500+ Muslim Youth Bond over Lives of the Sahabah
By MYNA Staff
Mar/Apr 2024
As winter blanketed the landscape with its frosty embrace to close out 2023, ISNA’s Youth Services, Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA), embarked on a unique journey, bringing warmth and spiritual enlightenment to young hearts. The MYNA Winter Camp, held under the captivating theme “Surrounded by the Sahabah,” provided an immersive experience that blended the excitement of winter with the timeless teachings of Islam.
The Sahabah, the revered Companions of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), served as this transformative camp’s guiding light. At the heart of this theme lay the aspiration to transport participants to a time when Islam was taking root, and the Companions played a pivotal role in shaping its narrative. The Sahabah, known for their unwavering devotion, resilience, and unwavering faith, served as beacons of inspiration for our youth, who were and are continuously seeking guidance in their own lives. The camp featured a series of empowering workshops and inspirational lectures designed to engage and educate participants on various aspects of Islamic history, character-building, and community service. Around 530 campers across camps in Illinois, Texas, Virginia, Florida, California, and Michigan dug deep into the lives, teachings, and exemplary character of the Sahabah, learning valuable lessons that resonate with contemporary challenges.
Top Notch Speaker Lineup
Workshops covered diverse topics such as leadership, empathy, resilience, and the importance of community. By drawing parallels between the Sahabah’s experience and modern-day scenarios, the participants gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of life while staying true to their faith. Lectures engaged youth with an array of topics, from embodying the trustworthiness of Abu Ubaydah ibn Al Jarrah to exemplifying the generosity of Abdulrahman ibn Awf. Campers were joined by speakers such as Ustadha Hosai Mojaddidi (public speaker, teacher, writer, spiritual counselor), Shaykh Rami Nsour (co-founder of the Tayba Foundation), Habeeb Quadri (principal of the MCC Full Time School in Morton Grove, Illi.), Shaykh Sa’ad Quadri (Islamic Studies chair, MCC Academy), Ustadha Tayyaba Syed – a multiple award-winning author, journalist, keynote speaker, and performer), and more. In Michigan, MYNA partnered with Miftaah Institute and featured speakers such as Mufti Abdulwahab Waheed, its executive director, and other esteemed Miftaah scholars, and Shaykh Hunzla Zaidi, Shaykh Tariq Musleh, youth director and assistant imam, Mecca Center, Willowbrook, Ill. Campers also found solace in moments of reflection and prayer. The camp offered dedicated spaces for congregational prayers, Quranic recitation, and spiritual discussions.
“This theme has been the best one in recent memory for me,” one camper said. “Listening to stories of the sahabah was extremely inspiring and transformative and engaging. I felt like I was there with them with every lecture and workshop.”
While the spiritual nourishment was paramount, MYNA Winter Camps also embraced the winter season’s recreational spirit. Outdoor activities, such as snow sports, bonfires, archery, ziplining and team-building exercises created a harmonious blend of fun and fellowship. The winter wonderland became a playground for forging friendships and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
As young Muslims immersed themselves in the teachings and stories of the Sahabah, they not only found guidance for their own lives but also forged lasting connections with like-minded peers. One of the MYNA Winter Camp’s hallmarks was its emphasis on fostering a sense of community. Through collaborative projects and team activities, participants developed a shared sense of responsibility and camaraderie. The camp became a microcosm of the strong bonds that existed among the Sahabah, illustrating the power of unity within the ummah. In the chill of winter, hearts were warmed, and spirits were lifted, leaving participants inspired to carry the light of the Sahabah forward in their journey of faith.
“I feel like a whole new person leaving this camp,” a first-time participant said. “I made friendships I know will last me a lifetime and feel so much more connected to my Deen than I ever have been before. I can’t wait for future MYNA camps and continuing to grow from this experience.”
Find out about upcoming camps and events at www.myna.org
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