What is the TMA?

What is this?

TMA Waterloo, or the Thaqalayn Muslim Association Waterloo, is an official student club at the University of Waterloo that was founded in early 2012. The club was formed by a group Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim students in response to a lack of an official support network for the post-secondary Shia Muslim students in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

Although the seat of TMA Waterloo's activities is the University of Waterloo's main campus, the TMA aims to be accessible to all post-secondary students in the region. Thus, the TMA Waterloo’s purpose is to cater primarily, although not exclusively, to the needs of the Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim post-secondary students at the University of Waterloo, and the surrounding region, while simultaneously representing their collective voices and pursuing their ideals.

What are Shi'as?

Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslims believe that the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) left behind two important legacies (Thaqalayn, two weighty things) to guide his followers towards God: the holy Qur'an and his infallible family (the Ahlul Bayt).

The Waterloo TMA aims to help Shia Ithna-Asheri youth practice their faith and build their community by holding regular gatherings, discussions, and special events: fun and spiritually uplifting!

Doesn't the University of Waterloo already have a Muslim club?

Yes, there are other Islam-related student organizations on campus, including the UW Muslim Students Association (MSA). The TMA was formed when it was felt that the MSA, and other Islamic clubs, did not sufficiently address the needs of Shia students in Waterloo. The TMA thus focuses on a specific goal which is different from the more general one of the MSA and of other such clubs. The goals of the TMA are not in conflict with any other organization; in fact, many members of the TMA are also supportive members of these other groups as well.

In plain English:

Are you a student in Waterloo that follows the Qur'an and the Ahlul Bayt? Then the Waterloo TMA exists to make your life - and hereafter - more awesome!