From powerful talks to lasting connections, MU’s Muslim Student Organization Conference has something for everyone
The Muslim Student Organization hosted its annual conference on Feb. 7 and 8, bringing together students, professionals and community members for a weekend of insightful discussions and lectures. Hosting around 400 people, MSO aimed to foster dialogue surrounding Islam and faith.
Though the event spanned just two days, it was the culmination of nearly a year of preparation. Conference coordinator Sumaya Nour described it as her “baby,” and said that the planning with her co-coordinator, Ayaan Umar, began in early April 2024. Each aspect is carefully picked and executed, from the color scheme to the speakers chosen. However, what made the experience run smoothly was the volunteers’ quick helpfulness, according to Nour.
“People just see the two day conference, they don’t really see all that kind of goes into it,” Nour said. “The communication, the amount of people that help. The volunteers made the conference run. Although me and Ayan planned it, during the day of the conference, it was the volunteers that made it come to fruition.”
This year’s theme, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear,” was chosen from Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran. Nour said it was selected with the goal of resonating deeply with Muslims across all walks of life.
The theme captured the essence of perseverance in the face of adversity, an idea that is particularly poignant given the hardships currently faced by Muslims worldwide. From the events occurring in Gaza to the civil war in Sudan, that particular ayat demonstrated the strength that lies in those who are suffering.
“[The theme] correlates well with what we’re kind of feeling as Muslims across the world right now,” Nour said. “We thought it would be a good reminder that even if you are facing some hardships, any burdens that you may feel, it’s nothing beyond what God knows what you can tolerate.”
The Muslim Student Organization Annual Conference has become a cornerstone event for Columbia, drawing participants from across Missouri, with some traveling from Kansas City and St. Louis. This year, its message of inclusion was especially strong.
The conference was open to everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Faculty members, university administration and even curious community members found a place within the event.
The conference offered a wide variety of topics that catered to attendees’ diverse interests. Whether it was managing academic stress, maintaining one’s faith while navigating professional spaces, or addressing global struggles, the event provided practical advice and inspiration.
Nour said that the lectures were deliberately chosen to appeal to a broad audience, ensuring there was something for everyone, regardless of faith or background.
One of the most impactful speakers was Qaali Hussein, a trauma surgeon, mother of six and founder of Defiance Academy, a program dedicated to empowering Muslim women in the workforce. Her lectures on navigating faith as a Muslim woman in an American society were incredibly inspiring. Throughout the conference, Hussein stressed staying true to your faith and allowing God’s plan to pan out for you.
“No matter how many times people have told me that what I was going for was impossible,” Hussein said. “I just kept doubling down on my faith and being really grounded in saying that if Allah wills it, it’ll happen.”
At its core, the Muslim Student Organization conference beautifully showcased the essence of Islam: perseverance through trials and unwavering trust in both oneself and a higher power. The lectures, while grounded in Islamic teachings, resonated with universal themes of strength, resilience and self-belief.
One particularly memorable talk was delivered by Shaykh Tariq Musleh, whose lecture, “The Weight of Trials: Why Do We Suffer?” reminded attendees that life’s challenges are not meant to break us, but to strengthen us. Musleh’s message, rooted in Islamic wisdom, highlighted how trusting in a higher power can help individuals face adversity with grace.
Nour emphasized how inclusive the event is, and that the lectures are meant to inspire and guide people from all walks of life. Attendees do not have to commit to the entire weekend; even spending a short time at the conference can leave a lasting impact, Nour said.
“People aren’t losing anything by coming to our conference,” Nour said. “They’re there to gain. If you want to dedicate even 45 minutes of your time, it’ll be worth something.”
The Muslim Student Organization Annual Conference is not just an event, it’s a celebration of resilience, faith and community. Next year, the conference will continue to offer inspiring discussions on how to face life’s trials with confidence and trust in a higher purpose. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, leadership insights or simply an uplifting environment, this conference is worth going to.
Edited by Faith Jacoby and Alyssa Royston | fjacoby@themaneater.com and aroyston@themaneater.com
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