History of MYNA - Part 11 91-95 The Golden Age

1991-1992 (mostly 1991)- (6) Aimen Mir, chairperson for a second term., out of Akron Ohio. Suhaib Barzinji is East Zone advisor. Secretary/Treasurer Umbareen Jamil of Fiarlawn, OH. East Zone Rep is Inayet Sahin of Seabrook, MD. West Zone Rep is Yasmin Turk of Phoenix, Az. Central Zone Rep is Mazen Asbahi of Northville, MI, Canada West Zone is Abdulrahman Abdulrahman of Winnepeg, and Canada East Zone is Mubarak Ibrahim of Westhill, ON. The Advisory Committee Chairman is Dr. Ahmed Elkadi of Panama City. Dawood Zwink is Ex-Officio, the Central Zone Advisor is Nader Tarsin Ann Arbor, MI, the East Zone Advisor is Nader Salah of Herndon, VA, the West Zone Advisor is Mahboob Khan of Milpitas, CA, the Canada East Zone advisoris Mustapha Fahmy of Kingston, ON, the Canada West Zone Advisor is Waheed Mustafa of Winnipeg, MB. MYNA still in deficit but will start coming out mid-1991 or 92. No FYLTP held two years in a row. Sahra Nadir (or Nadiir) is listed as the MYNA staff person at ISNA Headquarters. Ahmed ElHattab is Secretary General. Syed Imtiaz Ahmed is the President. ISNA HQ staff is pretty big, 7 in Secretariat, 12 others, including Nadir. AlHattab says that “overall conditions have improved noticeably over the previous year, individuals and communities in the field continue to sense the void resulting from these constraints through reduced communication and activities coming from ISNA offices. General Secretariat staff strength was increased to 19 full-time and 7 part-time or temporary people from a staff of 9.

1991 - No FYLTP held, first time in two years in a row. Rahat Kurds’ exceptional art is featured throughout issues of New Dawn.

1991- The MYNA of Franklin, MI organize a fund raising dinner to raise money for different countries in need of support. They also collect medicine to send to Iraq and have a Qiam al-layl.

Jan. 14, 1991, Muslim Writers Guild, Issue #1 comes out.

May 15, 1991, Muslim Writers Guild, Issue #3 comes out.

June 1991 – MYNA Central Zone Conference takes place in Detroit MI.

July 15, 1991 - Muslim Writers Guild, Issue #4 comes out with additional title “Muslim Musings”

July 25-28, 1991 – 24th Annual IMA convention in New York city features a MYNA program by and for the youth, providing fun and education. Islam was the outline for the discussions and the major theme was “working to Make a Difference.” The first session is headed by Muzzammil Nawaz, a MYNA alumni and then a crisis intervention counselor from Toronto for the brothers, and Nadifa Abdi, a former MYNa zonal advisor from Plainfield, IN for the sisters. The session is entertaining with comedy and audience participation along with hadith to back up the presenters statements. Muzzammil conducts a cooperative game show how there is more cooperation than competition in successful sports. Health consciousness from the Islamic perspective is also presented. The next day there is a session on volunteer work headed by the same speakers highlighting the need for helping out brothers and sisters and those in countries in need such as Palestine and Kashmir. Siraj Wahaj gives the jumuah khutbah. There is also a “boring” tour of the town that doesn’t go so well. There is also a MYNA bowl, a test of who is smarter in a small amphitheater. The crowd enjoyed it. The M.c. and conference chairperson was Faisal Bukhari from Valdese, North Carolina. The next day Bukhari leads a session about Islam and the environment. Abdul Malik from Masjid taqwa gives a speech. There is a session against The Satanic Verses. The last night there is an interfaith speech by a Christian speaker in favor of Palestine, and then there is a final presentation is given on local activities including: setting up a new youth group, networking with other youth groups, the MYNa art guild, the Muslim writers guild, and the New dawn. Overall the advisors, Sabuhi athar and Naveed Mallick along with the chairperson faisal Bukhair are said to have done a magnificent job organizing the “entertaining and enlightening” conference.

Labor Day Weekend, Aug./Sept. 1991 – The MYNA Summer Continental Conference takes place alongside the ISNA convention in Dayton, OH. Themed “Striving for Muslim Excellence.” 600 participants attend. A sister-made quilt by the MYNA of Akron/Kent was displayed at the entertainment session and auctioned at $8,000. The Conference also featured the “MYNA Activities Fair” with booths introducing all the various MYNA activities and letting participants of them get to know each other, organized by Conference Chair Ayesha Kazmi.

Sept./Oct., 1991 - New Dawn Sept./Oct. 1991 issue comes out with ads for the MYNA Artists and Writer’s Guilds under Riyad Shamma. Edited by Riyad Shamma.

Oct. 25-27, 1991 – MYNA Central Zone Regional Conference in Detroit Michigan at the Detroit Metro Airport.

Nov. 1991, Muslim Writers Guild, Issue #6, Muslim Musings.

Winter/Ramadan 1991 - Winter/Ramadan - Still in Aimen’s term, New Dawn Winter/Ramadan 1991 issue comes out. [There is a typo and it says Winter 1992] The New Dawn at this point has 14 staff members. 7 of them section heads. It is edited by Karima Shamma [this is her first issue as editor of New Dawn], with editorial advisor Riyad Shamma. Copy editor is Mariam Brewsaugh, and art directors are Faisal Khatrie and Imran Hussain. Business Manager is Faisal Khan Typesetting and layoutis by Ismail abdul Raheem. Section Editors include Umar Baloch for Quranic Inspiration, ruby Khan for creative Expression, Selwan Mahmoud for Youth Groups, Wasim dar for History, Faique sayeed for Sports, Irfan Handon for World Affairs, Muhammad El Sherif for Islamic Quiz. It includes a solicitation for the MYNA Art and Writer’s guilds. Riyad Shamma is contact for the Writers’, it doesn’t say who it is for the Art Guild, but gives then-president Aimen Mir’s Akron, OH address and the phone number (216) 867-3468. The issue also features cartoons by Mazhar Toor and Nancy Serag [later president]. Inside there is writing by Taseen Majid Mir on interfaith, Omar Baloch on the Quran and Prophet Muhammad, Wasim Dar on Islam and education. Khurram Murad on the Quran. An ad for Soundvision. [landmark, Soundvision = pre-Astrolabe], an ad for Zwink’s Somali Relief Fund and the Kashmiri Relief Council. An article on making the transition to college and Msa from the MYNA Worker’s Manual and by Naveed Malick, a message asking youth groups to organize food collection and clothing drives during Ramadan, Ramadan articles by Yasmin Turk and Asma Khandekar. Has an announcement on the “Ramadan Project,” by Yasser Khan for the MYNA of Cincinnati youth enrichment program. An article on Dawah by Yousra Fazili. Pictures from the 1991 MYNA Summer Conference at the ISNA Annual Convention. There is an article by Sameera Fazili covering a lecture, one on the contributions of women in Islam by Asma Khandekar, an ad for the MSA’s new email network. An article on an ISNA convention session on Muslims in public schools by Tamana Salikuddin. An ad for the MYNA window on Amnet, the American Muslim council’s BBS boards. And an article on the MYNA chapter of Franklin Michigan by Mazen Asbahi outlining the history of the group which reads: “It was this year that the brothers decided to reach out and make dawah to the non-Muslims of the surrounding communities. They decide upon a TV-commercial wishing a Happy Eid to the greater Detroit community, and also a more “cost effect” approach n the form of a billboard on a highway in Detroit inviting people to Islam and providing those people who called with free literature. A billboard committee was formed to come up with a design that would grab the attention of drivers passing by. Both these projects were expensive and money is something most teen-agers don’t have, sot hey went to the community for help and support. They decided that a fund raising dinner would be a practical way to obtain the needed resources. The dinner was well organized and the community responded to a well-prepared description of the projects. The theme of the dinner was “Make Muslims feel Proud” and an excellent speaker gave an inspiring speech which put he audience in a mood to give. The strength of the dinner lay with a specific and well-prepared outline of the projects. Al-hamdulillah, the money was raised and the commercials were shown on Eid Al-Fitr, however, the billboard was placed on hold because of the negative images of Islam in the media due to the Gulf War. So it wasn’t until this June when the billboard went up. The brothers at Franklin also took a trip to Maryland for the MYNA East Zone conference.

Dec. 21-27, 1991 – winter Leadership conference takes place in Bellafontaine, OH. 100 participants. Youth must still meet the MYNA standards of Islamic practice and organizational experience to attend. The main purpose of the program is said to be “to instill leadership qualities in youth who have shown initiative and potential in their home regions.

Dec. 1991 - Iqbal Unus looks over a draft of a newly amended MYNA constitution. It isn’t finally approved till Aug. 1992.

1992- The MYNA Chapter of Franklin, MI (brother’s group) decide to do dawah to non-Muslims of the surrounding communities with a TV-commercial wishing a Happy Eid to Greater Detroit and a billboard on a Detroit highway inviting people to Islam and providing those who called with free literature. They form a billboard committee to come up with a design that would grab the attention of passing drivers. They do a successful fund raising dinner to pay for the project. The dinner is themed: “Make Muslims feel Proud.” There is a speech and a specific and well-prepared outline of the projects is presented. The money was raised and the commercials were shown on Eid Al-Fitr, however, the billboard was placed on hold because of the negative images of Islam in the media due to the Gulf War. So it isn’t until June, 1992 that the billboard went up.

1992 - MYNA Raps’ first tape is produced and MYNA RAPS 1 is presented at Summer Continental Conference, Sept. 4-7, part of the ISNA Convention.

May 15-17, 1992 - ISNA Canada East Zone conference held in Toronto. Over 2,000 attend, program includes a parallel Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) program (no MSA at this programs point), presumably it was the MYNA Canada East Zone conference.

May 22-24, 1992 - ISNA Canada West Zone Conference in Vancouver under the theme “Establishing a Muslim Community: Opportunities and Challenges.” Over 300 attend, program includes a parallel Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) program (no MSA at this programs point), presumably it was the MYNA Canada West Zone conference.

May 22-25, 1992 - ISNA US Central Zone Conference held in Houston, TX, themed “Establishment of Muslim Communities.” Almost 200 attend, program includes a parallel Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) program (no MSA at this programs point), presumably it was the MYNA Central or South Central Zone conference.

June 1992 – The MYNA of Franklin, MI’s historic Islam billboard goes up on a Detroit highway after months of planning by the group’s Billboard Committee. The billboard invites people to Islam and providing those who call with free literature.Two people become Muslim and hundreds of people request and receive information about Islam.

July 3-5 - ISNA US West Zone Conference held in Los Angeles, themed “Muslims in America…For a New Islamic World,” more than 800 attend, program includes a parallel Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) program (no MSA at this programs point), presumably it was the MYNA US West Zone conference.

Summer 1992 - The New Dawn, Summer 1992 issue comes out.

Summer 1992 - Islamic Horizons’ Summer 1992 features a number of articles with mentions of MYNA including in the ISNA Zonal Conferences Round-Up which lists the ISNA conferences of the year and mentions MYNA being at all the conferences. It just says “Parallel MYNA programs were held with each ISNA Conference.” It says an ISNA East Zone Conference is planned for the fall. (Not known if it happened or not, apparently Abu finished off the ISNA Conferences in his term as EZ Rep back in 89.)

-The issue also features and ad/call for contributions for The New Dawn Magazine with the Winter 1992 issue pictured. The New Dawn Address given is PO Box 19356 Cincinnati, OH 45219. Its phone number is listed as 513-791-7141, and fax is 513-793-9888, meanwhile the ISNA HQ address and phone/fax numbers are provided as the address and contact info for MYNA.

-Finally the issue features an impressively bold but vague 3-page ad for the “1992-1993 Winter Continental Leadership Conference” in Dec. 26-Jan.2, with the first page reading, simply, “MYNA WORLD ORDER.” “1992-1993 Winter Continental Leadership Conference” and the location and that the contacts for it are Musaab At-Taras of Savoy Illinois and Amjad Quadri [The Quadri clan is the dominant ruling “MYNA Dynasty” of Chicago and subsequently of the Central Zone, where many if not most prominent activities take place for the Zone, causing a bit of a break between Chicago and Dallas, Texas as MYNA-active areas of the Zone. Kind of a North/South divide. The Quadris and their friends in the MYNA-active Chicago clique are active to this day in MYNA via their role as advisors and volunteers for MYNA activities at the National Convention when its held there and other local youth events.] of Chicago.

Fall 1992 - US ISNA East Zone Conference planned to take place. Not known if it did or if was connected to a MYNA EZ con.

Aug. 1992 - The MYNA revised constitution by Iqbal Unus is said to be approved by the ISNA Majlis by Unus. In it, MYNA is clearly listed as a “constituent non-profit organization that will be affiliated with ISNA.” From this point on MYNA is listed as constituent organization in the Annual Reports.

Aug. 16-22, 1992 - MYNA East Zone Region II Camp held in Westchester, NY, over 240 youth attend from the surrounding areas.

Aug. 16-23, 1992 - MYNA East Zone Rep Faraz Ahmed does a tour of the southern states of the East Zone including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Aug. 27-28, 1992 - Islamic Leadership Training for MYNA Executive committee and some regional reps held at ISNA Headquarters in Plainfield.

Aug. 29-30, 1992 - MYNA Continental Executive Committee and Advisory Committee meetings take place over the weekend at ISNA HQ in Plainfield (follow the Leadership training event). The meeting dealt with many activities crucial to MYNA in the upcoming months. Items discussed included items to be sold for fundraising (i.e. MYNA-Raps tapes, First Aid Kits, MYNAwear, plans for Da’wa Week and Jihad Week, and the pending ratification of the MYNA Constitution by ISNA (“which has not yet happened,” reports the MYNAret in Sept./Oct.). In smaller zonal meetings, many goals were set for the individual MYNA zones. The East Zone delegates devised a plan in which the regional reps target certain areas in their zones which need youth groups. The next step is then to actually visit the sites and stat local youth groups. This plan will go into effect after Thanksgiving, they say.

Aug. 1992 - MYNA Continental summer Conference held in conjunction with ISNA Annual Convention in Kansas City, MO. 500 youth attend. Theme was “Creating an Islamic Environment for Youth,” speakers include Wahhaj, and Badawi and others. MYNA had two booths in the bazaar, one which sold MYNA goods (such as MYNAwear, “Islam” caps, and MYNA Raps tapes), and one for outreach. The outreach booth helped to inform parents and youth from all parts of the continent about MYNA and its activities. There was an auction of various precious items made by MYNA youth. Thousands of dollars were raised. During the recreation segment, winners of the basketball tournament were given a plaque by former boxing champ Muhammad Ali.

Sept./Oct 1992 -The MYNAret, Vol. 2 No. 2, Sept./Oct. 1992 comes out. It’s still the East Zone newsletter at this point.

Nov. 26-29, 1992 – 7th Annual MYNA East Zone Conference held at Ramada Conference Center in Hagerstown, MD, themed “Young Muslims: Unite!” MYNA-EZ’s contact information is given as MYNA-EZ PO Box 5384, Herndon, VA, 22070, and their phone is 703-471-MYNA. The brothers group of the MYNA of Franklin, MI also take a trip to Maryland for the conference.

Winter/Ramadan 1992 - The MYNA of Cincinnati has a “youth enrichment program,” which features “Ramadan Project,” by Yasser Khan.

Winter/Ramadan 1992 - The brother’s MYNA of Franklin, MI chapter now has 25 members, most of whom are active. They currently have an executive board and three on-going committees: newsletter, Islam in schools and fund-raising. Their mothers are working toward “bringing unity between the different youth groups” [various groups or boys/girls groups? not known] and are still active trying to achieve the goals as defined by MYNA. The MYNA of Franklin’s address is given as PO Box 250057, Franklin, MI 48025, Phone: (313) 681-2543.

Winter/Ramadan 1992 - MYNA of Franklin Sisters Group organizes into an active group and is involved in a food/clothing drive and in bringing the sisters of different communities to play basketball.

Winter/Ramadan 1992 – MYNA has a window in AMnet, the American Muslim council BBS. To get THE latest MYNA information calls 202-789-2527.

Dec. 26-Jan. 2 - MYNA ‘1992-993 Winter Continental Leadership Training Conference’ (or “Continental Leadership Training Program”) held at YMCA Wilson Recreation Center, Bellafontaine, Ohio. Themed: “Muslim Youth: Creating a Just World Order” Contact people for the conference are Musaab At-Taras, of Savoy IL, 217-359-4355, and Amjad Quadri of Chicago, 312-583-0950. Others include Mehmood Kazmi (301-229-0877.

1992-1993 (mostly 1993) (7) Inayet Sahin is MYNA National Chairperson as of Winter 1992. The 703-471-MYNA number is used to reach Ayesha Kazmi about information. Mehmood Kazmi is East Zone US Advisor. Local MYNA Newsletters exist around the country and two youth magazines, including New Dawn and a local one in DC. As Iqbal Unus goes through deathly illness (but later recovers, Alhamdulillah) and is removed from the picture as a champion of MYNA amidst the Majlis, the MYNA constitution is taken to the Majlis by MYNA Advisor Ahmed ElKadi, Inayat Sahin and Fatima Salman (as he had become advisory committee chair during Aimen Mir’s term), who gets it approved by the Majlis. MYNA has to cancel the 1992 FYLTP program due to a lack of funds. A later FYLTP Fund pamphlet in 1994 will say that “this definitely was a serious blow to youth work since an entire group of individuals were unable to receive training in 1992.”

1992-93 (mostly 93)- Exec. Committee Chairperson is Inayat Sahin (301-577-5110). East Zone Rep is Faraz Ahmad (301-384-3428). US Central Zone Rep is Qurat Mir (913-345-8317). US West Zone Rep is Yasmin Turk (602-249-3272), East Zone Canada Rep is Atif Khalil (416-743-7461). West Zone Canada Rep is A. Abdulrahman (204-253-2004).

1993-Lack of FYLTP’s cited as a problem in the Anjum-Mir written article about MYNA and it’s state/progress/challenges as of 1993 for The Message Magazine. West Zone Rep Yasmin Turk says cause of no FYLTP’s there’s a gap of leaders in the youth population. Aimen Mir agrees that lack of FYLTP's has lead to lack of “visible leaders.” A problem in ex-MYNA members letting go is sited and it’s said that there’s no transition from MYNA to MSA and that both organizations are starting to work to fix that. An unavailable and inactive advisory board is sited as a problem. Waheed Mustafa, a MYNA advisor from Winnipeg Manitoba says that adult leadership is not doing anything to assist MYNA’s financial problems, which have been turned around a bit thanks to new fundraising techniques/efforts and cost cutting by the youth over the past year and a half. MYNA able to pull itself out of debt. No FYLTP's for the past two years. Jawaad Abdul Rahman is a former MYNA Central Zone representative. Nadifa Abdi is a former MYNA advisor from California. There is a push for MYNA to do just Muslim youth work in general and help and work with other groups other than MYNA, such as involvement with MSA

March/April 1993 - Islamic Horizons March/April issue features a MYNA ad saying “HAVE YOU EVER INVESTED IN THE FUTURE? Get involved with the youth activities in your community; Contact the Muslim Youth of North America.” And lists exec. officers and contact info.

1993-1994 (mostly 94) - (8) Fatima Salman, from Troy Michigan is MYNA president [She later goes on to be on the controversial 1995-96 MSA National Board with Muhammad Salem, Mustafa Saeed]. Field Youth Leadership Trainings (FYLTPs) successfully reinitiated in 1993 via perhaps the MYNA FYLTP Fund, which is a fundraising project by after the ‘94 FYLTP.

1994-1995 - ICNA Approaches MYNA and asks for help creating their youth organization. Mehmood Kazmi, East Zone advisor, is involved in helping them create YM. Former MYNA alumni, Sabuhi Athar gets a job as Secretary of ISNA’s Islamic Schools Department.

1994 -Fatima Salman is MYNA president (810-641-4774). “MYNA Core” “tarbiyyah training branch” added to the MYNA structure to “enhance Islamic knowledge.” ISNA Canada’s East Zone has “The Muslim Youth Guild,” “Salam,” and “Word” newsletters. There is also Central Zone Connections, now known as “The Truth; Central Zone Connections,” as well. Ramadan is designated “MYNA Outreach Month.” There were 700 youth at the East Zone Conference and the US East Zone is declared the strongest of MYNA’s five zones in the ISNA annual report. By this point zones and regions now have a Representatives, a Secretary (or Director of Publicity), and Treasurer (or Director of Fundraising). The East Zone seems to be the only zone where each region actually fills the three posts.

1994 - The 1994 FYLTP happens in Herndon Virginia with 75 people in attendance. The youth complain about a lack of parental involvement. MYNA is still referred to as a “youth movement.” [This may be the one I, Fawad Siddiqui, attended as the Region 7 Director of Publicity, or maybe that was 1995.]

May 27-29, 1994 - The first Annual Southwest MYNA Conference is held in Dallas, Texas. Ages 12-18.

July 1994 – The East Canada Zone hlods an FYLTP.

Aug. 1994 - The 31st Annual ISNA Convention in Chicago marks a change for the organization as 15,000 attendees are present. It’s the first of the new “BIG” ISNA Conventions which the group is now known for today. It is called “the overwhelmingly successful ’94 Convention” in later Horizons. Subsequently, the MYNA Summer Conference that happens alongside the convention draws 900 participants. The theme for the conference is “Faith, Knowledge, and Action: The Keys to Success.”

Sept. 1994 - Islamic Horizons features a number of youth-related articles with mentions of MYNA. In the critical “The Future of Muslims in North America” Anis Y. Shivani, specializing in Islamic Economics at Harvard University and past-President of the Harvard Islamic Society, writes against shallowness in Islamic understanding among Muslim activists and calls for new approaches. He says of MYNA: “Many Muslims of the activist type are propagating clearly deviant lines of action in the heat of their enthusiasm. If, after “graduating” from MYNA or other youth groups, on has the same superficial, mostly identity-inducing understanding of Islam when one continues at university and later in professional life, the process of da’wa to the community at large (non-Muslim students and teachers at universities, colleagues in professional work) will continue to be severely hampered. Shallowness of understanding prevails at all levels of Muslim leadership (from small local youth groups to national-level organizations I this country. Our publications and the level of discourse at a typical Muslim gathering, whether at a masjid, an MSA, or a conference, are poignant representations of the deficiencies of our community in comprehending the methodology of Islamic knowledge.” Meanwhile, Shahid Athar also writes a column warning that Muslim youth will be lost without proper attention. It’s on the convention/issue theme, entitled “Our Family, Our Youth, Our Hope for the Future.” Pretty generic. More education for youth, etc. He says, “We must keep our youth together, even if we have to set up organizations like Islamic Boy Scouts, Islamic Girl Scouts, or Muslim Youth of North America. When we start such organizations we should not just give them the opportunity to do their own things in their own ways without parental supervision. If Muslim youth organizations do similar things as non-Muslim organizations under the guise of Islam, there will be no different in them and non-Muslim organizations. There has to be adult supervision. The rules of sharia should still apply to them, and they must follow their daily routines of Islam.” Pretty basic. Both articles feature pictures of MYNA activities.

Nov./Dec. 1994 - Islamic Horizons Nov./Dec. issue features an ad for MYNA in it. Saying “Support the Future of Islam.” The ISNA Headquarters address and HQ ext. 242 are provided for those seeking more information about MYNA.

Dec. 22, 1994-Jan. 1, 1995 - The MYNA Winter Leadership Retreat is held in Plainfield at ISNA HQ with MYNA officers and active workers invited to attend. The officers for the upcoming year were also elected at this conference, marking a change from the usual elections at the Summer Conference alongside the ISNA Convention. Could have been because of the increase in numbers there (meaning a less select crowd was there).

Dec. 23-28, 1994 - The 17th Annual MAYA convention brings 7,000 Muslims from across North America and overseas to Chicago and MYNA also arranges a “special program” during the convention says Horizons. The MAYA con’s theme is “Islam: A blessing for Humankind” and conducted in Arabic, but had a full-fledged program to cater to English speakers as well. The cross-over sessions were done by people like Jamal Badawi, Abdalla Idris Ali Jeffrey Lang, Ahmed Elkadi, Abdullah Hakeem Quick, Abdul Malik (same speaker set).

Dec. 24-27, 1994 - The Islamic Scouting Society of America (ISSOA) holds its fourth annual convention concurrently with the MAYA program.

Late 1994 or 95 - MYNA’s tax exempt number under ISNA is 31-105-4012. East zone has the MYNAret newsletter. The MYNA FYLTP Fund produces/distributes an impressive fundraising pamphlet/brochure outlining the program and naming people involved (Mustafa, Kurd, Salman, and Kazmi). They say their vision for the program is “to evolve, evaluating the results of every program and applying improvements to future programs. Beyond this, through the ‘Training the Trainer’s program, we hope to implement this type of event throughout the U.S. and Canada so as to improve access for a substantial number of youth. Finally, but not least; it is important that we achieve a financial status which will allow for program expansion and continuity, if Allah the Almighty wills.” It provides program objectives, a sample program, the vision and program budget/cost analysis and a solicitation with MYNA’s ISNA tax-exempt number. It says, “We are working hard to make the FYLTP a self sustaining program through a permanent endowment. Until then we need YOUR support. For the upcoming conference and the 1996 program, keeping the level of participation constant, we will require approximately $35,000. The budget for the 1995 is $19,680. About half of the participants will contribute the $50 registration fee, netting approximately $2,500. Any excess funds raised will be deposited in an account specifically designated for FYLTP programs.”

1995-1996 - The Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Summer Internship Program brings a number of MYNA-related youth to ISNA Headquarters.

1994-1995 (mostly 1995) - (9) Adnan Mir, of Akron Ohio is MYNA president (or “Chairperson”), Siddeeqah Sharif of Baltimore MD is the secretary/Treasurer, Fatima Salman is “Ex-Official,” [she was president before him] and handles the program and registration for the FYLTP. Khurram Siddiqui is Central Zone Representative [he becomes president later, too], Hassan Siddiqi is west zone rep, Sarrah Salah of Herndon is East Zone rep. Sabah Iqbal is West Zone Canada rep. Waheed Mustafa is West Zone Canada Advisor and FYLTP Coordinator. And Shaema Imam is East Zone Canada rep. And Rahat Kurd is Canada East Muslim Youth Advisor and FYLTP Program Chairperson. Waheed Mustafa is FYLTP Coordinator. Rahat Kurd is FYLTP Program Chairperson. Mehmood Kazmi is East Zone Advisor and the Chairman of the Advisory board for MYNA National. (301-229-6549).

1995 - MYNA at ten years old. A publicity pamphlet prepared about MYNA and its ten-year anniversary. The executive committee decides to get rid of the winter conference to let regional and local levels do events in that time instead. The Central Zone Canada is also formed this year, increasing the number of MYNA zones to 6. The Central Zone Canada is created to “help unite the quarter of a million Muslims within Ontario. Many of the objectives of this zone require a central organization in the zone to coordinate events and unite local communities. The zone has slowly started its activities in its attempt to unite the Muslim Youth of Ontario,” says the MYNA section in the ISNA 95 Annual Report. [Note: The 1996 ISNA Canada Annual conference and ISNA Canada West Conference, Vancouver, B.C., which are held in May and the first week of June respectively, are postponed.] 600 people attended the summer Continental Conference on Labor Day Weekend in Columbus, Ohio. “Pre-MYNA” events take place. MYNA programs fully outlined in the ISNA 1995 Annual report, zone by zone, Canada included with the rest, meanwhile MYNA camps also mentioned apart briefly in ISNA Canada section. MYNA also mentioned in ISNA west zone and central zone sections (could be talking about the 1994 report here). The MYNAret is the East Zone newsletter.

Khurram Siddiqui is Central Zone Representative [he soon later becomes MYNA president for 1996, too]. The CZ develops additional contacts in Texas and Missouri. “The goals were to increase the number of people involved in MYNA, and to introduce MYNA among youth,” says the MYNA section in the ISNA 95 Annual Report. “The Zonal newsletter’s mailing list doubles and the number of active youth working on the regional and zonal level doubles as well. A study circle or halaqa parallel to youth group activities was also introduced throughout the zone, says the Annual Report.

Hassan Siddiqi is West Zone Rep, from the LA area - The MYNA West Zone United States Conference is held in conjunction with the Muslim Arab youth Association (MAYA) Convention in Los Angeles. “The focus of West Zone US in 1995 was outreach,” says the 95 Annual Report. “Representatives in the Zone spent the year introducing and promoting MYNA. The main area of concentration was in the Los Angeles area where several youth groups united and co-organized several events. The culmination of these efforts was the West Zone Conference in conjunction with MAYA.”

Sarrah Salah of Herndon is East Zone Rep. Mehmood Kazmi is East Zone U.S. Advisor. Comprised of seven regions, the East Zone is “one of the most active zones in 1995,” says the 95 Annual Report. “Camps, conferences and retreats were regular activities and involved hundreds of youth from throughout the East Zone.” MYNA members planned Outreach efforts and Pre-MYNA activities. “Outreach effort resulted in getting many new youth involved. Pre-MYNA events have also been a successful way of getting youth involved at a relatively young age.” The structure and mailing list of The MYNAret [still just] the zonal newsletter, is being reorganized so that Muslim youth in the zone can have a useful tool for communicating with each other.

Sabah Iqbal is West Zone Canada Rep, Waheed Mustafa is West Zone Canada Advisor. For the first time, city reps were elected from each of the regions to remain in constant contact with the zonal rep.

Shaema Imam is East Zone Canada Rep. Rahat Kurd (FYLTP Program Chairperson) is East Canada Muslim Youth Advisor. The East Zone Canada “focuses on making new contacts, increasing the networking between local and regional chapters, and organizing the zones internal structure,” says the 95 Annual Report. “The Maritime Region” is established and local youth groups “were either founded or revitalized,” says the 95 Annual Report. The circulation of Ottawa’s newsletter, “word” and Montreal’s bilingual newsletter “Salam” are increased. Summer and winter camps are held at the local level, “as were a large variety of other youth group activities.

March/April 1995 - Islamic Horizons features a letter entitled “A Youthful Voice: Life as a Muslim in America,” a letter from a 9th grader in Maryland. No mention of MYNA. Just a youth related thing. Side-note, really.

April 1995 – 4th ISNA Central Zone Conference held in Tulsa, OK, in April 1995 designed/coordinated with the ISNA Field Services Department with the theme: “Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example.” 300 people attend, including some non-Muslims. The oganization of the conference goes well and it’s well received by the community. The youth program is a success and the spirit amongst the youth there is said to be very high. One important accomplishment from this program was the establishment of a MYNA chapter in the state.

Summer, 1995 - MYNA West Zone Canada sees Annual regional summer camps held in Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. All of the summer activities encourage local youth groups to hold activities for their members throughout the year.

Summer 1995 - ISNA Internships take place at ISNA HQ. Says Horizons of it: “A group of young Muslim Americans from all over the U.S. and Canada spent an eventful summer at the ISNA headquarters working in various departments.
“The college and high school students worked in projects such as developing the programs for the 32nd ISNA Annual convention, registration, arranging social services programs at the convention, mailing convention information, administrative functions, and the Islamic Horizons.
“They were also actively involved in formulating the program of the Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) conference which is held during the ISNA Convention.”
During their stay at the ISNA headquarters, the interns got the opportunity to meet with several visiting Muslim scholars, thinkers and leaders.
“Besides working in various departments, the students were also involved in tarbiyah programs to help improve their understanding of the deen.
“ISNA plans to invite students to the headquarters each summer under the Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Summer Internship Program which is being financially supported by the philanthropist.
“This grant will help ISNA to invite interns and trainees, providing the opportunity of experiencing Islamic work.
“Muslim students who may be interested in pursuing summer internships during 1996 should write to the Secretary General, enclosing copies of their resume and a cover letter describing their areas of interest.
“Interns will be selected on the basis of their ability and on ISNA’s needs. The interns will be paid a token honorarium and provided boarding and lodging facilities.
“Send resumes and cover letters to: ISNA Summer Internship Program, P.O box 38, Plainfield, IN 46168.”

July 1, 1995 - West Zone Canada “Campference” held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, attended by over 100 youth (120-150 people) from a cross the zone. Also, for the first time, city representatives were elected from each of the regions to remain in constant contact with the zonal representatives.

July 22-24, 1995 – the second ISNA youth camp of Al-Tarbiah Al-Islamia is organized in conjunction with ISNA Field services in Wichita, Kansas under the theme: “Islam and the great outdoors.” The posters and the T-shirts are designed by the youth themselves. The program is full of fun and Islamic educational material. Segments of Al-Tarbiah Al-Islamia were introduced at different times in an interactive way which suits the nature of the camp. Theteam of 15 adults which supervised the 78 boys and girls attending the conference helped a lot in bringing this camp to success. The Department of Field Services aims to extend these services to the rest of the Muslims in the U.S. and Canada.

July 28-Aug. 5, 1995 - Field Youth Leadership Training Program in Herndon Virginia. 75 youth from all over North America Attend. 1994 or 1995 - Waheed Mustafa (MYNA Canada West Zone Advisor) (204-832-3511) is the FYLTP event coordinator. Rahat Kurd (East Canada Muslim Youth Advisor) (613-830-7175) is the program chair. Supervision of the participants is performed by local parents, married couples and MYNA advisors. To “ensure a consistent core of qualified training program coordinators,” a parallel, ‘Train the Trainers’ program is also be held this year and hoped to become a regular feature. Coordinators and non-youth staff of FYLTP receive instruction; enabling them to conduct similar training programs in their own zones; thereby benefiting more youth on a perpetual basis. [This may be the one I went to, or 1994.]

Sept 1-4, 1995 - 32nd Annual ISNA Convention in Columbus, OH. It gets 12,000 attendees and features the 9th Annual MYNA Summer Continental Conference as usual. The theme is “Islam: Our Choice” and over 600 youth attend. Also “ICNA and the MSA and MYNA came together to focus on joint efforts of the three organizations,” says the later Horizons report on it, but doesn’t elaborate. Instead comes the generic coverage: “MYNA had its own parallel program focusing on issues that concern the Muslim youth. The program included workshops and Qur’an study sessions, and the youth joined their elders it he sessions addressed by featured speakers.” It says. duh. The 1995 Annual Report elaborates further with the theme and attendee numbers info.

Sept./Oct. 1995 - Islamic Horizons Nov./Dec. issue features a story on the ISNA Dr. Maqbool Ahmad Summer Internship Program, which is related to MYNA, entitled “ISNA Summer Internships Open new Vistas.”

Nov./Dec. 1995 - Islamic Horizons Nov./Dec. issue features conference coverage and mention of the MYNA program there.

-The 1995 Annual report is also featured in the issue [or it could be from the Jan./Feb. 1996 or Nov./Dec. 1996 issue, either way], with a full section on MYNA as a “Specialized Association.” It lauds MYNA’s ten year anniversary, mentions the MYNA network of workers and activities and the canceling of the Winter Continental Leadership Training Conference over the winter break in favor of a number of regional and local events in that time instead. It then gives a paragraph of zonal highlights for each zone and one for national activities.

-Meanwhile, The 1995 Annual Report’s section on ISNA-Canada features a separate section on MYNA maybe for the first time entitled “MYNA Training Camps” and a paragraph saying simply “Several youth training camps were organized by MYNA chapters in Toronto, Montreal and various parts of western Canada such as Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Edmonton during summer and winter breaks.”

Dec. 1995 - “A critical development for the 1995 year was the concentration on local and regional events over the winter break. The Winter continental Leadership Training Conference benefited only 200 youth per year in North America. Thus, instead of holding one large conference, MYNA decided to hold several smaller seminars and conferences on the local and regional levels,” says the 1995 Annual Report.