The Young are a Great Force for Good

The Young are a Great Force for Good people. It is they who are called the companions of the Prophet. These companions were fully aware of their limitations, so they followed the Prophet of Islam. With the prophetic guidance of Muhammad and the support of his youthful companions, it became possible to bring about a revolution in the 7th century Arabia. This revolution was not simply a religious movement. As a revolution, it was unparalleled in its all-embracing scope. The Belgian historian Henri Pirenne has rightly observed: ‘The Islamic revolution changed the face of the globe: the traditional order of history was overthrown.’ Young people must know their limitations, accept the leadership of senior people and take their advice. It is a fact that, in every society, young people are a great force for good. But at the same time it is very important to acknowledge that young people must not be the victims of over-confidence. Confidence is good but over-confidence is a failing. Young people must know their limitations, accept the leadership of senior people and take their advice. If arrogance prevents them from doing so, they are nothing but a liability to society, whereas modest young people are a great asset to mankind. Great tasks call for unity, for they cannot be undertaken by single individuals. They require the concerted efforts of many people. And it takes a leader to co-ordinate these efforts. Young people must therefore accept their leaders, and the leaders must also give respect to the young people. A senior person is like a general and the young people are like the army. Both the general and the army are equally important. And any great target can be achieved by the combined efforts of both.