The Significance and Esteemed Position of Youth in Society (Part 6)
Islam’s Perspective on Youth in an Islamic Society
Youth is synonymous with energy, initiative, generosity, bravery, vitality, and self-sacrifice. For this reason, youth have always been a focal point for governments, organizations, and human societies throughout history—and this attention will continue. The great revolutions of the world have succeeded through the efforts of young people, who have played a fundamental role in altering the course of history.
Islam, as a divine religion, emphasizes the importance and role of youth, stressing their value and effectiveness. It is narrated that a man was sitting in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when his son entered. The man kissed his son and seated him on his knee. When his daughter entered, he simply sat her beside him. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) became upset by this act of favoritism and said, “Why did you not observe justice and equality among your children?” He then stated: “إِنَّ اللهَ تَعَالَى يُحِبُّ أَنْ تَعْدِلُوا بَيْنَ أَوْلَادِكُمْ حَتَّى فِي الْقُبْلَةِ” Translation: Allah the Exalted loves that you practice justice among your children, even in kissing them.
In another hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I advise you to be kind to adolescents and young people, for they have softer hearts and are more receptive to virtue. Allah the Exalted appointed me as a Prophet to give people glad tidings of His mercy and to warn them of His punishment. The youth accepted my message and pledged allegiance to me, but the elders rejected my call and opposed me.”
Another directive of the Prophet (PBUH) was the attention and care toward youth, as the prosperity and development of every land—and the glory and greatness of every nation lie in raising virtuous and pure-minded youth. Therefore, Islam provides a comprehensive program for youth in every aspect: material, spiritual, educational, ethical, worldly, and eternal. As some Western thinkers have noted, such depth is not found in other religions.
In today’s world, some have neglected youth due to their lack of experience, while others have exaggerated their capacities. Both extremes have resulted in many failures and disorders in various societies.
In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) specifically addressed youth before other groups in society: “إِنَّ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى مَلَكاً يَنْزِلُ فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ فَيُنَادِي: يَا أَبْنَاءَ الْعِشْرِينَ جِدُّوا وَ اجْتَهِدُوا وَ يَا أَبْنَاءَ الثَّلَاثِينَ لَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا وَ يَا أَبْنَاءَ الْأَرْبَعِينَ مَا ذَا أَعْدَدْتُمْ لِلِقَاءِ رَبِّكُمْ وَ يَا أَبْنَاءَ الْخَمْسِينَ أَتَاكُمُ النَّذِيرُ وَ يَا أَبْنَاءَ السِّتِّينَ زَرْعٌ آنَ حَصَادُهُ وَ يَا أَبْنَاءَ السَّبْعِينَ نُودِيَ لَكُمْ فَأَجِيبُوا وَ يَا أَبْنَاءَ الثَّمَانِينَ أَتَتْكُمُ السَّاعَةُ وَ أَنْتُمْ غَافِلُونَ. ثُمَّ يَقُولُ: لَوْ لَا عِبَادٌ رُكَّعٌ وَ رِجَالٌ خُشَّعٌ وَ صِبْيَانٌ رُضَّعٌ وَ أَنْعَامٌ رُتَّعٌ لَصُبَّ عَلَيْكُمُ الْعَذَابُ صَبّاً.” Translation: “Indeed, Allah the Exalted has an angel who descends every night and calls out: O people in their twenties, strive and exert yourselves! O people in their thirties, let not the world deceive you! O people in their forties, what have you prepared to meet your Lord? O people in their fifties, the warner has come to you! O people in their sixties, the harvest time has arrived! O people in their seventies, you have been called—so respond! O people in their eighties, the final hour has come upon you, and yet you remain heedless! Were it not for those who bow in prayer, the humble men, the nursing infants, and the grazing animals, severe punishment would have been poured upon you.”
In this noble hadith, it is clear that youth are specifically addressed: you, in your age, must strive and work hard, as this phase of life demands that you benefit yourself and others. The hadith provides tailored messages to each age group, but the foremost call is to the young, guiding them towards labor, effort, and productivity. Thus, from this hadith, we understand that youth is a time for diligence, and the responsibility of Muslim youth—like that of youth around the world—is evident: they are called to meaningful action. It must also be remembered that the Islamic society itself seeks to provide a significant place for its youth.
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