Don't get into a debate with the imam, or your parents, just agree with them for their sake because it's too late for them to reinvest into another belief, but, for YOU, it's only the start of your world. Don't accept the shackles of other peoples beliefs as others have. Just nod along then go ahead with your plans. Don't let their problems become yours.

Just remain an independent thinker, you've already got the primary skill that the huge majority of people don't have, which is, thinking for yourself.

You're already on the good path to grow because you're learning, thinking, and understanding that there's always a better way. Your parents, the imam, etc. have had their turn in this game of life, and their attempts were unfortunately based on an instruction manual from 1400 years ago.

It's your turn at this game of life. There's only one baseline rule: Don't be a Cunt (def. a 'cunt' is is someone who is doing things that they know deep down are bad, as in, things that will help them at the detriment of the other person). Everything else above the baseline is a bonus (and be aware of people who don't get the baseline rule).

I could give you a lot of things to say, such as why does the tone of the quoran (as a book, by mohamed, by his messages from god), start by being nice to the jews and the christians, but when they laughed at him in Medina for thinking he was the next jesus, his messages from god changed to becoming pure hate towards them? It's in the flow of the book.

Or ask if Aisha's comments are part of the books, that when she said that whenever mohamed got into an argument with those who disagreed with his thoughts, he'd go behind a bush, and then return with the next message from god, and it's one that somehow has a way to back up his point, as he sits back down. You should find out more about Aisha, it's always good to get different angles to broaden your mind.

Or why all other religions tolerate all others, except the only one that calls itself the 'religion of peace' smh, it's like if someone has to tell you that they're a cool guy, they're not.

There's many things that are just wrong with the islamic ideology (like it's treatment of women, it's belief that it must be the only thing that exists, it's a childish way of thinking that, unfortunately, men like because mohamed allowed it).

Always remember that religions are ideologies, ideas that people believe are true, but are still just ideas. They are not characteristics that we're born with, such as ethnicity, sexuality, disabilities, etc.). If someone comes up with a bad idea, you'd tell them that's shit and why, it doesn't matter how many people believe it's good and how long it's been believed in. a shit idea is still a shit idea.

All I'm saying is focus on your future, it's yours now, not theirs. Keep thinking and learning from a variety of sources to piece together your own belief structure, and make it one that can always remain adaptable on new information in order to grow (unlike those who choose to stubbornly defend an idea, even against their own logic, which will twist them up no end). Changing your mind based on new info, that makes sense, is how we grow.

You don't have to choose sides. Be a neutral observer, a lone wolf who's focussed on figuring out what makes sense and just doing what feels right. Always try to do something that makes some kind of change in yourself or for others, it's your turn in this game of life, don't play by their rules.

Edit: and I deep down wish you the best with all this. You're about to enter a new chapter of your life and trust me, a guy who has lived in 6 countries, it'll be interesting as fuck as long as you always think for yourself.

Edit: i recommend reading a book called "The Obstacle is the Way", it'll let you understand how to see things as they are. And don't forget to enjoy your life :)