The Perks and Responsibility of Youth
As a Muslim youth it is our responsibility to bring our fellows towards Islam. All Muslims have the duty to spread the religion, and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders have a crucial role to play.
Thus Islam is not a religion for the individuals rather it is for the whole mankind so we Muslims have the responsibility to spread the religion of Islam among our fellows specially in youth.
You must be thinking that your friends will make fun of you who spend their nights in clubs rather than praying prayers who would make fun of you when you dress in Islamic manner. But believe us you don’t have to worry on these hard comings in the way of your life. We have some tips and advice which can help from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that: you in spreading the DEEN (religion) among your Youth fellows.
Advice No. 1: Practice what you preach
Always try to practice what you are preaching to your fellows. Not practicing the Deen yourself will lose the confidence of your friends in you. Try to be a figure what you say to others.
Advice No. 2: Be sincere
Preach Islam just for the sake of Allah especially in youth. Be sincere in your intentions that all you are doing is for bringing someone closer to Allah The Almighty. Don’t think yourself a teacher that you should be respected. Don’t be arrogant in your conversations. Guidance is always from Allah. Make Dua and sincere efforts to bring someone on the right path. Remember Allah can also misguide you if He wills (we seek refuge in Allah from that).
Advice No. 3: Give references according to Quran and Sunnah
Read and understand those chapters of Quran which talk about the way the Prophet (SAW) presented Islam to people.
Read the Seerah form some good Seerah books to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brought Islam to so many different people, including youth. for some good Seerah books to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brought Islam to so many different people, including young people.
Advice No. 4: Talk to People As If You Really Don’t Know Them
Talk to people as you don’t know them personally. You don’t know that if a girl is dressed fashionably is how much closer to Allah and a boy whom you’ve never seen at Juma prayer is a “bad Muslim”. Maybe he was never really taught Islam and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islam, especially for Muslim men.These things should be preached to youth.
Advice No. 5: Hangout with people especially Youth
Take the initiative to hangout with people. Invite them for lunch or Iftar in Ramadan. Be with them in a playground and play a couple of healthy games with them share your happy and sad moments with them.
Advice No. 6: Always have silent smile on your face
The Prophet (SAW) was very good at smiling but we see many “practicing “Muslim who always seem upside down.
Smile is the key to be talk and become closer to people so that we can bring them closer to the religion. So always have brilliant smile on your face as it is also a Sunnah.
Advice No.7: Show them the relevance of Islam to modern life
Prove this wrong that Quran is Old fashioned. Give them examples of relevance of Islam to science and technology. Show how Islam is really about relating to Allah, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allah is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends and youth to ask Allah’s help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings.
Also point out that Islam is related to teenagers: Islam gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which most of “teen culture” does not.
Advice No.8: Ask Them 4 Fundamental Questions
As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans as youth. We recommend four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allah and Islam:
• Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?
• What do I believe?
• Who should I be grateful to?
• Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?
Advice No. 9 : Emphasize Praying 5 Times A Day Before Any Other Aspect Of Islam
A person’s main connection with Allah, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don’t emphasize any other aspect of Islam until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allah in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell youth to pray, and to ask Allah for help in Salah and outside this time.
When possible, make it a point to pray together during your “hang out time”. If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islam like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islamically.
Advice No. 10 : Support Them Even When They Become More Practicing
Just because a young person starts practicing Islam more regularly, it does not mean that everything will instantly fall into place or become perfect from that point onward. Life’s challenges do not disappear overnight, and the road to spiritual growth can still be filled with trials and difficulties. For youth especially, navigating faith can be an overwhelming journey as they balance their newfound commitment to Islam with the pressures of their daily lives.
There may be moments when your friend, sibling, or any youth close to you experiences doubts about their renewed or newly established practice of Islam. These doubts are not uncommon and should not be dismissed or ignored. Instead, recognize that they are part of the natural process of growing closer to Allah.
When these moments of uncertainty arise, remind them that setbacks are an opportunity for spiritual resilience, and reassure them that even the most devout individuals face trials in their faith.
Your role as a supportive friend or family member is crucial. Be there to listen without judgment, offer encouragement, and remind them of Allah’s mercy and guidance. Share stories from the Quran and the lives of the Prophets that demonstrate how struggles often lead to greater faith and understanding. Let them know that doubting is not a sign of weakness, but a part of the journey that can lead to deeper conviction.
In conclusion, guiding the youth towards Islam is not about achieving instant perfection or avoiding struggles. It is about walking alongside them as they grow, offering reassurance during moments of doubt, and helping them develop a strong foundation in their faith. By showing patience, kindness, and understanding, you can inspire them to stay steadfast in their journey, confident that every step, even the challenging ones, is leading them closer to Allah.
