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Why does it seem like many young Iranians are distancing from Islam while their elders stay close to the faith?

Assalamu alaikum, it's been on my mind that a lot of my younger cousins and family friends don't pray or fast during Ramadan anymore. Honestly, my brother and I feel like the odd ones out here in the West, especially since we don't even speak Farsi but still hold onto our deen. My grandfather and his brother, alhamdulillah, are steadfast in their prayers and worship of Allah, but it's confusing to see the shift. Even my dad, who's in his 50s, doesn't pray, and it seems only the really older folks, like those in their 70s or 80s, are keeping up with their religious duties regularly. My dad mentioned that the political situation back home has made some younger people resent Islam, which is just heartbreaking to hear. It feels strange and sad because Islam is such a beautiful part of our identity. Many in my family are well-educated, with degrees, and some have moved abroad to places like Canada or Europe, achieving success, alhamdulillah. But sometimes I wonder if the focus has shifted too much to this dunya-working hard, studying, but maybe forgetting about the akhirah. There's also this trend of becoming highly influenced by Western cultures. I've seen relatives get cosmetic procedures, and one aunt who moved to Europe around 2006 used to wear hijab in Iran but doesn't anymore, and she's given up fasting and other practices, along with her family. It's like some view practicing Muslims as old-fashioned and try to blend into Western society as much as possible. Makes me think about my Algerian and Moroccan Sunni friends who came to Europe-they might slip up sometimes, but they still fast in Ramadan, pray, and keep that connection to Islam. What's your take on why that difference happens?

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Happens when religion gets mixed up with politics. Can't blame the youth for wanting to distance themselves from that.

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Honestly, it's a generational thing everywhere. Younger folks in the West get influenced by the culture around them. Education and career take priority for them, so faith often gets sidelined.

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It's the dunya vs. akhirah balance. When you move for a better life, sometimes the deen gets lost in the process. May Allah guide us all.

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Totally see this in my own family. The older gen holds on tight, but my cousins abroad barely practice. It’s tough to watch.

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Western culture is a powerful force. It reshapes identity. The key is to adapt without losing your core.

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