In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Ideal Image of Youth in Islam (2)

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

Introduction
In the first part of this article, we mentioned that the Holy Qur’an outlines human life in three stages: childhood (weakness), youth (strength), and old age (a return to weakness). Youth is the peak of physical and intellectual abilities, a period of growth, perfection, and readiness for major responsibilities such as marriage. We explained that through the Qur’anic verses and narrations, we can understand the expectations Islam has of young people- expectations such as faith and piety, seeking knowledge, timely marriage, and striving to promote virtue and counter intellectual, moral, social, and cultural corruption. This phase of life is considered a golden opportunity to attain worldly and eternal happiness.

In this section, we continue the discussion on Islam’s expectations from youth and focus on the fifth matter that Islam emphasizes for all its followers-especially the youth.

5. Repentance and Prompt Return to God

Due to the nature of youth and their emotional and psychological state, young people are often like a fire smouldering under ashes-vulnerable to passions, anger, vanity, and the desire for power. However, if a young person possesses an awakened heart, they will recognize that the path back to God is always open. Through sincere repentance, they can make up for their mistakes and receive the mercy and forgiveness of the Compassionate and Merciful Lord.

The Holy Qur’an gives hope to sinners in verse 89 of Surah Al-Imran:

 « إِلَّا الَّذِينَ تَابُوا مِن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصْلَحُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“Except for those who repent after that and reform-for indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

In another verse, God emphasizes that even excessive sins are not a barrier to returning:

 « قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ  إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ؛

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Surah Az-Zumar, 53)

The Prophet of Mercy (peace be upon him and his family) highlighted the virtue of repentance, especially when it comes from a young person. He said:

 « اَلتَّوبَةُ حَسَنٌ وَ لكِن فِى الشَّبابِ اَحسَنُ؛

“Repentance is beautiful, but it is even more beautiful in youth.”

In another narration, he clearly states how beloved a repenting youth is to God:

 «مَا مِنْ شَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَى اَللَّهِ مِنْ شَابٍّ تَائِبٍ؛

“There is nothing more beloved to God than a young person who repents.”

Such is the greatness of this act that the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) equated its reward with that of a prophet, saying:

 « شابٌّ تائبٌ، اَجْرُهُ كَاَجرِ يحيَي بنِ ذكريّا عليه السّلام؛

“A young person who repents-his reward is like that of Prophet Yahya (John), the son of Zakariya.”

Therefore, repentance in youth is a sign of a living heart, a vigilant mind, and a pure soul. The one who awakens from the slips of youth and returns to God with remorse and righteous deeds not only has their past cleansed but also rises to a higher spiritual rank. As God has promised:

 «إِلَّا مَن تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُوْلَٰئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ؛

“Except for those who repent, believe, and do righteous deeds-for them God will replace their bad deeds with good ones.” (Surah Al-Furqan, 70) 

6. Chastity and Purity

Another essential quality of a righteous youth, according to the Holy Qur’an, is chastity and modesty. The Qur’an praises the modesty of the daughters of Prophet Shu’ayb, saying:

 « فَجَاءَتْهُ إِحْدَاهُمَا تَمْشِي عَلَى اسْتِحْيَاءٍ قَالَتْ إِنَّ أَبِي يَدْعُوكَ لِيَجْزِيَكَ أَجْرَ مَا سَقَيْتَ لَنَا؛

“Then one of the two women came to him walking with modesty. She said, ‘Indeed, my father invites you so he may reward you for having watered [our flocks] for us.'” (Surah Al-Qasas, 25)

This verse highlights not only her decency in behaviour and speech but also the value Islam places on modest conduct- especially in youth.

The Qur’an also introduces Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him, as a shining example of chastity. Despite having every opportunity and temptation to sin, he resisted and sought refuge in God. The verse reads:

 «وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ وَغَلَّقَتِ الْأَبْوَابَ وَقَالَتْ هَيْتَ لَكَ  قَالَ مَعَاذَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ رَبِّي أَحْسَنَ مَثْوَايَ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّالِمُونَ؛

“And she, in whose house he was, tried to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, ‘Come to me.’ He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah! Truly, He is my Lord who has made my stay pleasant. Indeed, wrongdoers never succeed.’” (Surah Yusuf, 23)

Undoubtedly, such purity stems from a firm belief in God’s constant presence, as well as the remembrance of death, the Day of Judgment, and the accountability of one’s actions. Those whose hearts are tranquil through the remembrance of God, and whose inner vision always feels His presence, naturally distance themselves from impurity-knowing that not even the smallest act escapes His sight.

Luqman, the wise, instilled this awareness in his son when he said:

 « يَا بُنَيَّ إِنَّهَا إِن تَكُ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ فَتَكُن فِي صَخْرَةٍ أَوْ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ أَوْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَأْتِ بِهَا اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ؛

“O my son, indeed if something is the weight of a mustard seed and it is [hidden] in a rock or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Aware.” (Surah Luqman, 16)

This verse reflects the peak of monotheistic understanding in Luqman’s spiritual training-instilling in his son the belief that nothing, however small, is concealed from God, neither in the sky, nor on the earth, nor in the heart of a rock.

In line with this, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said to his son, Imam Hasan (peace be upon him):

 «وَاعْلَمْ يَا بُنَيَّ أَنَّ أَحَبَّ مَا أَنْتَ آخِذٌ بِهِ إِلَيَّ مِنْ وَصِيَّتِي تَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَالِاقْتِصَارُ عَلَى مَا فَرَضَهُ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ؛

“Know, O my son, that the most beloved thing to me from my advice to you is the fear of Allah and adherence to what He has made obligatory upon you.”

Taqwa (God-consciousness) is always the foundation of purity. When a young person realizes that God is watching, even in their most private moments, they stay away from sin. This is the true meaning of inner chastity.

A beautiful story is told of a young man from the Children of Israel, blessed with both wealth and beauty. In a moment where sin was easily accessible, he refrained out of deep reverence and fear of God. As a result, God bestowed many blessings upon him. This echoes a powerful example from a well-known Prophetic narration describing seven groups of people who will be shaded by God on the Day of Judgment:

 «سَبْعَةٌ يُظِلُّهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي ظِلِّهِ… وَرَجُلٌ دَعَتْهُ امْرَأَةٌ ذَاتُ مَنْصِبٍ وَجَمَالٍ فَقَالَ: إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللَّهَ؛

“…and [among them is] a young man who is invited [to sin] by a woman of beauty and status, but he says: ‘I fear Allah.’

All of this shows that remembrance of God and the Hereafter is the cornerstone of youthful purity. A heart that is alive with God’s remembrance is protected from the arrows of Satan, and such a youth lives their life with dignity and light.

7. Effort and Hard Work

Youth is a time of energy, vitality, physical strength, high ambition, and hope for the future. It is the best stage of life for striving toward self-development, serving others, and building a bright future. Islam places great emphasis on the value of work and effort, encouraging young people to make the most of their capabilities during this golden period.

In the Holy Qur’an, Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, is presented as a shining example of an active and hardworking young man. Though he owned no wealth or capital, he worked tirelessly. As a result of his effort, he married, started a family, and eventually returned to Egypt with great wealth and dignity.

In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 27, we read:

 «قَالَ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُنْكِحَكَ إِحْدَى ابْنَتَيَّ هَاتَيْنِ عَلَى أَنْ تَأْجُرَنِي ثَمَانِيَ حِجَجٍ»؛

“He said, ‘Indeed, I wish to marry you to one of these two daughters of mine, on the condition that you serve me for eight years.'”

Here, Prophet Shu’ayb offered his daughter to Musa in marriage, on the condition that he work for him- demonstrating the honourable nature of effort and service. This period of sincere and humble labour not only transformed Musa’s personal life but also paved the way for his divine mission as a prophet and leader.

From the perspective of Islamic narrations, work is not only valuable in a worldly sense- it is also considered a form of worship. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:

 «الکادّ علی عیاله کالمجاهد فی سبیل‌الله؛

“The one who strives to provide for his family is like a warrior in the path of Allah.”

In another narration, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) kissed a hand hardened by labour and said:

 « هذه یدٌ یحبُّها اللهُ و رسولُه؛

“This is a hand that Allah and His Messenger love.”

A touching story tells of a young man who came to the Prophet and complained of poverty. The Prophet asked him, “Do you have anything at home?” The man replied, “Just a bowl and a piece of cloth.” The Prophet sold them, used part of the money to buy food for him, and with the rest purchased an axe and rope. He told him, “Go, collect firewood, and sell it.” After a while, the young man returned, having improved his financial situation through honest work.

The Prophet then said:

 « هذا خیرٌ لکَ مِن أن تأتیَ یومَ القیامةِ و فی وجهِکَ نُکتةٌ منَ المسألة؛

“This is better for you than coming on the Day of Judgment with a face stained by begging.”

This story reflects the Islamic view that self-reliance, effort, and work are far more honourable than dependency or begging. Islam encourages the youth to harness their energy for building their character, uplifting their families, and contributing positively to society.

8. Kindness to Others, Especially to Parents

One of the essential traits of a righteous young person is showing kindness to parents. Honouring and being good to one’s mother and father is not only a human and moral obligation, but a divine duty that the Qur’an and Islamic traditions emphasize repeatedly.

God Almighty advises young people in many verses of the Qur’an to be kind to their parents. For instance:

 « وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ؛

“Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, and be kind to your parents…”

This verse places kindness to parents immediately after the command of monotheism, reflecting the great significance and high status of this duty in the Islamic system of values.

In another verse from Surah Al-Isra, God says:

«وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا؛

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, do not say to them ‘uff’ (a word of disrespect), nor scold them, but speak to them kindly and respectfully.”

This verse emphasizes the utmost level of courtesy and care that must be shown to parents, especially during their old age, when they are in greater need of love, compassion, and patience from their children.

Islamic narrations also greatly stress this virtue. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS), in his Treatise on Rights, says: “The right of your mother upon you is that you know she carried you in a way no one else carries anyone. She fed you from her own being, and gave you from her soul…”

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was once asked by a man: “O Messenger of Allah, who is the most deserving of my good treatment?” The Prophet replied: “Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” He said: “Your mother.” The man asked again: “Then who?” The Prophet repeated: “Your mother. “Finally, the man asked, “And after that?” The Prophet said: “Your father.”

Kindness to parents brings inner peace, increases sustenance, and invites divine blessings in this world, while in the hereafter it becomes a source of salvation and elevated spiritual status. A young person who treats their parents with respect, gentleness, and care, is indeed sowing the seeds of divine pleasure and personal happiness.

Imam al-Baqir (AS) said:

 « برّوا آباءكم يبرّكم أبناؤكم و عفّوا تعفّ نساؤكم؛

“Be good to your fathers, and your children will be good to you; remain chaste, and your women will be chaste.”

This narration highlights the concept of reciprocal behaviour – the way one treats their parents influences how future generations will treat them. It’s not only a virtuous act but one with lasting social and familial consequences.

In another hadith, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) says:

 «من نظر إلى أبويه نظر ماقت، و هما ظالمان له، لم يقبل الله له صلاة؛

“Whoever looks at his parents with anger – even if they have wronged him- Allah will not accept his prayer.”

This shows that even in cases where parents may have erred, maintaining respect and composure is essential and pleasing to Allah.

In a touching story from the life of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS), it is said that he never ate at the same table with his mother. When asked why, he replied: “I fear that I might take a morsel she desires, and that would be disrespectful to her.”

This demonstrates the Imam’s extraordinary attention to honouring his mother, even in the smallest details – a powerful example for all youth on how deep and subtle respect for parents can be.