Why Is It Important for Muslim Teens to Be Involved in Interfaith Work?

Learning about other religions helps to promote understanding and empathy and preserves the diversity of our multicultural society. Muslim teens have unique experiences and a great deal to offer by discussing their views in an interfaith setting. Involve your teen in interfaith work to help enhance his leadership skills and work for the common good of all.

  1. Common Ground

    • Before your teen begins interfaith work, teach him about the importance of diversity in Islam so that he has the right attitude. The Muslim Public Affairs Council notes that the Quran tells Muslims that God created people in "nations and tribes so that you might know one another." Finding common ground will help your teen to work for the good of humanity and promote shared values such as mercy, justice, and helping the poor and oppressed.

    Mutual Understanding

    • Interfaith work helps to dispel suspicions, misunderstandings and even hatred across religious lines. Both Muslim and other faith groups may view the other as different from them. Interfaith groups can help promote understanding and reaffirm religious difference as something that is positive and not adversary to others.

    Awareness

    • In recent events, Islam has been linked to many political and cultural events and situations, and Muslims are often painted as one monolithic entity in the media. Your teen may feel frustrated and even victimized by this. Interfaith work is an opportunity for him to talk about these feelings and help dispel ignorance. Promoting awareness of Islam and answering questions from people of other faith groups will help give your teen a deeper understanding of his own faith.

    Opportunities

    • There are several national organizations that offer interfaith opportunities for Muslim teenagers. Your teen can get involved with a Muslim organization or an interfaith coalition, such as Interfaith Alliance, Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative, National Religious Campaign to End Torture, and Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace. Jewish and Christian organizations -- including the Union of Reform Judaism and the National Association of Evangelicals -- also hold interfaith workshops to bring Muslim, Jewish and Christian teenagers together. Check with your local mosque or community center to find the best interfaith opportunities for your teen.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Flash Card Ideas for Children With Bad Listening Behavior
      Helping your child with his homework or helping him learn a new concept can be a monumental task when your child isnt listening. Your school-age child might have bad listening skills because he loses focus. Rest assured that this doesnt mean your chi
    • Baby Flu Symptoms
      Influenza is no fun for anyone. Unlike with older children, babies cant talk and describe how theyre feeling, which leaves parents to decipher the babys symptoms. The flu may seem easy to identify---most people associate the flu with fever and vomiti
    • Activities for Improving Reading Speed and Stamina in Children
      Reading with speed and accuracy is important in every subject. Your school-age child might become frustrated when he stumbles over words or has difficulty reading quickly. Help your child build a solid reading foundation by improving his reading flue