The Young are a Great Force for Good

The Young are a Great Force for Good I t is a historical fact that young people, perhaps because of their ambitions, have always been more energetic and more courageous. It is due to this quality that they easily respond to a new mission. This natural trait is demonstrated in the Quran, in the chapter Yunus (Jonah): But none save a few youths declared their faith in Moses, [while others held back] for fear that Pharaoh and his nobles would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and mighty in the land. And one who transgressed all bounds. (10:83) The history of missions, both religious and secular, shows that the central force of every mission has been the community of youth. Generally, a mission is started by a senior person, but those who respond to it are, in almost every case, members of the younger generation. This is not accidental; it is a direct result of the divine scheme. It is phenomenon specifically created by God Almighty. Every mission, at least in the initial stages, needs people of the younger generation, but at the same time it is very important that youth must know its limitations. Young people may have energy but they have little experience. So, life has to be based on the sharing principle: senior people must share their experience and the younger generation must share its energy. It is this blend of the two that ensures the success of a mission. One historical example is that of the Prophet Muhammad. He himself was a senior person, but most of his adherents were young