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MYNA's HistoryMYNA began as an idea in the minds of a group of dedicated Muslim youth who came to the conclusion that the situation of the youth programs in North America was, at that time, in desperate need of improvement. The first programs sponsored by these youth were held at the ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) conferences and conventions. After the youth program of the 1985 ISNA Annual Convention, the ISNA Youth Committee felt that the time had arrived for Muslim youth to have a continental institution. The ISNA Majlis Ash-Shura (policy making body) endorsed the idea and encouraged its development.
MYNA was introduced, discussed, formatted, and approved at the First Annual Muslim Youth Winter Conference in December of 1985. With the grace of Allah (SWT) and the efforts of the youth, a pioneering Muslim youth institution in North America was formed. For various reasons MYNA became fragmented. Long-standing MYNA chapters, MYNA camps, MYNA National, and the National Conference Committee were disconnected from each other for many years. Several attempts were made to revive MYNA National. These attempts did not achieve their goal to bring MYNA under one leadership that will provide local and regional MYNAs with the support and training they need to succeed.
However, with the encouragement of MYNA alumni and with the morale and financial support of ISNA leadership things are moving in the right direction Inshallah.
- August 2006, ISNA hired a full time youth director.
- September 2006, ISNA President appointed a new National Board of Advisors/ Majlis Youth Committee.
- December 2006, the National Board of Advisors appointed a MYNA National Executive Committee.
- July, 2007 and after many years of absence, MYNA had its first National Retreat in Akron, OH. The retreat was attended by 81 youth who came from 18 different states and provinces. During that retreat the Executive Committee established 9 regions to be represented by 14 regional reps. These regions stretch from Texas all the way to Canada.
As the initiative is still in its infancy, not all regions throughout the U.S. and Canada have representation, but MYNA leadership is working towards that end. To remain updated about MYNA's accomplishments and developments, please email us
pr@myna.org