Sunday, November 08, 2009

Internal conflicts:American Muslim teens face a daily struggle in defining their identity

Muslim kids in the U.S. are trying to fit into teenage life and also keep their faith and keep their parents happy. A hard task. - - Donna Poisl

By Shahla Khan, IFN Staff Reporter

The clock on the wall of Kaplan Test-Prep Center in Austin, Texas points to 6:30; ten minutes left until the time for Asr (afternoon prayer) ends. Sixteen-year-old Amir glances at his wrist watch, worried that his SAT preparation class won’t end in time. He knows he should probably leave the session early so he doesn’t miss prayer, but the thought of getting up in front of everyone and leaving the room makes him nervous. "What will they think of me," he wonders anxiously. He decides to stay and misses the prayer.

Meanwhile, at a movie theatre in downtown Los Angeles, 17-year-old Khadeeja waits at a parking lot to meet up with some friends for pizza. Her cell phone rings; it’s her mother. Khadeeja’s boyfriend’s car approaches from around the corner; she looks frantically at her ringing phone again and presses ignore. She takes the front seat next to Brad and recites a short prayer to herself, hoping her mother doesn’t call again while she is with him.
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