​"Take advantage of five opportunities before five other things (that end the opportunity): your youth before your deterioration, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your leisure before your haste, and your life before your death."  ~ Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family)
 
Islam is growing at an incredible rate in the Western world. This is largely due to immigration of Muslims to the West, and the introduction of Islam in remote parts of the world. Islam is truly a universal religion and a complete way of life. There is no separation of state and church in Islam as every Muslim seeks to please and serve only Almighty Allah (SWT).
 
The Islamic Humanitarian Service, based in Kitchener, Ontario, has strived to serve Allah (SWT) and human beings in the name of Islam for over a decade. In continuation of its legacy of serving Muslims in the West, in February 2000, the IHS initiated the position of the National Youth Coordinator (NYC). The NYC office has established a national youth network by the name of the Muslim Youth Association (MYA). The goals of the association are to promote unity amongst Muslims, to engage youths in the propagation of Islam, and to promote youth involvement in Islamic initiatives.

The MYA consists of various sub-groups overlooking issues such as media, peer mentorship, discussions/debates, reverts to Islam, current events, marriage counseling, literature review, career counseling, disaster relief, graduate registry, and more. MYA is not limited by geographical or cultural boundaries, and it is an organization that welcomes all Muslim youths, regardless of background.

Muslims have settled in the West for a number of decades, and it is now time to plan for sustaining the future generations of Muslims. Thus, in light of the above tradition of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his family), the office of the MYA aims to conduct numerous projects geared towards the spiritual and intellectual development of the youths and younger generation. The MYA website features book reviews, news bulletins, events, contests, awards, and numerous other online resources.

MYA is regularly accepting nominations for representatives in different cities. If you think you have the leadership skills and dedication it takes to make a different in your local or regional community, please get in touch with them via email at Muslim Youth Association: ihssecretariat@gmail.com.   We would love to get you involved!

The opportunities and potential for Muslims in the West are infinite. It is the responsibility of all Muslims in this part of the world to become active in the propagation of Islam. We hope that the Muslim Youth Association can trigger this propagation and facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive network progressive Muslims in Canada and the Western world.

The Islamic Humanitarian Service has ignited something very special, and it is for us, the future of the Muslim Community, to take the torch and kindle the passion of Islam in the hearts of humanity in preparation for the coming messiah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his return).