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Chaplain. Although the word has Christian roots and was originally defined as a member of the clergy, the role and definition of a chaplain has changed as a result of the integration of different faith traditions in hospitals, schools and the military.
Heba Youssef, the new Muslim Chaplain on campus, shares her experience within this field of study and shows the motivations that lead certain individuals to become chaplains.
TM: What is the role of a chaplain?
HY: A chaplain is a mentor, a counselor, an advisor—someone who can offer spiritual guidance to the students. As an undergraduate, I always felt there was a lack of Muslim leaders present and with the rise of post 9/11 Islamophobia, we sorely needed a chaplain figure.
The role of a female chaplain specifically, is especially important because it serves as a way of breaking misconceptions that many people have about women being oppressed or somehow limited in the Islamic tradition.
TM: When did you decide to take this career path?
HY: While I was in college, I always knew I wanted to pursue a deeper study of Islam, in a way where I could also serve the community. I happened to meet someone at Hartford Seminary, who introduced me to the chaplaincy program and it was at that point I knew chaplaincy was what I wanted, and needed to be involved in.
TM: Can you give an example of the training one receives while in the program?
HY: One of the criteria for passing through the chaplaincy program at Hartford Seminary is the completion of at least one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.) where the chaplain works in a hospital setting. It is often a very intensive environment, and the chaplain encounters deaths, traumas, family struggles and so forth.
The chaplain must be available for everyone regardless of gender or religion. As chaplains, we must be familiar with at least the basics of other world religions. We should know how other faiths pray for example, so we can fully accommodate whoever we administer chaplaincy services to.
You may meet people who only have a short time to live and they do not need someone to challenge their faith, they need someone who will be there as a source of comfort and console.
TM: How long have you been in the program?
HY: I have been in the program for three years, and am in the process of writing my thesis. I have completed all the coursework, but still have to finish my C.P.E.
The further I delve into my studies, the more I realize that Islam and even chaplaincy is not something that can fully be understood in this short period of time I have been studying. In the future, I hope to be able to travel, expand my knowledge base and level of experience. My studies are just the beginning.
TM: What degrees will you hold upon completion of the program?
HY: I will have a Masters in Islamic Studies and Christian Muslim Relations, with a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy.
TM: What are your goals at this University?
HY: I hope to be a resource for students and faculty on campus and also to the broader Fairfield community. One of my primary goals as the Muslim chaplain is to facilitate and nurture interfaith activity and dialogue among our campus community.
This will hopefully equip our students in the future, to interact with individuals from other faiths. I emphasize that I am not here solely for the Muslim students on campus, but as a resource for all, regardless of their faith conviction.
TM: How has your experience been since your arrival?
HY: In my few weeks here, I have been able to work with students and faculty, many who had questions about Islam. Despite some of the negative media portrayals surrounding Islam recently, I’ve noticed that people are still genuinely interested in learning about Islam from the proper resources.
I have had a great experience here at Fairfield so far. I feel comfortable on campus and have been able to pray in the campus center without any problems at all. Everyone has just been so welcoming, I feel so very blessed. Alhamdulillah (Praise God).
To learn more about the Muslim Student Association at Fairfield University, please visit Msafairfield.blogspot.com. Youssef is available every Wednesday in the lower level of Campus Ministry. She will later move to Bellarmine Hall, next to the Interfaith Prayer Room. Youssef can be contacted by the following email: hyoussef@fairfield.edu
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