بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Knowledge & Youth

Edited by Ahmed Adam — June 2002

"Proclaim (or Read)! In the name of thy Lord & Cherisher, Who Created... He Who taught (the use of) the Pen,— Taught man that which he knew not." — Qur'an 96:1-5[cite: 1]

The youth is our future[cite: 1]. Yet what attempts are we making to ensure that our youth are prepared and well equipped to face the challenges of today's world of techno-wizardry[cite: 1]? Today’s era is unlike any other in the history of mankind[cite: 1]. While some parts of the world swim in luxury, many others sink in poverty, illiteracy, and starvation[cite: 1].

IQRA
Read & Proclaim[cite: 1]
800Y
Islamic Superpower[cite: 1]
KNOWLEDGE
Is Enlightenment[cite: 1]

The Prophet (SAW) brought the light of knowledge through the Quran and through his glorious example[cite: 1]. These two sources have remained beacons of light for the past 1400 years and will continue to transform people until the Last Day[cite: 1].

Allah’s Apostle (SAW) warned: ”From amoung the portents of the Hour are: religious knowledge will be taken away and ignorance will prevail” (Sahih Bukhari)[cite: 1]. To avert this, he urged: “Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single sentence”[cite: 1].
"Say: 'Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?'"
— Qur'an 39:9[cite: 1]
The Golden Age of Knowledge

The Quran & Sunnah inspired thousands of scholars to become experts in Medicine, Science, Astronomy, and Mathematics[cite: 1]. Western civilization owes a debt of gratitude to these pioneers[cite: 1]:

Medical & Scientific Pioneers

Muslims understood blood circulation 300 years before William Harvey[cite: 1]. Spanish and West African Muslims reached America 500 years before Columbus, who even documented minarets in his journals[cite: 1].

World Class Institutions

Modern universities and huge libraries were established in Cordova and Baghdad long before the "Harvard's" and "Oxford's" of today[cite: 1]. Arabic was then the international language of science and learning[cite: 1].

Modern Challenges for Our Youth

Entertainment: Like the gladiators of ancient Rome, modern world sports and endless media keep the masses occupied so they do not question world affairs or justice[cite: 1].

Warfare & Poverty: Carpet bombing and abject poverty in many Muslim nations destroy the schools and hospitals needed to educate the next generation[cite: 1].

The "Jahiliyya" of Today: Our youth are "techno-savvy" regarding modern trends but are often illiterate regarding their Deen and spirituality[cite: 1].

Action Plan: The Way Forward

  • Love for Learning: entrench education as a joy and privilege, not a burden[cite: 1].
  • Share Knowledge: attend lectures and discuss them with family over supper[cite: 1].
  • Transform into Action: do something meaningful with the knowledge gained[cite: 1].
  • Emulate the Prophet (SAW): study his life to adopt his character and values[cite: 1].
  • Community Investment: leaders must invest in Islamic schools, libraries, and literacy centers[cite: 1].

"Verily, never will Allah (SWT) change a condition of a people unless they change it themselves, with their souls."

— Qur'an 13:11[cite: 1]

May Allah (SWT) guide us and our youth to the Straight Path. Ameen![cite: 1]

Foundation for Islamic Publications

P O Box 13278, Laudium, 0037 — email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.[cite: 1]

Education is the best gift a parent can give[cite: 1]. Please share this timeless message freely.