08.29.06
Band of People
Many of us feel incompetent when we see the environment around us, specifically the Muslim community and the Ummah. We see the mosques filled with people, but we see very few youths. Most programs are not catered to the youth and very few are actually organized by the youth. The affairs of the community are always left to the elder generation. The youths are either marginalized and if not that, they are mostly inactive. Few of us, maybe one or two or three of us have a great deal of ambition. We have great ideas and suggestions, but the society and the filth around us discourage all of that and make us give in to societal pressures.
However, this is what distinguishes us from them. And when I say us, I mean the followers of the greatest creation known to mankind, the Seal of all the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (saw). There will be nothing, no trial or situation, where we would be unable to overcome. We will be able to overcome the “impossible.” We need faith and intelligence. And if we dig deep enough into our hearts and minds we possess both qualities. We should not and cannot doubt this. We must take part and become pro-active. And being a Muslim Youth is no excuse; in fact it is a responsibility for us since most of us have been born and raised in this society (the West). Imam Ali (a) was very young when he embraced Islam. He was considered a youth and he dedicated his entire life to Islam and spreading the message.
We cannot let the small numbers lead us astray. We must start somewhere, and we must initiate. All grandeur concepts start from something small. Once the ball is rolling and we are consistent, everything else will gradually fall in place. Allah says,
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain a happy state! And be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving clear signs; for them is a dreadful punishment in store.” (Quran 3:104-105)
HezbollahForLife Said:
September 1, 2006 at 10:21 pm
Thats true the youth do need to become more active. At least we have the MSAs though. btw, my msa is like broke. how did your msa raise money? the other clubs on campus just hold parties and charge ppl to get in…we cant really do that haha. any suggestions?
amel ahmed Said:
September 2, 2006 at 12:10 am
i think the youth are willing and able, but because they are often marginalized they don’t bother or just don’t know. any human being needs respect, guidance, and an education before they can be affective agents in society. unfortunately, we have an immense amount of potential that is untapped and neglected… for many of these youths, it’s not even that they are cowering from societal pressures, but they do not even know that they possess the ability to make a difference. they were never taught that.
Ali Said:
September 2, 2006 at 7:37 am
Hez,
Raising money — When I was part of the MSA we had annual fundraisers and invited the local masjids (all of them — not just the salaafi ones — long story). Here’s another way to get more money from the school funds:
Our MSA used to get $750 for the whole year while the Jewish groups used to get $20,000. So what we did (accidently), we had so many events (so many HUGE events — with media coverage) that we overdrafted and our account went in the negative. Though, this isn’t a good thing but for next year you’ll have a legitimate reason to get more money. So USE UP ALL YOUR MONEY and then ASK FOR MORE. Now we get close to $2000.00
I don’t know how things work in your Student Unions but we befriended many of the other clubs like the Latin Club, Carribean Club, Indian Club, Filipino Club, etc so when it came down to asking for more money they all vouched for us. So… even though these clubs only throw parties — don’t burn your bridges.
naqvia Said:
September 2, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Hmm.. this is what we did during Ramadan. Made it lets say $200.00 dollars to sponsor a night (we got a special deal which got us food for $150.00) and of course people would sponsor since its for iftar and with that we made a $50 dollar profit each night. Of course we told them any left over donations from Ramadan will go towards the MSA, and people usually agreed.
It really depends on your school. All the suggestions were great. If you are really desparate.. create a new club (ie. persian club, pakistani club, origami club, etc) and then use the funding you get from there towards MSA events (but make sure you make it look like the other club is active).
Wa salaam,
Abbas