that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islâmic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil).
They keenly organize their leisure time in doing fruitful activities. Leisure time has been exploited by Westerners and Easterners in different activities that do not fulfill the hopeful result of absorbing the energies of the youth and guiding them.
The Muslim youth who act according to the Islamic teachings have a great role to play in refining souls, and guiding and keeping the society safe and secure; they are opposed by the enemies of Islam who realize the supreme status of Islam which does not force anybody to embrace it and which guarantees justice, noble morals, uprightness, environmental equilibrium and social security and stability.
Of the most notable points when talking about the role of the youth in Islamic movements in the past and the present are the following:
1 Taking care of the early youth by guiding them to Islam, taking interest in the educational curriculum, keeping away harmful influences, and working on helping them to adhere to their religion, the Book of Allah, and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). Muslim scholars and thinkers should be interested in raising them, taking into consideration their opinions and inquiries, guiding them to the way of AlHaqq with wisdom, fair preaching, and arguing with them in the best manner, for in this way they would be willing to accept advice out of following the right view with determination and enthusiasm for Islam.
2 Keenness on providing a good example at school, at home, in the club, and on the street with regard to the way of treatment and avoiding antiIslamic aspects, which may throw them into doubt, make them hesitant to accept what they are advised to do, or withdraw from society, claiming that it is a society that does not practice Islam, whose sons say what they do not do.
All this may lead to detachment, haste, and uncontrolled behavior, whose results badly affect both the individual and society, as well as the Islamic work. It produces no useful benefit for the youth.
3 Holding periodic meetings with the youth where guardians, scholars and responsible people in Islamic countries gather with them, let them express their opinions and thoughts, study problems attentively and solve critical issues and questions, so that there will be no room for misconceptions or diversion from the Islamic work which the
youth are enthusiastic to do from the way that has been outlined by Islamic teachings. Such meetings should be held in an intimate atmosphere so as to express views with fraternity, love, and mutual confidence far from fanaticism, depreciation, or ignoring others.
Youth are like plants; when they are looked after, they will grow and be fruitful, but if they are neglected, their growth will be stunted and will lose their fruits in the future. The youth are full of vitality that should be exploited and developed. The best approach in life to attach youth to the religion, scholars, the Ummah and the homeland is that of Islam. The more the youth keep away from the approach of their clear religion and follow the path of excessiveness and estrangement or intolerance and retirement, the more grave the consequences will be. There is neither might nor power except with Allah!
The responsibility of people in charge including leaders, scholars, and thinkers is great; they should take care of the youth and guide and clarify the approach of Islam in order to encourage them to adopt it as a way of life and to follow its teachings practically.
This is the most important obligation and treatment; it comes from giving advice for the sake of Allah (Exalted be He), His Book, His Messenger, and the leaders of the Muslims and common Muslims, by which Iman becomes perfect, as the trustful Messenger (peace be upon him) told us.
Moreover, subjecting the youth to destructive ideas and misconceptions and failing to comprehend their thoughts, answering their questions, and clarifying the sound view to them, may lead to grave consequences.
It is obligatory to help the youth to avoid all harm and to reap all benefits, as did the Salaf (righteous predecessors) (may Allah be pleased with them) in the different ages of history when no harmful responses took place against the individual and the community.
Muslims in charge, both old and young, scholars and students, and thinkers and officials should cooperate with the youth in their homes, schools, societies and universities. Everyone should cooperate to guide the youth and create the correct atmosphere for creativity under the shadow of the tolerant Islamic creed.
We ask Allah to guide the Islamic Ummah young and old, leaders and peoples to do what pleases Allah (Exalted be He), to heal hearts and reform deeds and to direct everyone to the Straight Path. Allah is the One Who is Capable of doing so and the One Who guides to the right path. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!