| *This article represents the universal issue of kids | | | | so many pressures to conform to something |
| starting to find out who they are and where they | | | | different. You want to be a part of "the group" but at |
| belong in life.* | | | | what price? Your gut feeling (and hopefully parental |
| As a young person it is sometimes hard to find your | | | | guidance) will tell you when the activity you are doing |
| own path. Sometimes your path is really someone | | | | or the conversation you are having is worthy of a |
| else's path because you tend to be more of a | | | | good Muslim or a good person in general. |
| follower. | | | | You know what else will tell you? Knowledge. The |
| Think about the most dominant personality of your | | | | more you know about Islam and what you are |
| group of friends. This is the person who is the | | | | capable of doing (or not doing), the easier it will be to |
| loudest, or the most aggressive, or sometimes the | | | | step away from things that will not benefit you. |
| meanest. The rest of the group tends to follow this | | | | Give yourself a chance to spread your wings and fly |
| person because she commands the conversation or | | | | to the path that brings you success in this life and the |
| the activities of the group. | | | | next. Negative reactions from "friends" may hurt for |
| Your task as a young person is to understand when it | | | | a while, but you can find other friends who are walking |
| is ok to follow the group and when you have to take a | | | | on the same path as you. |
| stand and go against the flow. At times, this can | | | | Do you believe me? Have you tried it yet? Why |
| come at a price - the loss of friends, teasing, or just | | | | not start today? Allah will catch you if you fall and I |
| being left out of certain activities. This is a normal part | | | | will make dua that you will endure your trials and have |
| of growing up. | | | | much success in the end. |
| It can be hard to make your own way when there are | | | | |