1. Salaamun Alaykum…My name is Sumaiya Fazaldin and I was born in Tanzania but grew up in South Africa; We (my family and I) migrated to South Africa when I was only a year old, therefore I  spent 13 fruitful years of my life there. I have been residing in Dubai (UAE) for the past 2 ½ years and am currently doing my second last year of schooling. I have always loved sports, especially hockey. I also like socializing, reading, and traveling. I have been fortunate enough to be a member of the Shia sisters’ website for the past 5 months, in which I have benefited a lot, alhamdulillah. The great articles, forums, activities are very productive. My childhood days were spent in South Africa, where I was mainly surrounded by the Western cultures and lifestyles. Although Islam is widely recognized back in South Africa, there is definitely a lack of Shiaism, and so during my young days I was not exposed to much of the Shia community. My brothers and I were lucky enough to have such great supportive parents. They guided us and facilitated every step of our lives so as to be able to live up to the Islamic Morals that have been portrayed by our A’immah (a.s). My mum has played the biggest role in my life as she was the one who taught my brothers and me all about the beautiful path of the Ahlulbayt, as well as teaching us Madressah at home.

2. Imam Ali (as) has beautifully said in Nahjul Balagha, with regard to the youth: “Surely the heart of the youth is like the uncultivated land – it will accept whatever you throw upon it [and that is what will grow from it]. So we see that Imam Ali (as) has stressed a lot on the importance of the youth. In my opinion, there are many factors which are affecting our Shia sisters all over the globe. The West has played a big role in misguiding many of our Youths in today’s times, by brain washing them into following all their latest trends, ways etc. The media is another big barrier that blocks our youth from following the right path, e.g. the internet, T.V, Music, cell phones etc. Without a doubt, if these are used in the correct means, then they will surely be very beneficial to us; however many of our youths are utilizing them in the incorrect manners (e.g. wrong chat rooms, immoral programs and so forth.) Hence, the support and guidance of our parents is needed continuously. Insufficient interaction between parents and children in today’s world is another great factor to be considered. Our youth have begun to act rebellious and turn to a variety of wrong sources for guidance.

3. I would definitely encourage more youth sessions and seminars within our Shia communities, so that our youth can benefit more from the learned elders. The greatest way of achieving true source of guidance is from the Holy Quran, and the teachings of our pure Ahlulbayt, therefore we need to learn more about our Aimmah (as) and follow their ways of life. I also strongly feel parents need to be more of their children’s friends, and there is a need to develop a mutual understanding, this way the communication barrier will be lost and the youth will be willing to turn to their parents for advice instead of the West and other wrong sources.

4. I would like to see more articles pertaining to the youth, Short lectures, True life experiences of converts (to Islam) or even elaborations of the youth that have gotten rid of the Western influence and have seen the true light. On the educational side; study tips, preparations for exams etc…, Health tips, ‘News and views’ section about our Muslim Ummah all around the globe