USF Welcomes First Muslim Chaplain to Campus

“We value our strong and growing Muslim community on campus, and we know that Imam Sundiata will provide additional support, spiritual care, and advocacy for the community,” said Angélica Quiñónez, director of University Ministry. 

“Not only is he a native of the Bay Area, but he is also quite familiar with USF, having assisted with Jummah Prayer in previous years. He's a fantastic addition to our team and our USF community."

Imam Sundiata talks about his family, how he turned to Islam, and his hopes for his tenure at USF.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Berkeley. My parents were divorced, so it was me, my two sisters, and my mother until my mom remarried when I was about 13. My stepfather also had two girls and a boy — we were like a NorCal Brady Bunch.

Can you describe your background in Islam? 

As a child, I had many religious questions, and often asked myself what my relationship was with God. A turning point in my life came in the 11th grade, when I moved in with my father full-time and began to practice the religion of Islam with him. That’s when I first got intentional about Islam and began to seriously pray, and that was the first year that I fasted during the month of Ramadan.

What are your thoughts about serving at a Jesuit university?

Here’s a funny story: When I was young, my father brought me to USF a few times because they used to do the Islamic Friday prayer in the basement of the church on campus. Now, God willing, I will be leading the Islamic Friday prayers on campus.

What are your goals as USF's first imam?

My main goal is to help enhance the spirit of community on campus and be a resource that can aid students’ spiritual well-being.

What are some tenets of the faith that you'd like non-Muslims to know?

I pray that people understand that the core of the religion of Islam is love — love for God and love for his creation. Faith is a light that beams in the breast of a believer, and the prophet said, “No one will get to heaven unless they believe and none of us will believe until we love one another. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace among yourselves.”

Can you describe a typical Friday service? Are all students welcome to join, or is it for Muslim students only?

Friday service is when the Muslims congregate with a sermon and a prayer. The word for Friday in Arabic is Jumma, which literally means “gathered.” Everyone is welcome at our services, which are on Fridays in University Ministry’s Romero Room at 1:30 p.m.