Raising Muslim Children in the United States: Challenges and Suggested Solutions

Abstract

As a minority in the USA, the Muslim youth are facing countless challenges. Many of them are in disarray and are even leaving Islam. Consequently, it is a difficult task for the parents to raise them as Muslims. Currently, this crisis is spreading at an alarming rate. Nevertheless, there are no detailed work in the literature based on the Quran and sunnah that explores the underlying causes and appropriate solutions to such a crisis. Therefore, this study explores the specific underlying causes of this crisis from the standpoints of youth, parents and school teachers to recommend feasible religious solutions for a long-lasting character building and support initiatives for the Muslim youth. To that end, surveys were conducted that included the youth and parents from both the public and Islamic schools along with the teachers from Islamic schools. The youth offered first-hand information of their challenges and possible solutions while the parents and teachers offered their views from the perspectives of the home and school respectively. The participants of the surveys interestingly revealed that they generally agree with specific religious challenges and their potential solutions regarding the youth. The survey identified the lack of involvement of the parents and inadequate religious training for the children among the key parenting challenges. On the other hand, peer pressure, poor role models, drug and Islamophobia were recognized as the major challenges regarding schooling. Concerning potential solutions to the challenges, the study revealed that the parents need to learn and practice Islam as role models, foster a righteous living atmosphere and be involved with the children with respect and kindness. Additionally, concerning schooling, the academic institutions need to provide meaningful religious education, righteous role models, and offer guidance about the evil effects of drug, gang and other social ills. Finally, the youth themselves need to choose their friends prudently.