Muslim Life

The Muslim life program is dedicated to providing a supportive community that serves to enrich students through fellowship, study, and worship. Muslim life at UR is rich in diversity, welcoming students from across the United States and around the world. The result is a growing community that strives to learn from one another while sharing each students' unique heritage and interests. Highlights of Muslim life include:

  • Weekly Friday/Jumm'ah Prayer at 1:00 p.m. in the Inter-Religious Prayer Room
  • Weekly discussions/halaqahs and Qur’ān study
  • Monthly social activities
  • Signature events such as the annual Eid Banquet and Islam Awareness Week

Prayer

Friday/Jumuʿah Prayer is held weekly at 1:00 p.m. in the Inter-religious Prayer Room throughout the academic year. The Inter-religious Prayer Room is located in the Wilton Center and is accessible throughout the day for the daily prayers. Prayer rugs, muṣḥaf, scarves, and prayer necessities are available in the room. Ablution/wuḍū’ stations are located on the same floor as the Prayer Room, and slippers are available for use just outside of the Prayer Room.

Muslim Life Staff

Headshot of Waleed Ilyas

Muslim Chaplain: Waleed Ilyas

Waleed Ilyas joined the Chaplaincy staff as Muslim Chaplain in August 2017. Waleed completed his MBA at Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in healthcare management, where he also holds an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. In addition to his part-time role with the Chaplaincy, he is a Project Manager for OCHIN, a nonprofit healthcare company. Waleed is pursuing his Masters in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Islamic Leadership from The Islamic Seminary of America. Waleed is on campus most Tuesday’s and Friday’s; however, can be available on other days upon request. Please contact Waleed at wilyas@richmond.edu or 804.289.6586.

Headshot of Mahreen Azam

Muslim Life Program Coordinator: Mahreen Azam

Mahreen joined the Chaplaincy staff as the Muslim Life Program Coordinator in December 2023. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering, with a minor in Mathematics, from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016. Alongside her responsibilities at the Chaplaincy, she serves as a software developer for a digital products company in Charlottesville. Additionally, Mahreen is the Muslim Life Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College. Mahreen can be reached at mahreen.azam@richmond.edu