Friday Sermon: The value of youth

Islam has given youth a high status because the development of civilisations and the future of nations is in their hands.

They safeguard its land and build its glory thanks to their open mind, fine thinking, pure hearts, strong arms and will and true faith, Friday’s sermon says.

As a verse from the Quran says: “Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.”

Islam has given much attention to young people and instructed Muslims to provide them with good education, the sermon says. With good education, they will be healthy in their bodies, believe in Allah the Almighty and be guided with His obedience.

One who follows the right path and obeys Allah since his/her young days is certainly a winner in this life and the hereafter. As Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) once said, young people who grew up obeying Allah and following his orders would be among seven categories of people who would be provided shade on judgment day.

The Prophet always paid attention and took interest in the young and highlighted the importance of youth.

He instructed in one hadith: “Take advantage of five (matters) before five (other matters): your youth, before you become old; your health, before you fall sick; your richness, before you become poor; your free time, before you become busy; and your life, before your death.”

The sermon cites the example of Zayed bin Thabet, “who at a young age was asked by the Prophet: ‘Do you know Syriac?’ He said ‘No’. The Prophet said: ‘Then learn it since we receive letters (written in Syriac).’”

Young people are superior in their capabilities and energy. Thus, they are supposed to keep themselves busy with hard work.

“In fact, there is nothing prettier than combining the enthusiasm of the youth with the expertise of the elderly persons,” the sermon concludes.