Author: Abdul Hameed Nowrozi
Youth; Future Builders of Society (Part one)
Abstract
At this point in time, young people are confused and have lost their sense of identity. While they recognize that they should succeed in various positive endeavors, they often do not know how to achieve that success. Dear young people, you should strive to strengthen yourselves with the power of strong faith and ambitious goals. By doing so, the efforts of Western countries to promote despair among the various strata of our society will ultimately be fruitless.
Youth represent one of the most crucial stages of life, and it should be utilized wisely. Individuals gain strength and power during their youth; however, pride and self-righteousness can also lead to the deterioration of this vital period. Young people should first focus on reforming themselves—both externally and internally—before considering the reform of society. They must assess the problems within their communities and actively seek solutions to address these issues. Moreover, young people should emulate the lives of righteous companions and predecessors, striving to live in accordance with their noble examples.
The leaders of Islamic countries should establish educational programs to develop the talents of the youth in order to support them in the future and address societal problems. If the youth are reformed and their energy is combined with the experience of older generations, the entire community will benefit.
This article discusses the progress and growth of young people and their pursuit of a high place in society.
Keywords: youth, youth in the Quran, youth in hadith
Preamble
If we take a quick look at the history of past eras and reflect on the pages of history while searching for the revolutions and transformations that have taken place, it is evident that the origin and catalyst of most historical revolutions and people’s awakenings with a universal and eternal impact were the young people. Young individuals who could not watch the oppression and destruction in their country; young people whose masculinity and conscience did not allow them to witness the brutality and crimes of tyrannical oppressors.
These brave youth may have been small in terms of strength and power, but they were strong in ideals and goals. They were able to stand against the greatest empires and oppressive regimes and did not allow themselves to be humiliated. The youth who recognized the enemy did not extend a hand of friendship to those who targeted their honor and wealth; they were fully aware of the enemy’s tricks and prepared themselves to combat them in every way possible. They referred to this hadith of the Prophet, peace be upon him, who said:
«الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِی، خَیرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِیفِ»
Translation: “In the eyes of Allah, a strong believer is superior and more beloved than a weak believer.”
These young people were not easily deceived by the enemy’s luxury goods, refusing to abandon the pure soil of their homeland for such temptations. Young individuals who were content and indifferent to worldly possessions did not betray their nation for material gain, nor did they seek comfort for their families at the cost of their integrity. They were the young people who sacrificed their blood and families to protect the blood and families of their nation, ensuring that the spiteful enemy could not attack or oppress them.
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