal Badawi to Ryerson
    -    Prayer space issue escalates; reaches the Ontario Human Rights Commission
    -    Public Juma’a prayer used as a tool for peaceful protest every Friday
    -    RMSA hosts 1st ever public news conference
    -    RMSA becomes a common headline in almost every RMSA news publication
    -    Daily iftars in Ramadan are provided for 40+ students mostly funded by independent donors
    -    Establishment of RMSA’s 1st ever nasheed group who got special requests to sing at dinners, weddings, an more

•    In 2002-03, the progress kept on coming:
    -    Student membership climbs to 600
    -    Human Rights event with eye catching displays of Palestine, Kashmir, Chechnya, and Iraq
    -    Finalized agreement with RYESAC (currently RSU)  for prayers space in Oakham House for entire year (new Multifaith location)
    -    RMSA hosts their annual Ski Trip in a joint effort with the McMaster MSA
    -    RMSA students and alumni take key role in organizing 1st Reviving the Islamic Spirit conference
    -    Daily iftars in Ramadan are provided for 60+ students with a free iftar at the end of Ramadan
    -    1st RMSA executive training workshop hosted by outgoing executives

•    By 2003-2005:
    -    Membership reached 800 students
    -    Sh. ZiaUllah Khan (Halifax) is invited and leads  Juma’a prayer and speaks at the Marhaba dinner
    -    RMSA organizes open iftaar dinner in conjunction  with Pakistani, Bengali and Aboriginal Students  Associations
    -    RMSA organizes 1st ever Sponsor-a-Child charity
    -    RMSA organizes 1st ever Fastathon

•    Now, 2005-Present:
    -    ‘The Meaning of Life’ lecture by Sheikh Khalid Yasin saw a conversion by a then-non-Muslim sister
    -    Sheikh Muhammad AlShareef speaks at the 2006 Marhaba Dinner
    -    + more…

 

•    2009:

    -    RMSA elects first female President

•    The future:
    -    We aim to:
           1. serve as the representative voice of Muslims at Ryerson University
           2. accommodate the religious, academic and social needs of members
           3. build a cohesive and unified community of Muslims on campus
           4. provide opportunities for leadership and personal growth to its members
           5. promote peace and respect between its members and the community
           6. be a role model in community involvement at Ryerson University
    -    We envision undisputed excellence in academia and social workings of all Muslim Students.
    -    We pledge to continually work internally and externally to build the skills and reputation of Muslim students religiously, academically and socially.