UpLift Muslim Youth
Methodology: A Call to Action
The mainstream method of Islamic self-development focuses solely on education and instruction rather than practical application and action. However, the Quran calls on us to do more than memorize its words. The Quran requires us to employ its wisdom in our daily affairs and dealings. Rather than instructing youth about Islam in the hopes they identify themselves with it, we aim to foster the passion of Islamic values so youth may immerse their faith in their daily lives. This is done pragmatically through assiduous enrichment, advancement and growth. The following core values are inherently present in UpLift events. Our paradigm stresses proactivity and involvement through a variety of hands-on gatherings, events and functions.
Character
“There is nothing heavier upon the scale of a believer (on the Day of Judgment) than good character.” [Sunan Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]
The constant struggle for good character is ever present within humanity. Balance and moderation are key principles in implementing consistent self-development. Finding the mean is necessary to maintaining the strong morals Islam teaches. Emphasis on Islamic philosophy and thought shapes words and actions, which habitually become character. The effects of good character ripple through our lives to positively impact every other aspect of our being.
Spirituality & Faith
“Indeed in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” [13:28]
The purpose behind our actions has the tendency to become lost in the mundane repetitiveness of religious rituals. Building sincerity within ourselves rejuvenates the soul and promotes spiritual growth. Spirituality strengthens our relationship with God and rectifies the purpose behind our daily deeds. By maintaining our faith in God, spiritual repentance and gratitude become the ultimate source of serenity and inner peace.
Activism & Service
“Oh mankind! Spread the greetings of peace, feed (the poor and needy), behave kindly to your relatives, offer prayer when others are asleep and (thus) enter Paradise in peace.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teaches us the significance of civic duty. The responsibility of positively impacting the greater community falls on us as individuals. The importance of community service should not be neglected from our religious endeavors. Servitude is not about feeding your passions; it is about getting closer to God. By showing mercy and compassion towards others, God imbues us with his mercy and compassion.
Sociality
“The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companions” [Tirmidhi]
We, as individuals, have been created into communities so that we may look after one another and guarantee each other’s well-being. Islam fosters a sense of proactive good, whereby one should notably venture out of his or her way to care for his or her community members. Individual prosperity can never be achieved without societal ascendancy. Interacting with one another as human creations of God in a variety of environments is principle to individual achievement. Socializing for the sake of God fosters a positive setting that is devoid of judgment and permeated by compassionate understanding.
Last Edited By:
Amr Omar on July 6, 2015, 4:02 p.m.
