Not according to the industry at least. but we showed up, and we kept showing up.
Over the course of our events, MTF has brought together thousands of people who don't often find themselves in the same room. Founders and fresh grads, Engineers and Creatives. People who pray 5x a time and people still working out what faith means to them. Women in Hijab presenting on stage next to VC's who've never been to a Muslim majority event in their lives.
That's exactly the point.
We started this with a clear Niyyah (intention). So its worth having your own.
Start with your intention
… for all actions are judged by their intentions. [The Prophet - may peace be upon him]
Before you walk into any conversation, pause. Why are you here? Are you here seeking an opportunity, offering knowledge or building a community? All of these are worthy.
So is the free food. We don't judge.
Reflect: What do you hope to give in this space, not just take?
The one who turned to face you
The best model for how to be in a room with people, is someone who was in a lot of rooms with a lot of people.
The Prophet Muhammed (may Gods peace and blessings be upon him), would turn his entire body to face whoever he was speaking to. He remembered names, asked after families and would smile, calling it a charity; freely given but invaluable when received.
He was known as Al-Amin (the trustworthy) even before a single verse was revealed. He sat with the poor and the overlooked at a time when status determined your worth.
He wasn't networking. But if he was, he'd have been the best in the room.
The Etiquette of Conversation
Adab - refined conduct, doesn't pause when you are in professional mode. MTF whilst being a tech event, has always prioritised that through meaningful in-person connections. Thats why we have no app and no notifications.
You're welcome.
A few pointers:
- The person in front of you deserves your full attention, not the half of you checking your phone
- Represent yourself honestly. Your LinkedIn title can stay between you and God. The person in front of you started somewhere and is on a different part of their own journey.
- Be mindful of gossip. Conversations drift. If you wouldn't say it to their face, leave it there.
- Follow through. If you say you'll make an intro or send something, do it. Your word is a trust.
Show up as yourself
You dont need to downplay your faith to fit in, and you dont need to perform either. Be you. Curious, capable and connected to something bigger than the next job title or client. The imposter feeling is real. It's also, for the record, not unique to Muslims. Everyone in this room has it.
Your integrity in the small moments is what God sees. The honest answer, the gracious response and the promises kept.
Reflect: Are you showing up as you are, or who you think this room wants you to be?
Interactions with the opposite gender
This is the topic many feel most uncertain about. Our faith encourages mindfulness in interactions across genders, rooted in protecting dignity, yours and theirs.
- Start with Salam, its a beautiful form of charity.
- Lower your gaze (but be mindful of the pillars :). It communicates more respect than most things you'll do on the day.
- A hand on heart greeting is widely accepted as a respectful alternative to a handshake.
- Opt for group conversations in the open. Visible settings rather than isolated one on ones.
Reflect: Have you made the people you speak with, regardless of their background or practice, feel seen and respected?
The in-between moments
Not every connection happens in a formal conversation. Some of the best ones start in a queue, when you are travelling, or in the thirty seconds before a talk begins.
If you're waiting, you don't need to fill the silence with your phone. A moment of Dhikr (remembrance) or Shukr (thankfulness), a smile at the person next to you — both are sunnah, and both signal that you're someone worth talking to.
Now go. The room is full of people worth meeting. You're one of them.
As-salamu alaykum.