Syma Sheikh

Syma Sheikh
Hampshire College
Intercultural Community Advisor

Email: ssSLC@hampshire.edu

 

Syma Sheikh was born and raised in Pakistan, where she studied Islam from elementary school through college. She chose Islamic studies as one of her subjects at the University of Karachi, Pakistan, which inspired her deep and continuing interest in Islam.

She settled in the United States in 1997. Prior to coming to this country, she was employed by the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Karachi, Pakistan. She served as the executive secretary of the U.S. Information Agency, and received three awards for excellent performance during her six-year tenure.

Hampshire is just the right place for her to share her knowledge of and interest in the further study of faiths with students. She has co-facilitated with students on programs of Dhur prayers; Desi lunches; and celebrations of Eid al Adha, Ramadan, Diwali, and Holi. She advises students about the Baha’i, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian faiths.

Sheikh is the mother of three precious children and has a wonderful husband. Besides serving Hampshire, she also works as an interpreter for state offices, schools, and two major medical centers in the area. She enjoys reading and travel.

 

NOTES AND QUOTES

Related to:
Hina Sheikh, 64
Mohammed Sheikh, 68
Hina Sheikh, 29
Khairun Sheikh
Brodeur Shamshard, 56

 

• Sept. 11, 2001
• Nov. 2001  – From the Heart: Shamshad Sheikh Journeys to Afghanistan
• Jan. 2002 – Mt Holyoke Chaplain Shamshad Sheikh recounts Afghan suffering due to Islam
• Feb. 2002 – Local Colleges Are Scrambling for Muslim Chaplains like Shamshad Sheikh

Aug. 31, 2010 WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Muslims around the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan.

One young lady was the center of a special celebration here in western Massachusetts.

Nine-year-old Maherah Sheikh fasted for the first time on Friday.

Muslims fast from dawn until sunset during Ramadan, then feast until sunrise, making Ramadan the biggest month for food sales throughout the Muslim world.

“It’s really important to me because it just shows that I really really love my religion,” said Maherah Sheikh of Chicopee.

“The celebration; we all get together to encourage the kids growing up that they should be fasting too as soon as they reach that age,” said Syma Sheikh, Maherah’s mother.

About 50 people attended Maherah’s Friday night celebration.