The Muslim community at Connecticut College offers a welcoming space for worship, learning, and connection. With the support of a Muslim chaplain, students receive spiritual guidance and opportunities for personal and communal growth. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) organizes a wide range of social, cultural, and intellectual events—including movie nights, communal dinners, monthly halaqas, trips, and guest speaker programs fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Dr. Hazza Abu Rabia
College Chaplain
Dr. Hazza Abu Rabia is a Professor of Arabic Language, Culture, and Society at the University of Connecticut and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Arabic at Connecticut College. He holds dual M.A. degrees in Islamic Studies from Hartford Seminary and Judaic Studies from the University of Connecticut, as well as an Ed.D. in Leadership and Education from the University of Hartford. With deep expertise in Islam and its culture, his teaching focuses on changes in Islamic and Arabic culture, Arabic Language, and Arabic literature. He has developed courses and earned teaching awards from the University of Hartford (2016) and the University of Connecticut (2021). Dr. Abu Rabia has authored books such as Palestine and Diaspora: Photographer Fadil Nassir Saba (2021), alongside peer-reviewed articles. He also served as an advisor for Muslim and Arab international students at the University of Hartford.
Halal Dining
Harris Dining Hall provides halal grilled chicken and halal beef burgers.
Places for Worship
The Prayer Room and the Islamic Cultural Center, located in the common room of Knowlton, provide Muslims with a dedicated space for daily prayers, weekly Friday khutbas, and spiritual reflection. Open to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds, the space fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and respect. It is equipped with Qur’ans, Islamic books, prayer mats, shawls, coverings, and culturally significant artwork to support both worship and learning.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, the Muslim Student Association hosts several Iftar gatherings to bring the community together. In collaboration with Dining Services, take-out options for both Suhoor and Iftar are made available to students observing the fast. Weekly transportation to the local mosque for Tarawih prayers is organized, and on-campus Tarawih prayers are held occasionally to accommodate student needs.
Learn More
To learn more about the Muslim Student Association and the events and resources it offers throughout the year, you can join the MSA WhatsApp group or contact the Office of Religious and Spiritual Programs. You may also reach out directly to the Muslim chaplain for more information.
Local Places of Worship
The Islamic Center of New London 16 Fort St, Groton, CT (860) 405-8006
ICOP - Islamic Center of Preston (Norwich Masjid) 128 CT-2, Preston, CT 06365 (860) 213-9582