As we enter the second half of Ramadan, I want to share a reflection on the timeless wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), particularly in his approach to empowering and uplifting young leaders. While ruminating on the guidance he might offer to the youth of today, his teachings resonated deeply with me during these troubling times.
With each prayer, my thoughts are consumed by the profound challenges confronting our youth. Whether it be the silencing of students within our local communities or the heartbreaking news of young lives cut short by senseless acts of violence around the world, these stark realities underscore the critical importance of initiatives that support our next generation of young leaders.
Generations of young Muslim leaders have always shaped the course of history through their actions. This generation is no different. Today, I remain committed to the future of these young American Muslim leaders as the Program Manager for MPAC’s Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP), which recognizes the importance of empowering our youth to become engaged and effective leaders in politics.
Our young leaders deserve a seat at the table and it is our responsibility to create the platform necessary for them to develop the skills and knowledge to make a difference in their communities and their country. Our program focuses on providing students with internship placements on Capitol Hill at zero cost to the fellow, including both housing and a stipend to make this life-changing opportunity more accessible to all. This program is crucial because it enables our youth to gain experience and exposure to the political process, which will help them become better leaders in the future. Through this program, we aim to create a pipeline of young Muslim leaders who will undoubtedly make a difference in their communities.
Based on authentic traditions and narratives, we can see that Prophet Muhammad viewed the youth as valuable contributors to the community. In the early days of Islam, the majority of his followers were young leaders who were entrusted with significant responsibilities, contrary to societal norms of the time. He also emphasized the importance of considering their opinions and advice with earnestness and respect. This approach resulted in generations of young Muslims who became great leaders of their time.
Reflecting on the lives of companions like Usamah ibn Zayd, who was said to have led an army at the age of 17, and Muadh ibn Jabal, a great scholar and jurist who was appointed governor of Yemen at 27, we see examples of young individuals assuming positions of leadership and responsibility under the guidance of the Prophet. Their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and encouragement.
It is also crucial to recognize the vital roles played by young women in early Islamic history, despite societal barriers. Prophet Muhammad valued their contributions and encouraged them to pursue knowledge and ambition. From Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, to Aisha, his wife and scholar, their stories inspire us to break down barriers and empower young women today.
These teachings remain relevant in today's world. Just as he embraced the potential of young people in his time, we too must strive to empower and uplift the youth of today. Throughout the Quran, we find stories of young people standing up and making their mark upon the world. Many of them introduce change for the better and take on positions of thought leadership. Programs like CLDP provide a platform for American Muslim youth to engage in civic leadership and make a positive impact in their communities.
In supporting initiatives that nurture the leadership skills of young people, we honor the legacy of these narrations and contribute to a brighter future for generations to come. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and #MarchForwardTogether to build a community of brilliant young minds.
A generous donor has offered to MATCH every donation made to MPAC during Ramadan dollar for dollar up to $12,500. That means your donation will go twice as far in support of programs like our Congressional Leadership Development Program which empowers our youth to navigate public service, policy, and politics.
So please donate today and help us reach our goal of $12,500 which would double to $25,000! Your support is crucial to our work— we cannot do it without you!
In Service,
Lubna Hassan Heikal
Sr. Program and Grants Manager
Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities.
