The genesis of Muslims of Haas (MoH) is as inspiring as it is unique. In the spring of 2023, during the holy month of Ramadan, a remarkable event unfolded. A group of Muslim friends from the Haas School of Business found themselves gathered on the stair steps of the Berkeley masjid, watching the sun rise after a night of Tahajud prayers in the last ten nights of Ramadan. It was a moment of tranquility and reflection, a time when the heart speaks with clarity.

 

Amidst this serene backdrop, an idea sparked – why not host an Iftar potluck on one of our residential rooftops? The idea quickly took hold, with everyone agreeing enthusiastically. But what started as a small gathering among friends soon evolved into something much more significant.

 

An encounter with an alum at a fundraiser led to a generous donation, enabling us to transform our humble Iftar into a grand event. Recognizing the potential, we reached out to the Haas administration, who supported our vision and approved a venue for our larger gathering. The word spread, and the list of attendees grew – reaching 170 sign-ups, including undergraduate and MBA students, alumni, faculty, and even our esteemed Dean Emma Daftary, who graciously accepted our invitation to speak.

 

As the event took shape, we faced a unique challenge: what should we call ourselves? The answer was almost self-evident as we printed our first flyer: "Muslims of Haas Iftar." The name resonated and has since become our identity.

 

That night, as we broke bread together, the energy and unity in the air were palpable. The overwhelming interest from the student body, the heartwarming support from alumni and faculty, and the encouragement from Dean Daftary, all culminated in a unanimous decision – to establish a formal club on campus.

 

By the summer of 2023, our informal group had evolved into an official organization. We registered our club in the fall of 2023, driven by a mission to provide a space for Muslims in business. This initiative was born out of a collective realization of the low representation of Muslims in academia and the corporate workforce. We recognized a pressing need for an organization that would not only serve as a resource for Muslim students aiming for academic and business success but also as a beacon of community and mentorship.

 

From a serene dawn gathering on the steps of Berkeley masjid to the establishment of MoH, our journey has been a testament to the power of community, faith, and shared vision. We continue to strive, grow, and inspire, all the while remembering that magical sunrise where it all began.