Our Methodology: Tarbiyah & Organization

Promoting Islam is the obligation of every Muslim Unity- not a token unity, but one that achieves the mission of Islam- is an individual obligation and a condition to effectively fulfill the believer's responsibility of dawah and islah.  It is crucial that our work be collective and organized.  Following the directives of the Quran and Sunnah, we believe in the necessity of a structured, comprehensive movement with correct methodology and deep understanding.  This movement, rooted in the Prophetic model and cognized of our society's reality, must have a comprehensive vision and integrated institutions to deploy resources, streamline individual effort, and effectively organize and mobilize the Muslim community. 

MAS strives to emulate the Prphetic model.  Indeed, the prophet built a movement to fulfill the mission assigned to the believers.  Embracing Islam meant joining the Islamic movement, and all believers were members of that movement under the prophetic leadership.  Within the American community, our mission of comprehensive reform and the multifaceted challenges we face demand that we span all fronts of social, political, and community work.  We can only answer this call as a unified movement.  In order to streamline our efforts, we need plans, systems, and institutions to effectively organize and mobilize the Muslim community. 

Collective, organized work is an obligation upon the community of believers.  In order to successfully achieve this work and unity, two elements must be present: tarbiyah and institution- building.

1. Tarbiyah. Tarbiyah is the continuous process of inculcating the teaching of Islam and empowering people to fulfill the mission of dawah and islah on this earth.  As they strive to promote Islam, believers should embody the teaching of Islam and develop themselves as models and exemplary citizens.  Tarbiyah, a cornerstone of the MAS prophetic methodology, is the pursuit of excellence, self-empowerment, and unity that achieves the mission.  Allah says in the Quran, {Allah will never change the condition of people until they change what is in themselves} The Quran, 13:11This endless process of self-development and purification also enables members and potential members to reach their full potential, prepare themselves for the mission, and join the movement that coordinates and streamlines their efforts.  The process fosters unity of purpose, shared vision, teamwork, and true brotherhood among the believers.  It also orients members to a decisive system of consultation and compliance that minimizes argumentation and preserves unity despite differences.  These elements are essential to sustaining an effective team that works together to fulfill its mission. 

2. Institution-Building. MAS strives to be practical and action-oriented, building institutions to develop the community, organize activities, and offer services.  These institutions work to implement MAS' mission in every field, all the while deploying MAS members undergoing the tarbiyah process, offering practical training to individuals, and recruiting new members.  MAS institutions are critical in the synergetic model of tarbiyah and activism. 

The MAS mission is translated into a comprehensive agenda of reform, which is realized through and array of specialized institutions and departments. MAS is determined to develop and unify the community, and will constantly invite, educate, train, and organize more members within its institutions and ranks.