Islam: Responsibilities of the Youth

In his Friday Sermon of 24 August 2012, Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius addressed the youth of Islam and exhorted them to seize the extraordinary opportunity they have in creatively utilizing their enthusiasm, courage and youthful zeal in the advancement of the Divine cause of our times.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

The progress of God’s work in all areas requires enthusiasm, courage and youthful zeal. To plan and execute with clarity with a firm hand, we need new energy. Thus Allah (the Exalted) desires that young people contribute to the advancement of His cause.

He invites young men and girls to devote their strength to Him. The use of their faculties, the liveliness of spirit and the strength of their actions, glorify Allah (the Exalted) and bring salvation to their fellow men. I have a strong interest for the Youth, and I love to see them fight for the development of the character of the Muslims, the Sahih al Islam – Islam in its perfection – and strive, by diligent study and fervent prayers, to obtain the necessary preparation for the cause of God in a proper manner. I ardently desire that our young people help each other to achieve a higher level in the experience of Islam.

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) came to teach the way of salvation to the human family, and he did so perfectly well that even a small child can follow these directives. He invites his disciples to grow in the knowledge of Allah (the Exalted), following his guidelines every day, and his Sunnah and that Islam progresses till Judgement Day. His coming to earth was like the dawn. Watch the sunrise, when the sun brightens the heaven and earth gradually. Gradually the dawn lights up and the sun soon appear, and then the light slowly marches to the zenith, to the summit of its glory. If we walk every day in the light which Allah sends us (for example, with the coming of His Messengers), meekly submitting ourselves to all His requirements, our experience will grow and expand until we reach a perfect belief in Allah (the Exalted), the unique God.

Our young people should always bear in mind the existence and worship of one God and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Prophet of Allah. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not come to earth as King to rule humanity. He came in humility to be tempted and overcome the temptation, and to apply himself to know the oneness of God. We understand that no matter how great our trials are, they cannot exceed what our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) went through so as to show us the way (to Allah, to salvation), truth and life.

It is by adhering to his example that we show how much we appreciate the sacrifice made for us. He endured humiliation and abuse. He was the object of all sorts of insults and mockery, bearing all the evils that evil men were capable of. Finally, at the end of his earthly ministry (as Prophet of Allah), he suffered much, all this was necessary to give Islam its true glory and victory (with the conquest of Mecca and winning hearts in the Oneness of Allah), and to give those who wish, the opportunity to obtain the spiritual life which is measured with the divine commandments that goes with submission (to Allah) with the state of mind and spirit submitting to Allah wholly.

Allah (the Exalted) wants young people to become strong-minded men, ready for action and qualified to carry responsibilities in His great work. Allah (the Exalted) seeks in the circle of His Servants such exceptional young people who have a pure heart, who are strong and courageous, determined to fight manfully, to glorify Allah (the Exalted) and do good to humanity. If only the youth wanted to study the Qur’an, moderate the impetuosity of his desires, listen to the voice of his Creator and Redeemer, he not only shall live in peace with God, but he would be ennobled, elevated. Your eternal interests depend on the attention you give to the advice in the Word of God (that is, the Holy Quran) which is of paramount importance to you.

I urge you to show you wise to consider the consequences of a disorderly life, outside the influence of spirituality. What a man sows, he shall reap the same. He that sows for his flesh (that is, mundane and carnal desires) shall reap the flesh of corruption. For the love of Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him), for the sake of your soul, who have toiled to take you way from ruining your souls, stop at the threshold of life, weigh your responsibilities, your opportunities. Allah (the Exalted) gives you the opportunity to achieve a high destiny. Your influence may weigh in favour of divine truth; you can become a collaborator with Allah in the great work of human redemption.

This life is a preparation for the future life. There will soon be a great spiritual revolution, where every soul that seeks to form an Islamic character (according to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)) will answer these disturbing divine questions much like on the Last Day of Judgement. Have you done your five daily prayers, have you read the Qur’an? Have you set a good example? Have you watched over the souls knowing that you shall account for it one day? The heavenly host (Allah, His angels and prophets) is interested in the youth; they desire intensely that you stand the test and may hear these consoling words: “O thou soul at peace, return to your Lord, pleased and well-pleasing, then enter among My servants and enter My Paradise.” (89: 28-31)

May the young people please bear this in mind: it is here on earth itself that they must form their character for eternity; Allah (the Exalted) requires all their efforts in this regard. Be it so that those who have more experience watch over the younger ones, if they are exposed to temptation, they take them away from it and pray with them and for them, Insha-Allah. Allah (the Exalted) wants that, by focusing on the salvation of the servants of Allah (the Exalted) and in the obedience of Allah and His Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) we accede to the salvation of our soul by living in the presence of Allah, and we set about His commandments so that we can also guide ourselves on the right path.

We must practice what we preach so that our example reflects the example of the pious, trustworthy people, who are loved by God and who love God and His servants. We also recognize the greatness of the sacrifice made by all the Prophets (peace be upon them) who came and the greatness of the sacrifice made by our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him), Insha-Allah, if the Youth seek Allah (the Exalted), then they must obey Allah and obey the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Imam (Khalifatullah) of their time. Insha-Allah, his efforts will be successful. Ameen, Summa Ameen.