Kareem struggles at times to reconcile between his two identities as a first generation American with Syrian heritage. In a world that pushes us to define ourselves by race, nationality, or background, it’s easy to feel pulled in many directions. But Allah ﷻ reminds us: “O mankind, We created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another…” (Qur’an 49:13). Our cultures shape us— but they don’t define us. At our core, we are not our passports, skin colors, or languages. We are souls, created by Allah ﷻ, entrusted with a purpose. “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” (Qur’an 2:156)

• What is our true identity?  We are Muslims— servants of Allah ﷻ. We are souls on a temporary journey through a worldly test. In the end, only two things follow us: our actions and our souls.

There are moments when Kareem feels invisible and unheard: “But no one ever listens to me.” (p. 31)  “It’s unfair when I’m not only invisible but also not heard.” (p. 38)  “When the balls are deflated, and the lines not painted right, you don’t have the same chance to win.” (p. 48).

• These thoughts reflect a victim mindset—a pattern of focusing on what’s unfair, instead of what’s possible. Islam teaches us to shift our inner dialogue. We don’t focus on what we can’t change. We focus on what we can—our actions, attitude, and effort.

• Reflect on the verse: “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)

• What could Kareem focus on instead of what’s unfair? What strengths or choices does he still have? How can we train our inner voice to be rooted in growth, not blame?

Kareem sometimes shows signs of entitlement. What does that mean? Entitlement is expecting privileges without accepting the responsibilities that come with them. It’s a mindset that focuses on what we’re owed, instead of what we owe to others—our families, communities, and most importantly Allah ﷻ. Can someone truly have a privilege without earning or maintaining it through responsibility?

Why is Kareem embarrassed by his new foreign ‘friend’? What does this reveal about how he views himself and others? Sometimes, feeling embarrassed about someone else says more about our own insecurities than any fault of the other person.

Austin’s sense of entitlement—as the coach’s son—fed his arrogance, which first showed up in seemingly insignificant actions, what can be called “small nothings:” not learning someone’s name, expecting Kareem to do his work, mocking Fadi’s English. These subtle acts of disrespect snowballed into manipulation, anger, and ultimately, his downfall. What seemed small was actually the beginning of a much bigger problem—proving that unchecked arrogance often starts quietly, but can shape someone’s character in a way that’s difficult to unlearn.

Describe Kareem’s relationship with his mother. How does the author show the value of a mother? How does she continue to guide him? Even in her absence, she shapes Kareem’s thoughts and choices.

What role do elders play in Kareem’s life?  Why are they important in shaping our values and choices? Although Kareem never met his grandfather, his presence and influence are deeply felt—a reminder that the wisdom of elders can sometimes defy time and distance.

Do you have an elder in your life who guides you, supports you, or helps you see things differently?

Kareem often feels frustrated with his father, leading to quiet moments of disrespect in his thoughts—even if he doesn’t act on them. How can Kareem show more adab?
What does it look like to be grateful, trusting, and humble toward your parents—even when you don’t fully agree with them?

• Reflect on the verse: “And lower to them (parents) the wing of humility out of mercy…” (Qur’an 17:24)

As you read about Kareem and Jameelah, ask yourself:  Is their relationship healthy? What patterns of behavior help their relationship? What hurts their relationship? If you could advise them, what changes would you suggest to strengthen their connection?

• Healthy sibling relationships are a mercy from Allah ﷻ—and like all blessings, they require effort and  patience.

Kareem blames himself for his grandfather’s death, burdened by the thought that his actions caused the delay in treatment. His father gently reminds him that, medically, his grandfather likely wouldn’t have survived the trip regardless. As Muslims, we know that death is part of Allah’s ﷻ divine will, and nothing happens outside His will. The Prophet ﷺ said, “If only I had done such and such…” opens the door to Shaytan’s work (Muslim). Thinking about all the “what ifs” keeps us stuck in a blame mentality, but trusting in Allah’s ﷻ plan frees us to be at peace.

How does Kareem’s perspective on his struggles at school shift once he faces the deeper family challenges of loss and fear? Can you think of a time when a greater challenge or event helped you see your own worries in a new light?

Protesting at the airport with his father was done for a just cause. Was Kareem right to sneak into the newsroom on his own? Every action has three parts: WHAT we do, WHY we do it, and HOW we do it.

• WHAT: He snuck into a newsroom without permission.

• WHY: To bring attention to his mother’s story.

• HOW: By breaking rules and risking serious consequences.