MA in Middle East and Islamic Studies

Middle East and Islamic Studies homepage

Musah Abubakar

Musah Abubakar

Where are you from?

I am from Kintampo, Ghana.

What was your undergraduate major, and from which university did you graduate?

I graduated from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics (major) and History (Minor). I also hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

What are some causes/ issues you care about? Why?

Perhaps because I was born and raised in a Ghanaian Muslim family, I have a strong interest in the practical application of international human rights norms in Muslim societies.  

What work/intern/volunteer experience do you have and how has it prepared you for your studies?

With funding from University of Cincinnati’s Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights, I spent the summer of 2016 interning at Botswana’s Ministry of Education of Skills Development. That experience sparked my interest in international human rights generally.

What aspects of Mason made you choose to study here?

I was attracted to Mason by the exceptional quality of the professors as well as Mason’s proximity to the DC area.

What do you hope to accomplish while at Mason?

I hope to build upon the exceptional work of the faculty and produce a book worthy of publication.

What are your hobbies?

I like playing table tennis and soccer during my free time.

What are you most looking forward to while living in the DC area?

I look forward to building the necessary connections at Mason and around the DC area that will help me secure a career after graduation.

What is your favorite thing about being a student?

My favorite thing about being a student is the opportunity to be around and learn from some of the greatest minds in the world.

Which languages do you speak?

In addition to English, I am fluent in Hausa and Twi. I also speak some Arabic.

What was the last book you read? Do you recommend it? (Why/why not)

The last book I read was Islam and the Challenge of Human Rights by Professor Abdulaziz Sachedina. I absolutely recommend the book to those interested in human rights issues in Muslim societies because the book provokes needed dialogue between Islam and international human rights.