Nevertheless, others reject that view as it is only a
one-sided opinion. They argue one could not deny that many awareness campaigns
or society movements are supported by young people. In fact, it happens all
over the world as politics awareness, welfare work, fighting poverty and striving
for justice are participated by teenagers and university students.
Even though technology is considered to be a bane to people, especially the youth, but looking at the bright side, they are still the main driving force behind many of the latest technological development. As the result, they contribute plenty towards society by sharing the information via the internet. Take the example of Arab Spring, the awareness through sharing information was prominently played by the young generation.
However, even the young people seem much more enthusiastic and are more concerned with human issues compared to previous generation, but their fighting is likely generated without clear goals. Consequently, they seem to be manipulated easily by some group for their personal interest. Thus, not surprisingly, their efforts sometimes are looked down by others claiming that they are still immature.
Actually, as adults, it is necessary for us to share and guide young people instead of halting their spirit and their empowerment.
The lesson from Ashabul Kahfi
A good example for the young people in the Quran is the
story of Ashabul Kahfi (the companions of the cave). This tale is mentioned interestingly
in chapter Al-Kahfi and its lesson should be learnt by Muslim especially the
younger generation.
Briefly, Ashabul Kahfi is a story about seven youngers who believed to worship Allah, the one god. However, it was very challenging to show or promote their faith and practice (based on Jesus teaching) at that time since they lived in an astray society and tyrant government, which disallowed the freedom of conscience. Fearing the threat might force them to return to the traditional belief, these teenagers chose to go out from the city. After finding a small cave, they concealed and slipped inside.
Miraculously, they had been sleeping for 300 years before woke up. At that time, the situation was different as the people believed in one god. After they went out, finally, the truth was revealed.
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| The cave that claimed as ashabul kahfi cave. |
The lesson from Quran
According to the story, Allah describes the characters of Ashabul
Kahfi clearly. Therefore, it must be the lesson to the young generation to make
sure that they're striving in line to Islamic teaching as follows:-
1. True Faith.
Allah said:
“It is We who relate to you, [O Muhammad], their story in truth. Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and we increased them in guidance. And We made firm their hearts when they stood up and said, "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never will we invoke besides Him any deity. We would have certainly spoken, then, an excessive transgression” (Al-Kahfi 13-14)
Based on this versus, the seven youths has been told as the beloved
people. Because of their faith, Allah has increased them in guidance. As the
result, the faith and guidance have firmed their heart to consistent in
religion.
2. Based on knowledge and intellect.
“These, our people, have taken besides Him deities. Why do they not bring for [worship of] them a clear authority? And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allah a lie?" (Al-Kahfi: 15)
Even they were young, but it did not mean they were wrong. Before
decide to rebel, they had criticized society’s practice at that moment as it is
totally against to human intellect.
3. Be cautious
“And similarly, We awakened them that they might question one another. Said a speaker from among them, "How long have you remained [here]?" They said, "We have remained a day or part of a day." They said, "Your Lord is most knowing of how long you remained. So send one of you with this silver coin of yours to the city, and let him look into which is the best of food and bring you provision from it and let him be cautious. And let no one be aware of you” (Al-Kahfi: 19)
Even, they believed their way was true, but it did not mean
that they had to be hasty. In contrast, they had planned their way with calculating
the risk, went out from city and after waking up, they were still alert to the
situation.
In conclusion, the Muslim youth should realize that their
period should not to be wasted for entertainment or unbeneficial activities. In
contrast, their time is the golden age to be a good servant to Allah and a honorable
fighter to society. Protecting them and fighting for the sake of religion with
the strong motivation and in-depth knowledge.
