The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook

by Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, Yasmine Hafiz

Everything you always wanted to know about Islam -- but didn't know to ask!

What does it mean to be Muslim in America? Ask ten different people and you'll probably receive ten different answers. Islam is as dynamic as it is misunderstood, and has been in a state of constant change and development for almost fourteen hundred years. So how can you reconcile being a teenager in America with being a Muslim? It's not as difficult as you might think!

Written by teens for teens, The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook covers everything from basic Islamic history and reading the Quran to addressing the issues of drinking and dating, and also includes thoughts and opinions from Muslim teenagers across the country. Positive, informative, and honest, here is the indispensable primer -- for Muslims and non-Muslims alike -- for learning about and finding a place in Islamic American culture today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2007

About the author

Dilara Hafiz was born in Karachi, Pakistan. She holds degrees from John Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. She has drawn upon her years of teaching weekend Islamic school, lecturing about Islam, and raising Muslim teenagers to contribute to The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook.

Reviews

[Ifrah Akhtar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really encouraged me to speak out and be more confident about my faith. It was life-changing! I wish there was a sequel! Subhanallah!

[HARTATI · Rating 4 out of 5]

The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook," published in August 2007 , is the first book of its kind, directed at filling a void Yasmine noticed as she searched the Youth/Teens section in a local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Sprinkled with humor, the lively paperback describes the essential beliefs and practices of Islam and includes questions and comments from Muslim teens across the United States.



"In addition to doing research of our own, we sent out a survey to 44 Islamic schools," explains Dilara, who teaches at a weekend Islamic school in the Phoenix area.



They received approximately 150 responses to their questionnaire, which revealed that even teens attending Islamic schools vary greatly in attitudes and faith practices, from why they are Muslim to how often they pray to whether or not they wear the hijab, the head scarf worn by many devout Muslim women. Their viewpoints appear in quotes and quizzes interspersed throughout the book's 15 chapters.



Along with "Islam 101," there's a guide to prayer and the hajj, tips on reading the Koran, and thoughtful discussion of controversial issues. One chapter deals with "the 4 'D's" – dating, dancing, drinking, and drugs.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very clear explanation of the Muslim religion. There is nothing scary or aggressive about Islam. They worship the same God as Jews and Christians. Jesus was a prophet as was Abraham. Muhammad is their most important prophet. He was given these instructions by God. About the head and body covering - the only thing it says in the Quran is to cover themselves, meaning dress modestly. There's nothing specific about covering the hair. Women and men are equal in the Quran.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
This is a basic introduction to Islam for teenagers. It describes some general tenets of the faith as well as some of the challenges faced by Muslim teenagers growing up in a country that is not predominantly Muslim.

The Good
Basic discussion of the tenets of islam with some verses from the quran that are straightforward, easy to understand and I’d like to think, showcases what most Muslims think about their religion.
It includes general information about praying, fasting, hajj, the hijab etc. But the tone is very light and accessible to teens.

The Hmmmmm
The authors said that they sent out surveys to full-time and part-time Islamic schools and discussed their findings in the book. I did find that the majority of respondents were unusually confident in their faith based on their answers, and did not seem to be too agonized or torn by living life as an American Muslim. Perhaps because they were already attending Islamic schools and therefore were pre-disposed to being from more observant families.

Recommended for
This is a good book to give to your Muslim teen for general reading and would also be good to give to non-muslim friends to help them understand Islam a little better.
If you are the parent of a teenager who is hoping to get some specific guidance on navigating difficult choices (about dating, sex, alcohol, etc.) I am not sure this book will suffice. It is a little “pie in the sky”, perhaps because the respondents are so committed to their faith to begin with and therefore are not facing any really internal conflicts.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in high school about 10 years ago, i think in 11th grade instead of 12th, but still. It was cool. Helped show how varied the conformity is. I'm ethnically catholic, but belief-wise i'm more muslim. This book was a relief & a lovely affirmation.

[Kevin Walery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful book for a non-Muslim. I would like both of my kids to read this as they get older. Always a lot to learn about other faiths.

[David]

Hafiz, D., Hafiz, I., & Hafiz, Y. (2009). The american muslim teenager's handbook. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Citation by:
David Brooks

Type of Reference:
Handbook

Call Number:
Ref 297

Content/Scope:
This 192 page handbook covers many important aspects involved in the life of Muslim teenagers. This book covers prayer, religious holidays, sacred texts, important prophets and leaders, and taboo subjects in Islam. Important aspects of teenage life such as dating, behavior, entertainment, and other aspects are involved that help guide Muslim teens through difficult changes. Information for non-Muslim readers is also provided to help others discover the religion, and to better understand people who follow Islam.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
All three authors of this handbook have written other books in Arabic and works involved with culture originating in the Middle East.

Arrangement/Presentation:
The 192 pages in this handbook are arranged into different chapters based upon important topics to Islam and Muslim culture. The book opens with a focus on Islam, prayer, and central beliefs. The book then moves on to discuss important questions Muslim teens may face. Finally the third section of the book deals with stereotypes and controversies that Muslims face. Also provided is a bibliography for further reading, tables and charts with key information, terms, and quizzes.

Relation to other works:
This handbook will provide both Muslim and non-Muslim students the opportunity to learn more about the religion of Islam. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, this book provides an easy and comprehensive view of the religion. This book helps meet the libraries needs for diversity and for teaching students about multiple cultures.

Accessibility/Diversity:
This book deals with key components of Islam, and culture aspects of Muslims. Students who follow Islam are provided with helpful ideas and concepts for dealing with issues faced by the Islamic community. Students who are not followers of Islam can benefit from learning about the religion and getting tips for interacting with Muslim students. This book should help quell some fears and stereotypes that Islamic students face.

Cost:
$11.99

Professional Review:
Foraker, B. (2009, October). The american muslim teenager's handbook. Library Media Connection, 28(2), 91. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...

[Sade Graves]

Citation: Hafiz, Dilara. (c2007.). The American Muslim teenager's handbook. Phoenix, AZ : Acacia Pub.
Citation by: Sade Graves
Call Number: 297.57 HAF 2007
Description: Basic description of the Muslim belief system and accounts from Muslim American Teenagers on how they show their faith every day in life even in the U.S.
Relevance and Relationship: Trying to make the library’s reference collection reflect our current student body means including books about different cultures. We have a large Muslim culture in our school, therefore this is an excellent resource
Purpose: Provide our Muslim students with a handbook which will show them how to show their beliefs in America.
Validity: Acacia Publishers has published many titles even though they are a small publishing house.
Format: 129 pgs. With illustrations
Arrangement and presentation: Handbook includes 15 different chapters covering topics from prayer to relaxation. The book is mostly text and some illustrations.
Diversity: This book will be great for verbal/linguistic learners and also our Muslim population.
Professional review: Glantz, S. (2009) The American Muslim teenager’s handbook. Library Media Connection, 28(20). 91.

[Rebecca Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic introduction in to the Islamic religion. Giving an overview of the religion itself, a detailed history, and providing guidance to the young audience it is written for. The book incorporates humor and answers many questions about false generalizations that exist about the faith and the Muslims who follow. My favorite part of the book is the comparison with the other Abrahamian relitions (Christianity and Judiasm) focusing on the similarities and not the differences. Additionally, the book gives strategies for teens on how to be a good Muslim, and how to deal with the discrimination they may feel in the US. I would recommend this book to anyone who may be curious about religion, tolerance, knowledge, or those who may crave that dream of "World Peace." I will certainly make this material available to my children and will be better prepared to answers their questions regarding a large number of the human population.

[Dianna Wolf]

Hafiz, Y., Hafiz, I., & Hafiz, D. (2009). The American Muslim teenager's handbook [new ed.];. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Citation by: Dianna Wolf

Type of Reference: Handbook

Call Number: Ref 297

Content/Scope: A handbook about 2 Muslim teens and their families living in the USA.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This book was classified as "Most Highly Recommended" by "Middle and Junior High Core Collection (H. W. Wilson)." This list is selected and recommended by collection development specialists in library service to young people.

Arrangement/Presentation: The book is organized by chapters with specific themes for the chapters.

Relation to other works: There are other books on similar topics about the Muslim faith.

Timeliness/Permanence: Book was published in 2009, but the content is timely with the focus on Muslims in the USA.

Accessibility/Diversity: The book provides information on a religion that is different from the main religion in our area.

Cost:$11.99

[Leann · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a teenager, I hate being talked down to. While this book explains the basics of Islam, it often speaks to the reader as if he is a fifth grader and trying to be uber-cool. I picked up this book to gain some insights into what my Islamic peers believe in order to understand them better, but I think I'm going to find another book to do this with. The one thing that really bugged me in it, though, is that it says in chapter one that it doesn't matter what religion you are because they all lead to heaven. If I was a Muslim mother, I would rather teach my daughter/son that Islam is the only way and is the Truth. If it's not the Truth or if everything is Truth, then I would have looked for a much easier "truth" than a structured religion. In all, the book has Islam 101, but is trying too hard to be relatable and cool.

[Diane Malikah Moomin Pinkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother and instructor, I found this 2009 version of the "The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook" by accident on the shelve in the library. After reading this most of this book, I found that the authors used simple, witty, hilarious modern times approach to address real issues teenagers in America are going through. Beautifully citing verses from the Quran, real life testimony of young Muslims maneuvering through some of life toughest challenges -- dating, music, dancing, praying, socializing, charity, questions and answer keys, and so much more, I gained a better insight into things I didn't know about Islam myself after converting over 27 years ago. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs, and basic explanation of Islam. This is just my opinion and observation. Malikah 11/12/13

[Sadaf S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOLY, THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!

Being a Muslim growing up in Canada, I've had to face most of these issues or problems. I couldn't ask my parents about most of these (dating, hijab, etc) as my mom is Hindu and my dad...he's not someone I would ask those questions to.
So, I've pretty much just been in the dark until, one magical day while looking through the Islamic section at my school library, I FOUND THIS BOOK!

What's also beneficial about this book, is the author is a liberal Muslim like me and was understanding about these topic. I recall the author once saying, "You aren't less of a Muslim than another for not praying five times a day, fasting, etc. Only God can judge you and your actions." I found that was beautifully put and true!

PLEASE, take a look at this informative and useful book. You won't regret it (^ ∆ ^)

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

In short (and simply put) there are many people who need to read this book and then they might not be so dumb.

I checked this book out from the library after hearing an interview with authors on my local NPR station. After having watched all of the Canadian show Little Mosque, I decided I need to learn as much about Islam as I need to learn about my own religion, because they really aren't all that dissimilar in their truest forms. This was a good little primer, and it would be great to have a book like this for other religions, especially for the ones that aren't the "big three".

The one glaring omission in the book is that there is nothing in it for the Muslim teen who is gay. I think the authors should consider a discussion about this for subsequent editions of this book.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great introduction to Islam, intended for American Muslim teenagers. The basics in an easy-to-read format, with personal accounts from a questionnaire given to that same audience. Anyone who is interested in learning the fundamentals of the religion - regardless of their own personal beliefs - can pick this up and breeze through it quickly.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned elements of Muslim religion and culture in an extremely easy format - written by Muslim teens and a Muslim mom for other Muslim teens. An insider's perspective, and, hence, fun to be a fly on the wall.

[Juicy_Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for a convert like me who doesn't know any Muslims or live near a mosque.I'd reccomend it to new converts and non Muslims.It may not contain any new information to someone who grew up in a religious household though.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a unit in a Multicultural Materials for children class. It is wonderful. Written for Muslim-American teenagers by Muslim-American teenagers, it is also really great for non Muslims. They explain the religion and traditions in a very easy way. I learned so much!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview for non-Muslim's - according to friends a little too basic for a Muslim teen

[Kishwar Jaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, moderate in view and not preachy. I would recommend it for anyone's kids or anyone who wanted to learn a little more about Islam.

[BCPL Youth Services Librarian]

Click to see book in BCPL's online catalog

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Definitely should be added to every library and potential convert's bookshelf.

[ayesha akhtar · Rating 1 out of 5]

very poorly written, not exactly what I expected to read. it was more of a tool on Islam than on the tougher, more relevant topics teenagers would face as Muslims in America.

[Khris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for young Muslim teens and non-Muslims alike. Nice, breezy (but reverent, too) writing style helps make this book an accessible read.

[Nuro Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book talk about Muslim belief and why they don't eat pork, drink alcohol and drugs

[Serene · Rating 2 out of 5]

The tone of this book was refreshing in contrast to other books that read like lists of what you can't do. But was much too basic for a teenage level. My kids know this stuff already.

[Dafni]

https://www.pri.org/stories/2008-06-3...