Young Muslim

The Idea
Around the world millions of Muslim children are growing up with English as their primary language of education and communication. About 3 million Muslim children in North America are included in this category. Except for some religious textbooks, these children hardly have any Islamic literature available to read which may shape their behavior, attitudes or morals.

English is the language of the dominant Western civilization. Throughout the world, Muslim children are taught English. The social elite of Muslim countries in particular raise their children to study and communicate in English, be it Pakistan, Egypt, or Indonesia. Unfortunately the books and syllabi used in these "English medium" schools are developed according to secular and Western norms. Muslim children are, therefore, being raised to conform with Western images and ideals.

An English language magazine for Muslim children which contains stories, comics, games, articles, and activities along Islamic lines will be something which children will wait for. The purpose of the magazine will be to provide content which will shape children's ideals and character in the light of Islam. The magazine will, Insha Allah, raise a generation of English speaking children who are not only comfortable with their Islamic identity but are also able to successfully relate to the environment in which they live.

The Proposal
This monthly magazine is called "Young Muslim". It will be a 32-page, full color publication printed on attractive coated stock paper.

The language of the magazine will be optimized for the junior high school level with a section for younger readers as well. The articles and segments will be selected so as to entertain children of different age groups.

Young Muslim will be distributed in North America through Sound Vision's established network. In other countries, Young Muslim will be sold in cooperation with existing distribution firms that currently handle American magazines.

Accomplishment
Three test issues of the magazine have been published by a team of volunteers, generating an overwhelming response.

A survey of more than 900 children was conducted to learn about their reading habits, their talents in writing and drawing, and their enthusiasm about the new magazine.

We have studied several American children's magazines to learn about their techniques.

We have two very talented Muslim American writers willing to join the team as editors. We also have contacts with six other writers.

The Team
First phase: In the first phase we will hire one full time editor - manager and one full time designer. The balance of our team in this phase will be comprised of volunteers. Our estimate is this phase will last for four months.

Second phase: One full time manager will be added with one part time copy editor, and a part time cartoonist/illustrator to the team above. This phase will continue until the size and economy of the magazine dictates enhancement.

An advisory board consisting of Muslim principals, teachers, and writers will be selected to help contribute and provide feedback to the magazine.

The Finances
We are currently working on obtaining seed funding for one year in order to hire staff and commence publishing on a monthly basis. Donations and subscriptions will constitute a major portion of the finances needed for the magazine, since approving appropriate advertisements in magazines for children is a highly selective process.

$125,000 can turn the magazine into a monthly magazine. The rest of the cash flow could be handled by subscriptions and other donations.

Please donate generously to this unique contribution towards the development of Muslim children.