BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT:  The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook

Accessible and provocative, The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook by Dilara Hafiz, Imran Hafiz, and Yasmine Hafiz, is Islam updated for the 21st century.  The essentials of Muslim beliefs are interspersed with lively commentary and quotes from American Muslim teenagers.  Each chapter deals with a timely subject in Islam, beginning with excerpts from the Quran and a teen-friendly interpretation of that verse, then offering real-world examples that illustrate the essence of Muslim life. “What a delightful, hilarious, wonderful, beautiful book!  I loved it!” says noted Muslim spokesman, Reza Aslan, author of No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam.

        Muslim teenagers across America contributed their thoughts on living as American Muslims, expressing their heartfelt belief that one can successfully fulfill that role through better education and greater understanding – hence the need for the user-friendly Handbook. There is a dearth of current literature that addresses Muslim teens or discusses Islam in a progressive context.  With books such as this one, the media’s constant refrain of “Where are the Moderate Muslims?” is no longer a valid question. Anyone curious about the silent majority of Muslims who do not receive media coverage will find this a refreshing, fascinating read.

        Dilara Hafiz and her two children, Yasmine and Imran, all possess a strong background in Islam, but it is their insightful combined experiences as a mother and Sunday School teacher, teenage students, interfaith activists, and public speakers that elevate the Handbook into a ‘must-read book’ for anyone interested in Islam. “What a book! I wish every major faith had just such a book for teens of their faith.  We could then share them… and build peace in the world.” - Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director - Arizona Interfaith Movement

What does it mean to be a Muslim?  Ask 10 people and you’ll probably receive 10 different answers.  ‘The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook’ is a positive, informative guide to Islam in America.  It conveys the basics of Islam in an upbeat, entertaining style from a progressive, teen perspective. 

Praise for The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook

“What a delightful, hilarious, wonderful, beautiful book!  I loved it!”  -Reza Aslan, Author of No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam

“What a book!  Filled with basic information about Islam in a very straightforward way, it then applies these religious truths to the life of a teenager.  I wish every major faith had just such a book for teens of their faith.  We could then share them and learn to understand and respect each other and work together to build peace in the world.”  -Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director - Arizona Interfaith Movement

“An important contribution for the education of young American Muslims providing important guidelines on becoming American and Muslim.” -Dr.Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad,
Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

“There’s no magic formula to be a successful teen, but this book is close.  I wish this book had existed when I was a teenager.  Read what other kids your age had to say about the same things, and use this book as a springboard to discuss these issues with your parents and friends.”  -Asma Gull Hasan, Author of American Muslims: The New Generation and Why I Am A Muslim: An American Odyssey

“I believe it is a path-breaking and invaluable window into how some Muslim teens are coping with the challenges of growing up in the West.  I found it both eye opening and encouraging.  It gives me hope for the future.  As such, it is a must read for all who care about the future of Islam in the West.”  -Dr. Jeffrey Lang, Author of Struggling to Surrender, Even Angels Ask: A Journey to Islam in America, and Losing My Religion: A Call For Help

“I think it’s one of the best books for our teenagers and new Muslims. The knowledge of Islam is clear and easy to understand.  This book presents an intimate look at the lives of Muslims and the basic beliefs of Islam.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”  -Shamshad Sheikh, Associate University Chaplain, Yale University

        The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook, ISBN 978-0-9792531-2-6, $11.95, 5½” x 8½” , 144 pages.

Website:  http://www.theamth.com