Selection Criteria

Requirements for Entry

To become a Muslim Leader of Tomorrow, you must…

Submit a nomination form
The official nomination form can be found here.

Be between the ages of 20 and 45
The MLT network is targeted to young leaders whose needs are different than that of more mature leaders and organizations. The network seeks to capitalize on the shared knowledge of cohorts of individuals who are experiencing similar concerns due to their life stages. This shared knowledge functions as a force multiplier, allowing members of the network to advance their work faster than if they worked alone.

Attend at least one national/international conference
One of the most exciting events of the MLT network is the large conference at either national or international level. The conference helps to define the immediate goals of the network and allows MLTs to meet and interact. Combined
with the training that occurs, the conference provides an excellent venue to socialize new MLTs into the network and allows them to find their passion within the network.

Contribute to chapter building
Once an MLT joins the network, there is an expectation that the MLT will help to grow and develop the network. We recognize that MLTs have their own work-related priorities, but we believe that the value of the network encourages its members to contribute.

Identify publicly as an MLT
In public settings, where appropriate, we expect members of the network to identify as MLTs. This identification raises the profile of the network and of other MLTs.

Qualities

Every Muslim Leader of Tomorrow…

Identifies as a Muslim
The MLT network welcomes any member who identifies as a Muslim. A great number of individuals share our ethics and values, but the primary purpose is to develop leadership in the Muslim community. We do not determine who is a Muslim other than through their self-identification.

Proactively addresses issues concerning Muslims
The Muslim community has leaders in a variety of professions and industries. Since our interest is in engaging in a dialogue about Islam and Muslims, we are focused on those leaders who are engaged in that dialogue. This engagement must happen in a public venue and affect the discourse on Islam and Muslims.

Is Considered a leader within his or her own constituency
Leadership in the Muslim community is not limited to religious leaders, although they are an important part of authority structures. There are great number of young leaders involved in building civil society. The ideals they put into practice should express a basis in Islamic thought and/or attract a large number of Muslims who believe the individual’s work represents their own understanding of Islam. The young leader’s work should be relatively established and sustainable. Our goal is to help support the individuals to build the community, not to build the individual.

Is a role model for others
Besides the leadership potential expected from all MLTs, the MLT mentorship program requires many members to volunteer some of their time towards imparting knowledge, skills and best practices to their peers.

Demonstrates an interest in building a global network of outstanding leaders
MLTs rely on the support of the MLT network, and the network similarly hinges on the dedication of its members. MLTs should demonstrate this spirit by volunteering to help further the program’s goals in any way that they are able.

Is comfortable engaging with diversity
MLTs differ in every way imaginable, from ethnicity to background to profession to geographical location. Ours is proud to be among the most diverse networks in the world, and as such it demands a high degree of tolerance and respect from all. The value of pluralism enjoys a strong basis in both Islamic history and Islamic thought, thus it has been a major contributor to the formation of the MLT. Our ummah’s diversity is among its greatest strengths.

Works energetically and passionately for positive change
MLTs are motivated by a strong sense of social justice and the need to leave the world a better place than they have found it. The vigor and passion of MLTs is reflected in the quality and effectiveness of their work, and in the wide range of paths that they have chosen toward facing their collective problems.

Meets MLT Network obligations
To be a member of the MLT network is an honor and a privilege. It is an indication that the community believes the individual can help it move forward, and it will give young leaders opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable
to them. In return, members of the network are expected to help strengthen the network by meeting their obligations to it. Such obligations include attending chapter meetings, publicly identifying as members of the network as appropriate, and subscribing the MLT Charter.