Both Muslim Scouts of America and Banaatun Noor International respectively hold young men and young ladies programs every year designed to instruct and inspire young ladies in a wholesome environment away from today's challenges of electronic devices and social media
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MSA and BNI Summer Camps Return to Picturesque Catskills Mountains In Holy Islamberg                         

Published

Mubarik Rahim 

The Muslim Scouts of America (MSA) summer camp is a retreat dedicated to the improvement of the young men of The Muslims of America (TMOA). Established over 30 years ago, this camp has been the catalyst for the development of our youth for decades. This year’s camp was unique, being the first time in 10 years that the camp was held in Holy Islamberg, NY, home of Baitullah, Tajalli Azam. This meant different challenges and hardships would arise, testing the campers mentally and physically. The tests and the hardships became an honor and a blessing as campers navigated new hurdles, which became a testament to the brotherhood and the bonds that were created during their time together.  

Returning to Holy Islamberg, the MSA camp brought together a diverse group of 74  individuals ranging in age from 11 to 21 years old. Symbolizing the fact that the camp isn’t just for one age or demographic, it is for everyone and anyone who desires proximity to Deen-ul-Islam and Allah Almighty. The theme of the camp was discipline and learning the importance of brotherhood and companionship. Although 74 individuals may have entered the camp, it was 74 young men united in brotherhood who emerged 30 days later.  

Those 74 people came together, said “Labayk” (here I am), and accepted the struggle. With classes running from sunrise until long after sunset, the young men experienced long days with short nights. This 18-hour round-the-clock schedule, with few breaks between, kept the scouts invigorated and disciplined. In the early mornings, scouts practiced their recitation of Quran al Majeed and memorization of Hadiths, with Hoofaz and Qurra. This helped them to perfect their pronunciation, practice tajweed, and learn the traditions and sayings of Nabi Muhammad (peace be upon him). Afternoon and evening classes were focused on teaching the young men the proper way of the Mumineen, with classes from books like Halal wa Haram and Admonition for the Neglectful. Lastly, the campers ended the day with Surah Mulk and reflected on the 40 points, a list of 40 dos and don’ts from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) narrated by Salman Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him). 

Many scholars and teachers continue to come from around the country to pass on knowledge, lighting the way for others as was once done for them. The MSA motto ‘Born to Lead’ is not just a phrase but a reality of the potential each and every one of us have instilled in us.  It is through these programs that The Alchemist, Sheikh Mubarak Ali Shah Gillani, has turned rocks into diamonds and brought communities out of the darkness and into the light. It is only through Allah Ta’ala’s mercy that the camp has been functioning for 35 years. Many will attest to the impact the MSA camps have had on their lives. The struggle isn’t living uncomfortably for 30 days; the real struggle starts when we leave campgrounds, and our nafs desires to lead us astray. As we return to our daily lives, let us remember: ask not what your community can do for you, and ask what you can do for your community. May we all make it amongst the worthy! 

Banaatun Noor International Hosts Annual Young Ladies Summer Program

mag bni 2026

IP Staff Writer

Also set against the beautiful mountainous landscape from July 3 to August 7, over 80 young ladies, ages 14–40, traveled from as far as Canada in the North and Georgia in the South to upstate NY for the annual Banaat Tun Noor International (BNI) Ladies Summer Program.  Each year, BNI hosts programs designed to instruct and inspire young ladies in a wholesome environment away from today’s challenges of electronic devices and social media.

BNI classes are chosen to enrich participants’ knowledge in the basic Islamic sciences of fiqh, tafseer of Holy Quran, memorization of Hadith, Arabic calligraphy, Islamic cooking, handicrafts such as knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing, as well as traditional bread making.  Weekends during the Summer Program featured diverse seminars such as basket weaving and jewelry making.

Although rigorous, the schedule included ample time for leisure and recreation.  As part of the PE period, Ladies had time to bond over friendly but competitive games of volleyball, double dutch, and basketball. 

After 35 days, parents and loved ones joined in Holy Islamberg, NY to congratulate the ladies on their completion of this intense, yet invigorating program.  May Allah Ta’ala reward them and all those who participated in the successful operation of both MSA and BNI programs.