Learning through experience
Teenagers should be active participants rather than passive listeners.
Youth Development Workshops
Built Different — Muslim Edition
Faith. Brotherhood. Discipline. Purpose.
A faith-informed experience integrating Islamic values, teachings, and examples with the same developmental foundations.
Registration not yet open — join the waitlist
Overview
Built Different: Muslim Edition
An interactive, psychology-informed and Islamic faith-based personal development program for teenage Muslim boys.
Growing up comes with important questions: Who am I? Where do I belong? What does faith mean to me? What does it mean to become a good Muslim man? How do I develop discipline, character, and purpose?
Built Different: Muslim Edition combines interactive group activities, practical psychological skills, Islamic teachings, and meaningful discussions to help young Muslim men explore these questions.
This edition focuses on
- Brotherhood and belonging within the Muslim community.
- Islamic identity.
- Faith and one’s relationship with Allah.
- Purpose and intentional living.
- Character and examples from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Lessons from the Sahaba.
- Healthy masculinity and responsibility.
- Compassion, humility, courage, and honesty.
- Jihad al-nafs and self-mastery.
- Emotional awareness and regulation.
- Personal accountability and consistent growth.
Four sessions
The sessions
Four interactive sessions, about two hours each. Open a session to see its topics, activities and intended outcomes.
01Session 1Brotherhood & BelongingYou Belong Here.
Islam teaches the importance of community, compassion, mutual support, and brotherhood.
Yet young Muslims may still experience loneliness, social pressure, exclusion, or uncertainty about where they belong.
This session creates space for participants to explore what brotherhood means beyond simply sharing a religious identity.
Participants discuss how meaningful relationships are built through trust, kindness, empathy, loyalty, respect, and showing up for others.
The session encourages young Muslims to see themselves as valued members of a wider community while also developing practical skills for building genuine friendships.
Key topics
- Belonging and social connection.
- The concept of the Ummah.
- Brotherhood in Islam.
- Compassion and empathy.
- Healthy friendships.
- Trust and mutual respect.
- Inclusion and community.
- Supporting others during difficulty.
- Personal responsibility within relationships.
Interactive activities
- Pick Your Level An optional, low-pressure group check-in.
- Common Ground Challenge Participants identify shared experiences and interests.
- Four Elements of Belonging Seen, accepted, included, and supported.
- Brotherhood Code Participants collaboratively define the values of a supportive group.
- Who Has My Back? A private reflection on relationships and social support.
Islamic integration
- Quran 49:10
The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers.
Brotherhood among believers, and making peace between them. - Quran 49:13
…so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.
Getting to know one another; nobility comes through righteousness.
Intended learning outcomes
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Reflect on belonging within their community.
- Explore the meaning of Islamic brotherhood.
- Identify qualities of supportive relationships.
- Practise empathy and respect.
- Consider ways to strengthen their connections with others.
02Session 2Faith, Identity & PurposeWho Am I? Why Am I Here?
Being Muslim is part of identity, but what does that mean personally?
This session invites participants to explore important questions about faith, identity, meaning, and purpose.
The workshop creates space for thoughtful discussion rather than assuming every participant has the same level of religious understanding or certainty.
Participants reflect on their relationship with Allah, their values, their aspirations, and the kind of lives they hope to build.
The session connects Islamic concepts such as intention, accountability, and purposeful living with practical psychological exercises focused on values and goal setting.
Key questions
- What is faith?
- What is Islam?
- Why Islam?
- Who is Allah?
- What does Allah ask of us?
- What do we seek from Allah?
- What do we want from life?
- Who are we?
- What gives life meaning?
- How do our values influence our choices?
Key topics
- Islamic identity.
- Faith and personal reflection.
- Relationship with Allah.
- Purpose and intention.
- Personal values.
- Goals and dreams.
- Meaningful living.
- Social expectations.
- Personal responsibility.
Interactive activities
- Four Corners Explore different perspectives on faith, success, happiness, and purpose.
- Big Questions Small-group discussions around important life questions.
- Identity Iceberg Explore different aspects of personal identity.
- Values Auction Reflect on competing priorities.
- Future Me Imagine the person participants hope to become.
- Purpose Challenge Apply values to realistic life decisions.
Islamic integration
Participants are never pressured to disclose private religious doubts or personal struggles.
- Quran 51:56
I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.
Purpose. - Quran 67:2
…to test which of you is best in deeds.
Purposeful living.
Intended learning outcomes
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Reflect on their faith and identity.
- Explore their personal values.
- Consider the meaning of purpose.
- Connect intention with behaviour.
- Identify goals that matter to them.
03Session 3Becoming a Man of CharacterWhat Does It Mean to Be a Good Muslim Man?
What does Islam teach about strength, courage, responsibility, compassion, and manhood?
This session explores the character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and examples from the Sahaba to help participants reflect on what it means to become a man of integrity.
The workshop challenges the idea that masculinity requires emotional suppression, harshness, dominance, or the absence of vulnerability.
Instead, participants examine examples of compassion, humility, generosity, patience, emotional honesty, responsibility, and self-control.
The emphasis is on understanding how character is expressed through everyday actions.
Key topics
- Prophetic character.
- Courage and compassion.
- Humility.
- Honesty and integrity.
- Responsibility.
- Respect for others.
- Emotional maturity.
- Patience and self-control.
- Generosity.
- Leadership through service.
- Healthy masculinity.
Interactive activities
- What Makes a Man? Explore different beliefs about masculinity.
- Prophetic Character Stories Reflect on examples and their relevance today.
- Sahaba Team Challenge Groups examine character qualities through historical examples.
- Modern Masculinity Dilemmas Discuss situations involving anger, peer pressure, relationships, honesty, and responsibility.
- Seven-Day Character Challenge Choose one quality to practise intentionally.
Islamic integration
Examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
- Sahih al-Bukhari 6039 Aisha described how he kept busy serving his family at home, and went to prayer when it was time. He helped with household responsibilities.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 1303
…the eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved…
He wept at the death of his son Ibrahim and called it mercy. He expressed grief and sadness. - Sahih al-Bukhari 5997
Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.
He kissed his grandson al-Hasan. He showed tenderness and affection toward children. - Sahih al-Bukhari 6114
The strong is… the one who controls himself while in anger.
He encouraged restraint when angry. - Sahih al-Bukhari 220
You have been sent to make things easy.
When a Bedouin urinated in the mosque, he told the people to leave him and pour water over it. He responded with gentleness. - Sahih Muslim 2309 Anas served him for ten years and he never said a harsh word to him. He treated others with compassion and respect.
Lessons associated with the Sahaba:
- Abu Bakr: loyalty and companionship.
- Umar: justice and accountability.
- Uthman: generosity and service.
Intended learning outcomes
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Explore Islamic perspectives on character.
- Reflect on examples of Prophetic conduct.
- Recognize that compassion and emotional honesty are compatible with strength.
- Practise ethical decision-making.
- Identify character qualities they want to develop.
04Session 4Jihad al-Nafs — The Struggle WithinMastering Yourself.
Some of the most important challenges we face happen within ourselves.
Anger, procrastination, temptation, unhealthy habits, impulsive reactions, and competing desires can make it difficult to live according to our values.
This session explores the Islamic concept of jihad al-nafs: striving to manage one’s impulses, strengthen character, and make choices consistent with one’s faith and values.
Participants learn that personal growth is not about never making mistakes. It involves awareness, sincere effort, accountability, repentance, self-compassion, and the willingness to keep improving.
The session integrates Islamic reflection with practical psychological skills for emotional regulation and behaviour change.
Key topics
- Understanding jihad al-nafs.
- Self-awareness.
- Emotions and impulses.
- Anger management.
- Self-discipline.
- Procrastination.
- Habits and consistency.
- Accountability.
- Repentance and hope.
- Personal growth.
- Intention and decision-making.
Interactive activities
- The Two Voices Explore immediate desires versus long-term values.
- Impulse and Choice Scenarios Discuss realistic situations involving anger, distractions, habits, and social pressure.
- STOP Skill Practise pausing, observing, and choosing a response.
- Self-Mastery Challenge Identify one area for personal growth.
- Seven-Day Action Plan Create a realistic, achievable commitment.
Islamic integration
In Islamic tradition the word jihad has a broader meaning than internal struggle alone. This session focuses on one part of it: jihad al-nafs, striving with oneself.
- Quran 12:53
…the soul is ever inclined to evil, except those shown mercy by my Lord.
The soul that inclines toward wrongdoing. Later scholars call this nafs al-ammarah; the verse itself does not name stages. - Quran 75:2
And I do swear by the self-reproaching soul!
An oath by the self-reproaching soul, which scholars call nafs al-lawwamah. - Quran 89:27–30
O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well pleased and well pleasing…
The tranquil soul, nafs al-mutma’innah, addressed on the Day of Judgment as a final state. - Quran 39:53
Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins.
Hope and repentance; the next verse calls people to turn back to Allah.
Intended learning outcomes
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Explore the concept of jihad al-nafs.
- Improve awareness of impulses and emotional reactions.
- Practise practical self-regulation skills.
- Understand the role of consistent effort.
- Develop a values-aligned personal action plan.
Quran translations: Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran (quran.com). Hadith references: sunnah.com.
Learning approach
How the workshops work
Built Different is not a traditional classroom lecture.
It is designed as an active, engaging, supportive environment where participants learn through conversation, collaboration, games, challenges, role-playing, personal reflection, and practical exercises.
The goal is not to tell teenagers exactly who they should become. It is to help them develop the awareness, skills, values, and confidence to make thoughtful choices about the people they want to be.
The program does not promote rigid stereotypes about masculinity. It presents strength as something that can include kindness, emotional honesty, self-control, accountability, courage, and seeking support when needed.
Connection before instruction
Meaningful relationships and a supportive group environment create opportunities for learning.
Growth rather than perfection
The program encourages progress, reflection, and accountability rather than shame or unrealistic expectations.
Strength includes emotional maturity
Confidence, compassion, emotional expression, and responsibility are compatible qualities.
Practical skills for real life
Every session should provide ideas or skills participants can apply outside the workshop.
Respect for individuality
Participants come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, beliefs, and experiences.
No forced disclosure
Participants should never be pressured to reveal private experiences, religious doubts, trauma, or personal family difficulties.
Age-appropriate delivery
Activities and discussions must be suitable for the developmental stage of the group.
Format and pricing
Who it’s for and how it runs
Registration not yet open — join the waitlist
- Who it’s for
- Teenage boys ages 14–19, organized into developmentally appropriate age groups.
- Initial group
- Approximately 16–17 years old.
- Format
- Four interactive sessions per edition, approximately two hours each.
- Total program
- Eight hours.
- Group size
- 8–12 participants.
- Delivery
- Primarily in person.
- Location
- To be announced.
- Dates
- To be announced.
ONE SESSION
Single Workshop Session
$50 CAD$50 CAD per participant per session
Approximately two hours. Available when individual-session registration is enabled.
before any applicable taxesFULL PROGRAM
Complete Four-Session Program
$200 CAD$200 CAD for the complete four-session program (eight hours)
Four sessions. Eight total hours of programming.
before any applicable taxesWaitlist Free. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a place or create a payment obligation.
Facilitator
Khaled Albanna
Built Different is developed and facilitated by Khaled Albanna, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario with academic training in psychology and counselling.
His approach combines psychological education, practical skills, meaningful conversation, and experiential learning.
The workshops are designed to encourage young people to explore their identities, reflect on their values, develop emotional awareness, and strengthen their relationships.
His facilitation style emphasizes empathy, curiosity, respect, active participation, and a supportive environment where young people can learn without feeling judged.
The Muslim Edition additionally integrates Islamic values and faith-informed reflection.
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
University of GranadaCompleting a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
University of GranadaCompleting a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
More about Khaled
I’m Khaled Albanna, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). I work with people navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, self-doubt, and the uncertainty that can come with change. My aim is to offer a space where you feel understood, respected, and able to be yourself.
My clinical background includes community-based practicum experience with Camino Wellbeing and Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region, as well as counselling experience at Serene Heart Counselling and Psychotherapy. My experience includes supporting people facing addiction and emotional difficulties, and working with refugees and newcomers as they navigate adjustment, stress, identity, and belonging.
Having lived across cultures, I value the experiences and identities that shape each person’s story. I offer counselling in English, Arabic, and Spanish, and welcome conversations about spirituality, faith, meaning, and values when these are important to you.
My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in listening. Together, we can explore what’s happening, make room for difficult feelings, and develop practical ways to move toward the life you want.
A FEW THINGS YOU MAY BE WONDERING
Questions?
Let’s clear things up.
What is Built Different?
Built Different is an interactive, psychology-informed personal development workshop for teenage boys focused on confidence, identity, relationships, character, emotional awareness, and purpose.
What is the difference between the two editions?
The Core Edition is nonreligious and open to teens from all backgrounds. The Muslim Edition integrates Islamic values, teachings, and examples with the program’s developmental themes.
What age group is the program designed for?
The program is designed for ages 14–19, with participants grouped by age and developmental stage.
How long is the program?
Four sessions, approximately two hours each.
How much does it cost?
$50 CAD per session or $200 CAD for the complete four-session program, before any applicable taxes.
Is this therapy?
No. Built Different is a psychoeducational youth development workshop, not individual or group psychotherapy.
Does my teen need to be experiencing difficulties to attend?
No. The workshop is intended for personal development and skill-building, not only for teens experiencing challenges.
Does my teen need prior Islamic knowledge for the Muslim Edition?
No extensive prior knowledge is required. The program welcomes participants with different levels of familiarity and religious practice.
Can parents register their children?
Yes. Parents or guardians can register minors through the appropriate registration process.
Where are workshops held?
Locations will be announced when cohorts are scheduled.
Can we join just one session?
Individual-session registration may be available depending on the cohort. Some groups may require full-program enrolment.
Is joining the waitlist free?
Yes. The waitlist is free and does not guarantee a reserved place.
Can a school or organization book a private workshop?
Yes. Organizations can submit an inquiry to discuss group workshops and customized delivery.
Built Different: Muslim Edition
Build Brotherhood. Strengthen Character. Live With Purpose.
Join the Muslim Edition WaitlistRequest a Group WorkshopFor schools and organizations
Bring Built Different to Your Community
Built Different can be delivered in partnership with schools, community centres, mosques, Islamic schools, and youth organizations.
Whether you’re looking for a complete four-session series or a focused workshop on confidence, identity, character, emotional resilience, or purpose, the program can be adapted to the needs of your group.
- Core Edition
- Muslim Edition
- Complete program
- Individual workshop
- Customized group inquiry
Organization pricing is quoted separately.
Request a Group WorkshopBuilt Different: Muslim Edition is a faith-informed psychoeducational youth development program, not psychotherapy or a substitute for individual mental health treatment.