What should parents do if their teenager feels embarrassed to identify openly as Muslim online? 

Parenting Perspective 

In a digital world where the pressure to ‘fit in’ is immense, some teenagers can become hesitant or even embarrassed to express their Muslim identity. They might avoid posting about their faith, downplay their values, or hide certain practices from their online peers. For parents who wish for their children to feel a deep sense of pride in their religion, this can be worrying. The key is to approach the issue with understanding rather than shame, focusing on gently strengthening their child’s confidence in their faith-based identity. 

Understand the Source of Embarrassment 

Rather than reacting with disappointment, which can cause a child to withdraw, it is better to ask a gentle, open question: ‘Can you help me understand what makes you feel uncomfortable about showing your faith online?’ Their reluctance may stem from a fear of bullying, a feeling of being different from their friends, or a general lack of confidence. All of these feelings require empathy, not criticism. 

Highlight Confident Role Models 

Show your teenager positive and respected examples of Muslims who live their faith openly. These could be community figures, popular athletes, academics, or artists. Seeing role models who are both successful and unapologetically Muslim helps teenagers to understand that their faith is not a barrier to belonging, but rather a source of strength and distinction. 

Encourage Private Strength Before Public Expression 

Gently remind your teenager that a person’s true identity begins with their private sincerity to Allah Almighty. If they are not yet ready to be very public about their faith online, help them to focus on growing privately through their prayer, their connection to the Quran, and the development of good character. As their inner confidence deepens, a more public expression of their identity will often follow naturally and with less fear. True faith is built on sincerity to Allah, not on performance for people. 

Build a Safe Home Base of Pride 

It is vital that the home is a place where being a Muslim is consistently framed as an honour, not a burden. Regular, positive conversations about faith, celebrating Islamic traditions with joy, and affirming your child’s identity can build a powerful foundation of pride. This inner strength is what will ultimately protect them against the pressures of the outside world. 

By focusing on compassion, gradual confidence-building, and providing positive role models, parents can help their teenager to move from a place of embarrassment to one of dignity and pride in their Muslim identity. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that being a Muslim is a profound blessing and a source of immense honour, even when it may feel challenging to express this in front of others. True strength in faith is built upon a foundation of patience and a deep sense of pride in belonging to the path of Allah Almighty. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verses 152: 

‘ Thus, as you remember Me (Allah Almighty) I will remember you; and be grateful to Me (for my favours) and do not be extremist in disbelief.‘ 

This verse reminds us that remembering Allah openly and with gratitude is a direct means of receiving His support and remembrance in return. It is a source of honour, not shame. 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3986, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Islam began as something strange and will return to being strange as it began, so glad tidings to the strangers.’ 

This beautiful hadith reframes the feeling of being ‘different’ for holding onto one’s faith. It teaches us that even if being an openly practising Muslim feels ‘strange’ in certain environments, it is in fact a mark of great blessing and closeness to Allah. 

By grounding their teenager in the honour of their faith, parents can help them to see that any feelings of embarrassment are temporary, whereas the dignity that comes from Islam is everlasting. This helps them to learn, over time, that true confidence is not about impressing their peers, but about standing proud and sincere before Allah Almighty.