Youth programs
Youth & YOUNG ADULTS
programs
Our Youth Department is a crucial part of our system. It is run by the youth of our community, for the youth in our community. The programs that the department organizes range from Islamic Lectures, Monthly Revives, Weekly Halaqas (circles of knowledge New York), and other Recreational Events and Trips. We want to attend to the needs of the young adults who come to our doors, and we want to leave a positive impact on them when they walk out of them. We aim to keep them spiritually and socially engaged within our center and outside of it.
Youth halaqas
Circles of Knowledge
At MAS Staten Island Center, we provide a variety of Halaqas (Circles of Knowledge) and community programs tailored to different age groups and interests. These gatherings nurture faith, foster connection, and create a supportive environment for spiritual and personal growth.
Youth Halaqa (Ages 14+) – Saturdays: Led by Sh. Abdelrehman Badawy, this weekly circle welcomes both brothers and sisters to explore themes chosen by the youth each semester. Together, they engage in meaningful discussions, gain spiritual reminders, and stay afterward for youth hangouts that strengthen friendships and community bonds.
Teen Brothers Night Program (Ages 14–21): After the Youth Halaqa, brothers stay for extended sessions with the Sheikh, diving deeper into relevant issues they face daily through interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, fun activities, and pizza nights.
Sisters’ Circle of Knowledge (Ages 14+) – Fridays: This weekly gathering provides a safe and welcoming space for teen sisters to discuss faith, identity, and contemporary challenges. It helps build sisterhood while empowering them to approach life’s questions through an Islamic lens.
Young Professionals Halaqas (Ages 23+)
Sisters’ Halaqa – Fridays: Focused on fostering sisterhood, comfort, and spiritual reflection through discussions on faith and life balance.
Young Adults Halaqa – Wednesdays: A space for young professionals to connect, reflect, and deepen their understanding of Islam while building meaningful friendships.
Outdoor & Special Halaqas: We take learning beyond the masjid walls — holding Halaqas at the beach and other scenic locations. These gatherings combine spiritual reflection with relaxation and friendship in uplifting outdoor settings.
Community Service & Volunteering: Giving back is an essential part of our faith. Our youth actively serve the community through food and blood drives, neighborhood cleanups, voter registration, tree planting, and public health initiatives such as COVID testing and vaccination clinics. These programs help youth apply Islamic values through action and compassion.
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nurture people
inspire change
We offer Circles of Knowledge for different age groups and genders — including 14+ youth and 23+ young professionals — where participants engage in meaningful discussions and spiritual growth. Our weekly Brothers’ and Sisters’ Halaqas strengthen our bond as a community and increase us in Iman.
These revives are an excellent way to provide tarbiya. They are organized and led by our youth, where they invite a speaker each month to talk on critical topics. Adults and youth attend these together and enjoy dinner afterwards.
Our MAS NY Youth Camp and MAS SI Tent Camp for Brothers aim to strengthen brotherhood/ sisterhood and inspire spiritual growth—exactly what our youth need. Held over a three-day summer weekend, the camps feature talks, campfires, sports, and lectures, offering a fun and faith-filled environment where brothers bond and gain beneficial knowledge.
Throughout the year, our youth organize a variety of trips and activities for all ages — from ice skating and bowling to beach outings, soccer games, sports tournaments, watch parties, hiking adventures and the Annual Umrah Trip. These experiences help our youth connect not only with fellow community members but also with Muslims from other boroughs, strengthening bonds of friendship and faith.