It’s awkward for 17-year-old Yousur Alhlou when her girlfriends invite her to go to the movies. First, she has to ask them if any boys are going. If so, the devout Muslim declines the invitation; Islam doesn’t allow dating or romantic interaction between men and women outside marriage.A few weeks ago, Alhlou picked up a copy of the six-month-old Muslim Girl magazine, a bimonthly aimed at helping her with the challenges of being an adolescent Muslim girl in the US. Like how to remain true to Islamic values in a media-driven culture saturated with sexual imagery and celebrity pap.The magazine is an attempt to reach out to a racially and ethnically diverse audience that feels culturally isolated. The magazine’s Toronto-based publisher, execuGo Media believes much of its target market comes from affluent, well-educated families. After 9/11, “girls felt over-represented in the media and marginalised in other ways,” said Ausma Khan, editor of Muslim Girl.Saba Anees (16) said being the only Muslim in a school not only means explaining her religious and cultural customs, but bearing a responsibility to represent all things Muslim. “It’s like you have to give a good impression for all Muslims,” said Anees, who lives in California.Since Muslim Girl speaks to these concerns, its editorial content has a more serious tone than the usual teenage mag fare. The publication is heavy on stories about strong female role models, like a feature on the first female presidential candidate in Afghanistan, and how teenage Muslims, while maintaining their faith, are participating in typical American activities—a Muslim Girl Scout troop, cheerleaders.However, the tone of the magazine isn’t all sombre. In the issue is a question-and-answer piece on the Copenhagen-based hip-hop band Outlandish, two members of which are Muslims. There are fashion and make-up tips, Tailored to an audience that dresses conservatively, yes, but still.
