Sororities and fraternities are an elite and imminent aspect of any college campus, each with a unique history and motivation. Instead of simply being a member of their respective organizations, students forge eternal and unbreakable bonds with others in their sisterhood or brotherhood. It is an environment where one can cultivate a sense of leadership, equality, and diversity within their chapters.
At NYU, there are many different sororities within the Panhellenic, Interfraternity, and Multicultural Greek Councils, but the one that most certainly stands out is Mu Delta Alpha Sorority Incorporated (MDA). It is one of the first Muslim sororities established on any college campus and is a sisterhood that, I believe, maintains a bond like no other. Established in 2014 by Samira Maddox at the University of Texas at Dallas, its’ hope is to instill a drive and sense of empowerment within every “changemaker” involved, to facilitate members in making a profound impact and difference within their college careers and beyond. Thanks to Samira, there are many college campuses with their own individual MDA chapters, some of which include the University of Texas At Austin, Ohio State University and the University of Maryland at College Park.
There are 4 very important elements rooted within the organization: Sisterhood, Professionalism, Service and Islam. Each of these 4 elements are eminent within every MDA event, especially in MDA’s Established Foundation and philanthropy project, Sakina Home for Girls. The mission of the project is to establish a safe and secure environment for orphaned girls in Kenya and to provide educational opportunities in hopes of paving the way for these girls to succeed in the future. If you would like to learn more about the project and what you can do to support this initiative, here is a link with more information!
NYU’s Chapter
NYU’s Eta Chapter was established in 2021 by NYU senior Amber Alirahi. Most events are made in collaboration with other on-campus organizations, such as the Muslim Students Association, Arab Students Association, Students Justice for Palestine and Aftab ICNYU. Recent events have included a bake sale for relief efforts in Libya and Morocco, a “Voice for Uyghurs” event (courtesy of NYU senior Souad Hassan), a goodie bag assembly for NYU staff, and a Henna/self care night.
Being a part of this sisterhood led me to realize the importance of giving back to the community, especially within the Muslim community, while simultaneously allowing me to really find my true sisters early on in my NYU career. If you are interested in learning more about MDA and the rushing process, feel free to visit their website and their Instagram page.
Interview with Board Members
I was also given the opportunity to interview some of the Executive Board members Souad Hassan ‘24, Amber Alirahi ‘24, and Masrura Mahe ‘25:
Maryam: As one of the founding members of MDA’s NYU Chapter, what were some of the main goals you wanted to achieve during the founding process?
Amber: Mehrin Ali [NYU ‘22] and I co-founded the Eta Chapter of Mu Delta Alpha Sorority Inc in 2020. It was my first semester here at NYU and we were still in the peak of the pandemic. After arriving at NYU, I felt like there was a huge community of Muslim students, which was beautiful. However, I didn’t see enough spaces specifically for Muslim women. Growing up, I often felt that there was pressure for Muslim women to adapt or sacrifice their Islamic beliefs to be successful in their careers in the US — at least in my experience where I grew up. Oftentimes, Muslim women face unique challenges, pressures, and societal expectations which, for some women, can hold them back from experiencing the same professional development opportunities as others.
I established the Eta Chapter at NYU out of my own desire to have a space for Muslim women to find a safe space where they could gain professional development skills, practice their religion, complete service, and gain a lifelong sisterhood. What makes MDA unique is that it is a sorority — not a club — which means the sisterhood is for life. Seeing the same people every week in a smaller group is intentional to help build strong foundational relationships that can help us empower each other. It was really important for me to create an organization on campus that had a welcoming environment, positive atmosphere, and room for growth. In 2021, we officially chartered and established the Eta Chapter of Mu Delta Alpha Sorority Inc. at NYU and have some of the most loving, kind, genuine and motivated sisters who do amazing work both within MDA and in their communities. Our sisters are activists, scientists, researchers, performers, singers, designers, artists, creatives, and so much more. I always dreamed to be part of a space where Muslim women could confidently lift each other up and practice our deen in a loving manner.
We always emphasize that ANYONE can join MDA regardless of their religious level. This is a space to grow and we value that as much as possible for every sister. I also appreciate that MDA has four different pillars, sisterhood, professionalism, service, and Islam. Because we have foundational principles, a mission statement, values, and the rigid structure of a sorority, we operate to uphold these pillars through all of our events. For example, every semester, we have multiple community service events, professional development workshops or panels, sisterhood bonding events and retreats, and halaqahs or Islamic events. I was definitely inspired by my own family, my mom and sisters, mentors like Mehrin, and other inspiring Muslim women and hope this inspires more people in the future.
Maryam: What is one thing you would tell your past self who was interested in joining MDA?
Amber: This is such an interesting question for me because as a co-founder, I never really had the chance to be “marketed.” MDA and I always think about what would have stood out the most to me. As of Spring 2024, I have led over seven semesters of recruitment weeks for MDA, and each semester, there are very different aspects of MDA that stand out to people. To myself, I would say to be thoughtful, ambitious, eager, and respectful. It definitely takes effort to be part of MDA and maintain those relationships but when you do, I truly believe they will be some of the most valuable relationships you will have. I would remind myself also to be patient. There was a lot of backlash thrown at MDA in the first few semesters and even to this day. I remember days of feeling so upset and hurt by my own community. However, I believe that it was definitely all worth it, and now, I am so grateful for MDA and everything it has provided for me. Alhamdulillah. I hope every woman gets the chance to experience a sisterhood and community like this.
Maryam: As current president of MDA, what is one message you would say to prospective or current NYU students who are interested in joining this wonderful group of girls?
Masrura: As the current president of MDA, I would tell prospective and current NYU students who are interested in joining this wonderful group of girls to just come to 1 event. The biggest and hardest step to take is to go to an in-person event. You’ll see many different kinds of women around the world— from different backgrounds to sisters who are interested in going into different career paths. And amidst all this, you’ll NEVER feel alone! You’ll find a sister who makes you feel like this is where you belong.
Maryam: What would you say was your most favorite event of MDA during your time at NYU?
Souad: The first question is so hard. All of the MDA events are amazing! But I think the end of the year party and dua circles are by far the best and hold a special place in my heart. When finals are around the corner and classes are stressful, being with my MDA sisters is so relieving and makes this time more fun. I’m always so happy to see them amidst our busy schedule and it’s spiritually healing as well when we do duas together.
Maryam: What is something you would tell prospective or interested students who are contemplating about joining MDA?
Souad: For prospective or interested students contemplating, just do it. There is no loss, always benefits when becoming part of the sisterhood whether you want someone to study with, pray with in the IC, go on cafe dates, have dinner with, discuss your favorite novels, or have deep talks about life, you will find in MDA. Not only that, our events are totally a safe space and de-stressors just put in the effort to commit and you will find a beautiful community within.
Masrura: For someone who’s interested in joining, but is contemplating whether to join, I would share my experience and have a heart to heart talk with them. Prior to joining MDA, I felt very lost when it came to connecting with my religion and connecting with other women who had like minds like myself. I came from an all girls high school, where I always had friends and someone I could confine to. And stepping into college, I would join Muslim majority events, but still always felt odd and out of place. When I joined MDA, I didn't realize that I'd meet so many amazing women who had similar experiences like myself. Not only was I able to create the best experiences whilst in college, but I also never had to sacrifice my religious beliefs and practices. MDA is where I made lifelong relationships (aka my sisters) who guide me to be a better Muslim and leader, and I'm so glad to say that MDA is now my forever home.