Muslim Leader Delivers Keynote at Scouting America’s “Duty to God”
CEO of Muslim Aid USA and Former ISNA President
In a historic milestone for faith inclusion in American youth organizations, Scouting America welcomed its first Muslim keynote speaker in 115 years at the annual “Duty to God” breakfast on May 15, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. The event, a highlight of Scouting America’s National Annual Meeting, drew over 1,200 attendees nationwide, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to diversity and interfaith dialogue.
“Duty to God” Breakfast: A New Chapter in Scouting America
The “Duty to God” breakfast has long been a cornerstone of Scouting America’s annual gathering. It celebrates the spiritual dimension of scouting and honors individuals who exemplify faith-driven service. This year, the event broke new ground by featuring Azhar Azeez, CEO of Muslim Aid USA and former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), as the keynote speaker.
Azeez’s address marked the first time a Muslim leader has delivered the keynote at this event since the founding of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) in 1910, underscoring a broader push for inclusion and representation within the organization.
“We are excited to have Mr. Azeez join us at the National Annual Meeting as our Guest Speaker for the Duty to God Breakfast,” Scouting America announced, highlighting his lifelong dedication to building bridges between people of various faiths.
Azhar Azeez: A Life Devoted to Service and Interfaith Leadership
Azhar Azeez’s journey from Hyderabad, India, to the podium in Orlando is a testament to his enduring commitment to humanitarian and interfaith work. After earning finance and business administration degrees, Azeez transitioned from a successful corporate career at General Electric and Capital One to leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.
Azeez served for 16 years in executive positions at Islamic Relief USA before becoming CEO of Muslim Aid USA, one of the fastest-growing Muslim charities in the United States. He has twice been elected president of ISNA, the nation’s oldest and largest Muslim umbrella organization, and currently serves as its treasurer. Azeez is also recognized for founding and leading several major Muslim institutions in Texas and for his extensive interfaith outreach, having addressed events in over 800 communities across North America.
“Mr. Azeez continuously works towards building bridges between people of various faiths and is nationally known for his interfaith work,” Scouting America stated in its event materials.
Azeez’s influence extends beyond the Muslim community. He has advised three U.S. presidents- Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama- on faith, inclusion, and humanitarian response issues.
Scouting America’s Commitment to Inclusion
The 2025 “Duty to God” breakfast comes at a pivotal moment for Scouting America. Formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, the organization rebranded in 2025 to reflect a more inclusive and diverse approach, welcoming youth of all genders and backgrounds. Under the leadership of President and Chief Scout Executive Roger Krone, Scouting America has prioritized gender inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and religious diversity as core values.
The inclusion of a Muslim keynote speaker at a flagship faith event is seen as a significant step toward fulfilling this vision. According to Scouting America, “Duty to God has been a tenet of Scouting since the very beginning of our organization in 1910. The Duty to God Breakfast is a perfect opportunity to come together, be inspired by works greater than our own, and celebrate and recognize individuals who have exemplified their faith through their actions”.
The Muslim American Scouting Community: Growth and Diversity
Muslim participation in Scouting America has grown steadily over recent decades. With an estimated 3.45 million Muslims in the U.S.- a number projected to reach 8.1 million by 2050- the community is among the most ethnically and culturally diverse, comprising African American, South Asian, Arab, and many other backgrounds.
Muslim scouting units emphasize character development, leadership, and service while respecting Islamic practices such as prayer and dietary restrictions. National initiatives, such as the “Scouts Read Sacred Texts” event and interfaith service projects, have helped foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among scouts of all faiths.
“Maintaining and growing relationships within the Muslim community requires consistent engagement and open communication,” the Muslim Scouting Perspective in the Boy Scouts of America noted, underscoring the importance of cultural understanding and inclusivity.
Keynote Reflections: Faith, Service, and Unity
During his keynote, Azhar Azeez passionately discussed the role of faith in guiding service to others and the importance of interfaith understanding in a pluralistic society. Drawing on his experience in humanitarian work and interfaith leadership, Azeez called for scouts and leaders to “embrace the values that unite us as Americans—compassion, justice, and service to humanity.”
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Together, across faiths and nations, we can build bridges and break barriers to support displaced communities,” Azeez has stated in his work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ Multi-Religious Council of Leaders.
Azeez’s remarks resonated with the audience, many of whom expressed appreciation for the event's inclusive spirit. Leaders from various faith backgrounds, including Christian, Jewish, and other Muslim organizations, attended the breakfast, highlighting the shared commitment to faith-driven service.
The Significance of the “Duty to God” Tradition
The “Duty to God” principle is enshrined in the Scout Oath and Law, emphasizing reverence, respect for all faiths, and the importance of spiritual development. The breakfast serves as a platform for scouts and leaders to reflect on these values and to honor those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to faith and service.
“The Scout Oath begins with ‘On my honor, I will do my best to do my Duty to God’ and the Scout Law ends with ‘A Scout is Reverent’. Between these two mighty pillars, the rest of Scouting happens,” the Dan Beard Council noted in its guidance on faith in scouting.
The event also recognizes individuals with the Council Duty to God Award, honoring those who have shown transformational leadership in promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting.
Interfaith Collaboration and Future Directions
The presence of Azhar Azeez and other faith leaders at the 2025 National Annual Meeting reflects a growing trend of interfaith collaboration within Scouting America and beyond. Azeez’s work with international bodies such as the United Nations and Religions for Peace demonstrates the potential of faith-based organizations to address global challenges, from refugee crises to social cohesion.
“Religious leaders have a sacred duty to protect the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, and advocate for sustainable solutions to displacement. When faith traditions unite in humanitarian efforts, we multiply our effectiveness and bring hope to those forced from their homes,” said H.E. Metropolitan Emmanuel, a fellow member of the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders.
Scouting America’s leadership has signaled its intention to continue expanding opportunities for youth and adults of all backgrounds, building on the momentum of this year’s historic events.
Building Bridges for the Next Generation
The 2025 “Duty to God” breakfast in Orlando is a milestone in Scouting America’s journey toward greater inclusion, unity, and service. By elevating voices like Azhar Azeez’s, the organization affirms its commitment to honoring the diverse faith traditions that enrich American life.
As Scouting America moves forward, leaders and members alike are called to “prepare young people for life” by fostering respect, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose8. The success of this year’s event sets a powerful precedent for future gatherings, where faith, service, and community come together to inspire the next generation.