Author: Abdul Hameed Nowrozi
Youth; Future Builders of Society (Part Two)
Youth in the Quran and Hadith
Almighty Allah has mentioned youth in various places in His Holy Word. For instance, in the Quran, the youth of Prophet Moses and the Companions of the Cave are highlighted. Moreover, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, emphasizes the value and status of youth in a hadith:
«مَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ نَبِیا إِلَّا وَهُوَ شَابٌّ، وَلَا أُوتِی عَالِمٌ عِلْمًا إِلَّا وَهُوَ شَابٌّ»
Translation: “Allah Almighty did not send any prophet except at a young age, and He did not grant knowledge to any scholar unless he was young.”
The Qur’an narrates stories about youth, such as the story of Hazrat Ibrahim, who, at a young age, first contended with his uncle and later with his own people. He confronted and dismantled their corrupt beliefs, including the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, and destroyed the idols of his people with an axe.
Another significant story is that of Hazrat Ismail, who, at a young age, prepared himself for sacrifice in obedience to Allah’s command and said to his father: «یا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِی إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِینَ» (Translation: “O my father, do as you are commanded; you will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient”). Many other stories in the Quran illustrate the value of youth as a blessing.
The Emphasis of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), on the Importance of Youth
Youth is a lost gem that older individuals often remember with sighs and regrets, searching for it but unable to reclaim it. Youth cannot be compared to any other stage of life, and once it passes, it does not return. For this reason, parents of young people should remain vigilant during this critical period, and young people themselves should appreciate this stage of life.
The beloved Messenger of Islam, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him, nurtured this generation and, through purposeful planning and effort, transformed them into great and outstanding figures who became a source of pride for humanity. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, recognized the young generation as the potential capital of every land, demonstrating that young people can play a fundamental role in advancing the goals and objectives of Islamic society. Accordingly, the sayings of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, emphasize the importance of youth, and he entrusted significant tasks to them. For instance, after the conquest of Makkah and during the battles of Hunain and Hawazen, he appointed Atab bin Asaid, a wise young man, as the governor of Makkah at just 21 years old. Many of the Prophet’s ambassadors were also young individuals.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, that one of the important considerations is to cherish youth before old age. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: «اغْتَنِمْ خَمْسًا قَبْلَ خَمْسٍ: شَبَابَكَ قَبْلَ هَرَمِكَ» (Translation: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age”).
The Necessity of Nurturing Youth
Should we leave young people to themselves or plan for their future? All well-wishers and advocates for society agree that youth should not be left unattended; rather, a comprehensive plan should be established for their development. Young people often lack sufficient experience in various fields, increasing the likelihood of them going astray.
Youth represent the capital of every country, and their intellectual and mental faculties are far more valuable than any other form of capital, whether derived from earthly resources or underground mines. The true wealth of any nation lies not in its natural resources, forests, or pastures, but in the educated and innovative minds of its younger generation.
Addressing the needs of this generation becomes even more urgent when we recognize that they are a vulnerable demographic, often targeted by the greedy eyes of politicians and colonial powers.
To undermine a country, it is not necessary to destroy its resources. Instead, paralyzing the brains and minds of its youth can be sufficient. This is the tragic reality behind the spread of corruption and addiction in societies, especially within Islamic communities, orchestrated by adversaries of Islam and Muslims. If plans are not made today to address the needs and aspirations of young people, it will be too late to cultivate a promising future for them. Therefore, young people should be guided toward paths aligned with their interests and talents, beginning from their youth or even earlier.
Continues…
