Prianka Alam has retained the dedication to helping her family and Muslim community in Maryland that she learned as a young immigrant child. The financial uncertainty growing up has prompted a craving for stability and security as an adult, in short a boring life. These desires drove Prianka to focus on her education, career path and a husband who would be Muslim and a good partner for future children. She has found all of that and more, though it brings the expected stress and demand to wear many hats – DEI professional, wife, mother, daughter, student of Islam and volunteer as a board member of Penny Appeal USA. COVID increased the need to juggle competing demands, while Ramadan offers her ease, more open time for studying the Qur’an, and guiding her children. 

Highlights:
·       It is difficult to be a Muslim in the US, but she’s grateful for the struggle. 

·       Government policies and social attitudes affect how she lives as a Muslim. The family’s safety is always considered.

·       She’s rarely seen colleagues who are also Muslim, a woman of color, or South Asian. 

·       Islam inspires her to work with purpose and help those in need. 

·       Ramadan is an opportunity to study the Qur’an and celebrate with her family and community.


References:
Yaqeen Institute – https://yaqeeninstitute.org/what-islam-says-about


Transcript: 
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/12641210-37-prianka-alam-islam-is-a-journey-of-growth/edit

Social Media links for Prianka:
Penny Appeal USA – https://pennyappealusa.org/

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project –  https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271

Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. 

Comments?  Questions?  Email  Méli -
         [email protected]

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/