By Alaa Abdeldaiem 

Sep/Oct 2024

Every summer since 2014, a remarkable event unfolds that shapes the future of Muslim leadership across the U.S: The Muslim Youth of North America’s (MYNA) Annual Summer Leadership Summit (SLS). This July, the highly anticipated event gathered around 60 youth from across the country, each poised to take on significant roles as executive committee and regional executive committee officers. The summit is a transformative experience, combining technical training, spiritual development, professional growth, and interactive workshops to prepare these young leaders for their upcoming responsibilities.

The SLS cornerstone, its comprehensive technical training program, provides in-depth instruction on the practical aspects of leadership roles within MYNA. From learning how to effectively manage meetings, organize events, and follow various policies and procedures to mastering software like Google Suite, Notion, and more, participants are equipped with the essential tools they need to excel in their positions. Youth are also trained on the inner workings of fundraising, cold calling, marketing, outreach, project management, and similar activities. 

Spiritual Development

Recognizing that effective leadership in our community is deeply rooted in spiritual strength, the summit stresses spiritual development. Participants engage in sessions that deepen their understanding of Islamic principles and practices, Quranic studies, reflections on the Prophet’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) life, and discussions on how to incorporate Islamic values into their leadership styles — activities designed to foster a stronger connection with their faith. 

Youth are joined by scholars and teachers such as Mufti Abdulwahab Waheed (co-founder, Miftaah Institute), Sh. Abdullah Waheed (director, Islamic Affairs at Flint [Mich.] Islamic Center), Ustadha Hazel Gomez (board member, Rabata), Ustadh Ammar Alquoqa, Dr. Jawad Shah, and others. The event prepares youth leaders to lead with integrity and purpose by nurturing their spiritual well-being.

“The environment was incredibly supportive and inclusive, making it easy to connect with everyone and share ideas,”said Farah H. “I left SLS feeling empowered, equipped with new skills, and ready to implement what I learned in my upcoming term as Vice President. This summer has truly ignited a passion in me to lead with purpose and compassion. I am grateful for this unforgettable experience and look forward to continuing my journey as a leader.”

The summit also offers a robust professional development program designed to enhance participants’ skills in areas that are crucial for their future careers and personal growth. Workshops on public speaking, time management, teamwork, and strategic planning provide invaluable insights and practical knowledge. Guest speakers from various professions share their experiences and offer guidance, thereby inspiring the youth to aspire to excellence in all aspects of their lives.

One of the SLS’ most dynamic aspects is its engaging, hands-on, and collaborative workshops. These interactive sessions inspire participants to actively contribute and learn from one another. Workshops cover a wide range of topics, among them how to give and receive feedback, manage different personalities on a team, utilize creativity, and develop a unique vision. 

Meaningful Group Activities

Fun challenges such as an obstacle course and an Islamic scavenger hunt also encourage youth to work as a team in the spirit of fun and learning. Through group activities, role-playing, and brainstorming sessions, participants develop creative solutions to real-world challenges and build strong bonds with their peers.

Beyond these training and development sessions, the summit also provides an invaluable opportunity for youth to connect and form lasting friendships. These relationships create a supportive network of like-minded individuals who share a common vision of our community’s future. By fostering these connections, the summit helps to build a united and resilient generation of leaders who will continue to support and inspire each other long after the event has concluded.

“SLS was a perfect balance of spiritual rejuvenation, skill building, and team bonding,” said Mahmoud E. “These lessons not only enriched my knowledge but also instilled a sense of pride and motivation to emulate the strength and dedication of the leaders that came before us in our everyday life and work.”

The impact of MYNA’s SLS extends far beyond the event’s duration. The skills, knowledge, and relationships gained empower participants to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. As they step into their roles as MYNA executive committee and regional executive committee officers, these young leaders are well-prepared to lead initiatives, inspire their peers, and drive positive change. In short, they are ready to have a lasting impact on their communities and the world.

Alaa Abdeldaiem is the MYNA Manager in ISNA’s Youth Development Department

 Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post Building a Network of Future Leaders appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Naazish YarKhan

July/Aug 2024

Zahra Basha, a newly minted graduate of University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, used her May wedding as a platform against the genocide in Palestine. It made perfect sense, considering she was one of 46 students arrested for protesting on campus. Every place setting at her wedding had the name and age of a martyr, and the program had a designated moment for guests to make dua for their assigned martyr. “Free Palestine” embossed wrappers adorned 650 chocolate coins. Her speech made sure that Palestine was on every single mind during the festivities. 

Basha is still shocked at the police brutality she and her peers were subjected to at their school administrators’ behest. It began in response to a peaceful student sit-in on Nov. 17, 2023. “The Regents and UMich administration mobilized not only campus security and police, but also police departments in neighboring counties. They not only kept us from entering the school building, but the way the police handled the situation was inherently escalatory,” Basha recalls. “They were violently brutalizing, handcuffing, shoving students who were peacefully exercising their right to freedom of speech. Students were thrashed on the ground. It caused mass hysteria.” 

Among the 200+ protesters, Basha and 45 others were arrested and criminally charged that day. A police officer yanked off her hijab. As PR director for Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE; www.facebook.com/SAFEUmich/), her role has been to record everything — and she has horrific footage of that day. What unfolded that first time has only been the beginning of extremely violent repression of its students.  

The injustices against Palestinians have always struck a chord with Basha, particularly as a Muslim with Indian origins who saw the links and connections between Israel’s occupation of Palestine and India’s occupation of Kashmir. Having attended a “very Zionist high school that was always pushing a particular agenda about Palestinians and misconceptions about Muslims,” joining SAFE, once she was at college, was only natural. 

When she was a sophomore, SAFE comprised seven board members. “Palestine, then, was an issue that only those in the Muslim community or those affected by it spoke up about,” she remarks. Raising awareness was SAFE’s first order of business. Though tiny in terms of scale, it held annual cultural events, a mock Apartheid Wall demonstration to display the on-going injustice, protests against the Birth-Right trip event on campus, as well as teach-ins about the history of the occupation, how Israel came into being and what the term Nakba means. 

Michigan is familiar with large-scale protests and mass organizing in support of Palestine, given that Dearborn is home to a huge Palestinian population. That said, on campus “it was the same people, the same SAFE board members who were mobilizing and organizing. Few others cared to respond or show up.” As a result, the organization faced little backlash from school administrators during her first years on campus. Naturally, all that changed after October 7th. In addition, she had never anticipated the level of police brutality, how violently administrators would crack down on the student movement or how consistently they’d ignore student demands.  

She believes the urgency is so much more potent today. The current board has grown to 20 members. SAFE is also at the forefront of a coalition of 69+ student organizations, mainly comprising minority student groups and those centered around civil rights. Beginning in early October 2023, the coalition issued a list of student demands asking the school to take accountability for the anti-Muslim and anti-Arab sentiments being encouraged on campus even by the administration. It also continued to call on the school to stop profiting from The Genocide in Palestine and to divest. “It’s our tuition that goes towards the school’s endowment that profits from war, and not just in Israel but across the globe. We continue to demand that the school stop funding the murder of some of our student’s family members in Palestine,” says Basha.

Even as students were being criminally prosecuted, brutalized by the police and doxed, the demand for dialogue was ignored. Even worse, the school responded with policies to repress freedom of speech. This became the spark for the encampments. “The encampments were a physical manifestation of the students’ refusal to be silenced and ignored,” Basha said. What began as a student-led effort burgeoned to include community members who’ve been willing to put their jobs and careers on the line.  

On May 22, 30+ days into the encampments, the police used bulldozers and tables to plough through tents and destroy property, tear-gassed and pepper sprayed students. “Even after this next level of violence, our movement has not only grown but been strengthened by our refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer. We must remember that the repression we are facing is part of a global hegemonic system to perpetuate colonial agendas and silence minorities,” Basha concluded.

At the time of writing, the UMich administration continues to ignore demands to engage in dialogue.

Naazish YarKhan is a writing tutor and college essay coach. To learn more, visit WritersStudio.us.  

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post UMich Green Lights Police Brutality on Campus appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Nayab Bashir

July/Aug 2024

There is an American dream beyond the standard striving for upward mobility. It’s a dream of inclusion and integration, of equity. Perhaps that is what some mothers were looking for when they signed their daughters up for Girl Scouts Troop 149. 

The Girl Scouts has long been a coming-of-age rite of passage. One in three women in the U.S. was a Girl Scout at some point in their life. The organization claims to build “girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.” Unfortunately, as of late, some disagree. 

This past cookie season, Troop 149 of St. Louis, Mo., wanted to sell bracelets instead of cookies and donate the proceeds to Palestine. Not long after they announced their plans, their parent chapter, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, aggressively responded with a very clear message that the organization didn’t participate in political and partisan activities: “Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Girl Scouts of the United States have no other choice than to engage our legal counsel to help remedy this situation and to protect the intellectual property and other rights of the organization” (Erum Salam, “Girl Scout troop disbands after parent chapter blocks Palestine fundraiser”, March 5, 20245, The Guardian). Not only was this surprising, but also hypocritical, as other Girl Scout troops had organized to help Ukraine after Russia’s February 2022 invasion. The Girl Scout’s website shows a troop in Ohio awarded one of the organization’s highest recognitions, the Girl Scout Bronze Award, for collecting medical supplies and packing first aid kids, friendship bracelets and cookies to be distributed in Ukraine (www.girlscouts.org/en/site-search.html?q=ukraine).

Hurt and Disappointment

Aside from the fear that accompanies a threat of legal action, the situation was hurtful and triggering for Troop 149’s founder Nawal Abuhamdeh, a Brooklyn-born Palestinian American. The stark contrast of the organization’s response to the Ohioan troop and her own stirred memories of being excluded as a child because of her identity. Both her parents were born in Beit Hanina, a West Bank village on the road connecting Ramallah to al-Quds (Jerusalem). Despite a daily yearning to return to her homeland, Abuhamdeh hasn’t visited her beloved Palestine since 2016. “Palestine is my home, my true love, and I dream of a day I can live there freely,” she states. 

A freelance product designer and mother of four, Abuhamadeh has worked with various Islamic nonprofits in St. Louis. She and her husband have dedicated their lives to raising practicing Muslim children who will make a positive difference in the world. “We want to ensure that they have more opportunities as second-generation Muslim Palestinian Americans than we did as the first-generation,” Abuhamadeh said. 

“This was one of the reasons behind founding the troop in 2019. My intentions were clear: ‘I wanted our girls to learn the skills they need to be strong, independent community leaders, using their Muslim identity as their superpower.’”

She believes the Girl Scouts’ mission aligned with her values of boosting “girls’ courage, confidence and character.”  She feels it’s like following the Prophet’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sunnah — to use our values to make the world a better place. 

Every year, the troop put in a lot of energy into cookie season, selling about $8,000 worth of them each year. They followed each rule. 

But this year was different, for there are no rules and policies when it comes to advocating against a genocide. Thus, the troop decided not to participate in the annual cookie season. “We believe that in times of crisis and hardship, it is crucial to prioritize empathy, compassion and support for those who are suffering,” Abuhamadeh said. “At such a time cookies didn’t feel like the right focus. We couldn’t fathom selling cookies when our brothers and sisters are being forced to starve. We couldn’t sell cookies during a genocide.

“I am no longer going to stay quiet to make other people feel more ‘safe’ or comfortable about my identity. How could anyone see images of children and people in shreds, videos of children being amputated without anesthesia, mothers screaming for their children, children begging for their parents and not do anything about it? It is all horrific. And the worst part is that this is all man-made and our ‘leaders’ are doing nothing about it.” 

While the leaders may not be doing much, when the 10-year-olds in troop saw the images, they were in tears and ready for action. They watched “Farha,” – a 2021 internationally co-produced historical drama film about a Palestinian girl’s coming-of-age experience during the Nakba (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farha_(film)), at a group movie night and followed it with a restorative circle with a mental health specialist where each girl cried and expressed their feelings about what is happening in Palestine. They said they felt guilty for being happy when kids in Gaza are being killed, displaced and injured. 

The girls, of Pakistani, Jordanian, Somali and Palestinian heritage, didn’t feel they could be happy selling cookies. They asked if they could sell bracelets instead to raise funds for Gaza. Adults agreed and quickly set their idea in motion. 

Girl Scouts Disapproves

It is uncertain how exactly The Girl Scouts of USA found out about the troop’s plans. It was never a secret, as at the time the foundation’s reaction was unexpected.

Before Abuhamadeh could respond to the first email, she had three more in her inbox. She was afraid they may take legal action against her. The message was clear. The email called for immediate removal of all communication, social media posts and reference to the organization in the troop’s efforts, stating clearly that this was not an approved activity. Upset, confused and worried, Abuhamadeh contacted CAIR-Missouri and was asked to “keep them in the loop.”

“I independently responded to them, expressing that this is not political or partisan and how dire the humanitarian crisis is in Gaza.” More than anything, she was disappointed. She exchanged a few emails and texts with CAIR but was told that “they didn’t notice a discrimination case.” Some feel the matter is resolved; however, Abuhamadeh and her troop do not agree. 

The troop disbanded because it felt that The Girl Scouts don’t practice what they preach. Prior to this situation, everything their troop had participated in embodied the organization’s values. Abuhamadeh ensured that the meetings and activities were girl-led, that members left each meeting better than they’d come, were honest and fair with each other and the people they were around and made their communities better through their service. 

The Girl Scouts no longer holds any appeal for the former troop. “After their long silence, we aren’t expecting them to apologize. We’ve come to accept that, and [it] further makes us feel that we made the right decision to leave Girl Scouts. Their organization isn’t a good fit for us, who we are and the causes we stand for. If you aren’t pro-peace and anti-genocide, we don’t want to be associated with you. We’d prefer to stay on the right side of history.” 

After CAIR contacted Girl Scouts, their chief executive, Bonnie Barcykowski wrote that they “were disappointed and disheartened by what recently transpired” and they “recognize the greater clarity and additional education is needed regarding fundraising policies.” Further adding “this is a learning moment for our organization as we realize we can always do better. We know we should always lead with empathy and recognize the incredible need for kindness and compassion during this difficult time, we are also deeply committed to advancing belonging, inclusion, and anti-racism as an organization and within our membership, and we will continue to ensure that we address all communities, including the Muslim and Arab communities. GSUSA will be working alongside our council partners to review this incident and make the necessary adjustments to prevent it from happening in the future. We realize we missed an opportunity to champion our troops while they make a difference.”

Bracelets Bring Big Bucks

The resilient group of girls has moved onward and upward. On their first order form they sold 600 bracelets in two weeks. Once the story hit social media, they sold 2,106 bracelets in less than four days and had to close orders again. They called out to volunteers and were humbled by the response as people from all over southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois joined them to help complete and dispatch orders. 

As of early May, the troop has raised over $20,000 for Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. 

Abuhamadeh accepted every interview request from all media sources, including STLPR, NBC, Washington Post, The Guardian and more, but refused to interview with FOX for their biased and racist coverage of Gaza. “I wasn’t going to give them an opportunity to slice my interview into being the story that they want to tell, putting me in jeopardy of portraying me in a negative light.”

Her daughter Mariyah Abdelbaset,11 joined her for an interview with NPR. It was an emotional moment for both. “It was my first interview with my daughter, and I was proud of her for using her voice. I was sad to hear her talk about how she doesn’t feel like she could be happy when the kids of Gaza are not. I was thankful that I was given the opportunity to tell our story, amplify the voice of Palestinians and could inspire others to stand up for what is right in the world. It is only when we are united that we can make an impact in the world.”

Unsure of what the future holds, Abuhamadeh and the girls are choosing to focus on the positive and hope to enter the new chapter with excitement and motivation to make a positive difference in the world. 

Nayab Bashir is a literature aficionado with an English literature degree to prove it. 

 Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post Cookies Without Conscience appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Naazish YarKhan

July/Aug 2024

A generation once written off as soft and self-absorbed, as kids raised on filters, selfies and trigger warnings, is showing the world what they are truly made of. Shorouk Akarah, a senior at DePaul University, joined the pro-Palestine, pro-ceasefire efforts through the DePaul Divest Coalition, a group of organizations that want to make sure that DePaul is on the right side of history. She also worked on efforts to get Chicago to pass the resolution in favor of a ceasefire. 

“In a sense, Chicago passing a resolution gave us a leg up to do more things. I had never imagined it would get to encampments,” Shorouk said. “That students would have to camp out for days and weeks on end for schools to acknowledge that this was happening. We don’t know exactly where our tuition dollars are going, and students across campuses want to know. Our tuition dollars are killing our family members in Gaza. No matter whether you have a relative in Gaza or not, we are all Palestinian.”

Her role in the DePaul encampment is to manage the supply, medic and food tents, and collect donations, to ensure that those staying at the encampments overnight have all they need. “Us students are the next generation. We are the ones that are going to see this through, insha Allah,” Shorouk said. “No matter how old or young you are, it is very important [to be involved] not just as Palestinians, but as people in general. It is about time.” Awareness and education are critical to keep the momentum going, she emphasizes. 

She agrees that this all started way before Oct. 7, 2023. The siege on Gaza is heading into 17 years. The occupation has [lasted for] over 76 years.  “Why do people continue to let it happen? Knowing all this is very important, because it keeps you going,” she said. She believes that calling for divestments, besides the economic ramifications, is also a call for schools to recognize what is happening right now. 

Police Brutality

However, the police brutality that ensued in response to the encampments across some campuses did not surprise her.  

“We’ve always been taught that the police look at us as ‘the other,’ the aggressors, when it is the opposite. Police escalate things or do nothing to protect the students in encampments,” she relates. “That is why we always say at the DePaul encampments, ‘We protect ourselves; we protect each other. We don’t need outside security.’ We check in with fellow students. We have trained marshals who know what to do if the cops show up. We also have lawyers on hand, just in case.”

These youth believe that the Palestinians are showing them what resilience looks like. They feel the encampments are not just important for them, but also to other minority groups who’ve come together to create this coalition. “The encampments and protests show that Palestinian voices have been heard and are being lifted by us,” Shorouk said. 

“We can do more here to help them there. My university is trying to give us ‘our space’ but, sooner or later, we expect them to come and say, “Enough is enough.” But we are not going to back down. Our school is openly Zionist, and our end goal is to get DePaul to divest. One thing we are doing well is to ask our administration to send people who can help us with our negotiations, people in positions who can help us.”

All this is not to say she wasn’t afraid. She is pursuing law and wants to work for the state. She is, to an extent, afraid because she has had people come to the campus and take photos. We emphasize safety and [ask students to] put masks on. Someone I know is on the Canary Mission website. He told me, “Being on that website is a badge of honor.” I’ve started to say that a lot myself. 

As we witness the second Nakba unfold, Shorouk and those around her hope that their efforts and the efforts of all those around them will, God willing, destroy the status quo when it comes to Palestine. 

Naazish YarKhan is a writing tutor and college essay coach. To learn more, visit WritersStudio.us. 

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post Palestinians Demonstrating Resilience  appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By MYNA Staff

July/Aug 2024

In the realm of Muslim youth empowerment, MYNA (The Muslim Youth of North America) has long been revered for its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders grounded in Islamic values. During Ramadan, MYNA embarked on an unprecedented journey by organizing its first-ever Qiyamps, 24-hour spiritual retreats designed to deepen participants’ connection with their faith and foster personal growth. This groundbreaking initiative, which took place across 15 different mosques across the country, brought together over 600 attendees nationwide for a transformative journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and unity within the Muslim youth community.

At the core of MYNA’s Qiyamps was the theme “Iqra: The Revelation of the Quran,” which was inspired by the command of the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Participants were invited to embark on a journey of enlightenment and discovery, delving deep into the timeless wisdom and guidance contained within the pages of the Quran. Through heartfelt lectures, interactive workshops, and reflective sessions, attendees explored the beauty, relevance, and transformative power of the Quranic message in their lives.

“We read a lot of Quran during Ramadan but sometimes don’t take the time to truly understand it, and this event was an opportunity to take a closer look at what Allah (Subhanau wa Ta’la) revealed as the guide in our lives,” Sarah F. said. “It was nice to hear from our teachers and scholars how to connect with the Quran in the blessed month in which it was revealed.”

“MYNA’s Qiyamps also offered a diverse array of programming designed to cater to the spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of participants,” said Alaa Abdeldaiem, MYNA Manager. “From engaging workshops on topics ranging from personal development to social justice to Islamic Jeopardy sessions that put participants’ knowledge to the test, there was something for everyone.” Gender-separate sessions provided a safe and inclusive space for deeper discussions and reflections.

Qiyamps included tafseer sessions after taraweeh and youth-led tahajjud prayers. Quran circles provided a space for contemplation, and communal recitation of the Quran, 

“The MYNA Qiyamp at NWIIC (Northwest Indiana Islamic Center) was a wonderful experience, combining spirituality with fun in a way that resonated with everyone involved,” Farah H. said. “The youth had a fantastic time engaging in various activities, and I found the experience deeply enriching as well. The sense of community and shared purpose was truly inspiring.”

“The Qiyamp at my masjid was just a taste of what MYNA has to offer year-round,” Saleh A. said. “I’m excited to build off of this experience and stay involved with the amazing work MYNA does and continuing to grow closer to Allah along the way.”

During Ramadan, MYNA also hosted its annual Quranathon, an event where youth sign up to read and connect with the holy Quran. “48 participants came together and collectively read 4690 pages of the holy Quran this year Mashallah!,” said Amal Sarhan, MYNA Communications Coordinator. “Their dedication and commitment to this spiritual practice was evident as they immersed themselves in the verses, fostering a sense of unity and reverence within our MYNA community.” Participants were rewarded with prizes, adding an element of excitement and encouragement to their journey of Quranic exploration.

Coming Up!

ISNA’s Youth Development Department is also gearing up for six summer camps revolving around the theme of “Adab in Action”. Rooted in Islamic tradition, adab embodies the refined behavior, etiquette, and virtues exemplified by the Prophet. Campers will explore how his legacy serves as a beacon of guidance, illuminating the path towards embodying Adab in thought, speech, and action. Through practical workshops and role modeling, campers will empower themselves to become agents of positive change within their communities, inspiring others through exemplary conduct and ethical leadership, and leaving a legacy of excellence. 

The Mid-Atlantic all girls camp will be an enriching experience designed to foster spiritual growth, personal development, and sisterhood in a supportive Islamic environment. Led by knowledgeable mentors and counselors who share a deep commitment to Islamic values, the programs are designed to inspire girls to connect with their faith, and strengthen their character. Topics like body image, women’s role in Islam, mental health, nutrition, and more will also be explored. Whether it’s learning about Islamic history, exploring the natural world, or simply sharing laughter and stories around the campfire, our all girls camp offers an empowering and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of our campers.

Find out dates and locations at myna.org/camps 

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post 600 Youth Participate in MYNA “Qiyamps” appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Raudah Mohd Yunus 

July/Aug 2024

I have a very good friend who lives in Gaza. She and her daughter once stayed in Malaysia for a few years because her husband was a student at a university in Kuala Lumpur. I was also in Malaysia during those years, and we became friends.

On Oct. 14, 2023, as the current scourge of genocidal mass killings began to ravage Gaza, I became desperate to know their condition. I sent her a message: “Sister, please tell me how you are. I am worried.” Her reply was, “Thank God. I’m still alive. We are moving to Khan Younis.” At first, Khan Younis was dubbed a “safe zone,” so I was relieved to hear that she and her family were moving there. At least they would be safe for the time being. We communicated with each other until Nov. 21, 2023.

During December 2023, news broke that Israel had begun shelling Khan Younis after destroying much of Gaza. I sent her another message on Dec. 2, 2023. To my utter dismay, there was no reply — my message was not even delivered. Subsequent attempts to reach her went futile. I then tried to message her daughter’s number — no reply. To this day, I don’t know if they’re alive or dead. Perhaps I’ll never find out.

A Personal Darkness Descends

As the days went by, I watched in horror at the Israeli apartheid regime’s continuous brutality and arrogance as it mass-murdered Palestinian children, women and men. Seismic images and recordings of mothers holding their dead babies, children screaming in pain and wounded all over, children being operated on without anesthesia and frantic men searching for family members under the rubble have become daily scenes for the global audience. 

At one point I stopped watching or reading the news, not because I stopped caring, but because it was too much to bear and the news was taking a toll on my mental health. I tried to channel my frustration by talking with academic and activist friends from other countries and organizing online talks and discussions to solidify support for the Palestinian cause.

But each day the same questions kept coming back: “What can I really do? What is it that I can best do?” I had once been outspoken about the Rohingya genocide and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, the political suppression and human rights abuses in the Arab world (particularly Egypt) and other calamities that hit people across the globe — all stemming from political and economic injustice.

I had visited Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon in 2007 to learn about the Sabra and Shatila massacre that took the lives of more than 3,000 Palestinians and Lebanese. Later in 2019, I toured the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg to explore that country’s history of colonial and segregationist oppression.

But this time I felt paralyzed while witnessing the atrocities and cruelties inflicted upon the Palestinians, especially those in Gaza. Somewhere deep in my heart was a sense of despair. My inner voice whispered that dismantling the Israeli regime is impossible and that fighting the superpowers supporting Israel is out of the question. But I nevertheless forced myself to continue my work, but with great pessimism. Every moment felt like torture, and all I saw was darkness.

Columbia University Students Reignite my Optimism

In such moments of despair, on April 17 New York Columbia University’s students began pitching tents on their campus, after which 108 students were arrested. What initially seemed like an isolated, sporadic event quickly transformed into a global movement. This time, I watched in awe as the encampment movement grew in speed, momentum and courage. My sense of hope was rejuvenated, and my dying spirit was energized. 

It is obvious now that the tide will continue to grow and that suppression will only cause more resistance. As I cry for the brave souls who were handcuffed, arrested, threatened and expelled with each episode of oppression and violence by the police that appears in the news, my conviction only grows stronger that we — every one of us — need to speak the truth to power no matter what and despite the consequences.

Scenes across American universities now resemble those in Egypt. I lived in Alexandria for six years during the early 2000s and witnessed countless peaceful student demonstrations demanding greater democracy, transparency and better governance, only to be met with suppression and outright brutality by the police and special forces. 

Some of those protesters were my friends and classmates, who were among the most brilliant students on campus. They had nothing but love for their country and concern for justice. If there’s anything I learned from these unfolding events and my past experiences, it’s that the youth are an incredible source of strength for our community, our biggest asset and greatest hope.

What Does the Future Hold?

The spirit of justice among the young protesters at American universities and their struggle for a better world have set examples for us to emulate. It made me realize that we must invest in the young people and that these students are actually our teachers, because they’re showing us how to be truly transformative and that there is no difference between theory and practice. These students are giving us real lessons that cannot be conveyed in the classroom setting even by the smartest professors. This is what education is all about.

To the police force assaulting and harassing our young people and the cowardly authorities hiding in their ivory towers, where is our freedom of expression? Will there be any accountability for these unwarranted arrests and brutality against the innocent?

Raudah Mohd Yunus is a public health expert. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Medical College of Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on www.newagebd.net on May 21, 2024. It was copyedited, with the author’s permission, to fit with Islamic Horizons’ style.

 Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post Hats Off to Our Youth for Standing Against Genocide appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Shabnam Mahmood

May/Jun 2024

Social media has become a powerful tool for Muslim youth to navigate today’s digital world, and some of them are changing the game when it comes to creating content. While some use content creation as a fun path to engaging followers in their interests, others use it as an influential da‘wa tool. 

Among these game-changers is Florida-based Deen Tour, a dynamic Sudanese trio that has garnered a significant following and made a profound impact with their Islamic content podcasts. With nearly half a million followers on Instagram @deentourr and 300K on TikTok, their engaging content, from epic pillow fights over Islamic trivia games to thought-provoking discussions, they have sparked a vast response from followers, demonstrating the power of their da‘wa efforts and inspiring others to follow suit.

Brothers Hussain and Osman Hafiz, along with cousin Osman Sir, grew up together sharing everything, even their love of Islamic knowledge. Each of them embarked on a journey in Islam that involved reading about the deen, following scholars and researching topics that spoke to them. They often discussed these topics, testing each other’s knowledge and learning from one another. A wrong answer would send them flying to research the right one, build upon it until they understood, only to return the following week with more questions and knowledge to share. They found contentment in learning more about the deen. 

De(en)-tour in Life

The idea for Deen Tour budded when the trio decided to help others through their love of Islam. Hussain thought of a podcast, a popular medium among their peers, and shared the idea with his brother and cousin.

“I’m young now. I’m choosing Islam. I’m choosing to call people to Islam,” said Hussain in an interview with Islamic Horizons. “Being famous or called an ‘influencer’ is not the goal. Islam has influenced us. Look at the way Islam has changed our lives and changed the lives of my brothers [in Islam]. It’s allowed us to grow and move forward.” 

The podcast sought to talk about life while keeping Islam central to the conversation to have a positive impact on Muslim youth. As the trio explains, the name “Deen Tour” came about because “Life is like a detour; we just use deen (the Islamic way of life) to navigate it.”

Sir echoes these sentiments. “I’ve always wanted to help people, and Allah gave me a way to help people out in the best way.” He added, “Our goal is to impact the youth. Because you’re young, you will be living your life doing whatever. But the best type of life you want to live is worshiping the Creator, because that’s what we’re put on Earth for. Nothing else makes sense.” 

With the temptations facing their generation, how exactly did they choose this path? Hafiz says Allah’s mercy guided them toward Islam and helped others do the same. Sir explains that he came to learn more about his deen through reading the Quran. It was verses such as “How can ye reject the faith in God? — seeing that ye were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again, to Him will ye return” (2:28) that gave him pause.

Using the Internet as a Da‘wa Tool

Hussain says action motivates him. He wonders how often people act upon the Quran. They may read it or recite it beautifully, but do they act upon the verses? While this thought gives him some introspection about everything he speaks of, he needs to follow reading by action. If he doesn’t do so, he fears that he’s being a hypocrite. 

Another motivation is the internet. Similar to how Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu’ alayhi wa sallam) gave da‘wa by going out into the streets, now there is the internet. Despite how many people think that youth waste their time on the internet, Hussain felt he could use that for good. “If people are addicted to their phones, at least we’re bringing beneficial knowledge of Islam to them.”

Hafiz credits his parents for their influence on the group’s ventures. His mother often quotes hadith and encourages them to explore their deen, learn and teach. At first, their parents were skeptical of their social media idea; however, once the trio explained their vision and pursued a halal path to Islam for themselves and others, they understood. Their mothers encourage others to see what the boys are doing and promote their podcasts and social media channels, which have been instrumental in growing their popularity. 

The trio’s unwavering dedication to their venture comes from the influence of their hard working immigrant parents who worked tirelessly to provide for their families. However, the normal parental expectations haven’t changed — they are still expected to balance their regular lives with their online world. 

“I think [that] as parents, we modeled the religion well for the kids to see,” said Hafiz’s mother. “They see us prioritize prayer; they see us reading the Quran and fasting. We show the beauty of religion and how important it is in our lives, which naturally falls onto the children. My aspiration is to see them continuing the path they are on. So long as they hold on to and prioritize the deen. I am satisfied.”

So, with the podcast, TikTok and Instagram pages, what’s next for the trio? As with most youth, merchandise! The Deen Tour wants to venture into clothing with sweatshirts and similar items. This ambitious group has even written an eBook titled “Guided by Purpose.” After finishing umra, they began discussing the book’s idea of finding the purpose of life in worship. The trio also wants to travel to mosques and conduct youth events in their unique style of talks and fun activities. These plans will surely excite their followers and the wider Muslim youth community. 

Deen Tour has undoubtedly made an impact in a very short time. Time will tell if these youth can maintain their presence in the challenging landscape of social media. However, if their intention remains steadfast, it appears they’re in it for the long haul. 

Shabnam Mahmood is a writer and educational consultant in Chicago. 

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post The Influence of Islam appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Nayab Bashir

Jan/Feb 2024

A mosque is often known as a Muslim’s second home. If you have nowhere else to turn, you can turn to the house of God. Those who have frequented mosques since early childhood find themselves comforted by the call to prayer and the familiarity of the lined carpets. If you know how to pray, wherever you go in the world you’ll know what to do in a mosque. North American Muslims have made their local communities “friends like family,” and visiting mosques frequently has become part of their identity. 

Yumi Ota (aka Khadija) is a journalist, social media personality and homeschooling mother of three living in St. Louis, Miss. A revert with no Muslim family members or old friends who share the faith, she has found that the mosque feels like home and community. It’s her emotional solace, the first place she goes to pray, meet new friends and raise her children. Ota and her husband make it a priority to take their children to the mosque often. She has enrolled her children in Quran memorization programs as often as six days a week. Although the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis’ Daar Ul-Islam Masjid has a room for mothers with young children, Ota found it too small and often crowded — and nowhere near large enough to meet the needs of St. Louis’ expanding community. 

A Japanese-American married to an Indian-American, Ota is aware of the importance of personal identity. Through her studies in journalism, she has learned that minority children raised within a community of the same race or religion grow up more confident of their identity. Muslims are a minority in both Japan and India, and so family participation in the local mosque’s activities is something for which they are both grateful. The mosque’s atmosphere and people help them raise their children to be unapologetically Muslim. 

“Any mosque for me, the only place I can be truly alone and cry my heart out when I am sad or stressed,” Ota said. “I want my children to feel the same way and love the mosques and eventually serve the community in them, God willing.” 

Muslim parents also want the next generation to have this security and love. While many mothers turn to their mosques for solace and clarity, and seek to guide their children to do the same, this is not always a simple and easy feat. Unfortunately, at times, mothers of young children receive unsolicited advice and criticism. Ota remembers this happening multiple times when her children were younger. Some of the people weren’t just critical — they were downright rude. 

She’s not alone in this experience. Many have accounts of their own childhoods in which they recall being scolded, while others have faced it with their children.

Seher, a professional organizer, content creator and social media manager, faced similar issues with her local Atlanta mosque. She knew the importance of taking her children to the mosque regularly so they would stay close to Islam and grow up within a like-minded community. However, once there she was asked to leave just for keeping her children next to her while praying, even though they were sitting quietly in one place. This very discouraging incident made her feel disconnected.

Many mosques had programs for children over the age of five, but not for those as young as her children. Although they had access to local libraries, fairs and parks, this disconnect was isolating. Even more important, as the brain develops rapidly between the ages of one through five, she considered an Islamic foundation essential. But in 2018, the concept of Islamic programs for her children was nonexistent in Atlanta. And so she reached out to friends Samia and Asra and co-founded the Iqra Kids Club (IKC). 

Together, the trio started their program at a mosque they felt had always emphasized the importance of family: the Roswell Community Mosque. They began hosting monthly programs in early 2018, and continue to do so. IKC seeks to introduce Islamic lessons and morals to toddlers and preschoolers in a fun and interactive way. Learning at their sessions is always a hands-on experience. Moreover, both parents are encouraged to attend to make it a family-bonding activity.

IKC aims to instill in children a joyful and meaningful connection to the mosque by creating a welcoming environment. Forty children join the group at each event, often with parents and siblings. A relevant Islamic topic is chosen, explained via an age-appropriate story, nasheeds, puppet shows, videos and crafts. Children learn about important values through interactive play and feel welcome. They look forward to the next session and ask their parents when they can go to the mosque again! 

Seher’s initiative has caught the interest of various people across North America. Many are hoping to start a toddlers’ program at their local mosques too. Furthering her efforts, the trio has started writing detailed lesson plans, along with craft templates, that will be available in 2024. 

Seher’s personal mission is that nobody should be turned away from the mosque. She’s working to help others understand that the bond with the mosque starts at a young age. All mosques should have a Mother’s and Father’s room for toddlers, along with toys and books to keep them busy while their parents pray. These rooms should be equipped with speakers and screens so they can see the congregation. Having such facilities will encourage more parents of young ones to visit the mosque, pray and listen to talks, because the absence of children today could lead to emptier mosques when they are older. 

As the Turkish proverb says, “Dear Muslims, if there are no sounds of children laughing in the back as you are praying, fear for the next generation.” It’s understandable that worshippers wish to pray or contemplate undisturbed. There’s no disrespect toward them. Parents shouldn’t let their children run wild in the house of God, be rowdy, spill drinks or litter. However, if they’re just being kids, that should be okay. 

In the mosque of the Prophet (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), children were both welcomed and accommodated. Even the Prophet disliked to trouble the mother of a child crying during prayer. We can see this illustrated in the following hadiths:

• The Messenger of Allah would pray holding Umsama bint Zaynab bint Rasulillah. He would put her down when he prostrated and then pick her up again when he stood up (“Sunan Ibn Bukhari,” 114),

• The Prophet said, “When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it. But on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, for I dislike to trouble the child’s mother” (“Sunan Ibn Bukhari,” 707), and

• “The Messenger of Allah came out to us for one of the two later prayers, carrying Hasan or Hussein. He then came to the front and put him down, said takbir for the prayer and commenced praying. During the prayer, he performed a very long prostration, so I raised my head and there was the child, on the back of the Messenger of Allah, who was in prostration. I then returned to my prostration. When the Messenger of Allah had offered the prayer, the people said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! In the middle of your prayer, you performed prostration and lengthened it so much that we thought either something had happened or that you were receiving revelation!’ He said, ‘Neither was the case. Actually, my grandson made me his mount, and I did not want to hurry him until he had satisfied his wish’” (“Sunan al-Nasa’i, 1141).

No parent wants their child creating chaos in the mosque, and everyone is doing what they can to prevent that. The next time you hear a giggle or the pitter-patter of small feet, please consider the importance of that child feeling safe in a mosque and returning to it throughout his or her life. 

Nayab Bashir is a literature aficionado with an English literature degree to prove it. A mother of three children under ten, currently staying home with her youngest, and “studying for the LSAT.”

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post Giggles in the Back  appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Sanaa Asif

Nov/Dec 2023

Earlier this year, 12-year-old Aaminah Abdrabboh became the first hijabi to win gold at the PAN Kids IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) Championship, the largest international children’s Jiu-Jitsu tournament. In this competitive male-dominated sport, Aamina credits her family and faith in Islam as the primary reasons why she has achieved such success at such a young age — and while wearing the hijab.

Jiu-Jitsu is a ground-based martial art that focuses on grappling with an opponent to maintain control. Unlike karate, it doesn’t involve striking. Training, which takes place with partners, emphasizes live sparring or rolling — an excellent form of self-defense because it allows you to protect yourself without unnecessarily harming the opponent. 

Aaminah’s story is remarkable not only because of her age, but also because of the uncertain pathway to such a victory. Prior to 2014, the IBJJF banned hijabis from competing. However, after years of pushback the ban was lifted and they were allowed to compete in international competitions. 

The sport’s historical limitations impacted opportunities for women.

“As we have seen with my older daughters, who are fifteen and eighteen, there can be a challenge in having other females to roll against,” said Mohammad Abdrabboh, Aaminah’s coach and father. “Our sons also only roll against males, but they have double the amount of participants to choose from each day.” 

“In Jiu-Jitsu you need other people to practice against and compete with,” noted Aaminah. “It’s not like another sport where you have a ball or racket. You need other people, so we work as a team to make each other better.” This spirit of teamwork and collective success motivates her to work harder for a more inclusive Jiu-Jitsu community. 

Jiu-Jitsu is truly a family affair for the Abdrabbohs. Aaminah trains at Metro Jiu-Jitsu in Southgate, Mich., which is partly owned by her father, who holds a first-degree black belt. Aaminah’s brother Jibril is her head coach, and her elder sister Nuzmeya, also a hijabi, is a purple belt and head coach as well. These are the people Aaminah looks up to the most.

The Journey to Championship

Aaminah started her Jiu-Jitsu journey when she was just seven years old. “As a female who wears a hijab, my experience is different from other girls who train because I have to think about my hijab slipping,” she stated. “In competitions, not only am I contemplating my next move, but I also have to ensure my hijab doesn’t come off. If that happens, either I won’t be able to see or I will be distracted. In Jiu-Jitsu, one moment of distraction could give my opponent a huge advantage to overtake me.”

To keep her skills sharp, she trains four days each week for two hours after school, as well as on Sundays. “The biggest challenge is to continue to encourage her to do what she loves without compromising her faith,” her father explains. “Aaminah has been asked by many media outlets how she feels, and she always says she is so happy [that] she can practice the sport she loves while still practicing her faith.”

A Role Model

The new champion’s parents make sure that their daughter knows about the women who paved the way for her and other hijabis to compete internationally. One of them is Caroline De Lazzar. As the coach of the UAE women’s Jiu-Jitsu team, in 2011 she launched and led a campaign to lift the ban. Her efforts proved rewarding when the IBJJF abolished it three years later.

Aaminah’s tremendous accomplishment caused waves of encouragement throughout the Muslim community, especially for young girls. With this huge step, Aaminah is now a role model for many young hijabis aspiring to compete in their sport. “In our Muslim community she is showing others not to stop their daughters from sports like Jiu-Jitsu,” Mohamed Abdrabboh proclaimed. “She is showing that hijab can make them stronger in sports.”

Jiu-Jitsu and Faith

Jiu-Jitsu has both improved Aaminah’s physical strength and helped her become closer to her faith. “Jiu-jitsu is all about discipline. It teaches me to slow down and think,” she said. “For me, Islam is like that too. I have to slow my day down and offer my prayers on time.”

Her father emphasized that he and his wife encourage such training in their home so their children can always defend themselves. “Stats show that 85% of street fights end up on the ground. Jiu-Jitsu empowers them and gives them confidence and self-worth that they are strong mentally and physically,” he added. He hopes that Aaminah will continue to compete and earn her black belt so that one day she can also become a coach and inspire other young Muslimas. 

Sanaa Asif, a student at Hinsdale Central High School, is an avid reader and loves to learn about other people’s stories.

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post The Hijabi Jiu-Jitsu Star appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By MYNA Staff

Nov/Dec 2023

The Prophet salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “There lies within the body a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily this piece is the heart.” (Al-Bukhari, 52 and Muslim, 1599).

The Prophet Ibrahim, alaihi salaam,  prays in the Qur’an, “…Oh Allah, do not allow me to be put to shame, on the day when all will be brought forth, on the day when nothing will avail anyone from money or children except he who comes to God with a sound heart (that is saleem). (26:87–9).”

What can give you power to stay grounded as you move through the challenges of life? 

What is the thing that can keep you in a state of gratitude? 

How can you adopt and maintain a zoomed out perspective that allows for reflection without emotions clouding your rational thoughts?

It is a sound heart. Al-qalb al-saleem. A sound heart is free from any blemish, illness, or issue. It recognizes life for what it is: a test for the believer, a place to worship and to practice patience while the promise of happiness awaits in the hereafter. But while many of us focus on how to keep our physical bodies healthy, we pay little attention to what it means to have a healthy, sound heart.

Between July 23 and August 5, MYNA hosted week-long summer camps in six different states. From Pennsylvania, California, and Texas, to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Georgia, 504 campers explored the foundations of tazkiyah, (purification of the heart.) They learned about the signs, symptoms, and cures of some of the most common and detrimental spiritual diseases. Youth took a deep dive in this essential prophetic practice and cultivated their consciousness, character, spirituality, and morality as young Muslims in America. 

Camps featured speakers such as Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed-Smith, Shaykh Rami Nsour, Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi, Shaykh Hunzla Zaidi, Shaykh Sa’ad Quadri, and more. Lecture topics included in-depth reflections on detachment from dunya, intentions and fighting off arrogance, adopting an attitude of gratitude, and not being heedless of death and our final day. Youth also participated in a number of interactive workshops and recreational activities, including swimming, high ropes courses. Some camps even included boat rides across serene waterfronts.

“I don’t know where I would’ve been without MYNA,” Mahmoud El-Malah said. “I’ve been  going to MYNA camps since I was 12, and I experience every camp as if it’s my first. MYNA has played a vital role in my childhood and upbringing. It taught me that no matter where I live, I can always find friends that can bring me closer to Allah. Every camp has taught me a new aspect of our religion.”

Visit www.isna.net/youthdev/ to find out about MYNA Winter Camps 

Tell us what you thought by joining our Facebook community. You can also send comments and story pitches to [email protected]. Islamic Horizons does not publish unsolicited material.  

The post MYNA Summer Camps 2023 appeared first on Islamic Horizons.