2020: Trusting the Process: Contentment Through Adversity
As we pass through ever changing stages of our life (whether we are moving on from high school, moving to an unfamiliar place, or starting a new career path), we face an unknown future that may come with unsettling challenges. Greater hardships, like the passing of a loved one, can leave us confused, unstable, and hopeless. Through this adversity, it’s hard to refrain from asking, “Why am I going through this?” Being content when events don’t pan out the way that we planned becomes increasingly difficult as obstacles pile up on the path to our goals.
“…God will find a way out forthose who are mindful of Him, and will provide forthem from an unexpected source; God will be enough for those who put their trust in Him…” (Qur’an 65:2-3). This passage from the Qur’an shows us how to be optimistic - even when the odds are against us - through the Islamic concept of Tawakkul, which means, “To trust in God.” This trust stems from an understanding that God is in control of our lives and has a plan for us that will lead to what is most appropriate for our lives. This doesn’t mean we should stop trying to create positive change around us; a man came to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and asked him if he should tie his camel, or simply trust in God. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, replied, “Tie her up and trust in God,” (Tirmidhi). Tawakkul gives us a methodology for dealing with challenges, finding our place in the cosmos, and attaining contentment without becoming complacent with our circumstances. It is similar to concepts in modern psychology that also teach us how to persevere through tough times. One such method is called radical acceptance, which posits that accepting the reality of adversity can be a healthy way to deal with our challenges. Although we may not be able to change the problems we face, we can alter our perception towards them.
When difficulties and uncertainties arrive in your life, how do you move forward and remain content? How do you support others who are facing their own challenges? How does Tawakkul - or your own view on destiny - inspire you to move beyond obstacles, reach your dreams, and find contentment in times of adversity?
We encourage you to creatively explore these concepts, and more, in Regional and National competitions and workshops during MIST 2020. Remember that unique projects displaying creativity and insight will be judged most favorably.
“…God will find a way out forthose who are mindful of Him, and will provide forthem from an unexpected source; God will be enough for those who put their trust in Him…” (Qur’an 65:2-3). This passage from the Qur’an shows us how to be optimistic - even when the odds are against us - through the Islamic concept of Tawakkul, which means, “To trust in God.” This trust stems from an understanding that God is in control of our lives and has a plan for us that will lead to what is most appropriate for our lives. This doesn’t mean we should stop trying to create positive change around us; a man came to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and asked him if he should tie his camel, or simply trust in God. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, replied, “Tie her up and trust in God,” (Tirmidhi). Tawakkul gives us a methodology for dealing with challenges, finding our place in the cosmos, and attaining contentment without becoming complacent with our circumstances. It is similar to concepts in modern psychology that also teach us how to persevere through tough times. One such method is called radical acceptance, which posits that accepting the reality of adversity can be a healthy way to deal with our challenges. Although we may not be able to change the problems we face, we can alter our perception towards them.
When difficulties and uncertainties arrive in your life, how do you move forward and remain content? How do you support others who are facing their own challenges? How does Tawakkul - or your own view on destiny - inspire you to move beyond obstacles, reach your dreams, and find contentment in times of adversity?
We encourage you to creatively explore these concepts, and more, in Regional and National competitions and workshops during MIST 2020. Remember that unique projects displaying creativity and insight will be judged most favorably.
2019: The Honor of Humility: Discovering Dignity in Challenging Pride
In the age of social media, flaunting our lives online can be a source of success. Even when we intend to spread positivity through gaining popularity, we may see humility as an obstacle to that goal. How do we inculcate the virtue of humility when it seemingly brings us down? If we've learned that humility is a weakness, then this shortsighted understanding veils us from its possible hidden strength. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, once said, "…no one humbles themselves for the sake of God except that God raises their status” (Muslim).
It’s easy to fall prey to our pride. To gain more esteem in the eyes of others, we may follow celebrities who tell us what to buy or how to act. We may look at what others possess and compete with one another to project a lifestyle of success. Is our dignity found in the validation of others, or do we find it on our own terms?
Does humility require shunning the world in order to be humble and find our dignity? Not necessarily, according to prophetic teachings. For example, after Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told his companions that “no one who has even a seed of arrogance in their heart will enter paradise,” a man objected saying, “I love to have beautiful clothes and shoes.” The Prophet, peace be upon him, alleviated the man’s concerns by replying, “God is beautiful, and He loves beauty. Arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people” (Muslim).
The struggle for humility can be challenging, confusing, and even paradoxical, but it can yield amazing results. We encourage you to creatively explore these concepts, and more, in Regional and National competitions and workshops during MIST 2019. Remember that unique projects displaying creativity and insight will be judged most favorably.
It’s easy to fall prey to our pride. To gain more esteem in the eyes of others, we may follow celebrities who tell us what to buy or how to act. We may look at what others possess and compete with one another to project a lifestyle of success. Is our dignity found in the validation of others, or do we find it on our own terms?
Does humility require shunning the world in order to be humble and find our dignity? Not necessarily, according to prophetic teachings. For example, after Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, told his companions that “no one who has even a seed of arrogance in their heart will enter paradise,” a man objected saying, “I love to have beautiful clothes and shoes.” The Prophet, peace be upon him, alleviated the man’s concerns by replying, “God is beautiful, and He loves beauty. Arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people” (Muslim).
The struggle for humility can be challenging, confusing, and even paradoxical, but it can yield amazing results. We encourage you to creatively explore these concepts, and more, in Regional and National competitions and workshops during MIST 2019. Remember that unique projects displaying creativity and insight will be judged most favorably.
2018: The Valor of Mercy: Summoning the Strength of Compassion
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.” - Qur'an, 21:107
In English, the word mercy is typically used in a context of suffering. A beggar might ask the people for mercy; the people might ask the criminal for mercy; and the criminal might ask the judge and jury for mercy. Whereas the Arabic term rahma is often translated as mercy, its root letters r-h-m form the meaning “womb” in their nounal form, so rahma contains not just mercy but also the depths of motherly love. Al-Rahman (the Compassionate) and Al-Raheem (the Merciful) are the most prevalent references to God in the Quran, derived from the same root letters. When God addresses Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in the following verse: “And We have not sent you except as a rahma to the worlds,” (Quran 21:107) the entire theme of the prophetic message can be understood as rahma.
Despite being a morally positive concept, mercy is sometimes seen in a negative light, juxtaposed against justice. Showing mercy to an enemy can be seen as demonstrating weakness. To a criminal, offering leniency might mean failing to defend the rights of the aggrieved. Forgiving someone might be tantamount to appeasing bad behavior. So how can we show mercy without compromising the demands of justice?
The answer lies in our ability to prevent further harm. Forgiveness is a deeply spiritual practice, which cleans the mind and heart from negativity. However, forgiveness is impossible in a context where the cycle of abuse continues. We dare not ask the abused to forgive their oppressors without saving them from harm’s way, and we cannot champion the cause of the oppressed without first establishing a deep sense of compassion for all involved.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Help your brother whether he is oppressed or an oppressor." A man said, "O Messenger of God, I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?" The Prophet responded, "By preventing him from oppressing, for that is how to help him.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi)
Once we are compassionate enough to recognize the dignity of both the oppressed and oppressors as our brothers in humanity, we must treat them as such[1]. Compassion compels us to gather our strength to oppose injustice[2], which may be difficult and scary, but we must stand strong because the weak are in no position to help anyone except through thoughts and prayers[3][4]. After mustering our strength, we may realize the open secret of compassion: that it comes with a strength of its own[5][6].
Do you dare to be merciful, forgiving, and compassionate in your own home and community? How? We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. You have a chance to explore these concepts and more in the competitions and workshops of MIST this year, at both the Regional and National levels. Remember, competitive submissions with the most creativity and insight earn the greatest points.
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[1] Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, relates, “The greatest jihad is a word of truth spoken to an unjust ruler,” (Abu Dawud, Nisa’i, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) which may be coupled with the injunction that Moses and Aaron were given when asked to address one of the greatest tyrants of history, “And speak to Pharaoh with a gentle word, perhaps he may remember or fear God” (Quran 20:44).
[2] “You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly- if you distort or neglect justice, God is fully aware of what you do.” -Quran 4:135
[3] “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him address it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then within his heart, but know that is the weakest form of faith.” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Muslim, Nisa’i)
[4] “The strong believer is better and more beloved to God than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which benefits you, seek the help of God, and do not feel helpless...” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Muslim, Ibn Majah)
[5] “The Compassionate has mercy (rahma) on those who are merciful. Show mercy to the people of earth, and the One in the Heavens will show mercy to you.” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
[6] “If anyone relieves a believer from a hardship in this worldly life, God will relieve him from a hardship on the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him, God will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a believer, God will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. God is in the service of His servant as long as the servant is in the service of his brother.” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawud)
Despite being a morally positive concept, mercy is sometimes seen in a negative light, juxtaposed against justice. Showing mercy to an enemy can be seen as demonstrating weakness. To a criminal, offering leniency might mean failing to defend the rights of the aggrieved. Forgiving someone might be tantamount to appeasing bad behavior. So how can we show mercy without compromising the demands of justice?
The answer lies in our ability to prevent further harm. Forgiveness is a deeply spiritual practice, which cleans the mind and heart from negativity. However, forgiveness is impossible in a context where the cycle of abuse continues. We dare not ask the abused to forgive their oppressors without saving them from harm’s way, and we cannot champion the cause of the oppressed without first establishing a deep sense of compassion for all involved.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “Help your brother whether he is oppressed or an oppressor." A man said, "O Messenger of God, I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?" The Prophet responded, "By preventing him from oppressing, for that is how to help him.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi)
Once we are compassionate enough to recognize the dignity of both the oppressed and oppressors as our brothers in humanity, we must treat them as such[1]. Compassion compels us to gather our strength to oppose injustice[2], which may be difficult and scary, but we must stand strong because the weak are in no position to help anyone except through thoughts and prayers[3][4]. After mustering our strength, we may realize the open secret of compassion: that it comes with a strength of its own[5][6].
Do you dare to be merciful, forgiving, and compassionate in your own home and community? How? We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. You have a chance to explore these concepts and more in the competitions and workshops of MIST this year, at both the Regional and National levels. Remember, competitive submissions with the most creativity and insight earn the greatest points.
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[1] Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, relates, “The greatest jihad is a word of truth spoken to an unjust ruler,” (Abu Dawud, Nisa’i, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) which may be coupled with the injunction that Moses and Aaron were given when asked to address one of the greatest tyrants of history, “And speak to Pharaoh with a gentle word, perhaps he may remember or fear God” (Quran 20:44).
[2] “You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act justly- if you distort or neglect justice, God is fully aware of what you do.” -Quran 4:135
[3] “Whoever among you sees an evil, let him address it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then within his heart, but know that is the weakest form of faith.” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Muslim, Nisa’i)
[4] “The strong believer is better and more beloved to God than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which benefits you, seek the help of God, and do not feel helpless...” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Muslim, Ibn Majah)
[5] “The Compassionate has mercy (rahma) on those who are merciful. Show mercy to the people of earth, and the One in the Heavens will show mercy to you.” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
[6] “If anyone relieves a believer from a hardship in this worldly life, God will relieve him from a hardship on the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him, God will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a believer, God will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. God is in the service of His servant as long as the servant is in the service of his brother.” -Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawud)
2017: The Challenge of Beauty: Striving for Perfection in an Imperfect World
“God is beautiful and loves beauty.” - Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
One of the great mysteries of life is its inextricable beauty. Mankind is surrounded by a wondrous universe. From the depths of the night sky upon the vastness of the seas to hearing a bird’s song while tasting a pear plucked from the tree, beauty surrounds us at every turn of our lives. And yet, beauty is not so superficial that it’s limited to our sensory perceptions. We find beauty in the smile of a grandmother, wrinkled as she may be. We find beauty in the pages of a book, nerve-racking as the plot may be. We find beauty in the footwork of the athlete, grueling as the sport may be. We find beauty in the pitter patter of raindrops, scary as the storm may be. What is it about these disparate things that cause us such admiration?
Some may argue that the world is not so beautiful after all. Pain. Arrogance. Anger. Jealousy. Hatred. Greed. However, isn’t it true that each comes with its own antidote? Joy. Humility. Compassion. Generosity. Love. Sacrifice. For those who are adamant, beauty can be found or created in every situation, amidst every challenge, through every difficulty, and even within every ugliness, where the only place we find beauty may be in the hope that things get better.
Arabic has a word for beauty generally: jamal, as in the quote, “God is beautiful and loves beauty.” Arabic also has a word for beauty that people can attain through action: ihsan, beauty that emanates from the perfection of good deeds. Written in the Quran is a command: “...and do ihsan. God loves the doers of ihsan” (Quran 2:195). Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, defined the term thus: “Ihsan is to be aware of God as if you see Him, knowing that if you do not see Him, He sees you” (Bukhari, Muslim). Taken together, when someone strives to constantly be aware of their purpose and live up to their highest ideals as much as possible, even if they falter at times, that’s beautiful. As Rumi famously said, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
Beauty has many other dimensions to explore. There is beauty in social harmony. As Dr. Cornel West recently said, “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” There is the portrayal of beauty in popular culture, which leads to issues dealing with body image and self-esteem against impossible expectations. There is beauty in diversity amidst the disease of racism. There is beauty in “a word of truth spoken to an unjust ruler.” The list goes on...
How do you define beauty? How do you think we can we make our world more beautiful? How can we make our nation “a more perfect union?” How can we make our homes and communities more loving spaces? How can we sculpt ourselves and our characters to emanate more beauty? Finally, how do we reconcile our struggle for perfection with our human limitations and frailties?
We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. You have a chance to explore these concepts and more in the competitions and workshops of MIST this year, at both the Regional and National levels. Remember, competitive submissions with the most creativity and insight earn the greatest points.
Some may argue that the world is not so beautiful after all. Pain. Arrogance. Anger. Jealousy. Hatred. Greed. However, isn’t it true that each comes with its own antidote? Joy. Humility. Compassion. Generosity. Love. Sacrifice. For those who are adamant, beauty can be found or created in every situation, amidst every challenge, through every difficulty, and even within every ugliness, where the only place we find beauty may be in the hope that things get better.
Arabic has a word for beauty generally: jamal, as in the quote, “God is beautiful and loves beauty.” Arabic also has a word for beauty that people can attain through action: ihsan, beauty that emanates from the perfection of good deeds. Written in the Quran is a command: “...and do ihsan. God loves the doers of ihsan” (Quran 2:195). Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, defined the term thus: “Ihsan is to be aware of God as if you see Him, knowing that if you do not see Him, He sees you” (Bukhari, Muslim). Taken together, when someone strives to constantly be aware of their purpose and live up to their highest ideals as much as possible, even if they falter at times, that’s beautiful. As Rumi famously said, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
Beauty has many other dimensions to explore. There is beauty in social harmony. As Dr. Cornel West recently said, “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” There is the portrayal of beauty in popular culture, which leads to issues dealing with body image and self-esteem against impossible expectations. There is beauty in diversity amidst the disease of racism. There is beauty in “a word of truth spoken to an unjust ruler.” The list goes on...
How do you define beauty? How do you think we can we make our world more beautiful? How can we make our nation “a more perfect union?” How can we make our homes and communities more loving spaces? How can we sculpt ourselves and our characters to emanate more beauty? Finally, how do we reconcile our struggle for perfection with our human limitations and frailties?
We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. You have a chance to explore these concepts and more in the competitions and workshops of MIST this year, at both the Regional and National levels. Remember, competitive submissions with the most creativity and insight earn the greatest points.
2016: The Race Against Time
Memento mori is a Latin phrase that can be roughly translated as, “remember your mortality.” It is a universal concept that exists in many ancient faiths and philosophies, a perspective that our time in this life is limited, so we must remember to make the most of the fleeting moments we have. When we consider how our time is not guaranteed, even the smallest and most mundane moments with family and friends can be transformed into the most precious and beautiful blessings. For this reason, the essence of memento mori is its counterpart memento vivere, “remember to live.”
A healthy and balanced attitude towards life comes not just with treasuring blessings, but also with making peace with its inevitabilities. When there is death, there is life. When there is pain, there is healing. When there is sorrow, there is joy, and there are a full range of states in between and beyond. Sometimes loss hits closer to home than we expect. Sometimes change occurs, which can be scary. How do we cope when times get tough? How do we make sense of the pain we experience in life, and how do we bring joy back into our lives and the lives of others? How do we remember to keep our lives in perspective so we can live it fully with balance?
“With every difficulty comes ease” is assured in the Quran (94:5-6). “We do not burden any soul with more than it can bear...” (23:62). “Believers, respond to God and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life...” (8:24). These are just a few of the many passages from the Quran that demonstrate how Islam approaches the ultimate questions of life to give its practitioners hope. Surely, billions who follow various other traditions and philosophies also find hope and empowerment in their teachings. How do these teachings compare and contrast when it comes to dealing with the reality of mortality?
How do you plan to make the most of your time? How would you capture the essence of truly appreciating life? Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
A healthy and balanced attitude towards life comes not just with treasuring blessings, but also with making peace with its inevitabilities. When there is death, there is life. When there is pain, there is healing. When there is sorrow, there is joy, and there are a full range of states in between and beyond. Sometimes loss hits closer to home than we expect. Sometimes change occurs, which can be scary. How do we cope when times get tough? How do we make sense of the pain we experience in life, and how do we bring joy back into our lives and the lives of others? How do we remember to keep our lives in perspective so we can live it fully with balance?
“With every difficulty comes ease” is assured in the Quran (94:5-6). “We do not burden any soul with more than it can bear...” (23:62). “Believers, respond to God and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life...” (8:24). These are just a few of the many passages from the Quran that demonstrate how Islam approaches the ultimate questions of life to give its practitioners hope. Surely, billions who follow various other traditions and philosophies also find hope and empowerment in their teachings. How do these teachings compare and contrast when it comes to dealing with the reality of mortality?
How do you plan to make the most of your time? How would you capture the essence of truly appreciating life? Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
2015: The Clarity of Sincerity: From Outer Perceptions to Inner Reflections
“Truly, God does not look at your outward forms and wealth, but rather at your hearts and your deeds.”
– Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
– Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him
In the modern world of TV and social media, we are constantly faced with an avalanche of pressures and expectations that influence how we “should” present ourselves. Bombarded with stereotypes and labels in society, fashion trends and consumer culture on the streets, and pressures at home and at school, this barrage of perceptions comes at us from all angles. We can often be left feeling frustrated, empty, conflicted, or powerless. How can we find ourselves through all the noise?
Ancient wisdom provides some clues. In the Arabic language, the words for intention (niyyah), a turning heart (qalb), and purity (ikhlaas) are related to the words for advice (naseeha) and honesty or integrity (sidq). All are used to describe the concept of sincerity in Islam that being true to one’s principles is also about being true to others. Sincerity offers a path to reconciliation, not through attempting to please people, but through principle.
How can we use the concept of sincerity to find clarity in our lives? How can we discover and maintain a constant understanding of ourselves and communicate that effectively in a variety of settings? How can we interact more meaningfully with those around us?
You have a chance to explore these concepts and more in the competitions and workshops of MIST this year, at both the Regional and National levels. Remember, competitive submissions with the most creativity and insight earn the greatest points
Ancient wisdom provides some clues. In the Arabic language, the words for intention (niyyah), a turning heart (qalb), and purity (ikhlaas) are related to the words for advice (naseeha) and honesty or integrity (sidq). All are used to describe the concept of sincerity in Islam that being true to one’s principles is also about being true to others. Sincerity offers a path to reconciliation, not through attempting to please people, but through principle.
How can we use the concept of sincerity to find clarity in our lives? How can we discover and maintain a constant understanding of ourselves and communicate that effectively in a variety of settings? How can we interact more meaningfully with those around us?
You have a chance to explore these concepts and more in the competitions and workshops of MIST this year, at both the Regional and National levels. Remember, competitive submissions with the most creativity and insight earn the greatest points
2014: The Art of Generosity: Finding the Greatness to Give
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” -Khalil Gibran
Giving is an art. Mastering it requires three components: 1) finding and nurturing a deep concern for others, 2) developing valuable skills and traits that can be used to serve them, and 3) breaking free from any desires that hold us back from serving a cause greater than ourselves. The beauty of this art is that it inspires everyone to “pay it forward.” Not only does it honor the given, but it transforms the giver, as any true sacrifice enriches the self. Generosity then, is not about being a candle that burns away while giving light to others but a battery that recharges so it can keep on giving instead.
Generosity. Altruism. Charity. Selflessness. These words may sound nice, but what do they mean in practice? They can mean preferring others before ourselves or maybe even leaving our own comfort for a cause. They can be about humility and sacrifice, or just plain good manners and courtesy, about being charitable towards someone without expecting anything in return, or even “smiling in the face of your brother [or sister].” Think about it: what do you have or what can you do for those around you? What is it that they may want or need from you? Is it possible that in trying to find ways to help others, you may just find your own purpose, your own happiness, and your own self?
We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Some reasons to be generous:
1. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -Ian MacLaren
2. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi
3. “Today for you, tomorrow for me.” -Spanish proverb
4. “Give each other gifts, and you will love each other.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
5. “The best of people are those who are of the most benefit to others.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
6. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
7. “You will not attain righteousness until you give of that which you love.” -Quran 3:92
8. “God is in the aid of a person so long as the person is in the aid of his brother.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
9. “Save yourself from hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity, and if you cannot find that, then with a kind word.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
10. “A cup can only pour forth what it contains.” -Proverb
What are yours?
Generosity. Altruism. Charity. Selflessness. These words may sound nice, but what do they mean in practice? They can mean preferring others before ourselves or maybe even leaving our own comfort for a cause. They can be about humility and sacrifice, or just plain good manners and courtesy, about being charitable towards someone without expecting anything in return, or even “smiling in the face of your brother [or sister].” Think about it: what do you have or what can you do for those around you? What is it that they may want or need from you? Is it possible that in trying to find ways to help others, you may just find your own purpose, your own happiness, and your own self?
We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Some reasons to be generous:
1. “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -Ian MacLaren
2. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi
3. “Today for you, tomorrow for me.” -Spanish proverb
4. “Give each other gifts, and you will love each other.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
5. “The best of people are those who are of the most benefit to others.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
6. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
7. “You will not attain righteousness until you give of that which you love.” -Quran 3:92
8. “God is in the aid of a person so long as the person is in the aid of his brother.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
9. “Save yourself from hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity, and if you cannot find that, then with a kind word.” -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
10. “A cup can only pour forth what it contains.” -Proverb
What are yours?
2013: The Patience of Champions: Rising to a Better Self
I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.’
-Muhammad Ali
-Muhammad Ali
Think Michael Jordan. Think Muhammad Ali. If patience doesn’t come to mind, then you don’t know what it takes to be a champion. With hours of practice each day, through sweat, blood, and tears, champions will persevere to achieve their goal through the years. Life throws them surprises, distractions lace their path, yet they rise above every obstacle to be better than their past. No, patience is not sitting idly by hoping for a brighter future, and it’s definitely not about giving up just to have some fun #YOLO. Patience is in that satisfied feeling, burning inside their chest, that they’re doing all they can, and the rest is up to God.
But patience is not just for athletes. Ordinary people around the world have harnessed it to bear unimaginable suffering and accomplish extraordinary feats. When a magnitude 9.0 earthquake-tsunami recently hit Japan, the people usedgaman to weather the storm with dignity and compassion, not looting and chaos. Under the cruel oppression of dictators and through the horrors of war, ordinary Muslims around the world have used sabr just to survive. No, patience has never been about being passive or taking short cuts, but prayer and time can be tools to move on. No matter the language, patience has always been about hope and discipline, about a willingness to endure the sacrifice now, knowing that better days will come with principled perseverance. Patience is about the rise of a better self.
Perhaps you’re inspired, or perhaps you’re still wondering how any of these examples are relevant to you as a high school student in North America. Think of the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis, and consider how you’re dealing with them. Think of the goals you want to achieve, and consider how you’re pursuing them. What kind of change do you want in your personal life? What kind of sacrifices are you ready to make? What do you think makes life worth the struggle? How can you make today better than yesterday? Are you ready to choose the path of patience?
We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
But patience is not just for athletes. Ordinary people around the world have harnessed it to bear unimaginable suffering and accomplish extraordinary feats. When a magnitude 9.0 earthquake-tsunami recently hit Japan, the people usedgaman to weather the storm with dignity and compassion, not looting and chaos. Under the cruel oppression of dictators and through the horrors of war, ordinary Muslims around the world have used sabr just to survive. No, patience has never been about being passive or taking short cuts, but prayer and time can be tools to move on. No matter the language, patience has always been about hope and discipline, about a willingness to endure the sacrifice now, knowing that better days will come with principled perseverance. Patience is about the rise of a better self.
Perhaps you’re inspired, or perhaps you’re still wondering how any of these examples are relevant to you as a high school student in North America. Think of the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis, and consider how you’re dealing with them. Think of the goals you want to achieve, and consider how you’re pursuing them. What kind of change do you want in your personal life? What kind of sacrifices are you ready to make? What do you think makes life worth the struggle? How can you make today better than yesterday? Are you ready to choose the path of patience?
We challenge you to take a deeper look and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
2012: Family: Reconnecting our Hearts to Home
“The best of you are those who are best to their families.”
– Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
– Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Sometimes the stories of our homes are not perfect. Some of us can connect well with strangers yet have distant relationships with our fathers. We can fall in love with movie stars but resent our own mothers. We can be polite all day at school and still come home angry and abusive. It’s as though we’ve reserved our best for everywhere but home–as though the role of family in our lives has been outsourced to others.
“The role of family.” What does this phrase even mean? Throughout history and between lands, a family’s role has been defined differently, yet somehow its concept remains universal and valuable. Why? What exactly do we expect family to be for us? Some say family is meant to provide us a place to call home and a place to belong. Others may think it is more like a nursery, where we grow into adults and then go our separate ways. Some only turn to family in times of need, and yet others consider it a foundational building block of society. What do you think are the ideals of family, and why? What do different cultures and religions have to say on the topic, and how do their ideas compare or contrast with those of Islam?
Having considered these ideals, what are our families really like? Who do we consider to be family, and what is our relationship with these family members? Do they have rights upon us? Do we honor them? Do we have responsibilities towards them? Do we uphold them? Are there any differences between our ideals and our realities? If so, what can we do to bridge those gaps?
We challenge you to take a deeper look into the North American Muslim community and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
“The role of family.” What does this phrase even mean? Throughout history and between lands, a family’s role has been defined differently, yet somehow its concept remains universal and valuable. Why? What exactly do we expect family to be for us? Some say family is meant to provide us a place to call home and a place to belong. Others may think it is more like a nursery, where we grow into adults and then go our separate ways. Some only turn to family in times of need, and yet others consider it a foundational building block of society. What do you think are the ideals of family, and why? What do different cultures and religions have to say on the topic, and how do their ideas compare or contrast with those of Islam?
Having considered these ideals, what are our families really like? Who do we consider to be family, and what is our relationship with these family members? Do they have rights upon us? Do we honor them? Do we have responsibilities towards them? Do we uphold them? Are there any differences between our ideals and our realities? If so, what can we do to bridge those gaps?
We challenge you to take a deeper look into the North American Muslim community and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
2011: Loyalty: The Key to Faith and Citizenship
Before revelation ever reached the unlettered man named Muhammad, he was renowned amongst his people as the most trustworthy of his society. Before he ever made a public proclamation, before he ever urged others to feed the poor or care for the orphans, before he ever criticized his society for their immoral practices of infanticide or alcoholism, Muhammad was the most beloved merchant of Mecca, a simple man known for his honest and gentle manners. Despite the spiritual and moral bankruptcy of his society, all of his fellow countrymen knew that at least here was a man they could depend on for his integrity. It was only after living 40 years of his life as an upstanding citizen of his society that he was met with a higher calling: to bring a message of mercy to mankind.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) didn’t need a birth certificate to prove that he belonged: he spoke the language of the people, he obeyed the laws of the land, he sincerely wished well for his people, and above all, he made positive contributions to his society. Indeed, his commitment to his principles allowed him to serve his society faithfully, even when the majority of his people turned against him once he started speaking out against their societal ills. Is there any better definition of citizenship?*
Centuries later, people of faith still face the same sort of opposition as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once faced. With new concepts such as nation-state citizenship in the modern age, loyalty might be an even harder concept to grasp. So what does it really mean to be an American or Canadian, and conversely, what does it mean to be a person of a particular faith? Are they necessarily exclusive definitions? Must Muslim-Americans identify themselves as American first and Muslim second? Can’t they just be both? If so, how? If not, is the promise of a liberal democracy broken, with its freedoms of religion and speech for all? Would Muslims need to flee from persecution as they did 1400 years ago (and as many other groups have had to do throughout history), or can we still avoid some of the same pitfalls of the past today?
At MIST, we ask you to decide. We challenge you to take a deeper look into the North American Muslim community and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Hint: Please do not use imagery of keys in your creative projects. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
*Now, it should be noted that in contrast to the believers who fled persecution to Medina with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and who were later provoked to armed conflict, the comparison we are trying to draw between our own time and theirs more aptly continues with the community that emigrated to then-Christian Abyssinia due to the religious freedom they were afforded as a minority under the Negus. For reference, see this lecture (particularly 12:30 onward). This link is shared for educational purposes only. The views expressed therein are the speaker’s own, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of MIST, its organizers, or its affiliates.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) didn’t need a birth certificate to prove that he belonged: he spoke the language of the people, he obeyed the laws of the land, he sincerely wished well for his people, and above all, he made positive contributions to his society. Indeed, his commitment to his principles allowed him to serve his society faithfully, even when the majority of his people turned against him once he started speaking out against their societal ills. Is there any better definition of citizenship?*
Centuries later, people of faith still face the same sort of opposition as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once faced. With new concepts such as nation-state citizenship in the modern age, loyalty might be an even harder concept to grasp. So what does it really mean to be an American or Canadian, and conversely, what does it mean to be a person of a particular faith? Are they necessarily exclusive definitions? Must Muslim-Americans identify themselves as American first and Muslim second? Can’t they just be both? If so, how? If not, is the promise of a liberal democracy broken, with its freedoms of religion and speech for all? Would Muslims need to flee from persecution as they did 1400 years ago (and as many other groups have had to do throughout history), or can we still avoid some of the same pitfalls of the past today?
At MIST, we ask you to decide. We challenge you to take a deeper look into the North American Muslim community and analyze the various concepts surrounding this theme. Be creative! Projects and submissions with the most creativity and insight will receive the highest points. Hint: Please do not use imagery of keys in your creative projects. Remember, this theme will encompass all of the MIST competitions and workshops at both the regional and national levels. If you have any questions regarding this theme or anything else MIST-related, please do not hesitate to contact us!
*Now, it should be noted that in contrast to the believers who fled persecution to Medina with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and who were later provoked to armed conflict, the comparison we are trying to draw between our own time and theirs more aptly continues with the community that emigrated to then-Christian Abyssinia due to the religious freedom they were afforded as a minority under the Negus. For reference, see this lecture (particularly 12:30 onward). This link is shared for educational purposes only. The views expressed therein are the speaker’s own, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of MIST, its organizers, or its affiliates.