Character Traits We Develop
The 10 core character traits MSA focuses on across all age groups — grounded in Islamic values, developed through experience.
Character Is Built, Not Taught
At MSA Youth Academy, we believe character isn't developed through lectures — it's built through experience, challenge, and reflection. Every outdoor adventure, team challenge, and moment of difficulty is an opportunity to practise and strengthen these traits.
Our curriculum is grounded in the Islamic principle: "Adopt the moral qualities of Allah" (Takhalluqu bi Akhlaqillah). Each trait below connects to divine qualities that Allah has placed within every child as potential — waiting to be discovered and developed.
The same traits are developed across all three age groups — Explorers (6–7), Seekers (8–11), and Strivers (12–15) — but at developmentally appropriate depth. This means siblings in different groups are working on the same character qualities, creating shared family conversations.
Core Character Traits
Self-Regulation (Sabr)
Sabr — Patience & Self-ControlThe ability to understand and manage your own emotions, impulses, and reactions. Self-regulation is the foundation everything else is built upon — a child who can manage themselves can learn anything.
Islamic Connection: Sabr is one of the most frequently mentioned virtues in the Quran. It's not passive endurance — it's the active choice to respond with wisdom rather than react with impulse.
Learning to name their emotions: "I feel frustrated" instead of acting out. Taking turns, waiting patiently, and calming down with simple breathing techniques.
Recognising emotional triggers and choosing responses. Managing disappointment when things don't go their way. Practising self-control during competitive activities.
Advanced emotional intelligence — understanding the emotions of others, regulating under pressure, and modelling composure for younger members.
Honesty & Integrity (Sidq)
Sidq — TruthfulnessBeing truthful in word and action — even when it's difficult. Integrity means your behaviour matches your values whether someone is watching or not.
Islamic Connection: The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was known as Al-Sadiq Al-Amin — the truthful, the trustworthy — even before prophethood. Honesty is the bedrock of Islamic character.
Learning that telling the truth is brave, even when it's scary. Understanding the difference between truth and imagination through stories and role-play.
Practising honesty in harder situations — admitting mistakes, giving honest feedback to peers, and understanding why truth matters in building trust.
Living with integrity under peer pressure. Standing up for what's right even when it's unpopular. Understanding that their word is their bond.
Courage (Shuja'ah)
Shuja'ah — Bravery & Moral CourageThe willingness to face difficulty, take healthy risks, and stand up for what's right. Courage isn't the absence of fear — it's acting despite fear because something matters more.
Islamic Connection: Imam Ali (as) is renowned for courage that combined physical bravery with moral conviction. True courage in Islam is standing for justice and truth, even at personal cost.
Trying new activities even when uncertain. Speaking up in front of their group. Being brave enough to make new friends.
Taking on challenges that stretch them. Standing up for a friend being treated unfairly. Volunteering to lead an activity they haven't done before.
Moral courage — defending their values when challenged. Taking on leadership roles with real responsibility. Engaging with difficult questions about faith and identity.
Responsibility (Amanah)
Amanah — Trustworthiness & AccountabilityTaking ownership of your actions, your commitments, and your role within your family and community. Responsibility means people can count on you.
Islamic Connection: In Islam, everything is an amanah — a trust from Allah. Our bodies, our time, our talents, our relationships. Learning responsibility is learning to honour these trusts.
Looking after their own belongings. Helping tidy up after activities. Following through on simple tasks they've been given.
Taking ownership of their group roles. Being accountable for their actions without making excuses. Contributing reliably to team efforts.
Leading activities and being responsible for outcomes. Mentoring younger members. Understanding that their choices affect others — and acting accordingly.
Empathy & Mercy (Rahma)
Rahma — Compassion & UnderstandingThe ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and to respond with kindness. Empathy is the bridge between self-awareness and service to others.
Islamic Connection: Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim — the Most Merciful — are among the most frequently mentioned names of Allah. When children develop mercy, they reflect one of Allah's most beautiful qualities.
Noticing when a friend is sad and offering comfort. Learning to share and include others. Using kind words and gentle actions.
Understanding different perspectives in conflicts. Showing compassion to those who are struggling. Learning to forgive and let go of grudges.
Deep empathy that drives action — organising help for those in need. Understanding complex social issues. Mentoring younger members with patience and care.
Justice & Fairness (Adl)
Al-Adl — Standing for What's RightTreating others fairly, standing up against unfairness, and ensuring everyone is given their rights. Justice is not just a value — it's a practice.
Islamic Connection: Justice is one of the foundational principles of Islam and one of Allah's core attributes. The Quran commands us to "stand firmly for justice" even against ourselves.
Learning to share fairly. Taking turns without being reminded. Understanding that rules apply to everyone equally.
Recognising unfairness and speaking up. Including those who are left out. Making group decisions that consider everyone's needs.
Standing up for justice in their school and community. Understanding systemic fairness. Leading with equity and advocating for those without a voice.
Gratitude (Shukr)
Shukr — Thankfulness & AppreciationRecognising and appreciating the good in your life — from the blessings of Allah to the kindness of others. Gratitude transforms how you see the world.
Islamic Connection: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you" (Quran 14:7). Gratitude in Islam isn't just a feeling — it's expressed through the heart, the tongue, and actions.
Saying "Alhamdulillah" and meaning it. Drawing or talking about things they're grateful for. Thanking helpers and friends.
Keeping a gratitude journal. Recognising blessings they usually take for granted. Expressing appreciation to parents, leaders, and peers.
Deep gratitude practice that shapes their worldview. Understanding gratitude as a spiritual discipline. Using appreciation to build and strengthen relationships.
Generosity (Karam)
Karam — Giving Freely & AbundantlyGiving freely of your time, your skills, and your resources — not because you have to, but because it reflects who you are. Generosity is the outward expression of an abundant heart.
Islamic Connection: The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was described as more generous than the wind — giving without hesitation or expectation. Generosity is central to Islamic character.
Sharing toys and materials willingly. Helping a friend who's struggling with an activity. Offering kind words and encouragement.
Giving from what they love — not just leftover items. Volunteering their time for group tasks. Being generous with praise and support for teammates.
Systematic generosity — planning and leading charitable initiatives. Giving their time to mentor younger members. Understanding generosity as a lifestyle, not an event.
Humility (Tawadu)
Tawadu — Grounded ConfidenceKnowing your strengths without arrogance, and your limitations without shame. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself — it's thinking of yourself less.
Islamic Connection: True humility comes from understanding your place in relation to Allah — recognising that all gifts come from Him, and that every person has inherent dignity as His creation.
Celebrating others' successes. Accepting help when they need it. Learning that everyone has different strengths.
Handling winning and losing with grace. Acknowledging when someone else did better. Asking for help without embarrassment.
Leading without ego. Giving credit to their team. Understanding that true leadership is service, not status.
Service & Contribution (Khidma)
Khidma — Serving Others as WorshipMoving beyond yourself to serve your family, your community, and the world around you. Service is the ultimate expression of character — where all other traits come together in action.
Islamic Connection: The concept of khalifa — being Allah's representative on earth — means our purpose is to serve creation. At MSA, we prepare every child for this noble responsibility.
Simple helping tasks — tidying up, assisting a friend, carrying equipment. Learning that helping others feels good.
Contributing meaningfully to their group and community. Beginning community service projects. Understanding that their efforts matter to people beyond themselves.
Leading service initiatives. Mentoring younger members. Developing a personal sense of purpose and mission — understanding how they can contribute to both Muslim and broader Australian communities.
How the Traits Connect
These 10 traits aren't a checklist — they're an ecosystem. Self-regulation enables honesty. Honesty builds trust, which enables responsibility. Empathy fuels justice. Gratitude inspires generosity. And all of them, together, lead to service — the ultimate expression of Islamic character.
At MSA, we develop these traits through our four pillars of resourcefulness: spiritual, mental, emotional, and environmental. Every session includes elements that develop multiple traits simultaneously — because real character is built in the complexity of real situations, not in isolated lessons.
As parents, you'll see these traits emerging in how your child talks about their MSA experience, how they handle challenges at home, and how they treat the people around them. Character development is a long game — and every session at MSA is another step on the journey.
"Adopt the moral qualities of Allah." — Islamic principle (Takhalluqu bi Akhlaqillah)
MSA Youth Academy Australia Inc. · ABN: 38 692 380 242