Belmont recently appointed Ossama Bahloul as the new student advisor for Muslim students.
Bahloul has been engaged in the Muslim community within Nashville for several years, working as the resident scholar for the Islamic Center of Nashville since 2016 and has spoken several times at Belmont.
“One of the perks of being at the Islamic Center of Nashville has always been my proximity to campus. It has allowed me to engage with the students, whether visiting them on campus, or them visiting the center,” said Bahloul.
Belmont’s Muslim students have been attempting to build a university sponsored group at Belmont for years, which was recently approved as Belmont’s Muslim Student Association.
MSA is relatively new, only being approved as a religious organization in November 2023, although it has sought recognition and approval since 2011.
It is the only Muslim student organization on campus.
Since its formation, MSA has been very active on campus, hosting weekly Quran time and social meetings, community service events and WellCore opportunities for students.
The MSA is significant to some students at Belmont, providing a safe place for like-minded individuals.
“The biggest thing with the Belmont’s MSA is a sense of belonging and a sense of community,” said MSA’s Vice President and future President, Mahadd Syed. “I think anywhere, anytime you're somewhere where you look around and the main people there aren’t your people, you can kind of feel a kind of FOMO, a little left out.”
Bahloul said he recognizes the importance of MSA and is ready to support it.
“I am honored to serve as the advisor to the Muslim students as I was very involved with student clubs and organizations during my college years and understand the benefits of having a strong community on campus,” said Bahloul.
Bahloul also strives to connect with students and help them grow.
“Through our advisory relationship, I have the ability to share with them my perspective, to learn theirs and to serve as an instrument between the students and administration to enhance the campus environment,” said Bahloul.
While Belmont continues to work towards wider inclusion, with a policy change last year to allow hiring Jewish faculty but not Muslim, Bahloul said he aims to provide a steady voice in the discussion while still advocating for Muslim students.
“Although I was appointed as the advisor to the Muslim students, I am happy to work with all students on campus answering questions and engaging in campus activities. I look forward to our future joint efforts on the Belmont campus,” said Bahloul.
“I really believe that when we combine our efforts, regardless of our faith, culture or way of life, we have the ability to benefit all.”
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This article was written by Samantha Graessle
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