The transition from high school to college or trade school is an important chapter in a young Muslim’s life. Indeed, it is an opportunity for growth, however it also tests faith (eman), identity, and values. Despite the fact that Islamic rules may not always be implemented in campus life, it's important for Muslim teens to develop mentally, socially, and spiritually. Here are some strategies for Muslim teens to manage the college or trade school experience successfully while maintaining Islamic identity and values:
Staying Strong in Faith
Establish Prayer Routine
Prayer (salat) is an important act of worship in Islam. Indeed, Muslim youth praying daily will help them fulfill the second pillar of Islam and develop a strong spiritual connection to Allah.
Huraith bin Qabisah (May Allah be Pleased with Him) narrated:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
"Indeed, the first deed by which a servant will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection is his salat. If it is complete, he is successful and saved, but if it is defective, he has failed and lost.”
Moreover, Muslim youth can establish a prayer routine by praying the five mandatory prayers daily (dhur, asr, maghrib, and isha) at a quiet corner, prayer room or multi-faith room on campus. In addition, Muslim youth can attend Friday congregational prayer (jummah) on campus regularly. It is a wonderful approach to make Muslim friends and pray in unity.
Join Muslim Student Association (MSA)
MSA is a club that has a Muslim community that participates in spiritual, social, and academic activities. Also, MSA has events and guest speakers. It is a wonderful club because Muslim youth can make Muslim friends that comprehends and appreciate their decisions. Therefore, it is a higher likelihood for Muslim youth to prevent negative peer pressure and conflict around them by joining the MSA.
Resisting Peer Pressure
It can be problematic for Muslim youth being influenced to follow the norms of their
non-Muslim peers while balancing their Islamic identity. A solution is Muslim youth can have kind and assertive ways to avoid activities that conflict with their Islamic values. For instance, if a Muslim youth might be invited to a party where intoxicants will be available, he or she can tell their non-Muslim peer that they need to study for midterms, prefer to rest at home, or invite them to attend a coffee shop or campus event instead. As a result, it will maintain their friendships while remaining true to their Islamic values.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be Pleased with Him):
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
“A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.”
(Abu Dawud)
Muslim youth are encouraged to select good friends and motivate them to do what is correct. Friends will strongly affect an individual’s beliefs and actions, so it is recommended to choose friends wisely.
Balancing Studies and Worship
Balancing schoolwork with acts of worship may be difficult, especially during midterms or final exams. However, Muslim youth implementing Islamic faith into their daily life have spiritual blessing (barakah) to their time and can actually help them feel more attentive and relaxed. A strong bond with Allah gives purpose, tranquility, and simplicity. Moreover, Muslim youth creating a routine that balances both study and worship will improve their personality and discipline.
It is narrated from Mujahid (May Allah be Pleased with him):
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith means that believers should reside in this world with detachment, focusing on the afterlife as if they are travelers passing through a temporary place.
Study and worship balance tips for Muslim youth:
- Use an agenda, app, or calendar to record all of the assignments, quizzes, and tests
- Take informative, organized, and neat notes during lectures
- Review lecture notes and readings weekly
- Attend office hours offered from the professor and teacher’s assistant
- Take short breaks for prayer and snacks
- Listen to Quran or beneficial Islamic lectures during commutes or breaks
- Volunteer or attend events from MSA or other extra-curricular activities while balancing schoolwork
- Incorporate physical activity by walking around campus, playing sports, or working out at the gym
- Avoid all-nighters for tests and final exams
Learning how to balance faith and responsibilities equips Muslim youth for a successful and meaningful life in this life (dunya) and afterlife (akhirah).
Navigating Gender Interactions and Boundaries
Colleges and trade schools are often mixed-gender settings. For instance, Muslim youth may have group work, labs, placements, and networking events that may require communication with the opposite gender.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be Pleased with Him):
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
"Modesty (Al-Haya') is a branch of faith."
(Sunan an-Nasa'i)
Islam encourages setting clear boundaries and keeping modesty in speech, body language, and attitude.
Tips for appropriate gender communication and boundaries:
- Keep conversations about academics or placement
- Maintain a respectful tone and avoid chatting, being friendly, or flirting
- Communicate with each other on campus, library, or placement
- Communicate online for academic purposes only
- Dress modestly in a way that reflects one’s Islamic values
- Lower the gaze and maintain appropriate eye contact from each other
When Muslim youth maintain appropriate gender interactions, they protect their hearts and avoid unnecessary temptations. This helps them stay focused on their goals and keep their connection to Allah.
Muslim youth attending college or trade school experience is filled with growth, tests, and transformation. Staying grounded in Islamic faith, identity, and values while having a lot of choices and autonomy takes courage. A Muslim youth’s identity is a source of strength. Muslim youth are encouraged to approach their future with confidence and reliance on Allah (tawakkul), knowing that Allah is always near.
Author bio: Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children's stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and prepping for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her family.
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- why prayer is important in islam-Online Quran Academy
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi 413 - The Book on Salat (Prayer) - كتاب الصلاة - Sunnah.com - Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)
- The (Re)Visioning of a Muslim Students Association Faculty Advisor - IIIT Blog
- 14 Tips to Survive Challenging College Environments - ProductiveMuslim.com
- 3 Key Challenges Muslim Youth Are Facing and How Counseling Can Help
- Sunan Abi Dawud 4833 - General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab) - كتاب الأدب - Sunnah.com - Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)
- Sahih al-Bukhari 6416 - To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq) - كتاب الرقاق - Sunnah.com - Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)
- https://nats.ca/Home/NewsArticle/infographic-excel-in-your-studies-10-tips-for-trade-school-success/
- https://sunnah.com/nasai:5006
- Muslim Youth & Campus Life Challenges | About Islam
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