NEW STUDENTS
Whether you are a prospective student, an incoming freshman, or even a transfer student from another college; we would like to welcome you to the MSA at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana! As a group of brothers and sisters in faith, we realize that our strength lies in our unity as a community, as well as our personal devotion to God. We hope to foster that unity by helping each other along the way as we deal with the struggles of campus lifestyles and the temptations associated with them. MSA is made of students who were once in the same position as you; people who left their established social circles and turned a new chapter in their lives.
Thus, MSA is whatever you decide to make of it! Come to our events and make new friends, learn more about classes and your major, understand more about the Islamic faith, and discover more things about yourself in the process. While our general body consists mainly of Muslims, we are definitely open to non-Muslims who are interested as well!
We hope you enjoy your time here on campus, and once again: Assalaamu 'Alaykum, and may peace be with you!
Praying on Campus
Need to pray, but can't find a spot to do so comfortably? MSA has a place for you! Registered Student Organizations at UIUC are given a reflection room the 2nd floor on the South side of the Illini Union, accessable from the Quad Side enterance.
The spaces listed below are available for prayer during the day. Computers, internet access, and study tables are also available!
Reflection/Meditation/Prayer Room: 254
If you are at Grainger Library, there is a designated prayer/meditation room in the basement, located near the Computer-Based Testing Facility (CBTF).
The Women's Resource Center (703 S Wright St) and Native American House (1206 W. Nevada Street) both have graciously offered rooms to pray as well. Just ask a staff member for a room to pray in, and they will lead the way!
For Friday prayers, there is a masjid on campus called the Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center, located at 106 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL. They have the five daily prayers and Jumuah. There are also arrangements for those who cannot make the times. Check out the CIMIC tab for more information.
A Few Tips...
MSA PRESENTS
Halal Restaurants
Below is a list of locations on or near campus that serve some or all Zabiha food options. Restaurants are subject to change their suppliers so please inquire about Zabihah menu items when ordering.
Signature Grill
Indian Cuisine
505 E Green St
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 607-0893
11AM–10PM
Most, if not all, of the food served is Zabiha.
Kohinoor
Indian Cuisine
6 E Columbia Ave
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 552-1384
11AM–3PM, 4:30–10PM
A new dine in spot for delicious Indian food. Most, if not all, of the food served is Zabiha.
Garbanzo
Mediterranean Cuisine
Illini Union, 1401 W Green St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 239-4737
10:30AM-8PM
Located in the basement of the Illini Union, Garbanzo offers a variety halal Mediterranean options, from salads to pita sandwiches.
Ambar India
Indian Cuisine
605 S Wright Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 344-1500
11:00AM - 10:00PM
Many, if not all, of the options at Ambar India are Zabiha. We encourage you to inquire further if you choose to visit.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
American Cuisine
922 W Bradley Ave,
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 552-1800
10:30AM - 9:00PM
A new MSA-favorite, Krispy Krunchy Chicken serves mostly Zabiha food and is in the process of introducing a fully Zabiha menu soon.
Niro's Gyros
American Cuisine
1007 W University Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 328-6476
11:00AM - 2:00AM
A long-time MSA spot, Niro's Gyros has all the Zabiha food for your midnight-studies-hunger. Most, if not all, of the food Niro's Gyros serves is Zabiha.
Super Niro's Gyros
American and Mediterranean Cuisine
608 W Towncenter Boulevard
Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 954-1717
10:00AM - 11:00PM
A new addition to the family of Niro's Gyros, this location is nothing short of super. A mashup of American and Mediterranean food will satisfy everyone's cravings. Not all food served is Zabiha. A Zabiha menu is available upon request.
For a full list, check out zabihah.com
Halal Meat Supply
If you like to cook at home, you may want to purchase Zabiha meat on campus. We have a of couple options.
Strawberry Fields
306 W Springfield Ave
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 328-1655
9AM-8PM
Strawberry Frield Market and Natural Foods Store offers a variety of frozen Zabiha meat, as well as all the spices and condiments to make your meal a meal from home.
Harvest Market
2029 S Neil Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 355-7878
6AM-11PM
A variety of certified Halal chicken and beef products from Crescent Foods can now be purchased at Harvest Market in Champaign.
AM-KO Oriental Foods & Gifts
101 E Springfield Ave,
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 398-2922
10AM-9PM
AMKO offers a selection of frozen Zabiha meat, as well as a variety of spices, rice, lentils, and other items.
Madinah Market
www. madinahmarket.com
Madinah Market offers a wide variety of meats. Once a month, Madinah Market delivers Zabiha meat from Chicago to the Urbana-Champaign Community. You can buy in bulk and keep your meat stowed away for convenient use.
Halal Food in Dining Halls
Through the support of the community, MSA and other organizations UIUC dining halls now serve Zabiha meat. All items that are Zabiha in dining halls are clearly labled.
