A Voice Beyond Words

Swanton, MD
Shawwal 20, 1447~ April 8th, 2026.

At Backbone Mountain Youth Center, the air is usually filled with the hums and energy of a classroom. But today, the most profound moment happened in total silence.

One student sat hunched over his desk, his focus narrowed down to the edges of a poster board. He completed his poster for the I Can Lead competition, a program designed to spark leadership and faith in young adults.

At first glance, it looked like any other project one worked on during high school. Up close, however, it was something much deeper.

He made a poster about Islam, carefully drawn, arranged, and filled with meaning. He represented the foundations of faith by making towering pillars using various elements. He showed effort, intention, and belief.

He may not have been able to read the words fully, but he understood what those symbols meant: Islam is about submission, understanding that Allah is One, and that there is purpose and guidance.

In that quiet moment, still hunched over his desk, he demonstrated leadership in its purest form: the courage to act despite limitation. For a young man, in confinement, he showed that ability is not always measured by literacy or that understanding is not always measured by words. He showed that sometimes, the strongest messages come from those who have the least tools to express them. He proved that a person is never defined by their gaps, but their effort, their sincerity, and their willingness to try–how we should view youth today.

We often talk about leadership as action at ILIA. Today, that action didn’t come through speech neither through writing, but through effort. And sometimes, effort is more powerful than anything words could ever say.

About Islamic Leadership Institute of America

ILIA is America's first dedicated educational institute to Islamic leadership development and education. Since its inception in 2009, ILIA has engaged with 9000+ students through programs and classes. The organization is youth-led and its services are open to all individuals, regardless of faith. It also operates a scholarship program, Youth Crisis Line, youth dorm and a number of youth-led projects. Learn more at www.islamicleadership.org