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Youth Problems – Issues affecting the young ones

by Mahtab Ali | Sep 2, 2013 | inspirational, questions, Quran, Social Issues, tips corner | 3 comments

Youth Problems

Youth problems and issues that are affecting the young ones is a concerning topic for today's parents.

Narrated by ibn Abbas: Allah's Apostle said,

"Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; health before you fall sick; richness before you become poor; free time before you become busy; and your life before your death." [Musnad Imam Ahmad]

If we take a careful look at young people, we will be able to conclude that they are generally of three categories: the upright; the corrupt; the confused

The Upright Young People Issues

Upright young people are believers - in every sense of the word. They believe in their religion in such a way that they love it and are convinced by and content with it. They regard embracing it as profit and denial of it as a clear loss.

Corrupt  Young People Issues

These are young people who are religiously deviating. They deviate from the straight path of their religion and from good manners in their behavior.

"[They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work."  [Qur' an 18: 104]

Confused Young People Issues

They live in a mental and psychological whirlpool and stand in front of these trends in confusion. not knowing which of the two options is correct. They are largely found among those who have some Islamic education and culture but who on the other hand study mainly worldly sciences that run contrary to religion. either in reality or according to their imaginations. Hence they stand confused, between the two cultures.

Youth Problems

Youth Problems are attributed to many factors most prominent among them are:

Joblessness

Joblessness is a disease that kills mental, intellectual, and physical capabilities. Evil and wicked intentions may occur to them as a result of the depression that befalls them due to their joblessness.

Solution:

In order to be cured of this disease, the affected youth should develop interests that suit them like reading, writing, trading, or any other occupation that can stand between them and unemployment.

The estrangement between the youth and their elders

This problem manifests in a situation where some elders see corruption in young adults. and just stand aloof without making any effort whatsoever to correct them, having lost hope in their reform.

Solution:

Elders also are requested to sense the responsibility towards young people. that rests upon their shoulders and eliminates from their minds ideas of hopelessness regarding the piety of the young. Young people, on their part, should hold their elders in high esteem. They should respect their views and accept their directives. Because they have achieved degrees of experience and realities of life that the young have not achieved.Youth Problems 

Being in contact with corrupt people and keeping their company

This situation has a great deal of psychological, mental, and moral influence on young people.

Solution for Youth Problems

The solution to this problem is that young people should choose righteous people as their companions in order to benefit from their goodness, righteousness. They should consider people very carefully before befriending them by studying their conditions and reputations. If they happen to be of noble character, upright, religious, and of good reputation, they will be long-cherished and a form of wealth. They should, therefore, stick with them. If, on the other hand, they happen to be people of the opposite character, the young people must be cautious of them, keep away from them, and should not be carried away by their sweet talk and nice outward appearance.

How beautiful is this poet's saying:

Study people, if you would like to take them as brethren;
Scrutinize their affairs and examine them.
If you are fortunate to find an intelligent and pious person;
Hold fast onto him happily with both hands.

Reading and viewing destructive, un-Islamic material in books, magazines, TV or internet

These types of materials make people skeptical about their religion and faith and drag them from excellent morality to the abyss of degeneration. Youth Problems 

The Solution to these Issues

The solution to this problem is to immediately shift to writings and programs that inculcate the love of Allah and His Prophet(peace be upon him) in one's heart and those books help to actualize in faith. There are many useful books that help in this situation. the most important of which are the noble Quran and its Tafseer (explanation).

Islam, in truth, does not impose restrictions on liberties. Rather, it regulates and perfectly controls them in such a way that one person's liberty will not collide with another's. One who wants absolute freedom will discover that he or she can have it only at the expense of other people's rights. and if that should happen there will be a clash between the two. Youth Problems 

"These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them." [Qur'an 2: 187]

"These are the limits of Allah, so do not transgress them." [Qur'an 2: 229]

Therefore, life as a whole involves submission to certain regulations so that things can move along according to set goals. If submission to the social regulations is for the betterment of society. Islamic regulations should also be expected for the well-being of the Ummah.

The Influence of Social Media on Youth Problems

One of the most prominent challenges young people face today is the overwhelming influence of social media. Platforms designed for connection and expression often turn into sources of pressure, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations. Constant exposure to curated lives and material success fosters feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among the youth. The prevalence of harmful content, cyberbullying, and the addictive nature of these platforms further exacerbate mental health issues.

Solution:
Youth must be guided to use social media mindfully. Parents and educators should emphasize digital literacy, teaching young people to discern harmful content and limit screen time. Introducing youth to positive online communities, educational resources, and creative outlets can transform social media from a source of negativity into a platform for growth and learning.

The Role of Peer Pressure in Shaping Youth Behavior

Peer pressure remains a critical factor influencing youth problems. The desire to fit in and be accepted often leads young individuals to adopt behaviors, habits, or beliefs that conflict with their values or Islamic teachings. This influence can result in experimentation with harmful substances, engaging in unethical practices, or straying from their faith.

Solution:
Encouraging self-confidence and fostering a strong sense of identity rooted in Islamic values can help youth resist negative peer pressure. Parents and mentors should engage in open conversations, allowing young people to express their struggles without fear of judgment. Surrounding oneself with like-minded, righteous companions who inspire good deeds and positive growth is essential in countering the adverse effects of peer pressure.

Conclusion

Youth problems are multifaceted and stem from a range of social, cultural, and psychological factors. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort from families, educators, and communities. By fostering open communication, promoting healthy relationships, and grounding young people in faith and self-awareness, we can guide them toward a balanced and fulfilling life.

Islam provides a comprehensive framework that not only addresses youth challenges but also offers solutions rooted in wisdom, ethics, and spiritual well-being. With patience, understanding, and consistent effort, today's youth can overcome their struggles and thrive as confident, upright members of society.

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