“Identity Crisis” - when it first came to my knowledge that this was the theme for the Youth Conference 2008 organized by YM brothers, YM sisters, and MSA National, I was utterly excited. Maybe it was because I’m going to public school this year Insha’Allah for the FIRST time in my life. Maybe I was afraid, I felt the need to learn more about my deen in a soothing way. I wanted to sincerely be proud to exist as a Muslim. MUSLIM - scary word to those who do not know, right? But is it their fault? Are they ignorant? Maybe not, maybe we need to show them. Our duty is to call people to Islam. But how can we do that if we ourselves do not understand. Read the rest of this entry »

A brief insight into the past challenges and future direction for the old and new generations.

Most mosques in the tri-state area were built within the last 20 years. I have had been fortunate enough to see this revival or ‘making of a mosque’ within many communities. I am deeply touched by the altruism of many folks to build a community center to cater to the needs of Muslims. Many mosques and community centers offer classes on Islamic education, assist in burial rites, offer daily prayers, have full-time Imams to offer advice, social services, and offer programs for women, youth, and converts, etc.

How were all of these services institutionalized? Well! there is a history that I would like to share to my readers and offer some suggestions on the future direction. Read the rest of this entry »

As you know by now (especially if you’re living in the US) that the Boston Celtics are the 2008 NBA Champions. Even if you don’t follow the NBA, read on, I will inshaAllah give you enough background information that you need to know. KG (Kevin Garnett), who was with the Minnesota Timberwolves for 12 years, got traded to the Boston Celtics this season. KG, with the help of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, led Boston to the biggest turnaround in NBA history: they won 24 games last season, and 66 this season! In 12 years with the Timberwolves, KG (despite being an amazing player) was unable to even win one championship.

From what was just mentioned above, you can imagine how desperately Kevin Garnett wanted to win a championship this year, and how happy he was when he was able to do it! Here’s a short clip of his reaction immediately after winning the championship:

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Growing Up Muslim: No One Understands Me

By: Altaf Hussain

News flash from the world to the youth: The young Muslim lives in many worlds. News flash from the young Muslims to the world: We already knew that and its no walk in the park. While the adults are busy declaring this week, this month, this year, and indeed this century as “the century of the youth”, “our future”, and “the next generation”, you, the young Muslims, are busy trying to get their attention to start a dialogue. You don’t want too much, you just want a chance to be heard. You just want a chance to share what you are experiencing as you grow up in majority non-Muslim societies. It is clear that growing up in such an environment poses formidable challenges to you. Read the rest of this entry »

I was asked to write an article for the YM Blog, so at first I was a bit hesitant. I kept thinking of some way, I could make it somewhat intelligent. After I got past that part I realized that it should be of some benefit, and not my usual comedic ramblings, so I thought, oh boy, this is going to be hard. But thank Allah for Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant, you gave me something barely intelligent and somewhat beneficial to write about.
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Bismillah,

Sometimes, as a Muslim youth in America, going through high school and college while keeping your emaan can be really difficult. I want you to recall back to the last time you were in one of the following situations:

• You were walking on campus (or in the hallway) on a hot summer day and as you looked ahead to see where you were going, your eyes fell upon a half-naked beautiful woman (or man).
• Or when you were reading an Islamic article or just browsing the Internet at night and a nasty popup appeared right in front of your eyes.

At that very moment, did you immediately lower your gaze and say “astagfirullah” / “audhobillahi minnash shaytaanir rajeem”? If you did, then alhumdulillah! But if at that very moment you struggled to lower your gaze and/or didn’t feel anything in your heart telling you that you shouldn’t be looking at what you’re looking at, then you should continue reading this article…

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