Muslim Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

Certain religions, like Islam, support Muslim college students and their academic journey by providing them opportunities for financial aid and rewards, specifically because they are Muslim. At Bold.org, we believe people of all religions and corners of the world deserve to get an undergraduate education without the burden of student debt, which is why we are here today.

In this article, we will discuss what Muslim scholarships are, Islam, Islamic teachings, and the importance of Islamic scholars in today's society. We will also provide a list of some of the most popular Muslim scholarships available to all students of the Islamic faith. When it comes to education, having the right resources can make all the difference when navigating applications and funding, and it's important that all minorities know they have choices, Muslim college students included.

Are you a Muslim student looking for financial support? Visit Bold.org to create a free profile and learn how to apply for scholarships today!

What Are Muslim Scholarships?

Muslim scholarships are financial aid opportunities specifically for Muslim students (students of the Islamic faith). The purpose of these scholarships is to provide financial support to Muslim and other students who are pursuing their educational goals. This kind of aid can be used towards the costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses like housing. Muslim scholarships are offered by Islamic organizations, foundations, and even institutions founded by and for Muslims, as well as organizations like Bold.org.

Not only does an Islamic scholarship fund provide financial support to Muslim students, but it also promotes a sense of support within the Muslim community. Muslim scholarships not only provide a sense of financial liberty but can also cultivate memories and positive and engaging stories to tell amongst Muslim students after they've completed their studies.

Also, like other scholarships, Muslim scholarships do not have to be repaid. They help students finance their college education while reducing out-of-pocket expenses and minimizing loans.

It's important to note that Muslim scholarship availability may vary depending on specific factors like field of study, region, and country. That's why we recommend doing extensive and thorough research on Muslim scholarships. Be sure to review the requirements of each scholarship to determine if you qualify. This can ensure a successful application process.

Islam and Its Teachings

Before we get into the different kinds of Muslim scholarships, we think it's important to understand Islam and the basis of its teachings.

Islam is the world’s second-most popular religion and is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims believe received revelations from God. These revelations were then compiled into the holy book of Islam, or the Quran (their version of the bible).

Islamic teachings are the principles, beliefs, and practices followed in the religion of Islam. These teachings have been passed down to Muslims for centuries and encompass various aspects of life. Below are some of these key teachings of Islam:

1. Monotheism: The belief in one God (Allah) and rejection of multiple Gods. Muslims believe that Allah is the only one to serve.
2. Five Pillars of Islam: These are the fundamental acts of worship that every Muslim is expected to fulfill: the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), giving to charity (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) for those who are able.
3. Moral and Ethical Conduct: The Islamic religion believes in honesty, justice, kindness, compassion, humility, and respect for others. Muslims are expected to have high moral standards and live righteous lives.
4. Social Responsibility: Islam outlines the importance of caring for the less fortunate and promoting social justice. Muslims are encouraged to give to charity, help those in need, and contribute positively to their communities.
5. Family and Relationships: Islam places great importance on the institution of family and emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of family members. It promotes love, respect, and care within families and encourages strong bonds between spouses, parents, and children.
6. Peace and Justice: Islam promotes peace, harmony, and justice in society. Muslims are encouraged to resolve conflicts peacefully, promote equality, and stand against oppression and injustice.

Though these are just a few examples of Islamic teachings, they cover a wide range of topics and guide Muslims, which can be applied to educational and professional paths.

The Importance of Islamic Scholars

Along with Islam and its teachings, understanding the importance of Islamic scholars in education is key when it comes to scholarships for Muslim students. Islamic scholars are individuals who have dedicated their lives to the study and interpretation of Islamic teachings, principles, and practices and are committed to passing along those same teachings to future Muslim generations.

Islamic scholars preserve knowledge and are responsible for teaching the rich culture and spiritual heritage of Islam to their followers. Much like in education, they study and analyze the Quran and other Islamic texts, ensuring they are accurately understood. These scholars promote religious understanding that fights against misconceptions about Islam. Their knowledge and expertise create an open dialogue to bridge cultural gaps together, creating mutual respect among different communities.

Islamic scholars also provide interpretations of religious texts that help guide Muslims through applying these principles to their daily lives. It's easy to lose sight of things in front of you, so Islamic scholars help clarify any misconceptions about Islamic principles and provide guidance on the topics of faith, ethics, and morality. These scholars serve as educators in their community and encourage Muslim students to get an education. Their teachings contribute to the intellectual and spiritual development of their followers and students, as well as the overall growth of the Muslim community.

Overall, Islamic scholars are essential in preserving Islamic teachings and guiding the Muslim community to a deeper understanding of Islam. Their contributions help shape the minds of Muslim students everywhere.

The Role of Islam Scholars in Modern Society

Islam scholars play a key role in modern society. Not only do they provide guidance to their followers, but the knowledge of Islamic teachings allows others to understand the religion fully and help sway public opinion of religion. Their expertise and understanding of these teachings and principles help shape religious understanding all over the world. Their contribution to the overall well-being of Muslim communities extends from generation to generation and allows followers to extend this knowledge to others, especially when it comes to education.

Oftentimes, Islamic scholars assume leadership roles within Muslim communities and promote community service and unity. They advise community members on matters of religious practice, academic and scholarship opportunities, community development, and social issues. The role of Islam scholars can vary across different contexts, and their influence may differ based on cultural and political factors, but they remain as pillars of their communities.

Different Types of Scholarships for Muslim Students

On top of the variety of associations and foundations dedicated to supporting Muslim women and students, there are scholarships created just for Muslim students, as well. With the increase in tuition costs, scholarships have become a main contribution to the control of educational costs and the reduction of student debt. And luckily for minority groups like Muslims, there are scholarship funds designed just for Muslim students.

Below is our list of some of the most popular Muslim scholarships available to Muslim students:

1. Amana Mutual Funds Scholarship - Award amount: $2,500; minimum GPA of 3.5
2. Islamic Scholarship Fund Media Scholarship - Award amount: $2,500 - $5,000; minimum GPA of 3.0
3. John S. Habib Scholarship in Muslim Studies at Michigan State University (MSU) - Award amount: $2,500
4. Center for Arab American Philanthropy Dr. Adawia Alousi STEM Scholarship for Muslim Women - Award amount: $2,500 - $10,000; minimum GPA of 3.4
5. Islamic Center Partnership Scholarships - Award amounts: $3,000 - $5,000; minimum GPA of 3.0
6. Pitt Muslim Alumni Network Farrukh H. Ali Scholarship - Award amount: $2,500; minimum GPA of 3.25
7. Muslim Youth Leadership Awards (MYLA) General Scholarships- Award amounts vary; students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
8. Plainfield Muslim Women for Better Society Scholarship - Award amount: $500; minimum GPA of 3.5
9. American Muslim Women's Association of Arizona - Award amount: $500 (per semester); minimum GPA of 2.7
10. Dr. Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarships - Award amount: $2,500

Again, these are just a few of the many scholarship programs for Muslim students available. These scholarship funds support all professional fields like film, media, political science, STEM, medicine, and more. In order to find the scholarship program that best suits you, do some research to find out what's out there and what scholarship fund is meant for you.

How to Improve Your Chances of Landing a Muslim Scholarship

Now that you've done your research and know what scholarship works best for you, you find yourself wondering how you can increase your chances of winning a scholarship to get your education. Well, don't worry. We are here to help you!

Here are a few quick tips on how you can improve your chances of landing a Muslim scholarship:

1. Research and apply early: Start your scholarship search now! We believe the early bird gets the worm, and this applies to all aspects of life. Applying early also gives you more time to prepare all the documents needed to submit a strong application.
2. Meet eligibility criteria: The key to improving your chances of getting a scholarship is reviewing the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. This way, you know which ones you qualify for, and you can focus on each of them.
3. Showcase a strong academic record: Many scholarships consider academic performance, so you want to strive for excellence in your studies and maintain a high GPA. Though the GPA requirement depends on each scholarship, we think anywhere between a 3.5 to 4.0 GPA can help you. This can demonstrate your dedication to your education and increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship.
4. Write a strong personal statement: Most scholarship applications require a personal statement or essay, so you want to make sure yours is compelling, showcases your true nature, and highlights your achievements, goals, and qualities.
5. Strong letters of recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers who can speak to your true abilities and character. Choose two letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can provide specific examples of your accomplishments.
6. Participate in extracurricular activities: Getting involved in extracurricular activities showcases your interests and demonstrates leadership. Being involved in your community involvement can impress donors and land you the scholarship of your dreams. Being active in clubs, sports, or volunteering can make you stand out against the rest of the Muslim applicants.
7. Apply, Apply, Apply!: Don't be afraid–apply for multiple scholarships! We know it can be tedious and repetitive, but the more applications you send in, the more aid you could receive. And this goes for rejections, as well. Don't let a rejection discourage you. Apply and go for the gold!

Please Note: every scholarship has its own set of guidelines, scholarship requirements, and qualifications students need to follow in order to be considered. In order to get the scholarship you want, we recommend focusing and working hard on your applications.

Muslim Institutes and Organizations

Before we conclude this article, let's briefly talk about Muslim institutes and organizations. Like HBCUs, Muslim institutes are educational institutions founded by and are for students of the Islamic faith. These institutions provide Muslims a space for safety and community and pride themselves on keeping the rich religion of Islam embedded in their foundation. These schools and organizations provide students with the support they need to pursue higher education.

At Bold.org, we like to make sure you have the information you need, so here is a list of institutions and organizations made to support Muslim college students, including undergraduate freshmen students, graduate students, and students of all grade levels.

1. American Islamic College
2. Zaytuna College
3. The Muslims Women's Association (MWA)
4. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
5. Muslim Student Association
6. The Fadel Educational Foundation

These organizations and institutions pride themselves on breaking any negative portrayals of Islam or religious misconceptions. They honor Muslim college students and aim to support them through their education and all aspects of their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Muslim Scholarships

Do I have to be Muslim to apply for a Muslim scholarship?

Yes! Muslim scholarships are designed for students of the Islamic faith to offer them financial opportunities for higher education. Like traditional scholarships, a Muslim scholarship has its own set of guidelines and requirements in order to be eligible for financial aid. We recommend doing research to see what scholarship works best for you, whether that be merit-based, for media studies, etc., but applicants must practice Islam.

Do I have to be Muslim to go to a Muslim institution?

Luckily for students, you do not have to be Muslim to attend a Muslim institute. These institutions were founded by and for the Muslim community and serve as Islamic centers for education. However, they believe in community and open the doors to people of all religions, races, and backgrounds.

How do I know what scholarship is best for me?

The choice in scholarship should be based on your academic goals and what you choose to pursue as a career. If you are interested in STEM, you'd ideally look for scholarships that support that path. And the same can be said about other professions like media, film, medicine, social science, etc. As long as you meet the requirement criteria, you can apply for as many scholarships as desired!

If you're a Muslim student and looking for extra financial aid for the upcoming year, head over to our blog to learn how you can apply for scholarships.