Mission and Vision

The Muslim American Society seeks to move people “to strive toward God-consciousness, liberty, and justice and to convey Islam with utmost clarity” to achieve our vision of “A Virtuous and Just American Society.”

MAS Tarbiya

Core Values & Principles

Our values are deeply rooted in our Islamic identity. Our Mission, Vision, Values, and Beliefs help define the character of our organization. Our values expand on our Mission and help us define our priorities.

Godliness (Rabbaniyyah)

Ours is a purely Islamic movement, in every sense of the word. We strive to understand Islam according to the Qur’an and the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (May Allah bestow upon him His blessings and peace). We endeavor to practice the teachings of Islam with integrity and sincerity in our private lives and in our collective work. We advocate the values and principles of Islam for the benefit of all people.

Just Balance (Wasatiyyah)

Islam is rightly balanced as revealed by Allah and as practiced by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). We adhere to the balanced understanding and application of Islam as practiced by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), and as revived in the understanding and the methodology of Imam Hassan Al Banna.

Comprehensiveness (Shumooliyyah)

Islam is universal and comprehensive in its scope, and gradual in its approach. While every area of Islamic work is within our scope, we focus on our priorities. Our main priority is to serve in the United States where we can be most effective.

Positive Citizenship

A heart that is God-conscious is full of compassion; we care for all people, Muslims and people of other faiths. We are full participants in the dynamics of our American society where we positively contribute. We work together to serve our community, our country and all of mankind; we serve the Creator by serving His creation.

Justice

Justice is an attribute of Allah and is among the highest Islamic values. We uphold and advocate justice for everyone out of our deep commitment to it, even under difficult circumstances and even against ourselves. We insist on the highest levels of integrity in everything we do.

Development

To achieve our mission, we must continually develop as individuals and as a society of people dedicated to working in the way of Allah. This development is spiritual, intellectual and physical. We must be ambitious, yet practical, never losing focus of our objectives.

Cooperation

We value brotherhood, unity, cooperation, and partnership. We cooperate with others in matters on which we agree and excuse each other in the matters on which we disagree. Organized dedicated collective work is necessary to attain great goals.

Diversity

Allah has not created all people the same, and this diversity enriches our community. We do not only tolerate, but rather appreciate and value diversity. We believe that there is intrinsic value in every person. Unity becomes all the more important and beautiful in the light of the wide ranges of difference in social status, gender, age, personality, culture, race, talent, and perspective.

Commitment

Great goals require great effort. Success in our mission requires steadfastness of purpose, discipline, compliance and perseverance. It is a struggle, the road is long and challenging, it is the way of the Messengers and those who follow them, it is the path of excellence, Ihsaan, that is most pleasing to Allah.

Tarbiya in MAS

MAS Tarbiya Department is responsible for developing MAS members, giving them the tools and knowledge to develop and help others around them grow and empowering them with the necessary skills to fulfill the MAS mission and vision.

The word “Tarbiya” is an Arabic word that linguistically means increase, growth, and refinement. Tarbiya means the development and the training of people in various aspects. The word is commonly used to describe the upbringing of children as the parents provide them with physical, educational, moral and spiritual needs to help them grow and become useful members of society.

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.

The MAS Tarbiya Program

MAS’s vision is that individual bring about real change in society and therefore moving them towards the goal 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 living example of the message of Islam.

The MAS Tarbiya Program offers a comprehensive and moderate understanding of Islam and a continuous and comprehensive process for the development of the Muslim personality based on five essential qualities.

Tarbiya Qualities

Islamically-oriented (Devout Muslim)

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.

Agent of Change (Action-Orientation)

Self-motivated individuals who put their beliefs and thoughts into actions; proactively seek ways to improve themselves and impact others around them.

Bearers of the message

Individuals devoted to Islam’s mission through a deep understanding of its highest ideals, objectives, and intents (Arabic: Al-maqaasid), and committed to being part of an organized, disciplined grass-root movement.

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.

Life-long Learner

Individuals who have a strong passion for knowledge and learning; their thoughts, beliefs, behavior, and actions are based on the 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.)