Kakak: Daddy, was Adam really created from soil?
Daddy: When you talk about him, speak with respect. Say Prophet Adam. And yes, Prophet Adam was created from soil. We can talk more about it later. Not right now
July 2, 2026
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Kakak: I'm slowly starting to think Islam may not be the true religion
Daddy: Why is that?
Kakak: Science just explains so much, but religion still got a lot of unanswered questions and unclear stuff
Daddy: Science makes you think religion has loopholes and isn't perfect?
Kakak: It challenges my faith
Daddy: Many people go through periods of doubt and questioning. If you have any questions, doubts, or anything you'd like to discuss or debate, we can talk about it
…
One of my greatest concerns about sending my children abroad to study is that they may eventually arrive at this point. This is not a new phenomenon. During my own years as a student, I witnessed many Malaysian students gradually drift away from Islam. Most of them did not formally convert to another religion. They simply stopped practising. They stopped praying and fasting. They became less concerned about modesty and slowly adopted a lifestyle that was no longer guided by Islamic values.
Living in an environment where Islamic practices are not part of daily life is not easy. It can be extremely challenging, especially for young adults who are still forming their identity and worldview. This is one of the reasons I never stayed too long after moving to a new city. I did not want my children to absorb every aspect of the local culture. What I wanted for them was exposure, rich experiences, and broader opportunities and not necessarily complete assimilation. Assimilation can easily influence people.
I have always wanted to raise my children in Malaysia. Raising children according to Islamic values is simply easier when those values are reinforced by the surrounding society. The real challenge often begins when they enter adulthood. If anyone asks me about the challenges faced by Muslim parents in Western countries, my answer is simple — it is far from easy. It is not a walk in the park. Many Muslim families lose much of their religious identity by the third generation. I find that deeply saddening.
Peer pressure plays a role. Being surrounded by non-Muslims who do not follow their beliefs also has an influence. Then there are the books they read, the ideas they encounter, and the perspectives that open up to them. The more they read, the more questions they ask; the more questions they ask, the more doubts can emerge. At the same time, parents are often busy earning a living. In the process of securing their children's future, we may unintentionally neglect the nurturing of their faith.
May, 2026
