Youth and Reformation of the Ummah: An Important
Responsibility
From the Pen✍️ Muhammad Masood Rahmani Arariavi
Beyond the stars, there are other worlds,
There are still more trials of love.
You are a falcon, flying is your job,
Before you, there are other skies.
Introduction:
History is witness to the fact that whenever a revolution has occurred in any nation, it has been backed by the courage, enthusiasm, and spirit of sacrifice of the youth. In the history of Islam as well, young men like Hazrat Ali (RA), Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (RA), and Muhammad bin Qasim performed such great deeds that changed the destiny of the Ummah. Even in today's era, the solution to the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah lies in the positive efforts of the youth.
Practical Steps for the Reformation of the Ummah
1. Reforming oneself and acquiring knowledge:
The journey of reformation always begins with "oneself." Until a young person is adorned with the basic tenets of religion, ethics, and piety, he cannot reform others. He should:
Study the Quran and Sunnah in depth.
Acquire expertise in modern sciences (science, technology, economics) so that he can compete with the world.
2. Seerat-e-Tayyiba and Character Building:
The best role model for the youth is the life of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. If young people develop truthfulness, honesty, humility, and compassion in their character, then their silent character will become a form of preaching. When people see a young person with good character, they will automatically be drawn towards religion.
3. Positive Use of Social Media:
In today's era, social media is a powerful weapon. Young people should use this platform:
To respond to propaganda against Islam.
To make it a means of inviting to good and forbidding evil (Amr bil Ma'roof wa Nahi anil Munkar).
Promote constructive dialogue and scholarly discussions.
4. Social Service:
The reformation of the Ummah is not only through speeches but also through practical service. Young people should:
Form small groups to help the poor and orphans in their area.
Establish tuition centers or libraries to create educational awareness.
Launch campaigns against drugs and other social evils.
5. Efforts for the Unity of the Ummah:
Today, the Ummah is divided into sectarianism and factionalism. It is the duty of the youth to rise above narrow-mindedness and talk about "Unity of the Ummah." They should act as a bridge between different schools of thought and focus on commonalities instead of minor differences.
In short, the youth are the arms of the Ummah. If purposefulness, dedication, and fear of Allah are created in the youth, they can transform society. That is why Iqbal compared the youth to a "falcon" who has the ability to touch the skies with its flight.
"Iqbal is not disappointed with his desolate land,
If it gets a little moist, this soil is very fertile, Saqi."