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Growing Up Muslim: Understanding the Beliefs and Practices of Islam
Author Sumbul Ali-Karamali offers her personal account, discussing the many and varied questions she fielded from curious friends and schoolmates while growing up in Southern California—from diet, to dress, to prayer and holidays and everything in between. She also provides an academically reliable introduction to Islam, addressing its inception, development and current demographics.
Through this engaging work, readers will gain a better understanding of the everyday aspects of Muslim American life, to dispel many of the misconceptions that still remain and open a dialogue for tolerance and acceptance.
Through this engaging work, readers will gain a better understanding of the everyday aspects of Muslim American life, to dispel many of the misconceptions that still remain and open a dialogue for tolerance and acceptance.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2012
23 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 27, 2017
I learned so much from Growing Up Muslim. It is a timely book and should be read by EVERYONE. Ali-Karamali breaks down all parts of Islam and being Muslim. She explains cultural vs. religious aspects of being a Muslim. I think this is a great kids' book that should be read by adults. Honestly, I don't know very many middle or high school students who would actually sit down and read it cover to cover. It is a shame because Growing Up Muslim explains so much to non-Muslims. To me it explained how much we all have in COMMON rather than what is different.
June 2, 2022
An Insight into Islam
First off, this book has an amazing cover, which reflects the beautiful diversity of the global Muslim population. The author, Sumbul Ali-Karamali, wonderfully explains the core tenets of Islam — from the origin to the core tenets to the current day — in a warm, friendly tone. She traces the rise of Islam all the way back to the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad during the 7th century. Over the centuries, the religion has flourished and spread across the world.
The author throws light on the basics of the faith, including the Qur’an, obligatory prayers, fasting during Ramadan, donation to charity, Hajj pilgrimage, Islamic fiqh, among others. Drawing from her personal experiences, she depicts the rich Ramadan traditions across different cultures. A special mention goes to the delectable Ramadan recipes shared in the book.
Sumbul Ali-Karamali highlights the Islamic world’s immense contributions to science and the arts. She further asserts that Islam “gave women more rights in seventh-century Arabia than women in other cultures,” and that the Prophet “made several statements that were revolutionary for their time” with regards to women’s rights. Besides, she does not shy away from topics that are often subject to controversy, such as sharia, jihad, Wahhabism, and the jizya tax.
The Muslim community is a mosaic rather than a monolith. As the author points out, “Culture, custom, and tradition are all significant factors in how people practice their religions.”
Definitely a must-read for all those who wish to understand Islam.
First off, this book has an amazing cover, which reflects the beautiful diversity of the global Muslim population. The author, Sumbul Ali-Karamali, wonderfully explains the core tenets of Islam — from the origin to the core tenets to the current day — in a warm, friendly tone. She traces the rise of Islam all the way back to the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad during the 7th century. Over the centuries, the religion has flourished and spread across the world.
The author throws light on the basics of the faith, including the Qur’an, obligatory prayers, fasting during Ramadan, donation to charity, Hajj pilgrimage, Islamic fiqh, among others. Drawing from her personal experiences, she depicts the rich Ramadan traditions across different cultures. A special mention goes to the delectable Ramadan recipes shared in the book.
Sumbul Ali-Karamali highlights the Islamic world’s immense contributions to science and the arts. She further asserts that Islam “gave women more rights in seventh-century Arabia than women in other cultures,” and that the Prophet “made several statements that were revolutionary for their time” with regards to women’s rights. Besides, she does not shy away from topics that are often subject to controversy, such as sharia, jihad, Wahhabism, and the jizya tax.
The Muslim community is a mosaic rather than a monolith. As the author points out, “Culture, custom, and tradition are all significant factors in how people practice their religions.”
Definitely a must-read for all those who wish to understand Islam.
December 16, 2017
This book provides great insight on a religion that is far too often misunderstood. There are many false stereotypes about Muslims and this author does a nice job of shining a much more realistic and positive light on this population compared to what we’re used to seeing in the media.
February 27, 2017
I learned so much from Growing Up Muslim. It is a timely book and should be read by EVERYONE. Ali-Karamali breaks down all parts of Islam and being Muslim. She explains cultural vs. religious aspects of being a Muslim. I think this is a great kids' book that should be read by adults. Growing Up Muslim explains so much to non-Muslims. To me it explained how much we all have in COMMON rather than what is different.
May 8, 2019
Interesting and very informative, plus accessible for young readers. An important book for a better understanding of our Muslim brothers and sisters.
November 16, 2020
This was an informative, but still personable, overview of Islam.
August 24, 2022
My reverence for Islam began over twenty-five years ago with my study of world religions. Since then, every time I reread the Qur’an, its universal message fills my heart with goodness—its message speaking to me to improve myself and thereby improve the world by carrying out peace, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, inclusion, acceptance, and good action towards everyone regardless of race, class, identity, or faith.
Even though I grew up immersed in the Christian tradition, I cannot imagine my life without having both the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad to guide me. Over the years, my love of the Qur’an along with the Sunnah has been made stronger by the works of many Muslim writers, scholars, and activists. Sumbul Ali-Karamali’s books have been influential in helping me gain a better understanding of Islam, and Growing Up Muslim may be her best.
The book’s intended audience is a teen readership, but this primer into Islam is incredibly expansive in its brevity, and it can serve as a perfect guide of clarity and also revelation to any age reader, especially anyone approaching Islam for the first time. I love how Ali-Karamali speaks about the beauty of her religion from an autobiographical perspective where she shares how her beliefs bring purpose and direction to her life and the lives of billions of Muslims around the world. I also like how she exposes those who are wrong and egregious in exploiting Islam to carry out discrimination, injustice, and violence.
Growing Up Muslim is one of those book gems that whether you discover it as someone learning about Islam for the first time or whether you’re versed in its tenets, it still empowers you to feel the vitality and momentousness of Islam’s message and Muhammad’s world-changing mission. When I read really great books about Islam like Ali-Karamali’s work, I’m reminded how Islam has the potential to be a vehicle of guidance for anyone in any religion to gain a stronger connection with God.
Having grown up as a Christian, I drifted away from my faith and fell out of touch with God as a teenager. My reengagement with Jesus and God came about as a result of studying Islam and reading the Qur’an. Islam gave me a new perspective on God and renewed my faith through Muhammad’s story and the message he shared with all of us. Reading a book like Growing Up Muslim reaffirms for me why Islam has been an important part of my life these last twenty-five years.
Sumbul Ali-Karamali is among a handful of Muslim writers, scholars, and activists who I greatly admire for their knowledge and brilliance. If you appreciate this book or her others, also seek out the works and ideas of Mustafa Akyol, Omar Suleiman, Saadia Faruqi, Qasim Rashid, and Khaled Beydoun.
Even though I grew up immersed in the Christian tradition, I cannot imagine my life without having both the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad to guide me. Over the years, my love of the Qur’an along with the Sunnah has been made stronger by the works of many Muslim writers, scholars, and activists. Sumbul Ali-Karamali’s books have been influential in helping me gain a better understanding of Islam, and Growing Up Muslim may be her best.
The book’s intended audience is a teen readership, but this primer into Islam is incredibly expansive in its brevity, and it can serve as a perfect guide of clarity and also revelation to any age reader, especially anyone approaching Islam for the first time. I love how Ali-Karamali speaks about the beauty of her religion from an autobiographical perspective where she shares how her beliefs bring purpose and direction to her life and the lives of billions of Muslims around the world. I also like how she exposes those who are wrong and egregious in exploiting Islam to carry out discrimination, injustice, and violence.
Growing Up Muslim is one of those book gems that whether you discover it as someone learning about Islam for the first time or whether you’re versed in its tenets, it still empowers you to feel the vitality and momentousness of Islam’s message and Muhammad’s world-changing mission. When I read really great books about Islam like Ali-Karamali’s work, I’m reminded how Islam has the potential to be a vehicle of guidance for anyone in any religion to gain a stronger connection with God.
Having grown up as a Christian, I drifted away from my faith and fell out of touch with God as a teenager. My reengagement with Jesus and God came about as a result of studying Islam and reading the Qur’an. Islam gave me a new perspective on God and renewed my faith through Muhammad’s story and the message he shared with all of us. Reading a book like Growing Up Muslim reaffirms for me why Islam has been an important part of my life these last twenty-five years.
Sumbul Ali-Karamali is among a handful of Muslim writers, scholars, and activists who I greatly admire for their knowledge and brilliance. If you appreciate this book or her others, also seek out the works and ideas of Mustafa Akyol, Omar Suleiman, Saadia Faruqi, Qasim Rashid, and Khaled Beydoun.
May 20, 2018
Introductory since it’s targeted for teens but still a good starting point for understanding the history and aspects of everyday Muslim life. Covers a wide range- origin, clothing, food, holidays… and told in a way that made it informative without being dry.
May 6, 2019
Interesting read about a religion I previously knew little about.
February 23, 2024
I read this when I made my first hijabi-friend and wanted to learn more about her culture and religion. Easy to read and quickly consumable, nice for anybody wanting to connect with their Muslim peers!
November 1, 2018
This is a an autobiography by Sumbul Ali Karmali who is a Muslim living in California. In this Sunbul gives multiple personal examples of what she had to go through when growing up here in the United States. She gives examples of the multiple questions she received, the types of questions and comments she would get as well as the struggles she had to go through. For example she starts off with a simple example of why people would mostly ask about her religion, it was mostly because of food. She explains that Muslims do not eat pork and goes further into explaining why they do not do so. Throughout the pages she touches many different situations that a Muslim faces while they are growing up in the West. She explains the beliefs that Muslims have and their practices such as praying and fasting.
This was one of the most informative books I have read however I think this would be most appropriate for higher elementary grades such as 4th and 5th. It offers questions and situations that the reader can think and question, how they would act in that situation or what would they do differently. The language used in it is simple enough to understand and when vocabulary that is unfamiliar is used the author gives and explanation or definition. The illustrations hold the child's interests and correspond well with the text that is on the page. However more illustrations can be added to make the reader more engaged. The reader is exposed to multiple characters because the author makes connections between Islam and other religions. The information provided by her is accurate and does not give any false interpretations. Also she uses herself as the main example and by doing so sets a good example and encourages the reader to be caring, understanding and open minded.
This was one of the most informative books I have read however I think this would be most appropriate for higher elementary grades such as 4th and 5th. It offers questions and situations that the reader can think and question, how they would act in that situation or what would they do differently. The language used in it is simple enough to understand and when vocabulary that is unfamiliar is used the author gives and explanation or definition. The illustrations hold the child's interests and correspond well with the text that is on the page. However more illustrations can be added to make the reader more engaged. The reader is exposed to multiple characters because the author makes connections between Islam and other religions. The information provided by her is accurate and does not give any false interpretations. Also she uses herself as the main example and by doing so sets a good example and encourages the reader to be caring, understanding and open minded.
May 5, 2017
Growing up Muslim offers a part memoir, but part nonfiction account of an ancient religion in a modern context geared towards preteen and teenage students. Clearly written for a Western audience, Growing Up Muslim compares and contrasts this major religion to both Christianity and Judaism. Basic stories from the Qu’ran are offset by similar stories that take place in the Bible or Torah.
The basic, engaging information about Muslims is intertwined with the author’s first person perspectives and experiences of growing up Muslim in California. The book includes information about times that the author really did or didn’t want to be signaled out as Muslim provide an honest teen perspective on the ways that religion can often collide with local culture. Other information about the history of Islam and how the religion interacts with different other cultures and state politics offers an overall picture of the religion around the world.
Basic end matter provides links to other websites, books, and news that continues to inform on different areas of Islam. Good basic introduction to teens most pressing questions in a sensitive and understandable format.
The basic, engaging information about Muslims is intertwined with the author’s first person perspectives and experiences of growing up Muslim in California. The book includes information about times that the author really did or didn’t want to be signaled out as Muslim provide an honest teen perspective on the ways that religion can often collide with local culture. Other information about the history of Islam and how the religion interacts with different other cultures and state politics offers an overall picture of the religion around the world.
Basic end matter provides links to other websites, books, and news that continues to inform on different areas of Islam. Good basic introduction to teens most pressing questions in a sensitive and understandable format.
June 14, 2019
This book was a great introduction to Islamic beliefs and culture. I appreciated how the author was somewhat familiar with the beliefs of Judaism and Christianity, which she refers to as sibling religions to Islam, so was able to compare and contrast the beliefs. For example, the story of Abraham being told to sacrifice his son is well-known among the three major monotheistic religions. However, while followers of Judaism and Christianity believe Isaac was the son who was to be sacrificed, Muslims believe it was Ishmael.
My favorite part of the book was learning about Muslim cultural practices. For example, Muslims follow Islamic dietary laws, which forbids them from drinking alcohol or eating pork. The author talked about the difficulty in determining whether some foods, such as marshmallows followed the Islamic dietary laws and were considered halal. I appreciated how the author used personal examples throughout the book, giving the book a conversational style.
My favorite part of the book was learning about Muslim cultural practices. For example, Muslims follow Islamic dietary laws, which forbids them from drinking alcohol or eating pork. The author talked about the difficulty in determining whether some foods, such as marshmallows followed the Islamic dietary laws and were considered halal. I appreciated how the author used personal examples throughout the book, giving the book a conversational style.
January 15, 2019
I decided to learn more about Islam and the Muslim people because our neighbor has an exchange student that is Muslim. She is such a great girl and has acclimated to American small town life so quickly. I thought it would be a good idea to learn more about her background.
This book had a fantastic overview and I learned so much. It explained the difference between the many cultures and the actual religion practiced within the cultures. Interpretations of the Qur'an. How Islam began. The pillars of their faith, which are extremely similar to Judaism and Christianity. It also described splinter groups that get a lot of media attention, but are not part of true Islam, or they are culturally skewed.
This book had a fantastic overview and I learned so much. It explained the difference between the many cultures and the actual religion practiced within the cultures. Interpretations of the Qur'an. How Islam began. The pillars of their faith, which are extremely similar to Judaism and Christianity. It also described splinter groups that get a lot of media attention, but are not part of true Islam, or they are culturally skewed.
January 16, 2021
I loved this book. First of all, I learned that I knew nothing about Muslims and their religion. Second, I learned that Muslims and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a lot in common. I loved the way the author methodically presented her religion, and addressed both the pros and the perceived criticisms. If I ever wrote a book about my religion, I would want to present it in the same way she presented hers. I also loved the way she showed that there’s not just one way to be Muslim, and that one way is not necessarily better than another, but just represents the free choice of individuals. I loved it. Did I say that? I felt uplifted and motivated to live my own religion better after finishing.
May 5, 2018
So good! I listened to audio version and learned s ton. I’ll definitely pickup print version so I can linger over and refer to some explanations.
Author (a Stanford scholar) does clear job of explaining tenets of Islam and differentiating between beliefs of majority of Muslims around the world (as well their differences) AND a handful of hateful people committing acts ostensibly in name of Islam.
I am better equipped to be a critical consumer of most American media reporting on Muslims in the global community and Islam in general.
Recommend.
Author (a Stanford scholar) does clear job of explaining tenets of Islam and differentiating between beliefs of majority of Muslims around the world (as well their differences) AND a handful of hateful people committing acts ostensibly in name of Islam.
I am better equipped to be a critical consumer of most American media reporting on Muslims in the global community and Islam in general.
Recommend.
May 17, 2017
A clear and eloquent book that draws on the author’s personal experiences growing up in America to dispel a number of misconceptions about Islam. The writing is engaging, backed by research and is peppered with relatable situations that allows readers to engage in her telling of the origins, evolution, religious contexts, and cultural aspects that influence Islam. Must read for middle-schoolers and beyond.
January 18, 2020
Outlines the basics beliefs and practices of Islam without going in depth. Seems to be written for a younger audience (teenagers to young adults). The author attempts to defend her beliefs based on the story of Mohammed's 'divine revelations' by the Angel Gabriel, and presents them as being equal to and as credible and valid as Judaism and Christianity.
Muslim's believe that it was not Abraham's son Isaac who was to be sacrificed but his bastard son Ismael, who was the "true" son of Abraham. This is a fallacy. The bible tells us that God instructs Abraham to send Ismael and his mother Hagar away because Ismael's cruelty toward Isaac was causing Abraham's wife Sara a lot of anxiety and grief. Ismael and Hagar encountered much sorrow and strife as they wandered through the desert. One day as Hagar was crying, she heard a voice say to her "Do not be afraid. God has heard your cry and the cry of your child. God will take care of you both, and will make of your boy a great nation of people." That people, the Arabs, eventually formed the "nation of Islam" and their story is antithetical to Christianity and Judaism.
Muslim's believe that it was not Abraham's son Isaac who was to be sacrificed but his bastard son Ismael, who was the "true" son of Abraham. This is a fallacy. The bible tells us that God instructs Abraham to send Ismael and his mother Hagar away because Ismael's cruelty toward Isaac was causing Abraham's wife Sara a lot of anxiety and grief. Ismael and Hagar encountered much sorrow and strife as they wandered through the desert. One day as Hagar was crying, she heard a voice say to her "Do not be afraid. God has heard your cry and the cry of your child. God will take care of you both, and will make of your boy a great nation of people." That people, the Arabs, eventually formed the "nation of Islam" and their story is antithetical to Christianity and Judaism.
March 24, 2017
This book has been the best education about Islam that I have ever encountered. I don't have a lot of personal connections with Muslims, and so my experience is admittedly limited, but this book clearly answers so many questions I didn't even know I had about Muslim customs and Islamic beliefs. Written in a narrative, first person voice, this account clearly explains the history of Islam, customs, beliefs, celebrations, everyday life, prayer and much more. Not only that, it also works to dispel lots of misunderstandings held about Muslims as well.
In addition to all the great content, the style it's presented in can be appreciated by a wide range of readers. It is simple enough that middle grade readers can enjoy it, but it doesn't talk down to anyone. As a grad student, I still found it to be thorough enough to satisfy me as well. As someone raised in a Catholic home, I learned something new on every page, but I wonder how someone raised in a Muslim home would receive it. I think it would still be useful and informative, but it definitely felt like an explanation of the author's religion to an outsider rather than the author's explanation to their own daughter or son.
All in all, a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about Islamic beliefs and Muslim custom.
In addition to all the great content, the style it's presented in can be appreciated by a wide range of readers. It is simple enough that middle grade readers can enjoy it, but it doesn't talk down to anyone. As a grad student, I still found it to be thorough enough to satisfy me as well. As someone raised in a Catholic home, I learned something new on every page, but I wonder how someone raised in a Muslim home would receive it. I think it would still be useful and informative, but it definitely felt like an explanation of the author's religion to an outsider rather than the author's explanation to their own daughter or son.
All in all, a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about Islamic beliefs and Muslim custom.
March 23, 2025
As a cis white Canadian male that grew up very agnostic, religion was never something really talked about in any way shape or form. My parents implied to me from a young age that I was pretty free to believe whatever I felt was right regardless of what it was I chose to believe, if anything at all. That being said I’ve always been curious about all religions, having basic understandings of most. Islam was a religion I thought I had a basic knowledgeable understanding, when reading this book my eyes were open to the fact that my knowledge barely scraped the surface of understanding. Islam is a rich religion with a long beautiful history. I recommend this book for anyone without any prior knowledge of Islam that is curious to learn but nervous about where to start. This is a great introduction into being familiar with main ideas and aspects, prominent figures, branches of beliefs/values and addresses common questions,comments and stereotypes in an easily understandable fashion. I hope to keep learning and I’m grateful to have found such a good way to start my journey.
March 25, 2021
I had just read a book by this author last week, and I really loved it, so I figured I would read the children's book she wrote (she wrote another adult book, but it seems to be almost identical to the others she's written, so I won't be reading that one too). I think this book did a good job of explaining Islam and the tenets that Muslims believe. For me, I noticed her writing was very similar in both books I read, which was annoying, but if this is all you read, you won't have that same issue. I would recommend this to any reader (of any age!) in the USA, because we don't tend to know much about Islam over here.
October 6, 2021
Loved this book but probably won't purchase it for K-5 library. An absolute fantastic purchase for a middle school library. I wish there were a book like this for every religious.
It was incredibly informative and easy to understand. The author did a great job of taking a complicated topic and making it accessible to younger readers.
It was incredibly informative and easy to understand. The author did a great job of taking a complicated topic and making it accessible to younger readers.
December 19, 2022
Read as part of my worldviews class. I really enjoyed this one. It felt like a conversation about being a Muslim, and I liked how in explaining different aspects of Islam the author would liken it to things in other religions. He was also very clear about choices that might be made in living different elements of the religion, including his own choices.
November 14, 2021
A great intro do understanding Islam...this dispels so many of the Western portrayals of this religion. Shame on Western journalism and media. Another rousing example of how similar all of the world religions are.
February 1, 2017
I liked it "Growing up Muslim "is really helpful book for the teen especially who is seeking correct information about islam. I enjoyed more when she is talking about her childhood as a muslim kid.
January 27, 2018
Interesting and easy to understand book about the history of Islam. Simply stated. Relevant to understanding today's concerns about Muslims. Should be a discussion book in christian churches.
February 13, 2018
Coming from the point of you of someone who didn't know too much about Islam or various cultures that are influenced by Islam, this book was a very concise brief intrlduction to Islam.
December 31, 2019
Not what I expected. I was hoping for more stories and fewer “how to Muslim”.
January 20, 2021
Thank you for this great introduction to Muslims and the Islamic faith.
February 5, 2022
Interesting to learn about other ethnicity views
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews