Visit and FAQs

Yes! A list of both on-campus and off-campus food options can be found here on our website and on Duke Net Nutrition.

Not many universities have a center for Muslim students. For some, the difference between the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the Center for Muslim Life (CML) can be confusing. Duke has a strong MSA that will be connecting with you soon. The CML is a staffed department while the MSA is one of multiple Muslim student groups at Duke. The CML advises the MSA in addition to other student groups. Most importantly, the CML is here to serve all Muslim students regardless of their background, identities, or religious practice. 

Yes. Duke does not cancel classes that coincide with Islamic holidays or important Islamic dates. However, students may speak with their professors and be excused from academic commitments on those recognized days under Duke's religious observance policy. As part of the policy, students are required to notify their professors of any religious holidays that necessitate their absence or accommodations from classes and make alternative arrangements as necessary.

Yes! Duke's religious observance policy requires professors to give accommodations to any students observing any Islamic holidays or important dates. See how here. Moreover, the CML works with staff, faculty, and university departments to educate the community on important Islamic dates and make it easier for students to obtain accommodations.

Yes! Dr. Joshua Salaam is a full-time Muslim Chaplain on campus and Director of the Center for Muslim Life. Imam Abdul Hafeez Waheed works part-time as a Program Associate for the CML.

Many Prophets in Islam were shepherds before they received divine revelation. Some would say this profession of tending to a flock teaches a person patience, humility, kindness, vigilance, and other things needed to serve a community. The term "pastoral care" comes from this tradition of shepherding. Chaplains engage in pastoral care for their communities and focus on the emotional and spiritual wellness of those they serve. The skill of vigilance translates into listening intently and paying attention to the needs of ones community. The tools of patience, humility, and kindness are needed for everything else. Chaplaincy may look different at different institutions and in different industries. However, in higher education, it is common to see chaplains developing social, religious, and educational programming for their community. It is just as common to have a chaplain spend most of their time checking in and speaking with students while supporting the activities the students develop.

The CML offers a robust range of programming and most events are hybrid with both in-person and virtual options. We have regular programming like Jumu'ah prayer services every Friday, Qur'an reading circles called KitabConnect every Tuesday, and networking events like the Triangle Muslim Mixers every semester. The CML also hosts guest speakers, film screenings, facilitates discussions, offers trainings and educational programs, cultural programs, holiday celebrations, Ramadan programming and more. We're always receptive to suggestions for new programming! You can view our programs on our website and on DukeGroups.

During Ramadan, the CML provides free iftar, prayer (maghreb, isha, and taraweeh), and programming Monday-Thursday. Student groups often provide iftar Friday-Sunday. The CML also works with faculty, staff, and academic departments to make them aware of Ramadan and make it easier for students to obtain accommodations. If any students have any issues with this, they should contact a CML staff member.Additionally, the CML works with the Muslim Student Association and Graduate Student Association to host Fajr breakfast club at the CML on West Campus where students can eat suhoor/sehri and pray Fajr. The CML provides transportation for freshmen living on East so that they can get to the CML for Fajr. Check out CML newsletter for up-to-date information on upcoming Ramadan-related programming!

When Eid falls during the academic year, the CML will host Eid prayer and a large celebration for the Muslim community. In recent years, when Eid falls outside of the academic year, the CML puts together a list of local Eid services that students can attend. Students often coordinate rides together and attend the service and have a meal together afterwards.

Yes. There is fear and hatred of Islam and Muslims across America. Duke University is no exception. At the same time, there is love and respect for Muslims at Duke as well. In my four years, I have experienced so much love and respect. Many of the students I work with have received love, respect, and overwhelming support from the university staff and faculty. At the same time, there are Duke students who were harmed by the fear, hatred, and misunderstanding of Islam and Muslims. The Center for Muslim life strives to remain vigilant so we can engage islamophobia wherever it exists. We hope to fulfill part of our mission that states: we create an environment for Muslims to flourish by enriching understandings of Islam through meaningful engagement with students, faculty, staff and alumni