First Muslim boy scout troop in New Jersey takes form
By: Joseph Harvie
South Brunswick Township Council meeting took on a slower pace Tuesday.
That’s because 13 Boy Scouts from Troop 114, sponsored by the Noor-Ul-Iman School on Route 1, were there to earn their Citizenship in the Community merit badge, one of 13 required to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, said Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Yassine Ezzyat, 16.
As the evening unfolded, Mayor Frank Gambatese explained to the Scouts the different parts of the meeting, including the public-comment period, resolutions, and ordinance adoption.
Troop 114 is a different than most troops in the state, being the first official Muslim troop in New Jersey, Scoutmaster Saffet Abid said.
The troop was founded in fall 2002 with just 13 Scouts. In just four years it has grown to a troop of 33 boys, Mr. Abid said.
He said that Scouting reinforces some basic principles of the Islamic religion.
"All Scouts must know their direction in life," Mr. Abid said. "They have a moral compass and a physical compass. In Islam, we pray five times a day. And we must change our position each day and face Mecca when we pray."
The Muslim Scouts also benefit from the program the same way other Scouts do, by getting out in the woods, away from everyday life and learning to help one another.
"There you are," Mr. Abid said. "You’re the only ones out there, and if you get hurt, there are no cell phones. There is no 911. Your fellow Scouts are 911. And we’ve had some minor injuries while camping, and these guys worked together and helped each other out."
Yassine said the Boy Scouts share principles important in Islam.
"Boy Scouts and Muslims share the same values," Yassine said. "Reverence, patience, participation in prayer are all Muslim and Boy Scout values.
Mobasshir Poonawalla, 13, a first class Scout, said the he joined the Scouts as a way to get more involved in the community.
"An important part of our religion is to help the community and give back to the community," Mobasshir said.
The troop’s senior patrol leader, Ibraheem Catovic, 16, who has been with the troop since it started, said he was hesitant to join the Scouts at first, but said that in the long run its been a positive experience.
"It teaches you basic life skills and how to be good citizens, which are good things," Ibraheem said. "I benefited more than I thought I would."
Mr. Abid said that he has heard from the Scouts’ parents that when the boys come back from camping trips, they are more appreciative.
"When they come back the parents say they are grateful for things we all take for granted, like a toilet or a refrigerator," Mr. Abid said.

