Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
As we wrap up Semester 1, lets take a moment to reflect on an incredible few months at GUMSA! From vibrant social gatherings to thought-provoking talks and sports events - this semester has truly been one for the books. Here’s a friendly walk down memory lane, broken down into categories so you don’t miss a thing.
🎨 Sisters’ Events
This semester, the GUMSA girls had a great time during a cosy evening of doing henna, embracing their creative side. Our sip-and-paint session added a splash of colour to the semester, providing a relaxing space for sisters to connect. Tasbih-making was another memorable event, as we reflected on the importance of dhikr while crafting beautiful tasbihs. Sisters also enjoyed tense games of mafia and relaxed evenings at chaiwala to unwind. They've even taken up the challenge of hiking up Ben Lomond!
We can't forget our greatest hit - badminton tournaments! And at last, the sisters ended the year strong with an ice skating social, enjoying the winter months and served as a great pre-exam de-stresser!
🏀 Brothers’ Events
The brothers kept their competitive spirit alive while strengthening bonds through a variety of activities. Badminton was a standout success, along with regular events like football that helped foster a sense of unity within the community. Basketball and dodgeball, particularly the exciting match between Paksoc and GUMSA, brought everyone together in the spirit of friendly rivalry, while a FIFA tournament got everyone’s attention through intense but pleasant competition. We had relaxed dinners and so much more!
👨👩👧👦 Community
Some events this semester were on a whole different scale, and they brought the entire community together. Our Freshers' Dinner was as impressive as ever, providing a warm introduction to new students joining the GUMSA family. The Charity Week Dinner was a beautiful evening, dedicated to raising funds for important causes, filled with excitement and generosity—it was undoubtedly one of the semester's highlights. GUMSA also had a stall at Scotland's first Halal Food Festival, where we connected with the wider Glasgow community and raised awareness about our work.
📚 Islamic Talks
This semester was also rich in spiritual nourishment, with a fantastic lineup of thought-provoking Islamic talks:
Social Justice Talk: A powerful reminder about Islam’s commitment to justice and equity, sparking meaningful discussions.
Talk from Ustadh Jamal about the importance of the Quran, and Shaykh Amer Jamal about the correct way to approach marriage.
Fiqh of Life was a talk which focused on the rulings of everyday living, providing clarity and understanding.
We also ran recurring Sisters/Brothers Halaqahs and Quran classes to allow students to develop their islamic knowledge and understanding while at university. Additionally, the GUMSA community enjoyed the Roots classes which covered a wide variety of topics helping students to build their iman and understanding.
We hope you’ve enjoyed the wide variety of events GUMSA offered this semester. Whether you came to socialise, learn or grow.
As we gear up for Semester 2, we’re excited to bring you even more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Keep an eye out for updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas or feedback.
Here’s to another amazing semester ahead, insha’Allah! 🎉