Tarbiya

The Arabic word “halaqah” is used to refer to a circle of Islamic knowledge. The virtues and benefits of halaqat (plural) are mentioned in a number of ahadith, as the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions led halaqat in the masjid and the successors and scholars have done throughout history. The MAS Youth Center aims to continue this tradition by offering halaqat for our community, especially our youth. That’s why we offer the following youth halaqat with trained halaqat leaders:

Friday Night Youth Halaqah at 7:30PM (Both Genders Ages 13+)

Friday Night Youth Sisters Halaqah at 6PM (Ages 13+)

Friday Night Youth Brothers Halaqah at 8:30PM (Ages 13+)

Saturday Pre-Teen Suhba Halaqah 12PM - 2PM (Ages 12-14)

Saturday Pre-Teen Suhbah Halaqah 12PM - 2PM (Ages 9-11)

Saturday Mature Sisters Arabic Halaqah 12PM-4PM (Ages 25+)

Our intensive courses aim to provide in-depth education and exploration of specific Islamic topics that are of interest to the community, includingmarriage, foundations of Fiqh, and Islamic financing. These courses are led by experts in their field, and the curriculums are meticulously curated using credible Islamic sources. See here for a list of virtual courses!

What is it? The Usra Mentorship Program is a MAS-wide program that is specifically for youth 14+ who are ready to commit to their spiritual and personal development with the facilitation of a mentor and the support of their “usra” members. The Arabic word “usra” means “family,” which we aim to create through a close-knit bond of brothers/sisters who can support and rely on each other and grow as Muslims together.

Tell me more. Usra focuses on 3 pillars:

Relationships - Building a bond with your mentor so you can go to them for advice and they can help you in your personal development journey and supporting your usra members and be there for each other through whatever difficulties you may face.

Learning - Growing in your understanding of Islam and practical application of it through weekly usra meetings and activities.

Activism - Opportunities to give back to the community through consistent volunteer efforts and civic engagement.

Who is usra for? To ensure serious commitment, the usra program is specially for community members who:

Are involved in consistent volunteering in the community - whether at MAS, a masjid, or any other organization

Put in effort to develop a deeper understanding of Islam through attending a halaqa consistently or some form of Islamic learning

Are self-motivated individuals who value the role of mentors in their life

Are ready to invest in other brothers/sisters and their path of self-development as well through usra

Understand the MAS vision and mission and are members or considering becoming one very soon

Am I ready for usra? What if someone is interested in usra but perhaps doesn't meet the criteria above?

We encourage them to attend public MAS programs for all youth-at-large. A great place to start is our weekly halaqat.

Start seeking out volunteer opportunities.

Become a MAS member through this link!

I think I’m ready! How do I join an usra?

Express interest in joining an usra by filling out this form. Our Tarbiyah team will review your submission and get back to you!

Qiyam, short for Qiyam-ul-Layl, are voluntary night prayers that the beloved Prophet (PBUH) was known for completing throughout the night. Our Qiyam nights are opportunities for the community to gain a spiritual awakening outside of Ramadan and enrich their relationship with Allah, Quran, prayer, and the masjid. Qiyam nights may be attached to other events, such as revives and sleepovers, or there may be events just for the dedication of completing the Qiyam prayer.

Our team facilitates Quran circles throughout the week in our masjid. Led by our imam, sheikh, and spiritual mentors, these gender-separated Quran circles aim to ensure Quran truly finds a consistent and central place in our lives, as well assist in improving our reading and reciting skills.

Our signature revives are spiritually-packed nights that are sprinkled throughout the year and provide a much needed spiritual boost for our youth from one Ramadan to the next. Revives start with a thorough exploration of a timely topic that youth are interested in hearing more about, facilitated by multiple local or national guest speakers and experts. The program also includes dinner, snacks, activities, and entertainment, and ends in the best way – with Qiyam prayer.

Every year, our resident sheikh leads a group of youth and their families on an exclusive Umrah trip to gain a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. The Umrah trip is discounted for youth and reverts, and includes unique and exciting features such as stops along the way to Islamic sites such as Istanbul and Palestine, opportunities for committed youth leaders under 18 to come along without their guardians, and more. Our Umrah trip this year sold out in just a matter of days!

There are never too many opportunities to build the bonds of sisterhood in the masjid. Our signature Sisters’ Brunch aims to connect adult sisters with one another in a gathering that includes remembrance of Allah, ta’aruf (getting to know one another), and delicious brunch! Our Sisters’ Brunch happens on the second Sunday of every month.

MAS-NY Conference, MAS-ICNA Conventions, ICNA-MAS Convention – our signature conventions and conferences engage our youth with knowledgeable speakers, relevant topics, and spiritual gems for those who aim to increase their knowledge in their deen. Not only do we organize our own youth conference here in NY, but we organize buses and groups to attend annual conventions around the country so our community can attend with their companions with ease.

The Khateeb Training program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for youth to develop into the next generation of Islamic lecturers and callers to the Deen (Da'eeya). Subjects covered include Islamic studies (Arabic, seerah, aqidah, Usul Fiqh), Quran recitation, public speaking skills, contemporary Islamic issues, and activism. Our instructors and mentors for the program include sheikhs within MAS across NY, veteran lecturers, and expert facilitators. Exemplary students will be offered scholarships to continue their education in formal Islamic universities. Find out more through the flyer above!

Our annual regional Tarbiyah & Ilm Camp aims to provide spiritual and organizational training for the next generation of leaders and committed workers of MAS through a spiritual-intensive, faith-based retreat! See here for more details.