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1. Why is youth important?
- Youth is the stage that begins after childhood.
- The physical and mental growth in this stage has a great effect on life.
- Only by shaping this stage carefully, in an orderly way and wisely will the future be bright.
- It is in this stage that physical strength, time, the support of society and opportunities to develop one's abilities are available without hindrance.
Sayings of the Prophet ﷺ
| Saying (meaning) | Source |
|---|---|
| "Make use of your youth before your old age" | Hakim |
| One of the four questions asked on the Day of Judgement: "How did you use your youth?" | — |
| One of the seven groups who will be in the shade of the Throne ('Arsh) on the plain of gathering, when there is no other shade – a young person who grew up in the worship of Allah | Muslim |
2. Stories of young people in the Quran
| Young person(s) | Achievement | Surah |
|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim (AS) | Led a society sunk in shirk towards tawhid; advised his people in his youth | Surah al-Baqarah |
| Yusuf (AS) | Guarded his chastity as a young man | Surah Yusuf |
| Maryam (AS) | Guarded her chastity | Surah Maryam |
| Musa (AS) | Freed his people from slavery | Surah al-A'raf |
| The People of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf) | Protected their iman from the tyranny of the ruler | Surah al-Kahf |
3. The youth of the Prophet ﷺ
- Even before prophethood he was a model young man.
- He did not stain his youth with the faults typical of that age, and lived it in a way people praised.
- When he was chosen as a prophet at the age of forty, those qualities supported him.
His young Companions
- Most of those who accepted, supported and gathered around the Prophet were young.
- Examples: al-Arqam, 'Ali, Mus'ab, Ja'far, Ibn 'Abbas, Ibn 'Umar, Mu'adh, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA).
- Because the Prophet ﷺ trained and guided them, they became the pillars that held up the fortress of Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ (meaning): "When the old were calling me a liar, it was the young who believed me and confirmed my truth."
Their qualities (a lesson for the next generation)
Strength of iman • right thinking • high morals • passion for a goal • facing hardship • thirst for knowledge • a disciplined life • earning one's living • a spirit of dedication
4. People who achieved great things while young
| Name | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz (RH) | An outstanding ruler |
| Tariq ibn Ziyad | Conquered Spain |
| Muhammad ibn al-Qasim | Conquered Sindh |
| Muhammad al-Fatih | Conquered Constantinople |
| Imam al-Bukhari | Compiled Sahih al-Bukhari |
| Imam ash-Shafi'i | Set out usul al-fiqh (the principles of jurisprudence) |
| Imam Sibawayh | Master of Arabic grammar |
5. "Youth is like a sword"
- It can be used for constructive work, or turned to destructive efforts.
- Youth is drawn towards whatever attracts it.
Today's challenges
- In the name of modernity, gateways to the path of ruin: cosmetics, fashion styles, stimulants of physical desire, entertainment devices, (wrong) ways of making money.
- These lead young men and women to ruin.
Whose responsibility?
- Not only young people's; society also has a big part.
- Peers play a big part in wasting youth.
- Young people have the responsibility to recognise good friends and good role models (heroes), and society has the responsibility to point them out.
6. What young people should do
- Shape their youth to win Allah's pleasure and people's goodwill.
- Live with a sense of purpose and planned action, giving no room to cheap pleasures and passing comforts.
- A human being is driven by body, mind and soul → all three must be developed in balance.
- A clear goal, a calm approach, hard work, foresight.
- Wide knowledge, sound morals, social concern, a spirit of sacrifice, good communication.
- Do not be dazzled by the fake; do not waste time on trivial things.
- Use modern technology with self-control.
- Completely avoid planning, supporting or taking part in destructive activities.
Taqwa (God-consciousness) – first place
- Taqwa comes first in keeping youth away from evil.
- Set aside time every day for: dhikr, salawat, tawbah, istighfar, recitation of the Quran, sunnah prayers.
- Spend much time reading and studying; mix with good people and receive their nasihah (sincere advice).
- Exercise daily; give priority to nutritious food.
- Control energy drinks, luxury food, fancy dress and entertainment.
- Vocational education that benefits the country and society.
- We cannot live alone → we must work together.
The poem of 'Allama Iqbal (summary)
He prays to God for the youth: give the young his love and deep, penetrating vision; give the young eaglets their wings again.
Quick revision
- "Make use of your youth before your old age" (Hakim).
- Question on the Day of Judgement: "How did you use your youth?"
- One of the 7 groups in the shade of the Throne – a young person who grew up in Allah's worship (Muslim).
- Young people in the Quran: Ibrahim (al-Baqarah), Yusuf (Yusuf), Maryam (Maryam), Musa (al-A'raf), the People of the Cave (al-Kahf).
- The Prophet's young Companions: al-Arqam, 'Ali, Mus'ab, Ja'far, Ibn 'Abbas, Ibn 'Umar, Mu'adh, Sa'd.
- Achievers: Tariq (Spain), Muhammad ibn al-Qasim (Sindh), Muhammad al-Fatih (Constantinople), al-Bukhari, ash-Shafi'i, Sibawayh.
- "Youth is like a sword"; taqwa comes first; 'Allama Iqbal.