MAS Tarbiya Mentorship Development Program
The goal of this program is to develop a solid platform of qualified Tarbiya mentors who are able to inspire new generations of Muslim activists.
Next Semester Starts January 2025 | Wed. 8:30 PM ET
WHY MDP?
The Muslim community is in dire need of experts to lead the Islamic Personal Development process, known as Tarbiyah, for younger Muslim generations. The Tarbiyah Mentors Development Program (MDP) aims to prepare interested members of the Muslim American community to become Tarbiyah Mentors. These mentors will be equipped to teach, mentor, and coach the evolving generations to be knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated Muslim activists. The program is conducted by experienced senior MAS Tarbiyah mentors.
HOW MDP?
MDP is a comprehensive, interactive program with high expectations, specifically designed for MAS members and Muslim activists who have participated in a MAS study circle (Usra) or similar Tarbiyah programs for at least two years. The program spans two years, divided into four semesters of six months each. Enrollment occurs every six months. Program participants are required to complete all four semesters for successful graduation; however, it is not required to complete them in order.
Applicants to MDP are encouraged to apply as entire Usra groups and to complete the program together. Applicants from areas where there is no MAS chapter or those who are not MAS members may apply individually and will be assigned to a virtual MDP Usra. The MDP will be their required Tarbiyah engagement in MAS throughout the program duration.
MDP participants will meet virtually all together once a week for 90 min, then they will break into smaller groups to continue their sessions, during which they will utilize an instructional manual specifically developed for this program.
WHAT MDP?
The MDP program will focus on three distinct tracks. First, it will emphasize the development of a spiritual connection with the Creator, fostering a disciplined and driven personality, and nurturing a commitment to Islam and to delivering its message, through Tazkiyah and movement modules. Second, participants will gain an understanding of and the ability to convey essential foundations of Islam through the Quran, Hadeeth, Seerah, and contemporary matters modules. Third, they will acquire critical mentorship skills such as personal coaching and counseling, behavior modification, Usra management and troubleshooting, MAS curriculum navigation, and Tarbiyah planning and monitoring through hands-on practical modules. Throughout the program, participants will also learn how to build strong brotherhood and sisterhood among their study circles and study and practice the five MAS Tarbiyah qualities.
The Tarbiyah Mentors Development Program (MDP) aims to establish a sustainable framework for cultivating qualified Tarbiyah mentors who embody a strong spiritual connection, self-discipline, and robust intellectual foundations. These mentors will possess the skills and intrinsic motivation necessary to guide new members in upholding these values and effectively conveying the authentic message of Islam. Their mission is to uphold the core values of the organization, enabling them to navigate challenging situations, and adapt to external changes with resilience.
MDP focuses on developing the characters of the Tarbiyah mentors and equips them with:
- The ability to develop and sustain spiritual connection with the Creator and teach their mentees how to do so.
- The continued drive for enhanced self-discipline and intrinsic motivation and to instill same in their mentees.
- The skills of building brotherhood and sisterhood and how to connect with their fellow Tarbiyah mentors and their mentees
- The foundational knowledge of essential Islamic concepts including Quran, Hadeeth, Seerah, movement, and contemporary challenges along with the ability to deliver them to others .
- The proper understanding of MAS Tarbiyah objectives, MAS Usra management strategies, and navigating MAS educational curriculum.
- The coaching, guiding, and mentorship skills, communication skills, emotional intelligence, elements of cognitive behavior therapy, personal counseling, …
Program Main Features
1. Spiritual connection with the creator
This aspect encompasses several key components, including a didactic Tazkiyah module designed to guide participants through a course on the fundamental elements of the self (soul, mind, and body) and the practices that nourish each aspect. Participants will engage in training focused on adhering to a personalized Thikr/Dhikr program. This experience will be enhanced through one-on-one interactive sessions with the module instructor, allowing for the development of tailored programs for each participant. Additionally, a digital MAS application will be utilized for participants to log their daily activities, facilitating ongoing engagement within their MDP Usra and the whole MDP program
2. Brotherhood and Sisterhood
Brotherhood and Sisterhood
This feature emphasizes the importance of fostering strong connections among members of the MDP Usra, particularly by teaching them how to build such relationship in their future Tarbiyah work. It includes a module consisting of several sessions guided by an instructional manual, where each Usra will focus on getting to know one another, understanding each other, and cultivating solidarity with each other. The development of brotherhood and sisterhood is essential for the success of any future organized efforts, as it relies on the coherence and unity among its members.
3. Intellectual Background
This feature encompasses educational modules designed to establish the intellectual foundations necessary for Tarbiyah mentors, focusing on a thematic study of the Quran, Seerah, Hadith, movement, and contemporary issues:
- Quran: Participants will learn to analyze, understand, and reflect on various Surahs of the Quran. They will explore the connections between a Surah’s name, introduction, conclusion, and themes, as well as its relationship with adjacent Surahs. The aim is to extract Tarbiyah lessons within context and apply these insights to daily life and Islamic work.
- Seerah, the biography of the Prophet, in which, participants will engage in an interactive thematic analysis of concepts such as the Prophet as a role model, how the Prophet instilled creed, or faith, in the hearts of his companions, the belief that the prize is ultimately the paradise, and how different sequence of events are relatable to our contemporary life.
- Hadeeth, the sayings and acts of the Prophet, the program will focus on studying groups of Hadeeths each session covering a common theme such as faith, servanthood, steadfastness, sources of guidance, foundations of Islam, how to adhere to the original sources and focundations, etc.
- Contemporary matters: This segment will cover essential topics for Tarbiyah mentors, including atheism, the relationship between science and faith, interfaith distinctions, and gender recognition.
4. Understanding the Movement
In this module, participants will use reflections on the Seera module to analyze the Prophet-led movement. They will study its essential elements and foundations, identifying aspects that evolve over time versus those that remain constant in any to follow Islamic movement. Participants will examine examples of successful reformative movements and various schools of thought within traditional and contemporary Islamic contexts, while also considering the impact of modern developments on tolls of modern Da’wah and Tarbiyah
5. Mentorship Skills
This feature includes the following:
- Coaching and Mentoring Skills: Participants will engage in both didactic and role-playing activities to comprehend the distinctions among coaching, mentoring, and counseling. They will explore the evolving role of a Tarbiyah mentor based on various situations, learn how to establish a safe environment, and enhance their connections with mentees.
- Emotional Intelligence: Participants will develop skills in regulating their emotional states, fostering self-awareness and emotional awareness, and practicing compassionate communication.
- Basic counseling Skills: The focus will be on building trust and establishing effective communication pathways between mentors and mentees.
- Behavior Change: Through learning about the Transtheoretical Model, participants will learn strategies for habit modification, fostering positive and lasting changes while eliminating detrimental habits.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: An introduction to the fundamentals of cognitive behavioral therapy will be provided, equipping participants with essential techniques for behavioral modification.
6. Tarbiyah in MAS
In this module, participants will gain an understanding of the objectives of Tarbiyah within the MAS framework. They will engage in interactive discussions focused on the role of small units, known as Usra, within the structure and function of MAS. Key topics will include the roles and responsibilities of mentors, dynamics within Usra, progression strategies, and troubleshooting techniques. Participants will also receive hands-on training in the Usra management model. Additionally, they will learn how to navigate the MAS curriculum to create tailored educational plans for their Usra, along with methods for measuring progress effectively.
FAQs
Who should join this program?
- Current MAS Tarbiya mentors: who aspire to rejuvenate their knowledge, enhance their mentorship skills, and reaffirm their commitment to Tarbiya in MAS
- Prospective Tarbiyah mentors: MAS members and individuals from the broader Muslim community who intend to take part in Tarbiya in the future.
- Those Committed to Dawah and Tarbiyah: Anyone looking to revive their personal commitment to Da’wah and Tarbiya
Applicants have to apply for themselves with the permission of their chapter’s leadership, Tarbiyah director, president, or board chair. Applicants can apply as individuals or whole study circle, usra, together. Priority will be given to those who apply as a whole usra. Acceptance will be based on individual experience with the Tarbiya process, years in study circles or Usra, and interest and commitment expressed in the application. Other factors will cater to diversity in gender, race/ethnicity, geographical distribution, strength of chapter, etc.
What does the curriculum look like?
What is required of participants while in the program?
- Attendance: Participants must attend at least 80% of all mandatory program activities. A maximum of 20% excused absences may be permitted; however, no unexcused absences will be allowed.
- Active Engagement: Participants are expected to actively engage in discussions and group activities.
- Preparation: Participants should complete all required readings and assignments in advance.
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What will mentors gain by going through the program?
Graduates of the Tarbiya Mentors Development Program will be able to:
- Sustain a daily connection with the creator through qiyam, Quran and dhikr
- Drive a self-disciplined Dawah life focused on developing self and others
- Be able to establish deep connections with their mentees
- Have the proper understanding of the Tarbiya process and skills to deeply connect with Usra members and achieve Usra dynamics
- Have the skills to influence, mentor and coach Usra members to be their best
- Understand and deliver basic Islamic concepts to their mentees
Benefits for Mentors Participating in the Program
Graduates of the Tarbiyah Mentors Development Program will be equipped to:
- Maintain a Daily Connection with the Creator: Engage in daily acts of worship, including night prayers, Quran recitation, and dhikr.
- Lead a Self-Disciplined and motivated Dawah Life: focused on developing self and others.
- Establish Meaningful Relationships: Foster deep connections of brotherhood or sisterhood with their mentees.
- Comprehend the Tarbiyah Process: Acquire a thorough understanding of the Tarbiyah process, enabling them to connect effectively with Usra members and facilitate Usra dynamics.
- Influence and Coach: Develop the skills to mentor, influence, and coach Usra members to reach their fullest potential.
- Communicate Core Islamic Concepts: Effectively convey fundamental Islamic principles to their mentees.
Where will the program be held?
The MDP is virtual and will be hosted online. Usra members who join MDP from the same city may meet in person and join the virtual program together and complete other program activities in person.
When will the program start and end?
The program consists of four semesters, each lasting six months, for a total duration of two years. Semesters begin in January or July of any year. Participants may start at the beginning of any of the four semesters but are required to complete all four semesters.
Classes will take place on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM EST. In addition, small group interactions (lasting 1 to 1.5 hours) will be scheduled as needed, accommodating the convenience of each group
How long are classes?
Please be prepared to commit three hours to class time weekly and another 2-3 hours for course work outside of class.
What is the cost?
There are no dues for MAS members. Dues for non-MAS members is $150.00 per semester.
How To Apply
Register for a mandatory orientation session