A community where you belong

About us

We are the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), dedicated to bringing together Muslim students for faith, friendship, and personal growth. Our goal is to foster a vibrant, supportive community where students can connect, learn, and thrive. 

 

Our Mission & Vision

At MSA Avicenna, we aim to:

  • Create a welcoming community for Muslim students in Wageningen.
  • Promote cultural awareness and interfaith dialogue.
  • Organize educational, social, and spiritual activities that enrich student life.

We envision a campus where all students feel supported and connected, regardless of background.

 

Named after Avicenna

MSA Avicenna is inspired by Ibn Sina (Avicenna), a major scholar of the Islamic Golden Age known for his contributions to medicine, philosophy, and science. He saw faith and reason as complementary, where seeking knowledge is a form of worship.

The association carries this legacy by encouraging students to pursue academic excellence, critical thinking, and meaningful contribution to society while staying grounded in Islamic values. It promotes curiosity across all disciplines and aims to develop students who combine intellectual growth with integrity, compassion, and community impact.

Our Values

Community
Creating a welcoming environment where every student feels connected, valued and supported.
Respect
Treating everyone with kindness, dignity and compassion regardless of background or beliefs.
Diversity
Celebrating the many cultures, languages and experiences within our international community.
Faith
Strengthening our relationship with Allah through worship, knowledge and good character.
Friendship
Building lifelong friendships through meaningful activities, collaboration and mutual support.
Sustainability
Taking responsibility for people and the planet by promoting sustainable choices and stewardship.

Avicenna in Numbers

2021 Founded
80 Active Members
30 Activities Each Year
20 Nationalities
3 Continents
15 Languages Spoken

In their own words

Stories from our community

For me, MSA Avicenna is much more than a student association. It has become a family away from home. Through the friendships I built, I found people who genuinely care, encourage one another, and remind each other of Allah. As an international PhD student, there were times when I felt stressed and lonely, but having this community around me made those moments much easier. It has strengthened my faith, lifted my spirit, and given me friendships that I will always cherish. What stays with me most are the simple moments after the events, sitting together, sharing our stories, reflecting on life, and supporting one another.

A
Akib
Sandwich PhD candidate

The association gave me a community that understands me and my beliefs, which wasn't easily accessible in a western country. Given that the culture in these countries is different and fun usually involves bars, alcohol and clubs, Avicenna gave me a space to feel comfortable and have fun while respecting the boundaries of my religion and beliefs. Many friendships and moments stuck with me during my time at Avicenna — from the video game nights to the barbecues during Eid, to the debates, to the wedding of a dear friend — all those moments made life in a new country bearable and way more amusing.

F
Farouk
Alumni

Leaving home to study abroad is exciting, but it can also be challenging, especially when you don't know anyone. In those first days, when everything was unfamiliar, MSA Avicenna gave me the chance to meet amazing people who made a new place feel like home. It gave me a true sense of Ummah. Sharing Ramadan and Eid, supporting one another, and growing together in faith showed me that Avicenna is not just a student association, but the community that strengthens you.

O
Ouijdan
PhD candidate

As someone who had just moved to a new country, I was looking for a community where I could fit in and connect with others. MSA Avicenna has provided a welcoming environment where I have built new friendships, enjoyed inspiring reminders, and met people who share the same values. It has also been a refreshing break from the routine of PhD life.

C
Chaima
Sandwich PhD student

Avicenna created an atmosphere that makes me feel at home at my workplace. The community feeling is very comforting and encourages me to keep doing my work with a lot of enthusiasm. The association made it possible for me to create a lot of friends from all over the world and knowing a lot of cultures.

M
Mahmoud
Employee

Avicenna has a unique quality: you experience an incredible diversity of cultures while also discovering how deeply connected we all are through our shared believe and humanity. I met people from Sudan, Indonesia, Iran, Morocco, and many other countries, and we shared unforgettable moments together. For some of them, those connections have lasted far beyond university and have grown into lasting friendships. I believe you'll truly understand what makes Avicenna so special once you experience it for yourself. It is a place where you can connect, learn, and grow in every sense of the word.

A
Ayoub
Alumni

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