Manara West (formerly MSA West) is the leading Muslim student platform dedicated to investing in students with the resources they need to drive forward change and transform communities. For over 25 years, we’ve been strengthening student communities and cultivating the next generation of Muslim leaders.
For over two decades, Manara West has been the hub for Muslim students to connect, grow, and lead. Built by students, for students—our platform empowers the next generation to create impact, strengthen their faith, and uplift their communities.
Manara West is more than just an organization; it is student-led grassroots community solely focused on providing support for Muslim students across the state California. We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Muslim leaders, providing them with the resources and guidance they need to excel spiritually, professionally, and civically.
Your donation this Ramadan not only increases programming and resources for students year round, but also serves as a critical investment in the growth of Manara West. As the ONLY organization in the West Coast Muslim community focused on serving Muslim College students,your support this Ramadan allows Manara West to continue to develop the future leaders, community organizers, scholars and activists for our Ummah.

Rapid Response Support: Manara West offers students Rapid Response support in response to on campus political emergencies, challenges with administration, or concerns around safety and/or harassment. Additionally, Manara West has provided emergency student support funds for student groups organizing around Palestine on college campuses.
Islamic Sacred Activism (ISA) Cohort: Our ISA Cohort is a multi-week educational program that introduces our students to the principles of Islamic sacred activism and how to uphold Islamic values when doing grassroots organizing. The program aims to empower students to become agents of positive change in their communities by providing them with advocacy training and opportunities to address social justice issues on and off campus.
Student Leadership Summit: Our annual Servant Leadership Summit equips new MSA and Muslim student leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully lead their communities spiritually, financially, politically, and professionally. Students are trained by student leader alumni and other professionals in on-campus organizing and leadership.
Annual MSA West Conference: The annual conference is Manara West's flagship program, attracting attendances of up to 1,200 students. The Conference is fully planned and executed by college students across the west coast and focuses on addressing spiritual topics and challenges faced by Muslim college students and allows attendees to network with peers and speakers across the region.
The Manara Resource Center: The next strategic objective is for Manara West to being establishing Manara Resource Centers on college campuses to support Muslim students in:
Free Coffee Shop and Study Spaces
Mental Health and Therapy
Muslim Chaplaincy Support
Financial Aid/Support
Career Mentorship & Guidance
Professional Development Resources
Enable Manara West to provide students with more Professional Development and organizing training and programming.
Allow Manara West to enhance the infrastructure of support for Muslim college students across the West Coast.
Create a culture of communal support for students as they face one of the most challenging campus climates since 9/11.