By: Samiullah Rather
If we reflect today, we will understand the direction in which Muslim youth are heading, the evils they are grappling with, and the doubts arising in their minds about Islam. Who are their role models in life? Whose footsteps are they following in their pursuit of success? What are their daily activities and priorities? The answers to these questions can often be shocking.
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These issues lead individuals to sink into a swamp of delusion without even realizing it. They consider these matters so trivial that they do not even deem them worthy of reflection. If no serious efforts are made to reform the youth, they may remain Muslims outwardly, but their hearts and spirits may drift far from the essence of Islam.
The most dangerous challenge facing the youth of our society and nation today is the growing doubt about Islam. Many young people have no connection to Islamic teachings. They lack respect for the principles of halal and haram, and some even feel it is their right to question the Quran, Hadith, and the commands of Islam, particularly regarding issues like women’s freedom.
For example, just as men have the right to divorce, so do women, and this is a right Islam grants. However, where do these doubts and misunderstandings arise? One major reason is the neglect of instilling Islamic values at a young age in favor of prioritizing English and modern education. While these are important, we often forget the essential task of raising children as Muslims first.
Islam is not just a religion but also a complete way of life. It grants rights to every individual and sets obligatory practices for all. Without adhering to the etiquettes and conditions prescribed by Islam, there can be no solution to the challenges faced by the youth.
Consider this: a doctor’s child cannot become a doctor without proper education, just as a lawyer’s child cannot inherit the profession without obtaining the necessary qualifications. Similarly, merely being born into a Muslim family does not automatically make one a true Muslim. Effort, education, and a deep understanding of faith are essential to nurturing a connection to Islam. It is not enough to be born in a Muslim household; one must actively learn about Islam, understand the teachings of Shariah, and adhere to them. Without this knowledge, the true spirit of Islam cannot be preserved.
The acquisition of modern education is undoubtedly a good step, as Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge. The first commandment of Islam is to seek education. Just as scholars are essential in Islamic studies, experts in other fields are equally important. Society and the nation need specialists in every discipline.
This is why great scientists like Al-Razi, Ibn Sina, Ibn al-Haytham, Al-Biruni, and Omar Khayyam—giants of the Islamic Golden Age—made significant contributions that are still benefiting the world today. The West has built upon the knowledge of our ancestors, studying their achievements and integrating them into modern science. Meanwhile, we seem to have forgotten the legacy of our predecessors.
Instead of valuing our own rich heritage, we have blindly followed Western practices, adopting not just their education systems but also their way of life. In our pursuit of modernization and development, we have abandoned the eternal blessings of religion and distanced ourselves from Islamic teachings.
We often treat religious education and teachers with neglect, thinking we have done enough by giving a small salary to an imam or religious scholar. However, true reform requires devoting significant time and effort to reconnecting with our faith. It is only by striking a balance between modern education and Islamic values that we can truly prosper as individuals and as community by contributing and dedicating a few hours of your precious time in the name of Islam, two to four days a week, you can bring your child closer to their faith. Yet, the child spends most of their time with friends and relatives, being raised in an English-speaking environment, taught by non-Muslim teachers, and exposed to content that fosters a mindset contrary to Islamic values. This environment often sows seeds of doubt and suspicion about Islam in their hearts and minds.
Islam and Muslims have faced challenges throughout every era, and such trials will continue. However, Muslims must not let their faith waver. This situation offers no benefit to Muslims; rather, it highlights the urgent need to teach the younger generation about Islam and Shariah. It is essential to acquaint them with Islamic teachings, and this responsibility lies with every parent. Providing children only with worldly education is not enough. As parents, you will be accountable to Allah for fulfilling your duties towards your children. Have you done so? Have you upheld their rights? Do not jeopardize your afterlife for temporary worldly gains. Instead, equip your children with the knowledge of Islam.
Today, thousands of young Muslims are lost in the confusion caused by modern technology. Salahuddin Ayyubi once remarked, “If you want to conquer a nation without weapons, spread immorality among its youth.” Sadly, this strategy is evident today, with forces deliberately spreading indecency among Muslim youth. Such influences, combined with distractions like entertainment and social media, have rendered many young people unproductive. They no longer dedicate enough time to reading the Quran, studying Islamic history, or understanding their faith. Instead, they spend their time indulging in futile discussions and harboring resentment towards Islam.
This is where we are now—but it doesn’t have to be this way. By prioritizing Islamic teachings in your child’s upbringing, we can secure a brighter future for them and for the ummah.
The writer is BA Fazilah, Jamia Sirajul Uloom, Hillow Imam sahib, Shopian. samiullahrather192@gmail.com
