Page 287 - Quranic Wisdom - New.indd

Quranic Wisdom

The Young are a

Great Force for Good

t is a historical fact that young people, perhaps because of
Itheir 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

286