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20 August 2008
Young Authors Discuss the Life of Muslim Teenagers in America
Ask America webchat transcript August 20
Brother and sister Imran Hafiz, a junior at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, and Yasmine Hafiz, a freshman at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, discussed Muslim teenagers in America in an Ask America webchat August 20.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
Muslim Teenagers in America
Guest: Yasmine and Imran Hafiz
Date: August 20, 2008
Time: 11:00 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT)
Webchat Moderator: Welcome! We are now accepting your questions. The chat will take place on August 20 at 15:00 GMT.
Thank you for all your questions. They will not appear on the screen until our live chat.
Webchat Moderator: Welcome to today's webchat on "Muslim Teenagers in America!" The chat will begin in about 30 minutes.
Because Yasmine and Imran Hafiz will be joining us via webcam today, please remember to turn on your computer's speakers. There will also be live captioning of the event.
Webchat Moderator: Please be patient while we set up for this chat - it is scheduled to begin in about 15 minutes. Thanks!
Webchat Moderator: Welcome to our webchat with Yasmine and Imran Hafiz on Muslim Teenagers in America!
Yasmine and Imran will be answering questions from students gathered in the U.S. embassy in London as well as your questions from the web.
Iraqi4ever: hi any one
Guest 3: hello
Gulruh: I am Gulruh, from Uzbekistan(Central Asia)
aamir shahzad: hello how r u
habib: salut pour tous
Luky ali: Hi
Ayaz Ahmed: salam
amora_love_d@yahoo.com: it’s my first time in this chats
amora_love_d@yahoo.com: i am amr from egypt
Webchat Moderator: For more information about Imran and Yasmine Hafiz, please check out "A Teenager's View of Islam in America" at America.gov: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/July/20080707155320eahcnyl0.3362543.html
You can also read more about Imran and Yasmine in The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/us/26religion.html
While Imran and Yasmine answer questions from the audience gathered at the embassy in London, we'll also begin to post answers to some of your questions that they answered prior to the chat.
Question [m.galal]: okay, I'm Mohamed from Egypt, and this question was all over my mind, how you Muslim guys in the US can practise the ordinary Islamic part of your life there.. I mean here in Egypt it's pretty easy, you've got that mosque there and this mosque here so, its just … I mean that easy… you know… I just wanna know how you guys can handle this there in between all the stuff going… which is that different than life here.. Thanks a lot.
Answer [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Good question - but being a good person is possible anywhere in the world! Being a Muslim in America does require more thought, maybe. For example - I have school on Fridays, so I can't attend Friday prayer regularly, but I try & go whenever I can. I try to have friends with similar interests, even if they're not Muslims - lots of Americans are good people too.
Q [Chris Istrati]: Can you please tell us the name of your book and where we can find it on the Internet? Will it be translated into Russian or other languages? Thank you.
Webchat Moderator: Hello and welcome. You can find out how to order the book at: http://www.theamth.com/
Q [LC Karachi]: It is common opinion that all present conflicts are due to misunderstanding, misinterpretations & misconducts in civilizations & above all lack of trust. Do you agree with this? What are the solutions?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: First of all I think we all have to listen more carefully to each other - too many misunderstandings & misconceptions arise from making assumptions based upon 1 story or 1 person. Most Americans didn't know much about Islam before 9/11, & then the media just focused on extremists so then most Americans began to associate Islam with terrorism. But now people are beginning to realize that maybe they didn't get the complete picture about Islam or the Muslim world. Similarly - people in Europe & the Middle East may not realize that there's so much diversity of thought & opinion in America.
Comment [Chris Istrati]: We are translating questions from a Russian Muslim audience in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Q [LC Karachi]: In Muslim World, different countries got different cultures, which also put an effect on religious & social behaviors of different Muslim communities. Does it have any impact on Young Muslim American in represent its Muslim identity?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Yes - definitely different cultural backgrounds influence the way a person practices their religion. I think American Muslims have to make a greater effort to make sure that they are representing Islam as opposed to just their parents' or grandparents' cultures. As American Muslims, our culture is American culture - there doesn't necessarily have to be a conflict between being a Muslim & being an American - they are very similar in some respects. The importance of social justice, community service, democracy, equality - these are principles common to both Americans of different religions as well as Muslims around the world!
Comment [Chris Istrati]: Salaam Mark!
Q [LC Karachi]: As American Muslims are more diversified in their origin, as compare to any other American i.e. their forefather’s belongings to different parts of the world, Does this put any impact on Young Muslim Americans as a whole?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Yes, I think so. American Muslims come from all over the world
Q [LC Karachi]: How do you see the America as an American Muslim teenager?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: It's truly a great place to live! It's also a huge country with lots of different people with different life-styles, opinions, likes & dislikes - I think in America you can be free to be what you want to be. If you work hard, you can be successful.
Q [LC Karachi]: Dear friends, kindly accept my gratitude for manipulating this book. It’s really a great effort at your level. Can you share with us the basic idea behind this book?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: It's an effort to correct stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam while also empowering young Muslims to become actively involved with their faith. We noticed a lack of resources and books specifically for young Muslims living in America and so we wrote a book that we hope people will like to read. We present the basics of Islam in a fun, humorous, teen-friendly manner to make the book approachable and understandable.
Q [LC Karachi]: How can we effectively contribute to our nation? What would you suggest?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Contribute to your nation by using your own unique talents and skill-set. If you're a fantastic painter, paint! If you are a great soccer player, then play soccer! The best way to contribute is by fully realizing your own potential. I also think it is important to be a well-informed and active citizen.
Q [LC Karachi]: What advantages do you have for being an American Muslim?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Freedom to practice Islam the way I choose - it becomes more personal, I think.
Q [haitham]: Is there difference between American Muslims and other Muslims?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: No - whatever differences in practice stem from cultural interpretations rather than from differences in belief. Here in America - women are welcomed in most mosques, for example.
Q [Ehsan]: Can a Muslim girl cover her hair without being bullied?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Sure! Unfortunately, bullying is a reality worldwide, and usually kids tend to single out kids who look different. But if somebody is prepared to explain about head covering, it will lead to understanding. Also, if any "bullying" occurs or if anything like that happens, the first thing somebody should do is talk with the school and the family to come to a conclusion. Most of the prejudice comes from ignorance, so when a school counselor or respected teacher talks to the kids about racism and otherization and why it is wrong, people will understand and stop. The most common misconception about hijab is that the girl is being forced to wear the headscarf as a form of oppression or obedience to her father/husband etc. - instead of as a religious duty.
Q [hasnah]: what kind of school chosen by american muslim?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: American Muslims are a very diverse group of people! There really isn't one type of school favored by American Muslims, but there are a few specifically full-time Muslim schools that have dedicated religious classes in the United States. Most kids and teenagers, however, do NOT attend such schools, and attend public or private schools full time. I attend a private; Catholic, Jesuit boys-only school, and I like it very much because of the high standard of academics, and the multitude of activities to participate in.
Some Muslim students go to public schools, and others go to charter schools, which are sort of like private schools with government funding. Also, some high schools are known as boarding schools, where kids will be living on campus, like in university, but there are few of these boarding schools around. Public schools are free to attend, while most private schools cost money, although there is the possibility of a scholarship. Also, some private schooling is thought to be academically superior to public schools, although a dedicated person will be able to succeed academically anywhere.
Muslim students will NOT receive religious education in public schools (America has this wonderful thing called separation of church and state, which means that all religions are treated equally, and there is no religion taught in school.) But, although we have separation of church and state (or masjid and state!) public school students are usually taught the basics of the three Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) as well as other religions that have a large impact on world events and world history.
Webchat Moderator: If you are interested in more information about Imran and Yasmine's book, please visit their website at http://www.theamth.com
We apologize if Yasmine and Imran were unable to take your questions during this webchat, but hope that you enjoyed watching their conversation with Muslim students in London.
Comment [Guest 3]: thank you. very interesting chat.
Webchat Moderator: Imran and Yasmine have graciously agreed to stay online for a few more minutes and answer some more of your questions.
Comment [zainab abdulhusein]: we totally disagree with your opinions..... its nothing about islam its just about how you live your life in america....and your basically brainwashing others by your opinions!
Webchat Moderator: zainab, thank you for your comments. Our goal was to have an open discussion in today's webchat.
Q [LC Karachi]: What are your expectations from Muslim world as an American in present scenario?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Dialogue! Positive actions.
Q [Guest 3]: what is a true muslim
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Someone who believes in God & does good deeds - to me, that's the basics of Islam & the 2 things which are often mentioned together in the Quran. Personal accountability is also stressed.
Q [IRC Addis Ababa]: Is wearing the hijab or niqab allowed in schools and at work places everywhere in the United States? (Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
Are Muslim students or workers allowed to pray (Salat) at schools or at the work places in the United States? (Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
Is having a long beard and wearing a short trouser allowed at schools and work places in America? (Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
Compared to non-Muslims, do Muslims who wear hijab, niqab, short trousers or those who grow long beard get equal chance of employment opportunity? (Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
Do American Muslims participate in different sectors of the economy, political, academic and social affairs of the United States including participating in important decision-making processes? (Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Good questions - I would say 'Yes' to all o f these - Muslims are free in American to dress as they choose...however there have been cases of discrimination - which is very sad to hear about. In general, Americans are quite open to learn about Islam as long as they don't feel Muslims are trying to change the American way of life - but there is no pressure to do things which are un-Islamic etc.
Q [Chris Istrati]: Do you have any friends who were not Muslims and converted to Islam?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Yes - Imran has one friend - he reads so much about Islam because he's new to the faith & knows more details than many Muslims!
Q [tarique]: do u have read Islam Deeply?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Yes - our Mom has shelves & shelves of books on Islam which she makes us read!
Q [binabayan 2]: what's american reaction when you or any other people says "i'm muslim"?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Either they feel sorry for us or they want to ask us more about our beliefs
Q [LC Karachi]: Don’t you think there is a need to create a trustworthy diversified platform for the Youth of the world i.e. the NEXT-GENERATION?
A [Yasmine & Imran Hafiz]: Yes - that's a good idea - but it must reflect different opinions. One of the worst traits in Islam or any religion is the tendency to judge each other.
Q [Musbah Yesuf Kelil 2]: Do American Muslims really have freedom to practice their religion, as presented through your media? How do you justify? (Abduselam Dettamo, Addis Ababa)
How does American Law system treat “Sheri’a” (Islamic Law)? Do Muslims have full right to be governed by sheri’a? (Abduselam Dettamo, Addis Ababa)
Do Muslim teenagers have the right to practice their religion in school compound? Do they face any socializing problems with their non-Muslim Colleagues while keeping and protect their faith form wrong direction such as drug and gambling? (Abduselam Dettamo, Mohammed Hussein and Ahmed Abdallah, Addis Ababa)
Why do we see most of the American policy focusing on Islam and Muslims nowadays? (Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
Is the United States of America fighting terrorists or Muslims and who are the terrorists or the groups that the US fights? (Ahmed Abdellah, Mohammed Hussein and Samira Ahmed, IRC, Addis Ababa)
Do the Muslims who live in America have equal rights like other non-Muslims?
Yasmine & Imran Hafiz: Yes - American Muslims really do have the right to practice their religion as they like - many Muslims take time off on Fri. for prayer, for example, or are free to wear the hijab at work...as long as no one group imposes their religious beliefs on someone else - America really does respect freedom of religion. Sometimes the media does focus on religion in a negative way, but we hope this will change through education & better involvement from the Muslim community.
Webchat Moderator: We wish to thank Yasmine and Imran for joining us today.
The webchat is now closed.
Thanks again for joining us today - we hope that you enjoyed the chat!
(Speakers are chosen for their expertise and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of State.)
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