-
-
1.0
Message from the President .............................................................................................................. 4
2.0
MSA Exec Team 2013/2014 ............................................................................................................. 5
3.0 Prayer ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Prayer Times ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Jum’ah Prayers .................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Taraweeh Prayers ................................................................................................................................ 7
3.4 Other Prayer Spots on Campus ........................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Masaajid and Musallahs Off Campus ................................................................................................. 8
4.0 MSA Services ......................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Weekly Halaqas .................................................................................................................................. 9
4.2 The MSA Library................................................................................................................................ 9
4.3 MSA Classifieds ............................................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Support .............................................................................................................................................. 10
5.0 MSA Events .......................................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 The Annual Summer BBQ ................................................................................................................ 10
5.2 Community Iftars .............................................................................................................................. 11
5.3 Imagine Day ...................................................................................................................................... 11
5.4 Clubs Days ........................................................................................................................................ 13
5.5 Pink Hijab Day.................................................................................................................................. 13
5.6 Eid Party............................................................................................................................................ 13
5.7 Islam Awareness Week ..................................................................................................................... 14
5.8 Community Gatherings ..................................................................................................................... 15
5.9 Socials ............................................................................................................................................... 16
5.10 Sports .............................................................................................................................................. 16
6.0 Halal Dining .......................................................................................................................................... 17
6.1 On Campus........................................................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Close to Campus ............................................................................................................................... 17
7.0 Volunteer Opportunities ........................................................................................................................ 18
8.0 How to Participate................................................................................................................................. 19
9.0 Places to Hang Out on Campus............................................................................................................. 19
10.0 Some Academic Tips .......................................................................................................................... 21
11.0 Arabic and Islamic Studies Courses Offered by UBC ........................................................................ 22
12.0 First Year? Misc Things You Should Know ....................................................................................... 23
13.0 Muslim Organizations in BC……………………………………………………………………….. 24
14.0 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Assalamu Alaykum Wa Ramatullahi Wa Barakatu!
{May the Peace, Mercy, and Blessing of Allah be with you!}
Ice skating, Socials, and Slam Poetry?! Those aren’t the typical words you hear when people talk
about Muslim Student Associations, but then again, MSA UBC does not fit the common MSA
stereotype. We balance worship, education, outreach, athletics, socializing, and da’wah(calling
people to Islam) to promote a way of life that is in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an
and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam).
MSA UBC is one of the most active student organizations you will ever come across, uniting
Muslims from various backgrounds and parts of the world, with a common goal of serving Islam
and the Muslim community. We offer you religious & educational services and exciting events
that will be make your time at UBC much more beneficial and memorable Inshallah. Whether
you are a brother or sister, single or married, undergrad or graduate student, you will fit in
perfectly in our friendly community. MSA UBC is where you will meet the people who will
become your friends not only during university, but the remainder of your life! We have over
400 members from just about every country in the world.
By joining MSA UBC, you will be able to excel in Islamic knowledge, develop your character,
build networks, and acquire the transferrable skills you need for your career. We all know that as
Muslims we will be questioned about how we spent our youth, and what we have done to serve
Islam and the Muslims. By getting involved with us, you will have the chance to do something
you are passionate about while simultaneously fulfilling your religious duties. To get involved,
start attending our weekly meetings and find out ways in which you can contribute.
Jazakum Allah Khair
May Allah reward you with good.
President: Musavvir Shourav
Vice President (Internal): Sivar Rajab Khan
Vice President (External): Salman Alam
Secretary: Iqra Javed
Treasurer: Aamir Sheergar
Marketing: Rabea Syeda
Prayer Services: Ahmed Sharkia
IT/Webmaster: Mohammad Halane
Education Director (Brothers): Sahli Haziq
Education Director (Sisters): Tasnim Anwar
Outreach: Amna Chaudhry & Sumeyye Cakal
Brothers Sports Director: Hamza Virk
Brothers Social Coordinator: Haidar Raza
Sisters Sports Director: Sado Ismail
Sisters Social Coordinator: Katia Fawaz
Chaplain’s Assistant: Mu Yang
MSA Chaplain: Dr. Younes Alila
What’s the most important time of a Muslim’s day? That’s right, prayer time. That’s why we
place special importance on providing a daily prayer space for Muslims on campus.
Feel free to drop by UBC’s own campus Musallah anytime to gain the immense reward for
praying in congregation (Jama’a). Prayer times are sent out weekly in the MSA Weekly
newsletter and posted on the MSA website (www.msaubc.org).
The Musallah is located on the second floor of Brock Hall Annex, Room 2357. The address is
1874 East Mall, V6T 1Z1. Brock Hall Annex is connected to Brock Hall (main building), where
students pay their tuition. Click here for map.
Conveniently located on the basement floor of Brock Hall Annex are wudu (ablution) facilities in
the men’s and women’s washrooms.
Not a hijabi? You’re welcome to use the variety of hijabs, long skirts, and ‘abayas in the sisters
section of the Musallah!
Since prayer times continue to fluctuate throughout the year, we constantly update our website to
inform you of the changes in prayer times. On the website home page, you can see the adhan
times for the daily prayers. In our Prayers section, we post the times that we pray in
Congregation in the Musallah (iqaama. Usually, we leave about 10 minutes between the adhan
(call to prayer) and iqaamah (the second call prior to beginning the prayer) times. Click here for
prayer times. Prayer times are also published in the MSA Weekly newsletter.
During the previous (2012/2013) academic year (September to April), we held Jum’ah prayers in
the Totem Park Ballroom (2525 West Mall, V6T 1W9. Click here for map). The location MAY
CHANGE this year – we will notify everyone via emails and website Inshallah, once a location
is confirmed. Please sign-up for MSA’s email subscription on our website to stay updated!
The khutba (in English), an enlightening sermon fueled with benefiting reminders, starts at 1:10
PM every Friday and concludes by 1:40 PM. The time is constant all year round and does not
change after daylight savings. If you have a conflict with the Jumaa prayer time, you may email
info@msaubc.org.
Throughout the summer semester (May-August), Jum’ah will take place here(map) in the
International House at 1783 West Mall, V6T 1Z2.
MSA UBC holds Taraweeh Prayers each night in Ramadaan at the Acadia Community Centre
(2707 Tennis Crescent).
Don’t have time to go to the Musallah? Visit one of these spaces where you can conveniently
pray before you rush off to your next class. These spots are relatively private, but are still public
spaces.
Kaiser: 2nd floor by the lounge area
CEME: stairway, 3rd level
Irving K. Barber Library: 3rd/4th floor between the book stacks
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre: 1st floor, private corridor in front of Victoria Learning
Theatre doors
 Brock Hall: 2nd floor, near the balcony overlooking the foyer
 Allard Hall, Law Library: 2nd floor behind the book stacks
 Acadia Park Commons Block: The Muslim graduate students and families living in the
Acadia residence, and nearby areas, also regularly pray at the Commons Block on 2707
Tennis Crescent, V6T 2E5.
Note: Only Fajr, Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers take place here.




Find another convenient prayer space you want to let your fellow Muslims know about? Email
info@msaubc.org.
1. Masjid Omar Al Farouq: 1659 East 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5N 1X6
www.masjidomar.ca
Conveniently located near Commercial and Broadway, this Masjid holds regular weekly
lessons on various Islamic sciences: ‘Aaqeedah (beliefs),Tafseer (Explanation of the Qur’an),
(Islamic Law),etc.
2. Jamia Masjid Vancouver: 655 West 8th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C7
3. Aiyal Centre: Unit 205, 181 Keefer place Vancouver, BC V6B 6L4
http://ajyal.org/
4. MAC Centre (Muslim Association of Canada): 2122 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5N
1T2
http://www.macnet.ca/English/Pages/Home.aspx
You can find a further list of Masaajid and Musallahs off campus at:
www.bcmuslims.com/masjid-musalla-jumuah/
Looking for a place to gain Islamic knowledge on campus? We organize weekly halaqas, or
study circles at UBC, one for sisters and one for brothers to gain a deeper understanding of the
Islamic sciences in depth.The halaqa is a gathering to share and improve our knowledge of Islam
as well as an opportunity for Muslims on campus to meet and hang out.
Some halaqa’s are student-led and others are taught by a qualified Shuyookh, or scholar. They
are interactive and usually contain stimulating discussions on diverse topics full of benefit to
Muslims of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Individuals inquiring about Islam are too
more than welcome! The atmosphere is one full of trust and attendees are sincerely concerned
about one another’s personal development and success.
Some of our previous topics include the importance of civic engagement, compassion in Islam,
Islamic History, the Hijab series, Tajweed Lessons (Rules of Reciting the Qur’an), Sweetness of
Salah (prayer) series, as well as discussions on contemporary issues.
So if you’re interested in learning more about Islam and/or discussing contemporary issues from
an Islamic perspective, the MSA halaqa is the place for you! Need we mention free food? They
will typically take place at a standard time during the week, in the evening. Watch out for details
on our website, and in our emails, at the beginning of school
terms – September, January, and May!
The MSA Library provides materials and services to help the
UBC Muslim community obtain information pertaining to
Islam, as well as their personal and educational needs. The
Library aims to improve and enrich the lives of its users
through Islamic knowledge. The Library is located in the
Musallah and is accessible to anyone. It contains a wide
selection of different books ranging from explanation (Tafsir)
of the Quran and Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) to spiritual
purification and personal development. Its purpose is to enrich
Muslim minds with knowledge that will benefit them in this world and the hereafter.
The MSA Classifieds service is a great way for you to advertise on our website, free of charge.
You can post ads related to housing, textbooks, or anything that would be relevant to the UBC
Muslim community. To place an ad, click on the Classifieds tab at the top of the homepage, then
click the orange Post an Ad button. Make a free account, if you don’t have one already, order to
post! You may leave replies to the ads on the website, or contact the individuals directly.
The MSA is here for you in case you need any form of support. Whether you are facing a
problem with the UBC Administration or being discriminated against on campus, the MSA is
here to back you up and help you figure things out. If you are ever in need of any help or advice,
don’t hesitate to contact us at info@msaubc.org. We will do our best to assist you or connect you
with other support groups on campus or in the larger Muslim community, such as the Muslim
Youth Help Line (1-800-550-6945).
Every year, MSA UBC holds a community barbeque during the summer. Our barbeques are open
to the entire Vancouver Muslim community, and we always choose a scenic, family-friendly
venue. BBQ activities include:
 Sports activities for sisters and brothers, such as: soccer volleyball, football, badminton
and ultimate Frisbee.
 Delicious halal beef burgers, chicken burgers, and hot dogs grilled to perfection!
In June 2013, we held our barbeque at Stanley Park, in the Miniature Railway Picnic Site. People
are still talking about how much fun they had, and can’t wait for next year insha’Allah!
The MSA holds 1-2 Iftars for the UBC and larger community every Ramadan. Not only is the
food amazing, but we also try to link the Iftars to a noble cause. For instance, in August 2010, we
hosted an iftar that also served as a fundraiser for the Pakistan flood relief efforts. With the help
and blessing of
Allah (swt), we raised over $30,000 in one evening, Alhamdulillah! In August 2011, we held a
fundraising Iftar for Rumana Manzur, a UBC Muslim graduate student who lost her sight to
domestic violence. Alhamdulillah, we raised over $6000 for Rumana! This effort was recognized
by the UBC Administration, and MSA UBC received a letter of gratitude from UBC President,
Stephen Toope. In 2012, we supported fundraising iftars for Syria.
Of course, our iftars are always free and open to the whole community, so don’t miss out next
Ramadan!
Imagine Day is a campus wide orientation program
for new and returning students, which takes place
on the first day of classes (the day after Labour
day). One of the core events of Imagine Day is The
Main Event. Student clubs and organizations on
campus set up booths along UBC’s Main Mall.
There, new students have the opportunity to learn about different clubs, their activities, sign up
as members, and get free stuff!
At the MSA booth: drop by to ask any questions you have, sign up to be a member and receive
important information via our mailing list, get a tour of campus, get free stuff, or just stick
around and chat with our exec and all the other amazing MSAers at UBC.
Imagine Day 2012 will take place on Tuesday September 4th, 2012. As an added bonus, we’ll be
hosting a Welcome Back Social to welcome all the newcomers to campus and introduce them to
what the MSA is all about. The social is also on Sept.4th at 5 PM at BUCH B313.
For more info on the MSA Imagine Day booth and social, click here.
Clubs Days is a 3-day event that features over 300 AMS student clubs. One of these clubs, of
course, is MSA UBC! During the third week of school, from Wednesday to Friday, come visit
MSA’s booth located in the upper floor of the Student Union Building. Find out about our events
and activities, services we offer, and how you can get involved.
Global Pink Hijab Day is a day recognized worldwide every October, coinciding with Breast
Cancer Awareness Month. Muslims participate by wearing pink hijabs (guys wear kufis –
skullcaps), pink ribbons, and donating to cancer foundations. MSA UBC held its first Pink Hijab
Day in October 2010, and raised over $1000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation! At the
same time we educated the general public about the Hijab, refuting some of the common
misconceptions about women in Islam.
MSA UBC holds an annual Eid party for the entire community. Our Eid parties have become
famous for their high quality, positive atmosphere, incredible cuisine, and live entertainment.
The event typically consists of an international food buffet, trivia games, live performances,
excellent child care service (so you and the kids can enjoy your evening), and much more! Don’t
miss out on MSA’s Eid Party 2013, which will take place after Eid Al Adha Insha’Allah. More
information to come soon.
Our biggest event of the year is Islam
Awareness Week. IAW aims to educate
the general student body at UBC about
the basics of Islam. In 2011 and 2012, we
have had two IAWs – one in each term.
We set up an exhibit in the Student Union
Building main concourse – featuring
posters, books, and pamphlets about Islam.
IAW 2011 consisted of a booth designed as a “mock masjid”, where Non-Muslims could enter to
see what a typical Masjid looks like and what kind of activities go on inside a Masjid. We even
performed salah in the masjid! During IAW 2012, we held a draw to give away a free iPad! And
in 2013, we collaborated with 4 other universities in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan to make it a
bigger, better and unified. Bet you’re looking
forward to what this year’s IAW has in store!
In addition, we hold feature events such as film
screenings, panel discussions, lectures, and
Islamic-themed slam poetry nights. We’ve
hosted prominent guest speakers in the past such
as Dr. Jamal Badawi, Dr. Reda Bedeir, Dr. Syed
Ibn Iqbal, Sr. Hafsa Dean, Sh. Navaid Aziz, Sh.
Abdurrahmann Murad, Boonaa Mohammed, and
many more!
So keep an eye out, because you definitely don’t
want to miss out on Islam Awareness Week this year!
The MSA organizes occasional general halaqa’s open to brothers and sisters where we invite a
prominent speaker from the community to give a lecture on a topic of interest. In the past,
we have had Sh. Abdulrahman Murad give lectures on Salat, Zakat (charity), and the popular
Halal (permissible) food topic. We had an excellent turnout to these halaqa’s and they were
such a great success that we plan to continue them this year Insha'Allah, God willing.
In the past, we have also hosted talks by speakers from CAIR-CAN, such as Kashif Ahmed,
who have delivered community seminars, such as Know Your Rights!
The MSA hosts sisters’ socials and brothers’ socials throughout the year. These events have
been a success just because people love coming out to events where they can eat, socialize and
have some (halal) fun – woot!
Our upcoming social is a Welcome Back Social for all new and returning students on Tuesday
September 3, 2013. Expect delicious food, great people and some entertaining games and
activities! We will be hosting more of these events throughout the year Insha’Allah.
The MSA organizes various recreational activities for sisters and brothers. Past activities
included regular soccer games and tournaments, volleyball, ice skating, yoga, hiking, biking
etc. The sisters also took part in competitions such as the Storm the Wall and UBC Longboat,
where they made the finals! We have numerous fun activities planned for you this academic
year. If you have any suggestions for sports activities, we’d love to hear them! Email us at
info@msaubc.org.
We held a joint Fundraiser in March 2013 to raise funds for the refugees from Syria, and also one in
Ramadan this year to collect funds for Muslims of Burma. Both were in collaboration with MSAs of
Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic.
 Deli - Student Union Buidling (SUB) basement – Certain items only are halal
 Donair Town – Basement cafeteria in the UBC Village (besides Mcdonalds) – Only
chicken in Halal
 Totem Park and Vanier Place Cafeterias - Only fresh chicken and lamb items are halal.
Halal foods available in regular meal plan. Halal symbol displayed besides menu items.
 Save on Foods – Wesbrook Village - Frozen halal products
 The Loop Café at CIRS
 Café Perugia – Life Sciences Centre, UBC – Ask for halal items.





Bon Vivant – 3648 West Broadway, V6R2B7 – (604) 365-9444
Al Basha Restaurant – 3143 West Broadway, V6K2H2 – (604) 568-8841
East is East – 3243 West Broadway, V6K2H5 – (604) 734-5881
Adobo Burrito – 1075 Howe St, V6Z2L5 – (604) 566-9558
No Frills – Frozen Zabiha products. 3 branches located along Broadway and 4th St.
Closest branch to campus is at 4th St. & Alma St.





The Real Turk - 3271 West Broadway,Vancouver
Brado’s Pizza - 1399 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L
Zeitoon -- 1795 Pendrell St, Vancouver
Cazba -- 1103 Davie St, Vancouver
Afghan Choppan -- Downtown, Suite:202, 1323 Robson St, Vancouver
To get a list of halal restaurants in Vancouver visit www.zabihah.com. For a list of halal
butchers in Vancouver, visit: http://www.bcmuslims.com/business/butcher/index.html
For more info on halal dining around campus click here.
Are you looking for volunteer opportunities?! Don't miss out on all the chances you have to
volunteer at MSA events like Islam Awareness Week, our Eid party, socials and sporting
events.
At the MSA we’re big on community outreach and aside from volunteering at our main
events our members make trips to the local Muslim Food Bank bi-weekly, work with the
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and feed the homeless in Vancouver’s Downtown
Eastside.
Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities the MSA offers!
Gain lots of Ajr (reward) by Allah’s(SWT) Will, build that stunning resume, and put a smile on
someone’s face (:
To volunteer at MSA events watch out for ads requesting volunteers in the MSA
newsletter and on the website www.msaubc.org. Also, you can email info@msaubc.org any
time if you are looking to get more involved.
So you’re thinking this is the sweetest club on campus and want in right? Here’s
what you do:
Become a member! Visit the Imagine Day or Clubs Days booths and sign up. Missed out?
Come to one of our meetings and we’ll have the forms there too Insha’ Allah.
*Remember that membership must be renewed every year! Just because you get emails from the
MSA doesn’t mean you’re a member. It just means you’re signed up on the mailing list.
Jazakumullahu Khairan!
Subscribe to our mailing list!
You’ll receive a weekly newsletter updating you on what we’re up to and how you
can get involved. Click here to sign up. You only have to sign up once for the
mailing list and you can unsubscribe whenever you want to – but why would you
ever want to? You can also easily subscribe to the mailing list via our website or
Facebook Page.
Like our Facebook Page & Join Our Group!
Here’s the link to the page: www.facebook.com/msaubc . Our Facebook Page is integrated
with our website to bring you the most recent updates. On our Facebook Page,
check out our tabs such as Latest News, Youtube Videos, Mailing List, etc.
Don’t forget to join our group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14370033469
Come to our meetings & Attend Events! The MSA wouldn’t be what it is today without
our active members that participate and attend our many events throughout the year! Our
meetings take place every week of the winter session and once every two weeks in the
summer. It’s not solely limited to the executive board --your ideas and feedback are more
than welcome!
Just don’t forget to tune into our website: www.msaubc.org  memorized the URL by
now? xP
Student Union Building
The Student Union Building (SUB) is a great place to spend your hour-long break. It’s a
convenient place to meet up with friends, buy some lunch, find a spot to sit and just hang out.
There are also usually plenty of booths set up for you to browse through. Here, you can do things
ranging from joining a new club to your winter scarf shopping!
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
Irving is well known among students to be the best library to get together in. Whether it’s for a
group study session or killing time in the Irving lobby before class, Irving is the place to be. You
can also grab a snack at Ike’s Café or check your email on the computers, both located
conveniently on the 2nd floor.
Women’s Lounge
The Women Students’ Lounge is located in the Brock Hall Annex, Room 1261. This
area provides a permanent safe space for women students at UBC to rest, connect, and gather. It
is open to all women students from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays. Ladies, this is a great place
to meet other sisters, have lunch, or just to take a nap on one of the comfy couches between
classes.
MacMillan Learning Commons
MacMillan Learning Commons, located in the H.R. MacMillan Building, is a great place
for group study. There’s comfortable seating, whiteboard and Agora Café nearby to satiate
those stomach grumblings. Also, if you manage to get in before the building closes, you
can study here around the clock for 24 hours.
CEME Design Studio
CEME, Room 1005, is another great place for group study. It is open 7 days a week
and students have late night access. However, you must access the building before
the doors are locked.
Kaiser Lobby
The lobby in the Fred Kaiser building is another cool place to hang out. Open 24 hours, but
must access building before doors are locked.
Brock Hall – 2nd Floor
Looking for a quiet study area near the Musallah? Check out Brock Hall Main, 2nd
floor. There are plenty of individual and group study carrels for you to choose from.
Forestry Building
The Forest Sciences Centre is located on the east side of Main Mall across from the
MacMillan Building. It’s got a great Tim Hortons and a very open, bright lobby area to
hang out in.
Marine Drive Commons Block
The Marine Drive residences commons block, located at 2205 Lower Mall, have quiet
study rooms with plenty of light and outlets.
The Musalla, of course!
Not only for prayers, but a space to study, chill with your friends, and take a short nap,
perhaps?
 Try not to take more than 5 courses in one semester, if possible. With a lower
course load, you will be able to absorb information and learn better – plus it’s
definitely less stressful around exam time.

 Don't wait for the registration date to pick and choose your courses. Save the
courses in a Worklist so that when your registration date opens, you can easily
just click on register and everything will be saved.
 Wait until you attend the first class before buying
textbooks. Listen to what the professor has to say
about the book – oftentimes, you’ll find out that the
book won’t be used much, other than as a reference. 

 Study regularly! Go over your notes after every class so that you don’t have to cram the
night before the exam. 



 Take hand written notes. It stays in your head
longer. 
 Pay attention during lectures, that’s when the best learning is done. 
 Take advantage of office hours and tutorials.
Your profs/TAs set aside time specifically to
help you, might as well use it.

 Try to study in groups. Once you find a
good study group, you’ll save a lot of
time and more often than not, you’ll learn a
lot better.
 Don’t skip classes! If you miss a couple
classes, it’s really hard to catch up.
Once you get into upper years, many of the
courses you will take will not even have
books; therefore, it is VERY IMPORTANT
that you attend your classes.
 Get enough sleep – don't pull all-nighters.
You’ll crash eventually.
 Stay away from energy drinks! The crash is
worse than the high. Instead, eat good
nutritious food, including lots of fruits and vegetables that are as natural as
possible (i.e. little to no preservatives). You'll be able to concentrate better, retain
much more information, feel more energized, and be way more productive!
 The COOP program offered by UBC almost for all faculties is an excellent
opportunity to gain technical work experience in your field of study and earn at
the same time! It will expose you to real world jobs and hence help you a great
deal to decide on what career you want to settle in for the future and establish
connections with professionals in the field and industries. Check out the UBC
Coop website: http://www.coop.ubc.ca/
ARBC 300: Introduction to the Grammar and Vocabulary of Classic Arabic
ARBC 400: Intermediate Classical Arabic
Second year of Classical Arabic with extensive reading of poetry and prose drawn from
religious and historical texts.
Remember that not all 3rd and 4th year courses require you to be in your 3rd/4th year!
 Lost on campus? Click here for an interactive MSA Google map of UBC!
 Classes are let off 10 minutes early to give time to get to your next class.
 You need a Print Card to print at any of the libraries on campus – buy them at
the library front desk.
 Tired of carrying that laptop around? You can borrow laptops for four hours at
most of the libraries on campus – be warned that the laptops are old and
definitely not worth the $ on the waiver form you sign in case something
happens to them!
 Don’t buy textbooks until you attend the first few classes. Look for books on
Amazon, Craigslist, saveonbook.com, or UBC Discount Bookstore before
buying them from the bookstore.
 Check the editions of books well - sometimes old editions will work, ask your
professor.
 UBC pamphlets don’t advertise rain but if you’re new to Vancouver you should
know that rain boots and a jacket are essential to surviving trips between classes
in the pouring rain.
 Forgot your umbrella? Don’t worry – borrow one from the Umbrella Bucket at
the Musallah! Just be sure to bring it back for the next person in need.
 If you live off-campus and need to spend the night at UBC and don't have
anyone to stay with, you can stay at the student commuter hostel (Walter Gage
Towers) for $30/night. But first ask around; many of your fellow Muslims would
be happy to have you stay over the night before that 8 am exam.
 Looking for a part-time job on campus while studying? Check out UBC Work
Learn by visiting the online Career Centre here
 Looking for cheap residence near campus? Check out www.amsrentsline.com
 Try to make and maintain a schedule. Sleep right after Isha and wake up for Fajr
- your life will have barakah in it, and you'll be amazed at how long a day
actually is!
 There are stations located in the SUB where you can fill your water bottles up with
nice filtered water. It's a win-win situation: Clean water + the environment is
protected from plastic water bottles which end up landfills.
 Aiming Towards the Qibla: A Practical How-To Guide:

At residence, unless you live in a single owner dwelling, most probably
you will find a map of your floor with the true North arrow indicated on it
(beside elevators or exits). Head slightly to the right of the arrow direction
(~16°) and that should be the correct Qibla.

If you have internet access, refer to one of the sites; www.qiblalocator.com/
or bcmuslims.com/qiblafinder.do, for the direction of Qibla relative to your
building. Use a little imagination to observe the orientation of your room or
apartment relative to the building and there you go … pray.

You can get a digital compass watch that indicates Qibla (for
example, click me, note: MSA is not endorsing this specific brand or
vendor!). Beware they are not accurate inside concrete buildings
or near strong magnetic fields.

If you have a magnetic needle compass, use it to get magnetic North (stay
away from strong magnetic fields induced by electrical equipment). Since the
magnetic declination in Vancouver is approximately 18° E (slightly changes
every year) and Qibla is 16.5° East of true North, then you can almost take
the direction of magnetic North as the Qibla direction.

If you are outdoors and have no clue, head slightly to the right from the
mountains at North Vancouver (can’t miss them!).
There is close to 70,000 Muslims in BC and quite a few Muslim Organizations that cater to the
needs of the growing Muslim community. Some of them are listed below:
~ Simon Fraser University MSA:
Our counterparts at SFU! They tool hold similar exciting events at SFU. Check out the
Facebook Group and website, www.sfumsa.com.
~ Masjid Omar Al Farouq;
Located conveniently near the intersection of Commercial Dr. and Broadway, Sh
Abdurrahmann Murad offers various regular programs at this Masjid – there is weekly lessons on
Tafseer (Explanation of Quran), ‘Aqeedah (Islamic Beliefs), Fiqh (Islamic Law) and seminars.
www.masjidomar.ca. He also gives halaqat and lectures at UBC, and councils Muslims and New
Muslims.
~BCMA:
The largest Muslim organization in BC that manages several mosques in Vancouver, Richmond,
Surrey, Victoria and more. Check out www.thebcma.com.
~NYMink:
The Nation of Young Muslims organization was established in 2006 by a group of Western
Canadian Muslim youth who dared to challenge the status quo of pop culture and offer the
Muslim youth of today a better alternative. NYMink organizes an annual conference in
Vancouver – The Generation Muslim Conference, and exciting programs like Camp Sunnah,
Weekly Online Halaqat. www.nymink.com.
~Ajyal:
Ajyal organizes fun, informative and educational programs that will last a lifetime. The focus is
on helping youth to develop strong character and an aptitude for problem-solving, decisionmaking, communication, leadership and civic responsibility.
Youth development also strengthens our communities by preparing children for the real world
and helping them to develop self- and community awareness. Check www.ajyal.org
It was a long read but we really hope this Newcomers Guide to UBC has helped you figure
out Muslim life at UBC. If you have any questions, comments or feedback on the guide (or
anything else!) feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you and are always looking
to improve our services.
Just remember that the MSA is YOUR club on campus. If there’s something you want to see
us doing - let us know!
We wish you the very best in your studies and pray that Allah (SWT) grants you
success in this life and the next. Ameen!
Wassalamu alaykum,
Your MSA Board
2013/14 CE – 1434/35 AH