: No Wallflowers Here:  Muslim Girls Create Their Own Prom

Call it the post-modern prom. What used to be a fairly predictible, standard event for most North American high school students has been pulled and stretched to accomodate different groups of people. Now some Muslim girls, who until now have either skipped their prom, went with (same-gender) friends, or gave in and went anyway, have come up with their own solution – a Muslim prom for girls only. Sure, it’s the same beat, clothes, and energy, but clearing the dance floor for isha prayer isn’t something you see every day. “These young women are being very creative, finding a way to continue being Muslim in the American context,” said Hartford Seminary Islamic Studies professor Jane Smith. “Before, young Muslims may have stuck with the traditions of their parents or rejected them totally to become completely Americanized. Now, they’re blending them.” No word yet on whether Muslim guys will follow suit with their own prom – but don’t count on it.

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.