World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY)
Definition
The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) is an international organization established in 1972 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Its primary mission is to support and guide Islamic youth organizations worldwide in executing planned projects.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الهيئة العالمية للشباب الإسلامي (Al-Haya al-Alamiya li al-Shabab al-Islami)
- Turkish: Dünyadaki Müslüman Gençlik Birliği
History and Function
Foundation and Mission
Founded in 1972, WAMY emerged as a pivotal organization aimed at unifying Islamic youth efforts globally. Its foundation underscores a response to the growing need for organized Islamic initiatives within the youth demographic, aimed at promoting Islamic values and community engagement.
International Meetings
One of the key functions of WAMY is to hold international meetings approximately every three years. These meetings facilitate the exchange of ideas, strategies, and collaborative efforts among youth organizations worldwide.
Publications
To bridge communication and share knowledge, WAMY publishes a newsletter in both English and Arabic. This publication serves as a resource for updates on WAMY’s global activities and initiatives.
Organizational Structure
Headquarters and Regional Offices
WAMY’s central administration is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The organization also operates regional offices to coordinate local efforts effectively in:
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Malaysia
- Spain
- Nigeria
- Kenya
These regional offices play a crucial role in tailoring WAMY’s initiatives to local contexts and improving the reach and impact of its programs.
Further Studies
For an in-depth understanding of the objectives and impact of WAMY, consider reading the following:
- John L. Esposito, “The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World”
- “Globalized Muslim Youth and Bin Laden” by Janine A. Clark and Derek H. Davis
- “Islamic Activists: The Anti-Enlightenment Democrats” by Quintan Wiktorowicz
Takeaways and Conclusion
The World Assembly of Muslim Youth has been a significant entity within the landscape of global Islamic organizations. Through its structured approach involving regular international meetings and publications, WAMY helps foster a cohesive network of Islamic youth bodies. By maintaining regional offices, the organization ensures that its efforts resonate within local contexts, thus broadening its beneficial impact on Islamic communities worldwide.
