When I started learning about Islam in my teens, I remember one of the driving forces behind my curiosity about other religions was understanding God’s ultimate plan for humanity. I was learning about injustice and seeking solutions. When I came across the story of Malcolm X, an outspoken civil rights leader who stood up for the oppressed and against anti-Black racism, I felt inspired. As a Latina, I identified with other people of color and could not understand how rampant anti-Black hate remained in this country despite living in an era when many believed racism belonged to the past. That same passion led me to keep an open mind as I learned about different cultures and religions, which eventually paved the way for me to find Islam.
It is not a coincidence that young people feel a certain fervor when it comes to issues of injustice and inequality. In fact, their brains are hardwired to stand up for the oppressed without inhibitions, albeit sometimes harshly and stubbornly. Now that I have teenagers of my own, I see the same spark that drove me to educate myself on the reality of Muslim life. There is a reason that goes beyond being politically driven and has more to do with biology. Although adolescence is sometimes framed as a time of rebellion, developmental research suggests it is also a period of heightened moral awakening.
As the teenage brain matures, young people become increasingly sensitive to fairness, injustice, and the suffering of others. Psychologists refer to this tendency as "justice sensitivity," the heightened emotional and cognitive response to perceived unfairness.1 They describe justice sensitivity as involving four key elements: noticing injustice, experiencing strong emotional responses to it, dwelling on social ills, and feeling compelled to make things right. In other words, our youngsters may be naturally inclined to challenge discrimination.
Sound familiar? Does your teen grudgingly carry out given tasks while complaining with that ever-popular phrase: “It’s not fair!” Chances are, that is not a coincidence. Studies have found that adolescents are particularly attuned to violations of fairness and are capable of strong feelings of empathy, indignation, and moral concern when witnessing oppression, including, of course, what they perceive as their own! While parents may not always agree with their teens’ definition of injustice, these reactions are part of normal brain development as young people learn to navigate their social world and make sense of right and wrong.
For Muslim parents, these developmental realities offer an opportunity for tarbiyah. When our youth encounter images of injustice, whether directed toward Muslims or other vulnerable communities, adults can help them channel their emotions into Islamic practice. The Quran repeatedly calls believers to stand firmly for justice and to aid the oppressed. In one verse, Allah says:
“O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do.” (Quran, 4:135)
Understanding verses such as these is especially important during adolescence, when young people are deeply affected by suffering and eager to confront what they perceive as wrong. Their moral sensitivity can become a source of tremendous good, but it requires guidance and wisdom. Parents play a vital role in helping youth understand that Islam does not call believers to react impulsively or fall into harmful extremes, but to pursue justice in ways that are ethical, balanced, and pleasing to Allah. True justice in Islam requires mercy, wisdom, and adherence to divine principles, even in moments of intense emotion. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.” (Sahih Muslim, 49)
For young people, this hadith provides a framework for channeling concern into constructive action. However, it is imperative that they know that using one's “hand” to address wrongdoing does not equate to violence or vigilantism. Rather, it means being proactive by volunteering, participating in lawful civic engagement, supporting humanitarian efforts, serving one's community, or working to create positive change through other legitimate means. Likewise, speaking out with the tongue may involve advocacy, education, or raising awareness, while rejecting injustice in one's heart preserves a believer's moral compass when other types of action are not possible.
Parents and caregivers can further help adolescents transform feelings of helplessness into faith-driven action and worship by pairing moral outrage with acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and community service. They can encourage them to read the Quran, explore stories from Islamic history, and study the biography of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, to learn how believers overcame similar obstacles. As a result, their concern for justice can potentially become a pathway toward Islamic practice and commitment to their faith.
Adolescence is also an ideal time to introduce young people to history and diverse cultures, helping them understand the forces that shape societies and human relationships. Learning about different people, traditions, and worldviews broadens perspective, nurtures empathy, and increases cultural awareness.
Undoubtedly, the Muslim community in Western societies is experiencing intensified discrimination and marginalization, and that reality is bound to affect the youth. Yet there may be an unexpected silver lining to these dark clouds. When individuals feel their identity or values are threatened, they often become even more committed to defending them. I experienced this firsthand after embracing Islam. Resistance from family and friends strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment rather than pulling me away from the faith.
Likewise, for many young people, challenges to their beliefs or experiencing prejudice can have a positive effect, especially when accompanied by sound mentorship and spiritual guidance. Their heightened sense of justice can lead them toward a path of knowledge, good character, and principled action. In turn, they can aspire to be among those Allah describes:
“Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil—it is they who will be successful.” (Quran, 3:104)
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