About Us
Mission Statement
NAMAS is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of Muslim-American youth by promoting Scouting as a transformative platform. Our mission is to empower these young individuals with leadership skills, moral values, and a strong sense of community service, all rooted in the teachings of Islam. Through mentorship, advocacy, and resource support, we aim to cultivate a generation of responsible, compassionate leaders who positively impact society and bridge cultures.
Vision Statement
NAMAS envisions a future where Scouting becomes a powerful platform for nurturing confident, principled, and compassionate Muslim-American leaders who exemplify the universal values of Islam. We aspire to create a vibrant Scouting community where diversity, inclusivity, and service-driven leadership thrive, forging a stronger, harmonious America and world.
Aims and Purposes of NAMAS (National Association of Muslim Americans on Scouting)
- Scouting Advocacy: NAMAS is dedicated to advocating for and promoting the participation of Muslim youth, both boys and girls, in Scouting, both within the United States and internationally.
- Community Empowerment: NAMAS aims to empower Muslim communities in the U.S. to establish and sustain Scouting units, fostering leadership skills and a sense of belonging among young members.
- Values Integration: NAMAS seeks to seamlessly integrate the universal values of Islam into Scouting’s principles and methods, aligning with the Scout Law.
- Representation and Service: NAMAS serves as a representative and service-oriented organization, addressing the needs and interests of Muslim Scouts in North America while contributing to the broader society, guided by Islamic values and Scouting ideals.
- Interfaith Harmony: NAMAS endeavors to exemplify Islamic principles and values, fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Resource Development: NAMAS is committed to developing essential resources, guidance, publications, and institutions to fulfill its mission effectively, while strategically planning and prioritizing its activities.
- Scouting Integration: NAMAS acts as a facilitator for the registration of Muslim Scouts in both existing and new Scouting units, including through direct chartering, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience within the Scouting community.
Logo
Colors (America): The colors are meant to represent America. Red, White, and Blue – We used the Official Web Colors of the US Flag.
World Scout Emblem: This is an Internationally recognized logo for Scouting. It is typically set against a purple background. We are using it because NAMAS is in support of Scouting programs that are consistent with the World Scouting movement.
Mishkah: Meant to represent the Islamic aspect of the organization, a mishkah is a niche mentioned in the Holy Qur’an (24:35). NAMAS is that mishkah, the niche where the Muslim Youth will be placed. The youth are the “Nur” of our deen and through Scouting and Islamic Values, we hope to keep that “Nur” bright.
۞ ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشْكَوٰةٍۢ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ ٱلْمِصْبَاحُ فِى زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌۭ دُرِّىٌّۭ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍۢ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍۢ زَيْتُونَةٍۢ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍۢ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍۢ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِىٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌۭ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍۢ ۗ يَهْدِى ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۭ ٣٥
Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed in Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth Parables for men: and Allah doth know all things.
Qur’an 24:35 — English Translation (Yusuf Ali)