Our Valuable Resource
The most valuable resource for any nation or community is neither oil nor wealth. Rather, it is the human resource that we find in our youth. It's your energy, creativity, ideas, and commitment that keep a community moving forward.
My message here is directed toward you, our young Muslim. Please realize that the days that you now live as a youth will pass by very quickly. And before long, you will no longer be considered a youth. Your time of youthful energy is limited. The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, "The feet of the son of Adam, on the Day of Judgment, will be motionless until his Lord asks him about five: His life and how it occupied him, his youth and what he did while it lasted, his wealth and how he acquired and spent it, and finally his knowledge and what he did with it."
Every human must account for the time he or she spent as a youth. This is because the opportunities to gain success, to accomplish, to work, to donate and volunteer are the greatest when a person is young. Growth is a process. We do not simply jump forward into adulthood. Time is connected. As such, whatever you spend your time doing now will reflect on your future as an adult. You may be a productive adult, full of vision and sense of purpose. Or you may become an adult obsessed by chasing meaningless pursuits, concerned only with money, the latest fashion, comments and photos on Facebook, and so on.
But it doesn't have to be this way. To live a meaningless life is not something that you simply inherit. It is a choice. I sincerely hope you thrive to become an adult who has an established purpose in life and is successful in your faith, your family, your education, your profession, and your future children.
I would like to share with you a few basic things that you can do now that will have an immediate impact on your life and, by God's grace, will open doors of success in this life and the next.
First, you must fully grasp the fact that you have been created for a great purpose. Do not ever forget that, not for a moment. You have been created to worship your Creator who is not in need of your worship; He who holds your soul in His grasp; He who gave you life and, by His mercy, guided you to Islam. The key to this realization is to repeat often the amazingly powerful phrase that is easy to pronounce: La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but the one God). It expresses a truth that upholds everything you see and all that is beyond our perception. The phrase gives you higher awareness and is the key to paradise itself. Make this simple but mighty phrase your slogan. Keep it fresh on your tongues and alive in your hearts.
Second, commit to the Prayer (as-salah). For many this is a challenge, but commitment to the five daily prayers is more difficult in your imagination. In reality, it is easier than you think. The total time it takes to perform the five prayers collectively can be less than the time of one television program. Prayer is the backbone of religion. It is communicating with the sole God of the heavens and the earth. When you devote yourself to the Prayer, it becomes your companion, your love, your compass in life, and your shield against all evil. Abandoning it invites harm and delusion, even if you do not realize it. So commit to the Prayer. Always seek to improve. It will not be perfect at first, but keep advancing with it and enjoy its rewards.
Third, value your time. Many days and even years can be wasted on trivial matters. Hours in a given day are spent strolling aimlessly in the mall, text messaging gossip, chatting, playing nonstop sports, reading filthy magazines, and watching indecent movies and shows. Even if the actual act is permissible, like playing a sport or spending time with good friends, is it not wise to overdo it at the cost of other obligations. Remember that once the day folds into night, you can never retrieve it.
Fourth, seek knowledge. Unfortunately only a small percentage of our sons and daughters seek higher education although we live in a country that offers many opportunities for education. This is against the ideals and values of Islam. A Muslim should seek perfection in every aspect of his or her life, including seeking higher achievement in school. Use the many opportunities you have to educate yourself and gain every skill to thrive and grow. Listen to the many excellent lectures available online and quality radio broadcasts, like NPR. Watch documentaries and news channels. Attend the classes available at your mosque about Quran, Arabic language, and the biography of the Prophet. The means to seek knowledge in this day and age are truly endless.
Fifth, work on elevating your manners. This is a difficult task for both youth and adults. Popular culture, which is all around us (whether on television, radio, books, magazines, and even billboards), promotes a loss in courtesy. Nevertheless, high manners is a primary duty for every Muslim. This entails cleansing your tongue from curse words, respecting your parents, teachers, siblings, classmates, neighbors and every person you meet. When people think of a Muslim they should think of a kind, helpful, and respectful person. Do not give anyone a reason to associate Muslims with being loud, violent, and disrespectful because of something you did. If you seek to perfect your faith, begin with your manners.
Sixth, choose your friends and role models wisely. Friends influence our personalities the most. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "A person is influenced by his companions' religion, so observe who your companions are." Choose to befriend someone who is of excellent character and who is firm in faith. Friends like this will be of extraordinary benefit to you.
Seventh, be proud and strong. Yes, take pride in your religion, in your heritage, and your beloved Prophet Muhammad. From his example, seek strength to stand against the wave of temptations, challenges, and life's trials.
Lastly, be mindful of Allah and do not fear anyone or anything but Him. You develop this by doing simple things, like remembering His name and His absolute oneness. Nothing happens overnight, but please, always remember that great achievements start with small steps. Start today, not tomorrow. And may Allah guide your steps and double your progress and reward.
Sh. Jamal Said
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