2019 By the Numbers:
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2022 Theme
THE CONVICTION IN COURAGE
Finding the Balance between Fear and Risk
The past 20 months have been demanding as we collectively cope with a global pandemic, giving rise to protests and conflict at home and abroad. These events have grabbed our attention as we witness the challenges our brothers and sisters endure and are awed by the determination and courage they possess. These months have not been kind on our bodies and minds, yet we are asked by our community to remain steadfast, to withstand these moments, and keep faith that this will pass.
Often, when we think of courage, we look to the physical and moral manifestation of it, imagining a fearless individual standing firm in a protest, or those willing to make the tough decisions in challenging situations. Philosophers such as Plato or Aristotle discussed courage as a trait set aside for those that do not fear death. However, we can look towards the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him) on how we can remain strong and demonstrate courage in various forms. At a time where we are surrounded with injustices, "a word of truth spoken before an unjust ruler" (an- Nasa'i) is the best form of struggle. We remember maintaining self-control is where true strength lies for a believer for "the strong man is one who controls himself in anger" (Bukhari).
However, sometimes our courage and our conviction to stand firm can be tested or shaken by the outcomes and consequences of our decisions and we may begin to question our yaqeen, our solid conviction (certainty). Instead of giving into despair, we can use this opportunity to become closer to Allah and have the courage to hold firm in our beliefs and not have our faith deterred as we have been told that "the strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah" (Muslim). As we experience tragedies and undergo failures that shake our core, we remain patient and accept the order of Allah for "Allah does not decree anything for the believer except what is good for him" (Ahmad).
How do you define courage and instill this characteristic into situations that arise in your life? How can we harness our courage to serve our communities while taking care of ourselves? How do we strike the balance between the courage we inwardly and outwardly demonstrate? How do we navigate our vulnerabilities as a part of being courageous? What are ways to value and support those who have taken a stand when it's needed? How can we maintain our beliefs when making hard decisions?
We encourage you to creatively explore these concepts and more in online and in-person Regional and National competitions and workshops during MIST 2022. Remember that unique projects displaying creativity and insight will be judged most favorably.
Often, when we think of courage, we look to the physical and moral manifestation of it, imagining a fearless individual standing firm in a protest, or those willing to make the tough decisions in challenging situations. Philosophers such as Plato or Aristotle discussed courage as a trait set aside for those that do not fear death. However, we can look towards the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him) on how we can remain strong and demonstrate courage in various forms. At a time where we are surrounded with injustices, "a word of truth spoken before an unjust ruler" (an- Nasa'i) is the best form of struggle. We remember maintaining self-control is where true strength lies for a believer for "the strong man is one who controls himself in anger" (Bukhari).
However, sometimes our courage and our conviction to stand firm can be tested or shaken by the outcomes and consequences of our decisions and we may begin to question our yaqeen, our solid conviction (certainty). Instead of giving into despair, we can use this opportunity to become closer to Allah and have the courage to hold firm in our beliefs and not have our faith deterred as we have been told that "the strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah" (Muslim). As we experience tragedies and undergo failures that shake our core, we remain patient and accept the order of Allah for "Allah does not decree anything for the believer except what is good for him" (Ahmad).
How do you define courage and instill this characteristic into situations that arise in your life? How can we harness our courage to serve our communities while taking care of ourselves? How do we strike the balance between the courage we inwardly and outwardly demonstrate? How do we navigate our vulnerabilities as a part of being courageous? What are ways to value and support those who have taken a stand when it's needed? How can we maintain our beliefs when making hard decisions?
We encourage you to creatively explore these concepts and more in online and in-person Regional and National competitions and workshops during MIST 2022. Remember that unique projects displaying creativity and insight will be judged most favorably.
A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT MIST
The Muslim Interscholastic Tournament of Florida (MIST) is a fun, educational, interactive program of competitions and workshops designed to bring Muslim and non-Muslim high school students together from around the nation to develop leadership, communication, and other creative skills in order to develop a strong personal identity.
Our mission is to unite high school students together in order to create a growing environment in which leadership, communication, and creative skills are developed all while gaining a more intellectual understanding of Islam. These environments thrive during our annual regional and national tournaments.
MIST was founded in 2002 by a young woman named Shazia Siddiqi in Houston, Texas. MIST now takes place in 15 different regions across North America. The top four winners in any category of the regional competitions qualify to compete in Nationals. It is now once again time for high school students to take the stand through their own creative identities. Competitors have the opportunity to raise their voices through art, writing, debate, and so much more.
So get MISTified! Join in on the hype, joy, and thrill. To get started, form a team at your high school, decide on a team name, pick a coach, and find an ambassador. Be sure to get your teammates registered early and begin preparing for competitions and possible early submission deadlines. There is an entire community that is ready to embrace you!
Want to learn more? Interested in participating? Want to get a team together, but don't know where to start? Get in touch with us today to set up a MIST Florida kickoff event at your school or in you city!
You can find all of our contact info at our Contact Us page.
Email us anytime at marketing@mistflorida.org
Our mission is to unite high school students together in order to create a growing environment in which leadership, communication, and creative skills are developed all while gaining a more intellectual understanding of Islam. These environments thrive during our annual regional and national tournaments.
MIST was founded in 2002 by a young woman named Shazia Siddiqi in Houston, Texas. MIST now takes place in 15 different regions across North America. The top four winners in any category of the regional competitions qualify to compete in Nationals. It is now once again time for high school students to take the stand through their own creative identities. Competitors have the opportunity to raise their voices through art, writing, debate, and so much more.
So get MISTified! Join in on the hype, joy, and thrill. To get started, form a team at your high school, decide on a team name, pick a coach, and find an ambassador. Be sure to get your teammates registered early and begin preparing for competitions and possible early submission deadlines. There is an entire community that is ready to embrace you!
Want to learn more? Interested in participating? Want to get a team together, but don't know where to start? Get in touch with us today to set up a MIST Florida kickoff event at your school or in you city!
You can find all of our contact info at our Contact Us page.
Email us anytime at marketing@mistflorida.org
COMPETE
Win it all
Having a safe space for personal expression is a critical objective of MIST. Every individual has a unique voice. Through our competitions, we strive to validate and motivate our participants to be successful, compassionate human beings. With over two dozen competitions, participate in your favorites and take home the gold medals! |
LEARNIncrease your knowledge
One of our objectives is to provide a platform to help our participants develop confidence and professionalism by practicing presentation, public speaking, and problem solving skills. Competitors present their projects in front of a panel of judges and an audience of other MIST participants. All participants have the opportunity to explore and discover unknown talents and hidden potential! |
HAVE FUNConnect with others
MIST provides participants with the opportunity to meet and network with diverse peers who share the same (or different!) talents and interests, as well as build relationships that can last a lifetime. We welcome everyone of any religion or no religion. Our topics and workshops are geared towards developing critical thinking skills while promoting a greater understanding of Islam and Muslims. |