The vision for an organization for Muslim chaplains was first imagined in the summer of 2006. Chaplain Bilal Ansari, then chaplaincy student at Hartford Seminary, invited fellow Hartford Seminary chaplains to meet with him. Six responded positively. Chaplains Abdullah Antepli and Sohaib Sultan took immediate active roles in its conception and formation, and began to engage in conversation about how developing collegial relationships could strengthen their ministry in their respective institutions.

From this first gathering, the Muslim Chaplains Association was formed and Chaplain Ansari served as the first President. With now almost 100 members, the MCA is proud of its history and heritage and the commitment of many gifted leaders to create a way for the strengthening of spiritual care services, marked by professionalism and service, which continues even today.