Nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, and communal well-being of Muslim students at Stanford
Alhambra exists to nurture and sustain the spiritual, intellectual, and communal well-being of Muslim students at Stanford. We provide spiritual support, nourishment and protection for Muslim students at Stanford.
Alhambra was born out of a need to spiritually support Muslim students at Stanford. While services exist for Muslim students at Stanford, many spiritual needs cannot be fulfilled by a secular institution. The struggle for space for Ramadan and Jumah have continued for decades without plans for future growth and with a growing Muslim population on campus, having only one chaplain means some needs go unmet.
The essence of Alhambra from its inception is following in the footsteps of the Prophet PBUH as he built leaders and communities through his life. He met every person where they were and guided them through their spiritual growth. Alhambra therefore prides itself on being a big tent community that allows for diversity of thought and experience and creates spaces for unity and cohesion for anyone who wishes to follow in his prophetic footsteps PBUH.
Inspired by the Andalusian legacy of Muslim institution building, Alhambra aims to build a lasting endowment to support the Ummah-minded, spiritually-grounded global leaders of tomorrow. Without Alhambra, Muslim students would be subject to the bias of the times, changing administrations, and budget constraints.
Financial Dependence on Stanford University and restrictions on fundraising → Financial independence through an endowment
Vulnerability in a secular institution → Spiritual independence through an external organization
Lack of an established external institution supporting long-term Muslim student spiritual needs → External Advocacy for Muslim students on Stanford campus
Insufficient spiritual support for Muslim students during critical and formational college years → Chaplaincy support for Muslim students navigating their faith, doubt, and relationships
Our work is anchored in the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad PBUH in:
Virtually unchanging financial foundation
Virtually unchanging spiritual support
Dedicated spaces for prayer and community
Virtually unchanging in a secular institution
Virtually unchanging voice for Muslim students
Virtually unchanging support for Muslim students
Representation for students
Virtually unchanging development of future leaders
Virtually unchanging community foundation
Help us build a lasting endowment to support future generations