You Are Valuable: Youth in the Quran
The importance of youth is highlighted and emphasized in the Quran on multiple occasions, particularly in the stories of prophets and other remarkable individuals. The energy, courage, and resilience of youth are celebrated as key attributes in serving Allah and standing firm in faith during challenging times.
The People of the Cave (Ashab Al-Kahf)
The story of the People of the Cave, also known as The Seven Sleepers, is mentioned in the Quran in Surat Al-Kahf (18:9-26).
إِذْ أَوَى ٱلْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى ٱلْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةًۭ وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًۭا
˹Remember˺ when those youths took refuge in the cave, and said, “Our Lord! Grant us mercy from Yourself and guide us rightly through our ordeal.”
Allah explicitly refers to them as “Youth” to emphasize the significance of their actions. These young men chose to stand firm on their belief that “God is One” despite immense societal pressure. When the elders in their society lacked the courage to uphold the truth, it was these youth who demonstrated unwavering faith.
This story is part of a Surah that carries immense value in Islam, as it is Sunnah to read and reflect upon it every Friday. Allah highlights the bravery of these young men, immortalizing their story in the Quran for generations to study and take inspiration from. The message is clear: when youth hold onto Allah in times of tribulation and temptation, He will support them in miraculous ways beyond their imagination, just as He did for the People of the Cave.
To navigate through the fitnah (trials or social pressures) of this world, the Quran becomes our anchor. It is the only unchanging miracle that has withstood the test of time and continues to guide us. Unlike the youth of the cave who only held onto their belief in Allah, we have the Quran as our guide. While the journey may be challenging and require constant repentance, holding onto Allah and His Book ensures stability and guidance.
Allah promises in the Quran:
وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ٦٩
As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers.
Prophets in Their Youth
Many stories of the prophets in the Quran showcase their courage, wisdom, and righteousness during their youthful years:
Prophet Ibrahim : As a young man, he stood up against his father’s idol worship and challenged the entire community’s false beliefs with unwavering conviction.
Prophet Musa : In his youth, he defended the oppressed and fought against injustice, which later led to his pivotal role as a prophet.
Prophet Yusuf : Enduring trials of slavery, imprisonment, and harassment during his youth, he remained steadfast and ultimately emerged as a model of patience and virtue.
These examples remind us that youth is a time to build strength in faith and character, preparing for greater responsibilities ahead.
Seven Under the Shade of Allah
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah's sake, meeting for that and parting upon that; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position (for illegal intercourse), but he says: ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.”
This hadith highlights the reward awaiting a youth who grows up worshipping Allah. Such a youth is more likely to fulfill the remaining virtuous categories mentioned in the hadith, demonstrating how deeply impactful the youthful years can be in shaping one’s faith and deeds.
Youthful energy is often directed towards distractions and temptations such as entertainment, fashion, and social trends. However, channeling this energy towards worship, modesty, and remembrance of Allah is exceptional and highly rewarded. The youthful years are a time of strength, beauty, and courage, making acts of faith during this period even more significant.
Make the Most of Your Youth
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised:
"استفد من خمسة قبل خمسة: شبابك قبل شيخوختك، صحتك قبل مرضك، ثروتك قبل فقر، وقتك الفراغ قبل انشغالك، وحياتك قبل موتك"
“Take benefit of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.” (Sahih – Narrated by Ibn Abbas & collected in Al-Hakim)
Youth is a fleeting phase, and life itself is not guaranteed. This hadith encourages us to seize the moment, using our youthful energy and resources wisely before they diminish. For those who may have strayed, it is never too late to return to Allah and make the best of the time that remains.
Final Reflections
As you read the Quran, take note of how often Allah mentions youth and time. Reflect on these verses and their lessons. Youth is a time of opportunity—a chance to strengthen your relationship with Allah and lay the foundation for a life of faith and success. Whether you are steadfast in your faith or seeking to return to the path, know that Allah’s mercy is vast, and His guidance is always within reach.
Hold onto Allah and the Quran, and you will find stability amidst the storms of life. As shown through the examples of the People of the Cave and the prophets, youth is a powerful phase of life, capable of bringing about incredible change and earning immense reward.
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