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Published: Oct. 1, 2019, 9:59 a.m.

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Have your kids ever asked you:

Why is everything haram?

Why is Islam so strict?

Is this something that you have heard?

Let's explore why Muslim youth can view Islam as a burden. Where are these ideas coming from? We need to understand the source, then we can address them and provide a convincing answer and help our teenagers who are feeling disgruntled.

How to answer the question: Why does Islam have so many rules?

So, here is the way I would answer this question. Inshallah, please read it carefully, once you have understood it, adapt it to your child, then have a calm discussion with them. You’ll probably have several discussions and that’s a good thing. Begin with some questions:

• Do you go to school?
• Do you line up in the canteen for lunch?
• Do you dress in a certain way? i.e. school uniform or socially accepted clothes
• Do you stop at a crossing when the traffic lights turn green?
• Do you follow social codes when you interact with people?
• Do you pay for items you buy at the shops?

These are all actions you carry out. Rules that you follow routinely without thinking about it every day. Do you think they are restrictive? Do's and don'ts that are preventing you from having fun? Maybe you do think they are a pain, but you do follow the rules because deep down you know if you want to get ahead in life and function in society you have to abide by these rules.

• Imagine a school without rules: learning would not happen.
• Imagine a country without laws: chaos would ensue, criminals would go unpunished.
• Imagine a family without rules: individualism and disrespect would prevail.

If you think about it, your whole life is governed by rules and laws for example:

• school rules, exam rules, coursework deadlines, specific school holiday dates.
• workplace rules, answering to a boss, work dress code.

Do you have a choice when it comes to obeying rules?

We all have a choice whether we obey the rules or not. If we do not obey the rules in society, there are consequences and punishments. Every society has laws and rules, that they have decided to organise society. If you choose to disobey the rules you will be classed as a criminal.

When we think about these rules placed on us by our local council and government, we think they are necessary, useful, they ensure everything runs smoothly.

So why do you feel that the rules you have to follow in Islam are strict, but the rules you follow socially and at school, they are not authoritarian?

Read the full article with links and references: Why does Islam have so many rules?

Email your comments: info@farhatamin.com

BELIEF IN ALLAH, THE QURAN AND PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) Book mentioned in the podcast

If you have any questions or suggestions for future episodes send me an email, I love getting feedback please email info@farhatamin.com

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