In early November, Highland Park High School introduced its very own Islamic Culture Club. Adding to the wide array of student-led affinity groups, the Islamic Culture Club cultivates a space for positive cultural exchange and understanding among students regardless of background. The Fling reached out to the club president, Shahed Ahmed ‘25, and co-president, Habiba Elhelwa ‘25, to learn more.
Arden: What motivated you both to start the Islamic Culture Club?
Shahed: I initially wanted to start the Islamic Culture Club in my freshman year, but there wasn’t a big population of Muslims or people interested in the club at the time. In sophomore year, I began to plan part of the club. I have friends who are involved in other culture clubs…and they always tell me about it and I was like, “Ugh, I wish I can do that.” So this year, I decided that I was going to do it—I was going to start it as there is a much larger population of Muslims and people who are interested in it.
Arden: Why should people join the Islamic Culture Club?
Shahed: If you’re interested in learning about Islamic culture, then you should join the Islamic Culture Club. There is a big group of people participating and the club is super fun.
Habiba: Yes, there have been a lot of people who would show genuine interest in the Islamic Culture and ask questions like “How do you pray?” “Where do you pray?” “How are you supposed to wear the hijab?” and I think it is very interesting to create this club to formally cultivate interest and educate people on the Islamic culture.
Arden: Are there any future plans, events, or fundraisers for the club?
Shahed: Yeah! We plan on having a Multicultural Day where we will collaborate with other cultural clubs at school like the Asian Culture Club and Spanish Culture Club. We will also organize bake sales and awareness weeks such as Islamic Awareness Week and Domestic Violence Awareness Week throughout the year.
Arden: What will an average club meeting look like?
Shahed: Each club meeting will revolve around different topics regarding Islamic culture, practices, and language. Main discussions throughout the year will be Ramadan, prayers, the 5 main points of Islam, mosque, marriage in Islam, festivals, and the Holy Quran.
Arden: Why is it important that the school has an Islamic Culture Club?
Shahed: It is important that schools are inclusive for every religion. You do not have to be a follower of Islam to join the Islamic Culture Club as it is meant to educate and be a safe space for everyone. As long as you feel comfortable and have a desire to learn, an option like this club should always be available.
Habiba: There is also an increased amount of refugees that do not speak English. Having a club like the Islamic Culture Club not only allows them to feel more at home and safe, but gives them the space to express themselves and talk about things they cannot usually talk about.
Shahed: It is important you know you have people that can relate to you. In my freshman year, I knew nobody who was Muslim and I felt so alone, but when I met Habiba, I finally had someone I could relate to.
The Islamic Culture Club fulfills the need for a space where Muslim students can find community and students of any background can expand their knowledge of others’ experiences. The club is open to all and meets every other Monday in room 123B. For more information, join the Islamic Culture Club’s Google Classroom with the code lvjilu7.