Cleveland State University's Muslim Student Association (MSA) met for its monthly “Deen N Dine,” at the Student Center Ballroom on the evening of Feb 14.

The students began with prayer, followed by a meal and then a speaker, Sheikh Musa Sugapong, a scholar and a local Sheikh, addressed the gathering.

“Deen and Dine” is a gathering the MSA has hosted monthly for three years now. Students meet to eat, learn about or deepen their understanding of Islam and build a sense of community with friends. The food served Tuesday was spicy and savory lamb, rice and salad from Arabian Village.

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_{The spicy and savory Middle Eastern style food served at the Deen N Dine
was from Arabian Village. (credit: Jayla Salter)}

In keeping with Islamic culture, during prayers, the women and men were on opposite sides of the room, with the women behind the men, so they could not be seen by them. The room was also partitioned, as shown in the picture.

“We do that to protect the modesty of the women,” said Farah Shaheen, vice president of MSA and a sophomore at CSU majoring in Health and Science.

While praying, everyone faced Mecca.

“No matter where you are in the world, you always pray toward the direction of the Kaaba,” said Shaheen. 

The Ka’aba (“cube”) is the most sacred site in Islam, known as the sacred bayt Allah (House of God). It is located at the heart of the sacred mosque Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 

This month's speaker was Sheikh Musa Sugapong. He took questions from the students before the event and answered them while they ate. 

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_{Sheikh Musa Sugapong speaking to the students at the “Deen N Dine,” Feb. 14. (credit: @clestatemsa | Instagram)}

“Deen N Dine” is open to all students at CSU, not just Muslim students. If you want to learn about Islam or attend any of the MSA's events, visit the Muslim Student Association's Instagram @clestatemsa.

Looking ahead, the association is partnering with the Miftaah Institute and Case Western Reserve University Muslim Student Association to host a conference this weekend.

"Anchored by the Quran" will be at the La Villa Conference and Banquet Center from 3 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 26. The speakers at the conference are scheduled to be Sheikh Yasir Qadhi, Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed, Sheikh Suleiman Hani, Sheikh Musa Sugapong, Ustadh Majed Mahmoud and Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed.

CSU's Muslim Student Association invites all students, regardless of their faith, to attend. You can learn more here.