There was a time when people would gather around a preacher (a Molvi sahib) to listen to his words. Relishing in his smooth flow of words, disciples would take them seriously and implement them in their lives. Yet, in the contemporary discourse, we witness those standing on pulpits without any influence. Youngsters are running away from their religion and culture and adopting the ethos unbecoming of Muslims. What has gone wrong?
Today, majority of the mosque goers are the elderly, who, out of fear of accountability and devotion to the Almighty, continue their prayers. Young people are reeling under the confusion of whom to trust and what to discard and what to adopt: forever oscillating between becoming occasional staunch believers and unbridled liberals.
The problem lies not in those entrusted with guiding the community: our preachers. Many of today’s preachers lack intellectual depth and awareness of the true essence of Islam. Islam, in its essence, is not only about rituals but about building a life of knowledge, wisdom, and prosperity. Mosques should be centers of comprehensive learning, where people are taught spirituality, accounting, mathematics, science, and every skill that enables them to grow and contribute positively to society.
Ancient Arabs contributed to science and mathematics, why are contemporary Muslims failing at scientific disciplines? Why have we restricted ourselves to strict literalism and not even going out of the box and exploring other facets? Why have not we expanded the horizons of our mindscape, even as centuries passed by?
No doubt, we have prioritised mosques, but the heart of them – the scholars, preachers, and alike – lack intellectual depth. With this intellectual insufficiency and ascending concrete, mosques have become empty in spirit and attendance. Youth feel disconnected because discussions in mosques often revolve around sectarian differences, stimulating negativity rather than unity. The teachings of Islam that encourage empowerment, growth, and worldly contribution are largely absent.
Contrast this with shrines, which remain crowded. People flock there seeking blessings for sustenance, health, and well-being—things that mosques and preachers should have taught them to achieve through knowledge and action. I am in no way hurting the sentiments of people, but can’t we see things from different perspectives, while at the same time keeping our culture and beliefs secure?
Such concerns need discussions and deliberations, seeking the truth. If we do not address such issues, a time may soon come when mosques will be visited only by the elderly, while the youth remain absent, spiritually lost, and unprepared to carry forward the legacy of Islam. The youth cry for contemporary discourse intertwined with conservative religious ethos. The youth have an appetite for moderation in our religious discourse. The youth expect preachers to engage in open debates and discussions, factoring in disciplines that go beyond religiosity.
To truly flourish and thrive in our socio-cultural context, we must revive our mosques as centers of true intellectual and practical learning, led by knowledgeable scholars who can inspire both spiritual devotion and worldly excellence.
The future of Islam lies in our mosques: but only if they teach, inspire, and empower every generation.
The Author is an entrepreneur and a social activist.
Email: Syedrizwanb90@gmail.com
