YSS 2026 Theme: God as the Connection
The 2026 summit is focused on exploring the nature of God and the essential connection between God and all of creation – ourselves especially. The word “Salah” literally means “to connect/contact” or “reach out,” but how often do we really feel connected to God in our prayers? For many, we envision God as a far-away being out in the cosmos with unimaginable power over our every decision and outcome. We may speak to God often but without a voice on the other line, it’s easy to feel disconnected and distant. Moreover, if God exists in a dimension beyond our comprehension, and needs nothing from us, then what is God’s role in our day-to-day life? Or, if God is “as close as our jugular vein” and knows everything we will do from the day we are born, then how much free will do we really have? When we look out upon the vastness of God’s creation, it is easy to feel small, lost, and powerless. Yet, when we engage with the beauty of God’s creation – the people, the community, and the environment, one finds themself filled with love, belonging, and the sublime.
We hope to tackle these and many more questions at YSS 2026, surrounded by the wisdom and role models of our community leaders, as well as the inspirational minds of our peers, and the beautiful wonder of Allah's creation.
The 2026 summit is focused on exploring the nature of God and the essential connection between God and all of creation – ourselves especially. The word “Salah” literally means “to connect/contact” or “reach out,” but how often do we really feel connected to God in our prayers? For many, we envision God as a far-away being out in the cosmos with unimaginable power over our every decision and outcome. We may speak to God often but without a voice on the other line, it’s easy to feel disconnected and distant. Moreover, if God exists in a dimension beyond our comprehension, and needs nothing from us, then what is God’s role in our day-to-day life? Or, if God is “as close as our jugular vein” and knows everything we will do from the day we are born, then how much free will do we really have? When we look out upon the vastness of God’s creation, it is easy to feel small, lost, and powerless. Yet, when we engage with the beauty of God’s creation – the people, the community, and the environment, one finds themself filled with love, belonging, and the sublime.
We hope to tackle these and many more questions at YSS 2026, surrounded by the wisdom and role models of our community leaders, as well as the inspirational minds of our peers, and the beautiful wonder of Allah's creation.
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MISSION
A time for high school Muslim youth to meet new friends, develop a healthy understanding & practice of Islam, ask questions, self-reflect, and engage with community. |
Hosted by Izza Inc. | FEDERAL TAX ID : 26-2174441
