Mission, Values & History

MAPS believes that the United States is enriched by the contributions of Muslim Americans and other people of faith. A more inclusive Federal, State and local workforce strengthens the institutions they serve and ultimately, the American public, by providing a broad range of skills and a diversity of experiences and perspectives.

MAPS draws from Islamic faith traditions to promote the values of public service, freedom of religion, community building, and partnership and solidarity, while adhering to the additional values of inclusion, confidentiality, and neutrality.

1. Public Service

MAPS Members have made service to others a core part of their careers, their lives, and in many cases, their identity. They volunteer for their communities, offer support to those in need of it, and devote years to crafting, building, or improving national, state, or local programs, policies, and services. Supporting their work, and ushering others toward it, is a prime function of MAPS, and is rooted in faith traditions and examples.

“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people” (Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, Al-Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsaṭ, 5937)"

2. Religious Freedom

As faith is a large part of the lives of countless Americans, the freedom to believe and practice authentically and without hinderance, discrimination, or persecution is a cornerstone of American democracy. Religious freedom, accommodation, tolerance and understanding are also key values of MAPS, its Members, and partner organizations. Members of MAPS are also committed to public institutions that allow employees to observe their religious beliefs. Together, we can build stronger, more conducive, and just workplaces where the important functions of public service can more effectively and productively undertaken for a broader segment of Americans.

“There shall be no coercion in matters of faith.” (Quran 2:256);

“For you is your faith, and for me, my faith.” (Quran 109:6)"

3. Community Building

Community building, which entails the open and inclusive agglomeration of qualified professionals, channeling of resources toward their individual careers and interpersonal bonds, and facilitating and supporting formalized and communal action are all daily functions and priorities of MAPS. It is how all of its goals and outcomes are possible.

“Never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves,” (Quran 13:11);

“Help ye one another unto righteousness and piety. But help not one another unto sin and transgression,” (Quran 5:2);

“Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, God will fulfill his needs; whoever removes the troubles of his brother, God will remove one of his troubles” (Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, Al-Bukhari, Chapter 47, Al-Mazalim, 2442).

4. Partnership & Solidarity

MAPS builds its community while actively supporting, engaging, and collaborating with its partners to advance shared goals while reducing redundant efforts or potential conflict. These include formal organizations, informal communities, national and local non-profits, Federal, State and local governments, and feeder networks with overlapping constituencies or objectives to mint the newest public service leaders of tomorrow.

“We have made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another.” (Quran 49:13)

5. Broad-Based Inclusion

MAPS believes that the mission and community it serves are best represented by a diverse and inclusive membership and leadership, and that the success of the organization depends on broadening pipelines, casting wider nets, and considering and accommodating the full range of individuals within the Muslim American community. MAPS upholds and preserves a common identity as Muslim Americans over any particular national origin, ethnicity, race, sect, faith tradition or jurisprudence, in order to ensure all have an opportunity to find community, career support, and the ultimate fulfillment of their potential as professionals and public servants.

Beyond inclusion based on identity, MAPS also emphasizes merit over inclusion of the powerful, popular, or visible within our community; ensures professional and social access and opportunities are shared broadly and indiscriminately among the membership; and celebrates senior public servants, trailblazers, and leaders within our community that serve as resources to MAPS and its members, rather than those who embark on their pathways, contributions, and achievements without accommodating organized efforts to understand and replicate their example.

6. Security & Confidentiality

MAPS safeguards the confidentiality and data security of its membership and limits exposure of sensitive data and membership information to the general public where members have not opted in or elected to disclose publicly (such as attendance of public events, registration for a partner program, or affiliation on social media).      MAPS never sells or share membership data to external parties, and restricts internal access to full membership data.

7. Neutrality & Focus

Apart from non-partisan restrictions under law, MAPS avoids unnecessary bias or perceptions of its membership or organization to take political stances, advocacy positions, leanings or affiliations beyond supporting, representing, or advocating for Muslim American public servants; other public servants, public service-oriented communities or affinity organizations; their professional circumstances or conditions; or public service in general.