How did you spend your lunch period? Did you spend it with friends or perhaps in a classroom getting extra help from a teacher? For the students in the Muslim Student Association Club at Paint Branch High School, their lunch period was spent in celebration.

Last week, September the 24th, 25th, and 26th, marked the national Muslim holiday, Eid Al-Adha. This three day event is observed in commemoration of the Islamic Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismael, as commanded by God. On these days, Muslim’s learn the value of self-denial and sacrifice a goat, lamb, or cow, just as the Prophet was commanded to do instead of sacrificing his son. This national holiday is spent in festivity as Muslims spend time with their families, exchange gifts, and give in charity. On Wednesday, September 30th, students gathered in room 3318 during lunch to throw an Eid party.

Mrs. Arozullah, the main sponsor of the club and a Biology and Environmental teacher at Paint Branch, as well as Mrs. Abdul Kareem, the co-sponsor and a Special Ed teacher, warmly welcomed the students into the classroom. Food was first on the agenda; many of the students had brought dishes to share. Once everyone was seated, plates in hand, names and emails were written down on a designated paper. Mrs. Arozullah then went on to present a powerpoint that answered questions such as, “What is the MSA?”, “What do we do?”, and “What do we plan on doing?” Mrs. Arozullah discussed fundraising events and DCMist, a highly anticipated national scholastic tournament among Muslim teens. She also made sure to tell the club members that they were always welcome to come to her and Mrs. Abdul Kareem if they ever needed anything. “We’re like parents to you here”, she assured them.

After being informed that the MSA Club met every Wednesday in the same room, students were free to mingle amongst themselves. This will be Mrs. Arozullah’s 5th year of sponsoring the MSA. When asked what made her want to do this, she stated, “I want Muslim students to have a voice. Although there is a big population of them in the school, many are shy to express their religious views.” Mrs. Abdul Kareem, who was doing this for the first time this year, expressed her hopes for the club. “I hope we have a well-established MSA,” she said.