Building Muslim Youth Leaders: The Untold Story of ILIA | Ayman Nassar | Episode 14

Building Muslim Youth Leaders: The Untold Story of ILIA | Ayman Nassar | Episode 14

Author: Dr. Tayyab Yunus September 3, 2025 Duration: 23:37

In this powerful episode of The Muslim Non-Profit Show, we welcome Ayman Nassar, founder of the Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA). His journey reveals a surprising inspiration that sparked an organization dedicated to building leadership capacity in Muslim youth.

From uncovering forgotten Muslim history in America, to creating the first Muslim-run youth crisis line, Ayman shares lessons on faith, resilience, and leadership that every parent, educator, and community leader needs to hear.

This conversation is not just about leadership, it's about empowering the next generation to rise with integrity, service, and purpose.

🎧 Tune in and don't forget to 🔔 subscribe for future episodes with nonprofit founders, Islamic scholars, and sector experts.

📌Connect and Follow Dr. Tayyab Yunus:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tayyabyunus/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tayyabyunus
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@tayyabyunus

🔗 Connect with Ayman Nassar:
Website: https://www.islamicleadership.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aymannassar/

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome to the Show
02:10 – Ayman Nassar's early involvement in Muslim community work
05:35 – Discovering hidden Muslim history in America
08:12 – Realizing the Muslim leadership capacity problem
11:20 – Founding of ILIA in 2009 & the first youth program
14:05 – Building youth leadership through patience and real-life challenges
16:45 – Expanding into mental health: The Muslim Youth Crisis Line (2015)
19:20 – Adapting to new challenges: Career empowerment & food security
21:10 – Advice for aspiring Muslim changemakers & leaders
23:00 – Closing reflections and gratitude

Conversations like this remind us that leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about serving Allah and uplifting the people around us. May Allah bless our youth, strengthen their faith, and guide them to become leaders who bring light and mercy to the world.

#MuslimYouth #IslamicLeadership #NonProfitWork #YouthEmpowerment #MuslimPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #MuslimCommunity #YouthLeadership #IslamInAmerica #BuildingTheFuture #Themuslimnonprofitshow #Tayyabyunun #AymanNassar #Ilia

 


The Muslim Non-profit Show with Tayyab Yunus is a space for meaningful conversation about the unique challenges and opportunities within American Muslim charitable organizations. Host Dr. Tayyab Yunus sits down with founders, directors, and seasoned leaders who are actively building and sustaining these vital community institutions. The dialogue in this podcast moves beyond abstract theory, focusing instead on the operational realities of fundraising, governance, volunteer management, and program development that leaders face every day. You'll hear candid stories about what has worked, what hasn't, and the lessons learned in the process, all framed within an Islamic perspective on service and stewardship. These are not just interviews; they are deep dives into the strategies and spiritual considerations that drive effective nonprofit work. For anyone involved in or curious about this specific sector, from board members to volunteers and donors, the podcast provides a rare look behind the curtain. It’s a resource for practical wisdom and reflective discussion, aiming to strengthen the infrastructure of Muslim philanthropy one conversation at a time. Listen for genuine exchanges that blend professional expertise with personal conviction, offering tangible takeaways you can apply to your own efforts to create lasting, positive impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 34

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