Our Departments
Positive Change
Youth Department
We identify ourselves as a movement of American youth and young adults who aspire to answer the call of our Creator as put forward in the Divine Scriptures:
“And let there arise from among you a group of people inviting to all that is good and forbidding all that is evil. It is they who will attain true success.”
Qur'an 3:104
MAS Youth is a major department of the Muslim American Society and serves young people throughout the United States. We believe that young Americans, with the right tools, skills, and knowledge, have the potential to bring about positive change in their communities.
We work with young people to inspire them to understand, apply, and advocate divinely ordained values in the service of the common good. Our core values are service, equality, and justice.
Our programs engage young people, ages 15 to 30, through educational, spiritual, recreational, and social activities. These programs are designed and run by the youth, with the guidance of mentors who share their experiences and provide valuable feedback.
Islamically Oriented
Tarbiya
Tarbiya is the cornerstone of a comprehensive reform methodology practiced by MAS which traces its origin to the Qur’an and to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as he invested a great deal of effort in Tarbiya for his companions. As a result of his efforts, he left not only a great message, the message of Islam, but he also left a great generation that carried the message and moved humanity from darkness to light.
MAS’ vision is that individuals bring about real change in a society and therefore moving them towards the process of constant self-development and development of those around them is absolutely essential. Tarbiya is a life-long process for change; this change starts with every individual and extends to the whole society. We aspire to raise a generation of committed and disciplined American Muslims who are a living example of the message of Islam.
The MAS Tarbiya program offers a comprehensive understanding of Islam and a continuous and comprehensive process for the development of the Muslim personality based on five essential qualities as described below:
Islamically Oriented
Individuals who understand the goal of their existence, aim to please Allah, seek His guidance, live the comprehensive meaning of worship, and embody the qualities of sincere, dedicated Muslims.
Bearer of the message
Individuals devoted to Islam’s mission through deep understanding of its highest ideals, objectives, and intents (Arabic: Al-maqaasid), and committed to be part of an organized, disciplined grass-root movement.
Agent of Change
Self-motivated individuals who put their beliefs and thoughts into actions; proactively seek ways to improve themselves and impact others around them.
Exemplary Citizen
Individuals who love their country, strive to uphold its best ideals, values and principles (freedom, justice, equality, rule of law, and individual rights as enshrined in the constitution), and are dedicated to serve fellow citizens and seek the country’s betterment.
Lifelong Learner
Individuals who have a strong passion for knowledge and learning; their thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and actions are based on continuous pursuit of knowledge. In particular, individuals who have strong literacy in core Islamic sciences and pursue knowledge in all aspects of life (self-development, raising a family, civic engagement, non-profit management, individual profession etc.).
Islamically Oriented
Individuals who understand the goal of their existence, aim to please Allah, seek His guidance, live the comprehensive meaning of worship, and embody the qualities of sincere, dedicated Muslims.
Bearer of the message
Individuals devoted to Islam’s mission through deep understanding of its highest ideals, objectives, and intents (Arabic: Al-maqaasid), and committed to be part of an organized, disciplined grass-root movement.
Agent of Change
Self-motivated individuals who put their beliefs and thoughts into actions; proactively seek ways to improve themselves and impact others around them.
Exemplary Citizen
Individuals who love their country, strive to uphold its best ideals, values and principles (freedom, justice, equality, rule of law, and individual rights as enshrined in the constitution), and are dedicated to serve fellow citizens and seek the country’s betterment.
Lifelong Learner
Individuals who have a strong passion for knowledge and learning; their thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and actions are based on continuous pursuit of knowledge. In particular, individuals who have strong literacy in core Islamic sciences and pursue knowledge in all aspects of life (self-development, raising a family, civic engagement, non-profit management, individual profession etc.).
Provide Support
Refugee Task Force
The Refugee Task Force was established in early 2022 to help support recent refugee arrivals from Afghanistan. MAS GLA is a partner of the ANSAR coalition which includes many Muslim organizations supporting newcomers. MAS GLA is a community partner in the ASIP program. Through which we helped provide more than $260K in funds towards rental assistance, furniture and utilities for many families through 2022 and 2023. MAS GLA volunteers helped provide Pashto and Dari translation for Q&A sessions between attorneys and refugees. MAS GLA also provided assistance with housing search and applications, moving furniture and providing cosigners for different families and helped families with relocating to other states. In addition, MAS GLA supported at least sixty families in applying for food stamps, Medical care, job search, resume building and other services and worked with LA county to address issues with benefits. We also did grocery and Halal meat distribution.
MAS GLA Refugee Task Force also works with unaccompanied minors, providing Khutab and spiritual guidance.
Recently, MAS GLA received a $60K grant from the ARSI/AYM program to provide support for refugee families and youth through 2023/2024.
