Local students launch Islamic League of the Midwest
The League aims to bring together young Muslims for a common purpose.
Published March 16, 2009
The Islamic League of the Midwest, the brainchild of a group of local students, was finally launched last weekend.
Three students of Rock Bridge High School's Muslim Students Union created the ILM. It is designed to bring forth Muslim students from across the Midwest to have skill-building interaction, said Shafi Lodhi, one of the principle organizers and Rock Bridge High School senior.
During the weekend, 18 participants attended lectures from local speakers, participated in competitive events, such as the ILM Bowl, as well as in sporting events, such as ultimate Frisbee and swimming.
"The events were very enjoyable, and I had a lot of fun playing ultimate Frisbee and football," West Junior High School student Ibrahim Diab said.
The 'ILM Bowl was a competitive event aimed at creating interest in knowledge, Lodhi said. Participants were told to expect questions from two books chosen by the organizers.
The ILM is for high school and college students, Lodhi said.
"The ILM is a unique program because it's not solely a competitive program, and activities are geared for varied interests," Lodhi said. "You get to network with other Muslims from different cities, develop skills and most importantly have a good time while you're at it."
Mufti Minhajuddin, an Imam at a St. Louis mosque, gave the first lecture, about the relevance and importance of gaining Islamic knowledge for youth. The speaker focused on the different programs a community could adopt to encourage knowledge among youth. Minhajuddin also answered questions from the participants.
Imam Abdullah of the Islamic Center of Central Missouri spoke about the difficulties facing Muslims in the U.S.
"It is very important for a Muslim to identify with himself and be proud of what he or she is and not let peer pressure to allow him to hide who he is," Abdullah said.
He also spoke about the ways in which the younger Muslims could practice their religion without fear.
"The young Muslims should find strength and unity and should stick together and help one another towards righteousness and goodness," he said.
Abdullah also expressed his appreciation at the initiative of the students at Rock Bridge High School.
"It's a good way to bring young Muslims together, for Islamic, educational as well as social purposes," he said.
Lodhi said the idea of a local Muslim league started out as a school project.
The format of the ILM was based loosely on the Muslim Inter-scholastic Tournament, an annual competition held in different regions, Lodhi said.