Author: Abdul Hameed Gurgij
The Afflictions of the Vanguard Generation (Part One)
Abstract:
One of the divine traditions that ensures the success of those who call others to the path of God is perseverance and steadfastness. Neglecting this principle in the system of existence subjects the callers to numerous afflictions, diverting them from their goal. Ignoring this principle can lead to a state where the preacher, though lost, believes they are progressing correctly toward the objective. Diagnosing these afflictions along the way is the best method to prevent deviation. Naturally, the youth are more vulnerable to these afflictions than other groups and must pass various tests to attain sincerity.
Therefore, to make the most of youth and protect it from deviation and ruin, a deep understanding is crucial. But can mere awareness of the characteristics of the vanguard generation lead us toward proper education? Can we achieve excellence solely by cultivating traits and understanding the conditions of this generation? Isn’t identifying the afflictions and harms of the vanguard generation equally essential?
In general, every divine blessing is a form of test for individuals. To use divine blessings correctly and succeed in the divine test, recognizing and eliminating the afflictions associated with each blessing is necessary. Certainly, the youth — particularly the vanguard generation endowed with great divine gifts — are no exception to this rule. Because of its high value and significance, this generation is also prone to many dangers and harms. If they recognize these afflictions and strive to remove them, their instincts and emotions will follow the right path, leading them toward perfection.
Introduction:
The most important mission of leaders is to plan for the growth and nurturing of faithful individuals knowledgeable in religious teachings. Fulfilling this mission not only results in flourishing and sustainability but also leads to the perfection of the religious system. It creates a foundation enabling individuals and society to fulfill the duties God has ordained for them and to move toward success and salvation.
Just as planning for religious education and moral growth is vital, identifying and addressing potential threats is equally essential. Understanding these afflictions and eliminating them contributes to the development and advancement of the younger generation and improves religious education in future generations.
Religious education is the product of the combined efforts of all cultural and educational institutions such as schools, families, mass media, and all political, economic, and judicial organizations, in addition to the broader social environment. Loyalty to beliefs and religious teachings — and their reflection in the planning and decisions of these institutions — facilitates the realization of religious educational goals. Conversely, a lack of commitment or harmful functions of these institutions can act as serious barriers to effective religious education.
Understanding the natural inclinations and innate desires of the youth and satisfying them in a proper and balanced manner is a foundational pillar of nurturing this generation. A competent educator is one who first studies the natural makeup of the youth thoroughly and then identifies and eliminates all afflictions affecting them. Such training aligns with the wise system of creation and divine law. It is one of the best and most sustainable forms of education, capable of shaping youth properly and bringing about their happiness and success.
Who are the Vanguard Generation?
The vanguard generation refers to a group or segment of individuals who are the first to accept a new idea and take initiative in spreading, establishing, and defending it. In this context, the vanguard generation refers to those young Muslims who, as expressed in the Quranic verse: “رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِي لِلْإِيمَانِ أَنْ آمِنُوا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَآمَنَّا، رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ” Translation: “Our Lord! We have heard a caller calling to faith saying, ‘Believe in your Lord,’ so we believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, absolve us of our misdeeds, and cause us to die with the righteous.” [1]
They were the first in their region or community to respond to God’s call, believed in the truth and strength of Islam, and took steps toward spreading, promoting, and establishing it.
Many works and books have already been written on the afflictions and dangers of the path — the most important among them being the esteemed book “Afflictions on the Path” (آفات على الطريق).
Nevertheless, we believe that each region has its own unique afflictions which, alongside the general ones, act as significant barriers to the progress and development of the youth. Here, we will briefly and simply discuss eleven of the most critical afflictions that threaten the vanguard generation, weaken them, and possibly deviate them from their primary goals. We hope that, God willing, by avoiding these afflictions, we may always preserve our religious spirit and drive for reform.
It should be noted that we do not imply that all these afflictions necessarily exist within every young person or that falling into them is inevitable. No, such an assumption is not intended. Rather, the probability of affliction or the need for precaution is greater for the youth than for others.
1. Distancing from the Qur’an
The first and most dangerous affliction that can trap the vanguard generation is distancing themselves from the Qur’an and weakening their Quranic worldview in analyzing fundamental life issues. We all know well that the very existence and legitimacy of Islam are rooted in this sacred book — a book that contains matters related to the beginning and end of existence, its Creator, and the causes behind the rise or fall of societies and individuals. It addresses topics that humanity could never fully grasp through reason alone.
Verse 30 of Surah Al-Furqan vividly portrays this devastating affliction: “وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا” Translation: “And the Messenger will say, ‘O my Lord, my people have abandoned this Qur’an.’” [2]
This verse reflects the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) complaint on the Day of Judgment regarding his followers’ abandonment of the Qur’an. At a time when the Muslim community was at its peak in progress and global leadership, Muslim and non-Muslim analysts alike attributed their success to understanding, internalizing, and practicing the teachings of the Qur’an. And at a time when Muslims declined into backwardness, subjugation, and dependency, the root cause was again seen in their abandonment of the Qur’an.
This affliction may manifest in the daily life and behavior of the vanguard generation in several ways:
Neglecting daily recitation and not listening to the Qur’an:
There is a growing concern that gradually, even for devout individuals, reading other books may take precedence over reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an. Even if those books are commentaries on the Qur’an, nothing can replace direct recitation and contemplation of the Qur’an itself. This is why, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 121, God emphasizes that true belief in the Book is contingent upon its proper recitation: “الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ يَتْلُونَهُ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِ أُولَٰئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ” Translation: “Those to whom We have given the Book recite it as it should be recited. They are the ones who truly believe in it. As for those who deny it — it is they who are the losers.” [3]
Despite all this, few people dedicate regular time in their daily lives for reciting and bonding with the Qur’an. In spite of repeated exhortations in the Qur’an and by religious leaders, many remain deprived of the blessings and spiritual effects of recitation. The Qur’an says: “فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ” Translation: “So recite as much of the Qur’an as may be easy [for you].” [4]
This means that excuses and justifications that lead to Qur’anic neglect are not acceptable. Can it really take more than a few minutes to read a single page of the Qur’an? Is it so difficult for a Muslim youth to find that much time in their day?
Continues…
References:
Next Part
[1] Sūrat Āl ʿImrān, verse 193.
[2] Sūrat al-Furqān, verse 30.
[3] Sūrat al-Baqarah, verse 121.
[4] Sūrat al-Muzzammil, verse 20.
