Building Blocks of Tarbiyah
Exploring How Muslim Youth Learn, Live, and Lead with Values
Shaping Character
Growing Virtue
This three-year project explored how our community spaces help Muslim youth experience and develop virtues.
Through community-building (townhalls, convening) and research activities (longitudinal research study), we have created a Community of Practice–a body of knowledge and practice shaped by insights from a diverse community of youth, leaders, and researchers.
Research in Action
Year 1
Building Blocks of Trust
- Established a Community of Practice connecting Muslim youth, leaders, and researchers
- Launched community-building activities (townhalls, in-person convening) to foster trust and collaboration
- Gained feedback on research concepts for the study
Year 2
Activating Research
- Gathered best practices on virtue formation through 8 webinars with community leaders
- Designed and launched a longitudinal research study on character development in Muslim youth
Year 3
Advancing Research
- Giving back to the Community of Practice by:
- Synthesized insights into this toolkit
- Presenting findings at conferences and conventions
- In-Person Convening to create dissemination plan
- Established a Community of Practice connecting Muslim youth, leaders, and researchers
- Launched community-building activities (townhalls, in-person convening) to foster trust and collaboration
- Gained feedback on research concepts for the study
- Gathered best practices on virtue formation through 8 webinars with community leaders
- Designed and launched a longitudinal research study on character development in Muslim youth
- Giving back to the Community of Practice by:
- Synthesized insights into this toolkit
- Presenting findings at conferences and conventions
- In-Person Convening to create dissemination plan
Results that Matter
Building Blocks of Tarbiyah Outcomes
Hosted 3 virtual town halls engaging diverse youth and leaders
Held first in-person convening with 50 leaders from 26 organizations
Established Youth Advisory Council to center youth voices
Completed pilot study on character development
Related Resources
Project Advisors
Sameera Ahmed
Founder, The FYI
Kristine J. Ajrouch
Ph.D., Sociology University of Michigan
Najah Bazzy
CEO Zaman International
Nausheen Razvi
Community Engagement - MCWS
