In order to reform or correct anything, one must first be aware of its attributes and features; otherwise, the task becomes extremely difficult—akin to “pounding water in a mortar.” Therefore, for a young person or those responsible for their upbringing to take meaningful steps toward improvement, they must first understand the characteristics and features of the youth period. Without such awareness, they will inevitably encounter problems.
As time passes and a person transitions from one stage of life to another, significant changes occur in their emotional, physical, and personal life. The springtime of human life—youth—is a time of revolution and excitement. During this period, young individuals experience sweeping transformations across various dimensions. If they are not met with awareness, these changes can lead to irreparable failures. The most fundamental step in youth development is to understand their psychological traits, abilities, and talents.
Therefore, understanding youth and the characteristics of the youth period is an essential necessity for making the most of this stage and cultivating its sweet fruits. Effective and practical programs can only be proposed if the psychological and personal dimensions of young people are carefully considered; otherwise, irreparable harm may befall both the individual and society. It is also crucial to stay updated in guiding youth and to use modern tools accordingly.
Hence, having proper insight and understanding concerning youth is vital for leading and guiding them. Neglecting this understanding, or being indifferent to their development, is an injustice to both them and to society as a whole. Moreover, youth development is a delicate and complex process in which even small mistakes can have large consequences. Thus, understanding the youth, their characteristics, factors of growth, and the dangers they face is inevitable for anyone pursuing a path of nurturing and development.
Let us now consider some of the key characteristics of youth:
1. Sense of Power
One of the first traits that emerges in a person entering youth is a sense of power. The very first thing a young person encounters is the feeling that they can do anything independently. They believe that no one can match their strength and energy. Consequently, they may engage in any activity they are urged toward without giving thought to its consequences.
This trait is something enemies often exploit. Ignoring it can have grave consequences, such as involvement in drug trafficking, murder, corruption, and bullying.
2. Desire for Innovation and Novelty
Another trait of youth is a tendency toward innovation and modernity. Young people are naturally drawn to contemporary styles. They view everything new with optimism. If given a choice between an old and a new idea, garment, or method, they will choose the new one. They prefer reading books that offer new perspectives, enjoy fresh poetry, and are drawn to modern designs in clothing, buildings, and vehicles.
They often complain about adults who resist new ideas and tools. Although this inclination is natural, one must be cautious not to fall into the trap of excessive trend-following. The standard of good or bad should not merely be based on whether something is new or old. Innovation should not interfere with life’s fixed and enduring principles. We must not abandon ethical and spiritual foundations under the pretext of novelty.
Certainly, we cannot inspire young people with the great figures of Islam using outdated tools because they are uninterested in them. If we neglect modern tools, the enemy will fill that void.
In matters of divine law, which are rooted in human nature and real benefits, innovation should not dominate. For example, chastity, modesty, enjoining good, piety, servitude to God, and morality should not be dismissed as outdated or replaced with immodesty, irreverence, indulgence, and egoism. Should young people pursue novelty in these immutable principles, they will lose many of the spiritual, ethical, and human values that are vital for both them and society.
3. Desire for Self-Adornment
Another characteristic of youth is the desire for self-adornment. Youth naturally possess a kind of inherent beauty and try to enhance it with artificial beautification. This desire tends to decrease with age as natural beauty fades. Islam, as a comprehensive religion that considers both material and spiritual aspects of human life, has emphasized cleanliness and beautification—such as wearing clean and attractive clothes, combing hair, using fragrance, and maintaining personal hygiene—acknowledging the aesthetic sense instilled by God in human nature.
However, this inclination should remain within natural and reasonable bounds, so that it does not lead to deviation. We often witness young people (both girls and boys) who, due to excess in beautification, stray down the wrong paths. Overindulgence in adornment can also cause obsessive behavior and mental disorders, distracting individuals from productive activities.
Youth should value beauty for its own sake—not merely to attract others. True beauty should be appreciated intrinsically. If beauty is used just to impress others, it can lead to vanity and hypocrisy.
For young women, self-adornment should remain within the boundaries of sacred Islamic law. They must avoid actions that arouse others, such as provocative clothing and stimulating makeup, whether labeled as adornment or anything else. Otherwise, it will lead to corruption and ruin—for themselves and society.
By admin2
