At Manara West, you’re not just a student—you’re part of a movement. A space where faith meets leadership, where connections become lifelong bonds, and where your voice fuels change.
Serving Muslim undergraduates and Graduate STUDENTS since 1998
Manara West (formerly MSA West) is a California-based nonprofit organization that has serviced Muslim undergraduate and graduate students across the state since 1998 (and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2015).
Since our formation, we have expanded to serve over 5,000 Muslim students annually across 40 campuses statewide in their spiritual, professional, academic development as well as invest in their holistic and social wellness.
MSA West programming includes leadership and professional development programming, access to spiritual and mental wellness resources, rapid response support, and community consultation services.
Today, we serve Muslim students at the eight University of California campuses and all 23 California State University campuses, in addition to multiple private universities and community colleges across the state.
Our History
A History of Serving Muslim Students.
1998
Founding:
Over two decades ago, a group of Muslim students came together to start an organization—MSA West—that aimed at unifying Muslim students across the state. These students recognized that their time in college was a key developmental period for their future success, and endeavored to build a statewide initiative that not only met the social, political, and spiritual needs of students, but enabled them to become leaders and advocates of their communities—both providing for and building a generation of student leaders in the process.
1999
Conference:
The MSA West Conference is a 3-day annual event held on a university campus in partnership with the campus Muslim Student Association. It features keynote speakers, workshops, and discussions on topics relevant to college-aged Muslim students. The conference offers a unique space for students to build community, network with peers, and engage with leaders doing impactful work in the Muslim community worldwide. It’s an opportunity for students to gain knowledge, reconnect with their Muslim identity, and navigate their experiences as Muslim-Americans. The event also brings students from across the West Coast together, offering a chance to explore different California campuses in an inclusive environment.
2015
Non-profit:
MSA West officially transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, marking a major milestone in its commitment to serving and empowering Muslim students across the West Coast. This transition allowed for sustainable growth, expanded resources, and long-term program development, addressing the spiritual, academic, mental health, and social needs of students across 40+ campuses.
2025
Rebrand: Now
Two decades of impact later, MSA West evolves into Manara West, carrying forward its student-centered mission under a name that reflects guidance, growth, and empowerment. As a nonprofit, Manara West continues to serve 5,000+ Muslim students, equipping them with the tools, networks, and support they need to lead, thrive, and transform their communities.
Our Mission & Vision
Empowering Muslim students to thrive spiritually, academically, and socially while nurturing future leaders who positively impact their communities.
Our Mission
Investing in Muslim students to become principled leaders in their communities.
Our Vision
Thriving students committed to Muslim excellence.
Our values
Guided by principles that prioritize growth, respect, and well-being, our values shape everything we do and empower our community to thrive.
Student-Centrism:
As an organization, we believe that we serve our students best by first including them in our leadership model and centering their voices. Even as we grow and expand, our work will continue to be driven by students, for students.
Faith-Based Approach:
Our efforts are always guided by principles, values, and practices rooted in faith–infusing our decisions, actions, and goals with integrity and purpose.
Value-Driven Inclusivity:
Grounded in fairness and respect, we welcome and embrace diversity by creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute and take part fully.Â
Mentorship & Giving Back:
We are committed to fostering growth by centering guidance, support, and knowledge-sharing within the organization and its various levels of leadership. In doing so, we enable individuals to achieve their academic, professional, and spiritual potential while building meaningful community connections, and create a culture of giving back and paying it forward.
Muslim Excellence:
As an institution, we hold ourselves to the standard of ihsan, aspiring for excellence in everything that we do, and inspiring this ethic in our student community.
Wellness & Well-being:
We strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment that ensures individuals thrive both personally and professionally, including in their emotional, social, physical, and spiritual health.
OUR STAFF
Fuad D.
Executive Director
Hasna E.
Sr. Programs Manager
Our Trustees
Bushra B.
Chair
Sumayyah R.
Secretary
Taymour S.
Treasurer
Maheen
BOT Member
Muaz A.
BOT Member
Sadad S.
Student Representative
Fiza
Student Representative
Mahdi
Student Representative
Student Directors
Fiza
President
Mahdi
Vice President
Maryam
NorCal Director
Arif
SoCal Director
Saafiyah
SoCal Director
Sabeel
Marketing Director
Omar
Advocacy Initiatives Directo
Naila
Professional Development Director
Ahmed
Conference Chair
Collaborating with Leading Muslim Organizations
Your donation can make a difference. Donate now to raise the next generation of Muslim changemakers
For over two decades, Manara West has been the hub for Muslim students to connect, grow, and lead. Built by students, for students—our platform empowers the next generation to create impact, strengthen their faith, and uplift their communities.
