Wendy Díaz

Whether they (or we) care to admit it or not, our Muslim teenagers are struggling.

Feeling anxious? You are not alone. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s facts and statistics page reports (adaa.org) that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the country.

Martial arts classes are more than just exercise, a hobby, or an afterschool program; it complements our way of life as Muslims. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said in an authentic hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah that, 

“How do you do it?”

The benefits of imaginative play in children’s physical, psychological, and emotional development have been well researched and documented, especially in the last 75 years according to Psychology Today.

When I converted to Islam back in August of 2000, I knew it would be a gradual transition of adding regular prayers throughout the day, fasting during Ramadan, and changing my wardrobe.