It’s a good bet many Muslims parents worry their child may go astray of Islam. Today, raising children who remain rooted in the faith presents immense challenges. For teens, embracing their Islamic identity during these formative years can be stressful. They often grapple with questions their parents may not anticipate, yet these inquiries must be met with wisdom and understanding. Far from being a cause for concern, such questions are a positive sign. Teenagers curious about God, existence, or religion are actively engaging with their beliefs, and their faith will only be strengthened when their questions are met with grounded, truthful answers.
Muslim parents cannot expect or want blind adherence to Islam. They must encourage critical thinking and exploration so children develop unwavering faith. In the Qur’an, Allah commands us to reflect and to base our faith on certainty:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night, there are signs for people of reason. ˹They are˺ those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, ‘Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the fire.'” (Quran 3:190-191)
Adolescents and Religion
Teens might question how we know Allah exists and whether Islam is the truth. Encounters with people from different backgrounds can fuel this curiosity during self-discovery when young people are becoming more independent, following their interests, and relying on reason to make sense of the world. Living in the West means they’ll interact with people of diverse beliefs and practices, leading to questions about their understanding of God. This happened during the Islamic empire’s expansion after Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) death. Muslims met people from various traditions who understood God differently, some attributing human qualities to God, others imagining Him as part of the physical universe or confined to space. In response, kalam, or speculative theology, emerged to address these theological challenges. It became valuable for articulating and defending core beliefs about God’s existence, oneness, and attributes.
A 2019 Pew Research Center survey on the religious lives of U.S. teens and their parents provides insights for Muslim parents. Forty-eight percent of teens report sharing “all the same” religious beliefs as their parents. One-third of these teens say their parents are unaware of these differences, and 17 percent note it causes some conflict at home. Additionally, 46 percent of teens ponder life’s meaning. These findings highlight why teens need a solid spiritual grounding as they question, explore, and form beliefs. To meet this need, parents should be well-versed in Islamic fundamentals to provide gentle guidance and answers.
To address Allah’s nature and existence, we must first examine the Quran. Also useful is the Sanusi creed, a foundational text in Islamic theology with rational answers to common questions. Renowned scholar Imam Muhammad bin Yusuf al-Sanusi (830–895 AH) authored Al-Sughra (The Foundational Proofs), a work praised for simplifying complex theological principles into clear, logical arguments by harmonizing rational inquiry with revelation. His approach to kalam integrates reason with teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, offering an accessible framework . His creed fosters belief rooted in reason and certainty, empowering young Muslims to approach their spiritual journeys with clarity and conviction and ensuring they have a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation to defend Islam.
Answering Teen Questions Using Reason
Here are some of the most common, including ideas to address them with Quran and As-Sanusi’s explanations.
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How do we know Allah exists?
Allah says: “Or were they created by nothing, or are they ˹their own˺ creators?” (Quan 52:35)
Answer: As-Sanusi mentioned using intellect to reflect on the created world and indeed proof of Allah’s existence is in His creation. Every design points to a designer. The universe’s intricate systems, heavenly bodies in orbit, perfect balance of ecosystems, and the complex nature of human functions indicate an intelligent, purposeful Creator.
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How do we know Islam is the truth?
Allah says: “Say, “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord—we make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we ˹fully˺ submit. Whoever seeks a way other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter they will be among the losers.” (Quran 3:84-85)
Answer: Islam aligns with reason and revelation. As-Sanusi emphasized authentic miracles as proof of prophethood. The Quran is a living miracle, unmatched in its linguistic excellence, predictions of the future, and timeless wisdom. Since its revelation, it’s remained unchanged and universally applicable. Islam’s teachings on monotheism, morality, and life’s purpose resonate with human nature and logic.
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How do we know Allah is one?
Allah says: “Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “He is Allah—One ˹and Indivisible˺; Allah—the Sustainer ˹needed by all˺. He has never had offspring, nor was He born. And there is none comparable to Him.” (Quran 112: 1-4)
Answer: As-Sanusi explained logic rejects the possibility of multiple gods because it would lead to chaos. If there were multiple gods, their wills could conflict; one might want to create while the other may want to destroy, or one may wish the sky blue while the other preferred red. This would result in disorder, but the universe operates in harmony, proving the Creator is one.
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Why can’t there be multiple gods?
Allah says: “Allah has never had ˹any˺ offspring, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each God would have taken away what he created, and they would have tried to dominate one another. Glorified is Allah above what they claim!” (Quran 23:91)
Answer: If multiple gods existed, they would have to agree or disagree. If they disagreed, the universe would descend into disorder. If they agreed, it would indicate a hierarchy or dependence, contradicting the idea of each being all-powerful. As-Sanusi uses the argument of mutual exclusivity to establish that only one independent, all-powerful Creator exists.
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If Allah can do anything, can He become human and walk among us?
Allah says: “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me. I seek no provision from them, nor do I need them to feed Me. Indeed, Allah ˹alone˺ is the Supreme Provider—Lord of all Power, Ever Mighty.” (Quran 51:56-58)
Answer: Allah’s perfection means He isn’t bound by human limitations. He created human beings to worship Him, making them dependent/contingent. Becoming human would imply change and imperfection, which contradict Allah’s nature as eternal and unchanging. As-Sanusi teaches that Allah’s attributes, like power and knowledge, are complete and absolute, not subject to the weaknesses of creation.
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Can Allah create a rock He can’t lift?
Allah says: “Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He wills—the choice is not theirs. Glorified and Exalted is Allah above what they associate ˹with Him˺.” (Quran 28:68)
Answer: This question misinterprets the nature of Allah’s power. As-Sanusi clarifies Allah’s power extends to everything possible. Creating a rock He can’t lift is self-contradictory and is a logical impossibility. Allah doesn’t do what is logically absurd, and this doesn’t diminish Him.
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If God exists, why do bad things happen?
Allah says: “We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure.” (Quran 2:155)
Answer: As-Sanusi mentioned Allah’s wisdom is beyond human comprehension. What we perceive as “bad” may have hidden benefits or serve a greater purpose, like testing patience, building character, or preventing harm. The world is a temporary place of trials; the ultimate justice belongs to Allah. Allah has promised humans will be held accountable and there will be punishment and reward in the hereafter. Trusting in Allah’s wisdom means understanding that His plan is always best, even if we cannot see it immediately.
Reflecting on Questions Deepens Faith
Parents should encourage teens to ponder creation and question their beliefs. As-Sanusi’s approach holds belief isn’t blind but rooted in reason and reflection. Addressing these questions affirms that Islam, as a faith of reason, encourages understanding over blind acceptance. Allah says in the Quran: “Have they not traveled throughout the land so their hearts may reason, and their ears may listen? Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but it is the hearts in the chests that grow blind.” (22:46). Islam teaches that reasoning and reflection lead to strong faith and that questions are an opportunity to grow closer to Allah by understanding His attributes and wisdom. Parents shouldn’t fear when these questions arise but guide their children to understanding and pray for their guidance. Ultimately, it is Allah who guides.
