"We wanted people to realize that this [the faith] is the central core of Islam, and the rest of Islam is drawn from that," Khan says.

Islamic Society members say there is a need for more understanding and education about Islam.

"We all respect each others' religions, but I think people would like to learn a little bit more about what we do," says Aasma A. Khandekar '96.

Khandekar says she would like the College to offer more courses about Islam and Muslim culture.

She also says there is a need for more campus-wide recognition of Islamic holidays and traditions.

"We're leading a student life, but at the same time there's something bigger out there that we're trying to be a part of," Khandekar says.

Ahmad says the Islamic Society helped her in the transition to college life by connecting her with classmates who shared her beliefs.

"Your community sort of substitutes for your family," she says.

Working With the Administration

While Harvard undergraduates have been very receptive to Islamic students on campus, some Muslims say the administration has not listened to their needs and concerns.

Prayers, which are required five times a day, are done in solitude and can usually be worked around class schedules.

On Fridays, however, Muslims are expected to congregate for weekly prayer services from 1 to 2 p.m., often causing difficulty for students with conflicting classes.

"What people have had to do is totally skip the classes and try to get notes from other students," Khan says. "If it were possible for the University not to schedule classes from 1 to 2 on Fridays, it would be a big help."

Khan says other colleges and universities, including at least one other Ivy League school, already have policies banning class during the Friday prayer time.

In addition, Harvard's three-hour final exams make it impossible for observant Muslims to take a final without leaving for at least 15 minutes in the middle to pray.