Young Muslims in Qatar reflect on identity, leadership

DOHA: In today s fast paced digital age, Islamic youth empowerment is more than a trend it is a movement. As young Muslims face growing cultural...

DOHA: In today’s fast-paced digital age, Islamic youth empowerment is more than a trend — it is a movement.

As young Muslims face growing cultural gaps driven by individualism and consumerism, many struggle to balance Muslim identity with modern expectations. From fashion choices to religious celebrations, the clash between tradition and modernity is increasingly evident.

Despite these challenges, Muslim youth in Qatar are turning to faith as a source of strength. Reflecting on this, a Muslim student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Qatar Foundation’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Tarteel Elamin Emam said, “My faith inspires my strength. I didn’t reach this phase of my life despite my faith; rather, because of it.

“In Arabic, there is a word called Sanad which means backbone: a source of support, strength, and empowerment. And my faith is that – Sanad. It is the hand that will always catch me no matter how many obstacles I face or how many challenges lay ahead.”

For Emam, staying true to her faith is success in itself. “I’ve met many people who reject my beliefs,” she says. “They walk their path, and I walk mine. At times, our paths intersect, but this doesn’t take away from my journey, and it won’t determine my path ahead. Even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encountered opinions, resistance, and misunderstanding.