MAS Annual Youth Workers Training 2025

by | Nov 7, 2025 | MAS AYM

Agents of Change: Reflections from the MAS Annual Youth Workers Training

This past week, the Muslim American Society (MAS) hosted its Annual Youth Workers Training (AYM) in Houston, bringing together more than 360 youth leaders from across the United States. The three-day gathering was not just another conference—it was a transformative experience designed to equip youth workers with the faith, skills, and vision needed to strengthen communities and build the next generation of leaders.

A Training Built on Purpose

The weekend was guided by a powerful workbook that framed youth work as a calling, not just a duty. Sessions included:

  • You Are the Agent of Change – Worship as a tool for transformation, not escape.

  • Mentorship & Leadership – Embracing the dual role of mentor and mentee.

  • Recruit, Retain & Train – Building the ultimate “Youth Dream Team.”

  • Navigating Systems – Learning to work within organizational structures to secure resources and support.

  • Thinking Beyond Programming – Focusing on lasting impact, not just filling calendars.

  • AI & Marketing – Engaging youth where they are with creativity, authenticity, and modern tools.

The workbook reminded participants:

“You don’t need a title, spotlight, or platform to be an agent of change. You need conviction, clarity, and commitment.”

Venue & Houston Hospitality

The conference was hosted at Hilton Houston North, a premier convention venue with spacious ballrooms, breakout rooms, and an atmosphere fitting for national training.

MAS Houston also created a warm presence through a hospitality suite. Guests enjoyed fresh fruit, snacks, and locally inspired treats, as well as MAS keychains carrying positive messages. Indoor hoops even offered a quick break between sessions, making participants feel at home.

A Message to Houston’s Delegation

Before the conference began, Amjad Muhtaseb, Executive Director of MAS Houston, sent a note of encouragement to the 30 Houston participants:

“This is not just another meeting—it is a national gathering of youth workers, with about 300 attendees from across the country. As you represent Houston, I ask that you carry yourself with the best etiquette and professionalism. Above all, make sure your ikhlāṣ and niyyah (sincerity and intention) are in place. Be a participant, not just an attendee—you are there as a leader. This means you are expected to both learn and contribute.”

This message set the tone: Houston’s delegation was there not only to learn, but to lead and represent the community with excellence.

Youth Reflections: Highlights from the AYM Weekend 2025

The AYM weekend gathered youth from across the country for a powerful mix of learning, connection, and inspiration. From heartfelt conversations to friendships rekindled, the event left participants motivated to grow and eager to return next year.

The atmosphere was filled with humility, eagerness to learn, and genuine connection. Attendees shared how easy it was to engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals, forming friendships that extended well beyond the sessions. One memorable moment was the reunion of two sisters who first met at TIR Camp and were able to reconnect more deeply during AYM.

With participants from cities like Chicago, New York, Virginia, and Kansas City, the weekend fostered both personal growth and lasting bonds—leaving many inspired, grateful, and already looking forward to the next gathering.

Voices from the Conference

The true impact of AYM can best be understood through the reflections of those who experienced it:

Iman Ahmad Khan shared:

“Attending the MAS AYM Conference for youth leaders was a deeply enriching experience. What stood out most was how the sessions offered not only inspiration but also tangible tools and clear objectives to put into action moving forward. Even the way the conference was run symbolized the passing of the baton—young leaders at the forefront, elders supporting at a distance. The entire experience was impactful and purposeful.”

Abdullah Soliman reflected:

“Alhamdulillah, I am very thankful and happy to have attended this conference. AYM showed me truly how important it is to be a youth worker and how much this work can impact young people. I’m so happy I got to learn more about this and was pleasantly surprised with how much this impacted me.”

Sameer Gul emphasized MAS’s commitment:

“Alhamdulillah this conference was an excellent space for young Muslim leaders to learn and grow. In my experience I have not worked with an Islamic organization like MAS that is so ready to invest all their resources into the youth. AYM was an example of that—young American Muslims are the torchbearers of this deen. I am grateful to see the support and care for those torchbearers.”

Mahmoud Masoud spoke to both sacrifice and reward:

“At first I felt like MAS was spending a lot of money that could’ve gone to help poor families, but by the end I realized that it’s an investment to teach us and grow the community. In shā’ Allāh we all learned from the sessions and we work hard to raise the future generation of Muslims.”

He was reminded of the words of the Prophet ﷺ:

“By Allah, that Allah guides a man through you is better for you than a herd of expensive red camels.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3009, Sahih Muslim 240)

Sister Hania Khan highlighted a charitable initiative born from AYM:

“Sister Yasmine shared a beautiful idea during AYM weekend—to come together and sponsor an orphan for one full year through Mercy Without Limits. This initiative is a way to renew our intentions as an organization and to remind ourselves of the value of small but consistent deeds. Alhamdulillah, we had 16 people sign up, which comes out to just $3.75 per person each month.”

Omar Refaat, MAS Houston Youth Director, closed with gratitude:

“السلام عليكم و رحمه الله وبركاتة

I just wanted to say thank you very much to everybody for attending this amazing event. ان شاء الله we aim to use what we learned this past weekend and implement it in our future Islamic work for future generations to strive off of. It was lovely meeting all of you guys. I look forward to working with each and every single one of you and may Allah ﷻ bless you all and your families. آمين بارك الله فيكم جميعا.”

Sister Yasmin Abushmais, who helped coordinate volunteers, added:

“Just want to shoutout @Omar Refaat for his leadership all weekend and the smile on his face through it all!
And JAK to everyone who came through—I know volunteering always ends up being more than whatever tasks you initially sign up for… it’s the way you jump in when you see extra help is needed, the patience and positivity you exude, and alllll the quiet things you do that no one else seems to notice. Just know that we do see it, and more importantly Allah sees it and I pray that every single effort, no matter how big or small, is accepted and multiplied for you.”

Sarah Keshta reflected on learning from different perspectives:

“It was really insightful, alhamdulillah, and I learned a lot from different perspectives. It was definitely a good way to also notice the positives we have in Houston compared to the other chapters, and also the negatives to work on.”

Together, these voices paint a picture of inspiration, gratitude, growth, and renewed purpose.

Conclusion: From Inspiration to Action

The MAS Annual Youth Workers Training was more than a conference—it was a reminder that youth are the present, not just the future. It was about passing the baton, equipping leaders with tools, and renewing our collective niyyah to serve Allah through service to youth.

As MAS Houston continues its work, the lessons from AYM will guide our path: to mentor, to empower, to build sustainable teams, and to never forget that every small act of service carries eternal weight.

“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Houston is proud to have been part of this transformative gathering—and prays that the seeds planted here will bear fruit for generations to come.

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