Islam Practice for children in Canada

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Dear friends,

I would like to have suggestions / comments from people who moved to Canada with kids specially. How they found the place for their upcoming generations. Heard so many times from different peoples that by staying in canada for another 2 generations would be just muslim by name without any practice or worst. Due to so many factors such as sex education is given to kids in community or government schools (dont know exactly). Less options for kids to learn more about islam and practicing them kind of things......... I know is all depends on the way you grow your kids but still the living environment effects.

Please suggest / comment or share any of your experience.

[devilhimselff]

Well children growing up outside their home countries are always going to be exposed to confusion, lack of identity, and not fitting in. Especially when they are appear different from others (first reaction).

As for the kids not having Islamic values while growing, well it all depends. You dont have any gurantee that they will follow what you want them in your home country as well.

Canada and other countries do offer religious freedom, and you can live your life like you want.

AS for kids, well neither here nor there you can be sure of the outcome. Just teach them how to be a GOOD, HONEST Human being, rest let them decide. If they want to be religious its their choice, if not respect that as well, and let them have their own way.

[Wolvy]

I agree with the previous comments that you are not guaranteed an outcome whether you are here in the west or in your home country.  I do talk from experience though as I am American child of converts to Islam (my parents converted in the early 70s) that it is about how you raise your children.  My parents taught us religion by their own observance of religious duties, they led by example.  We were expected by our parents to be well mannered, honest, kind people.  That is what I teach my children.  I do want to state, and I mean no offense by this, but that I have noticed that many immigrant muslims are more Muslim by culture when they come over and that they raise their kids that way.  Meaning not really maintaining any religious duties but coming around to the masjid during Ramadan and Eid.  So they haven't really taught their children much and then when there kids don't turn out like they want (aren't practicing Islam, partying) then they blame it on the "west" and want to send their kids back home.  But really the parents didn't teach their children about religion, so how can they expect later on to practice?  

Rest assured though that there are many activities for muslim youth in Canada and USA that I am my friends grew up participating in.  There is more activities than ever actually.   I was definately be influenced by the environment but there you can raise well adjusted, observant offspring in the west.  I'd like to believe I am proof of that;)  I also agree that there is freedom of religion and that is so important, there should be no compulsion in religion regardless of what your religion or lack of religion is.

[mmh93]

I think there is equal possibility of your children of being religious and not religious regardless of where you live. Materialistic culture has penetrated into all the islamic countries, therefore, your children will be influenced unless you influence them islamically. The reason why so many immigrant Muslims lose their islamic identity is that they actually had little/no 'islamic identity' even in their home country! The good thing in the USA/Canada is that there are lots of Community based religious activities that will give you and your children an alternative environment

[ss1886]

I think Devilhimself has answered the query very well
The devil is picking up from the angels, that's good

[qorax]

Well children growing up outside their home countries are always going to be exposed to confusion, lack of identity, and not fitting in. Especially when they are appear different from others (first reaction).

As for the kids not having Islamic values while growing, well it all depends. You dont have any gurantee that they will follow what you want them in your home country as well.

Canada and other countries do offer religious freedom, and you can live your life like you want.

AS for kids, well neither here nor there you can be sure of the outcome. Just teach them how to be a GOOD, HONEST Human being, rest let them decide. If they want to be religious its their choice, if not respect that as well, and let them have their own way.

Very well said !
Pertains to all religions/faiths/sects/traditions/customs.

Good Job !!!
Qorax

*I pondered 10 times whether to post anything here... but couldn't stop myself complementing u.