3. How the hell can you grow up in the western world as a Muslim?

How the hell can you grow up in the western world as a Muslim?

Salaam bro, So I think I fit the description of your "Muslim growing up in the west" stereotype, but I think I can offer some light at the end of the tunnel. So I'm 20, born and raised in the U.S. lived here my whole life, also come from a South-Asian background (Pakistani to be specific).

I've asked countless scholars, some personally, some online about this exact topic. Growing up in the west, and having a supposedly "identity clash" between western ideas and Islamic values and traits, and nobody has ever given me a solid answer. Not to discredit our amazing, and Alhamdulilah brilliant scholars that also live in the states (shout out to Yasir Qadhi and Omar Suleiman my favorites). But that there is a happy-medium in-between. I love Islam and aH am a practicing muslim, and I didn't grow up being forced to brush my teeth with a miswak. I've never dated anyone, and I have more friends of other ethnicities and religions than Muslim friends!

I'm living proof that there is a 3rd option that you didn't write in your post. Yes, and let me tell you that it has been hard. There's no lying about that. When I was approached in highschool by other girls asking me if they wanted to go out on a date with me, or if I wanted some drugs, and I would politely refuse. It's hard, but my values for the religion I follow were stronger. That doesn't mean that I would sit at home and read tazbee's all day, I love watching movies, going to Jummah with my friends, and being apart of a "western society" as you put it.

The point I want to address is that there are always 2 extremes. You've explained those 2 extremes very well in your post OP, but you NEVER want to be on either end of those extremes. Even the Prophet (PBUH) warned against being on the extreme end of things. My parents always gave this analogy and it's stuck with me, 'being on the extreme for literally anything is bad for you, being extremely skinny is bad, and being obese is bad, not studying at all, and studying until your eyes fall out are equally bad", and I live my life reflecting those values, and it's true for any scenario you think of.

I know it's hard OP, and a lot of people here have given you good advice. Something that I would share with you is to surround yourself with good, and intelligent people. They don't even have to be Muslim, (would be nice if they were though), and keep an open attitude, read the Quran, pray your prayers and iA I will make dua for you and your family.

/r/islam Thread
Previous
Next

Recently removed from /r/islam

How to deal with a Christian friend? Can a Muslim marry a Sikh Detransitioning for Islam (mention of hurting self) Culture vs religion Thinking of this just makes my faith stronger The creation of Allah <3 Why did the Prophet PBUH advise us to drink milk when the majority of humanity cannot drink it? Potential has random girls on socials and likes inappropriate pictures Thoughts on this? Ameen yaa Rabb Quran 45:4 - "And in the earth are signs for those of certainty, And within yourselves. Then will you not see?" Does Quran 4:48 teach us that it is impossible for an idolator to be forgiven, so there is no point in them converting to Islam? If I recite ‘Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin…’ before making my dua, is it shirk then? I thought we should send Salawat to the Prophet (SAW) before making our duas. This clip confused me. I'm starting to have urges to join Islam, I don't know why... Any Former Ex Muslims Here? a lot of doubts

More Random Comments

Stepfather is refusing to take his toxic mother home. Got hit with one of these for the first time highlighted and all Where do people draw the line between "wanting to have fun" and "being selfish" in group content? Can you heal yourself and date at the same time? Let's talk about the Dalai Lama... Folded like an omelette I’m an atheist who converted to Buddhism after a decade of non-belief, AMA Is ibuprofen not an antipyretic?? Prince Imrahil - Subverting Expectations by being Good At His Job Share Your Wildest Poker Stories: The Craziest Hand You've Ever Played and How It Turned Out Movies that push a real-world conspiracy theory Ukraine Discussion/Question Thread - 4/8/23+ Becoming close with people/ romantic relationships.. Is it common for Jewish scholars to study Aramaic? can someone tell how was I drained ?