Personal Development for Muslim Youth Who to Want Develop Skills That Help Them Contribute to the Betterment of Society in Line with Islamic Teachings
Introduction
Feeling like you're stuck in a loop, wanting change but not quite sure where to begin?
You know what I’m talking about:
Tapping into the energy of personal development can be like staring at a vast sea, filled with potential but daunting nonetheless.
You might be thinking, "Can I really make a difference in my life? Is personal development even achievable?"
Guess what?
Those thoughts aren't just yours; they're a shared experience, a nod to the challenges we all face. Maybe you've even questioned if you can truly influence the trajectory of your life.
Well, hold that thought because we've all been there. It's like wandering in a maze, wondering if there's an exit. But guess what? There is, and it starts with understanding that change is not just possible; it's inevitable.
So, here's a promise: let's navigate this maze together, discover the untapped potential within you, and unravel the secrets of personal development. Buckle up because the journey begins now. Are you ready to make a change?
Let's dive in.
So that you can become a better Muslim the Ummah can depend on, you need to exert efforts to grow beyond your average capacity. This requires you to improve in at least five areas of your life. The Prophet (s.a.w) advised us in this regard as follows:
Take care of five things before five others: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness and your life before your death. — Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)
In this e-letter, I will share with you some tips on how to take care of your “youth before your old age.” I organised them into four categories: Education, Relationships, Spirituality and Books.
In previous e-letters, I treated in detail the idea of taking care of your life before your death as part of the Muslim Operating System series of letters.
Go check it out if you have not, I'll be here waiting for you.
Done already?
Now let's talk about your personal development starting with…
Education: The Pillar of Your Youth
Pursuing education in your youth is like building the foundation of a magnificent palace.
It's the period where the mind is most pliable and eager to absorb, understand, and innovate. This stage of life offers the unique opportunity to mould your intellectual and spiritual being, shaping not just your future but potentially the future of others.
Education extends far beyond the walls of traditional classrooms.
It encompasses many learning experiences - from formal schooling to informal mentorships, from academic texts to the insightful lessons of life. Remember, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) emphasised the importance of seeking knowledge from the cradle to the grave.
This quest for knowledge as a tool for personal development is not merely a pursuit but a sacred duty.
Information vs. Skills
Today, information is at your fingertips.
Yet, what sets you apart is not the information you accumulate but the skills you master. Skills are developed through practice, perseverance, and patience. They require a commitment to refinement and improvement.
Meanwhile, you are 1-click away on Google to get the information you are looking for.
This distinction is crucial in planning your educational journey. Anytime you learn anything, try to separate the information from the skills. Focus more on the skills. You can always check out the information later without missing out.
You can only become skilful after weeks, months, or years of practice.
Lifelong Learning
Education in your youth is not just about preparing for a career; it's about preparing for life.
It's about developing a mindset of lifelong learning. Understand that you are a 'khalifa' – a steward of Allah on earth, in your pursuit of knowledge. Be a guardian of wisdom, one who not only seeks knowledge but also contributes to it and shares it for the betterment of humanity.
You learn not just to acquire material gains or accolades. But to bring ease and comfort and generally improve the human condition. You do this knowing that your knowledge can save lives. And you will earn continuous rewards from Allah, even after you leave this world.
This is how you can contribute to the world as a Muslim.
Practical Application of Knowledge
Don’t confine your education to theoretical knowledge.
Learn to apply the skills you have acquired practically. This includes understanding the societal implications of your knowledge, the ethical dimensions of your actions, and the spiritual resonance of your pursuits. As the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) taught, even small acts like quenching the thirst of a dog can have immense spiritual significance.
Your education should empower you to perform acts of kindness and service, reflecting the values you imbibe.
The Balance of Deen and Dunya
In your educational endeavours, strive for a balance between Deen (religion) and Dunya (worldly life).
This balance is pivotal. While you equip yourself with worldly knowledge and skills, also immerse yourself in the spiritual and moral teachings of Islam.
Understand that true success lies in harmonising your soul's needs with the world's demands.
Relationships: The Heart of Your Existence
The youthful phase of your life is a fertile ground for cultivating relationships that nourish and sustain you.
These relationships, encompassing family, friends, and community, are not just social connections but profound bonds that shape your character, beliefs, and perspectives. The purpose of human growth is to be helpful to others. The Prophet (s.a.w) taught us:
The best among men is the most beneficial to them.
You can’t be beneficial in a vacuum because benefit transfers values from your efforts to other creatures in your environment. And this necessitates a relationship, which can be between two or more people.
Being a Muslim, you are part of a big Ummah where there are various levels of relationships. And your journey within the Ummah starts with the family. This is where you give and receive your first set of benefits.
The environment where you will relate with others includes the family, marriage, parenting, friendship, community, and spirituality.
Let’s look at each one of them briefly.
Family: The Core of Your Being
Islam reveres the family and considers it a fundamental unit of society.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) emphasised maintaining strong family ties. These relationships with parents, siblings, and extended family members are crucial in your youth. They offer a support system, a mirror reflecting your values, and a safe haven for growth.
Honour and support your parents, uphold kinship ties and cherish these bonds. These relationships are a responsibility and a privilege that enriches your life.
Marriage: A Sacred Partnership
If you are married, this period of your life is critical for nurturing your relationship with your spouse.
In Islam, marriage is viewed as a sacred partnership, a means to spiritual and emotional harmony. Invest time and effort in understanding and supporting your partner. Remember, a successful marriage is not just about finding the right partner but also about being the right partner.
Marriage is the tool that consolidates the foundation of the Ummah. It is the birthing tool of the Muslim family, which not only supplies the Ummah with its human resources but also makes possible the perpetuation of the Islamic civilisation and lifestyle.
Parenting: A Divine Trust
If you are a parent, youth is a time when your children look up to you, not just for sustenance but for guidance and inspiration.
Parenting in Islam is considered a divine trust (Amanah). Raise your children with love, compassion, and the teachings of Islam. Your relationship with them is not just about providing material needs but also about nurturing their souls.
Parenting is your chance to benefit humanity by the quality of humans you are offering the world. You are not a parent just because you gave birth to a human.
Nurturing and striving to provide for the child you brought into the world makes you a responsible parent.
Friendship: Choosing Companions Wisely
Your friends significantly influence your life's trajectory.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) advised choosing righteous companions who elevate your character. Surround yourself with individuals who share your values, encourage your growth, and stand by you in times of need.
A good friend is not just someone you spend time with but someone who helps you spend your time productively — materially and spiritually. A friend who helps you increase your consciousness of Allah is one of the best relationships you can have.
Friends will become enemies on the judgment day, except those who were god-conscious — Q:43:76
Community Engagement: Extending Your Circle
Beyond your immediate circle, engage with your community.
Be an active member who contributes positively. In Islam, the concept of Ummah emphasises collective responsibility and unity among Muslims. Participate in community service, involve yourself in beneficial projects, and be a source of goodness for others.
The ultimate value of your personal development is the benefits it brings to others when they need it most. That is why the Prophet (s.a.w) considers the best among men to be the most beneficial to them.
Balancing Relationships and Spirituality
Never lose sight of your relationship with Allah because you are busy building other relationships.
Your human connections should complement, not compromise, your spiritual obligations. Let your relationships be a means to draw closer to Allah, reflecting the principles of love, mercy, and compassion that Islam teaches.
In all previously described relationships, the benefits are always mutual. The degree of benefits for all parties might vary considerably. But in your relationship with Allah, you are always the sole beneficiary.
Spirituality: The Soul’s Journey
The journey of spirituality in your youth is like cultivating a garden of the soul, where each act of worship, each moment of reflection, and each deed of kindness contributes to a landscape rich in faith and purpose.
This period of life offers a unique opportunity to deepen your spiritual roots and grow towards the light of divine guidance.
While you are developing yourself to benefit others so you can benefit from the world, your relationship with Allah only benefits you. It is a one-way benefit system. And the direction of the benefit is towards you. So, prioritise your relationship with Allah. But how do you do that?
Follow the tips below:
Nurture Your Connection with Allah
Central to your spiritual growth is your relationship with Allah.
In Islam, this connection is the essence of one's existence. Engage in regular Salah (prayer), a direct line of communication with your Creator. It's a ritual and a chance to pause, reflect, and realign with your spiritual purpose.
Remember, Salah is both a duty and a refuge for the believer, a moment to detach from the worldly and connect with the divine.
Understand and Implement the teachings of the Qur'an
The Qur'an is not merely a book to be read but a guide to be lived.
In your youth, invest time in understanding its teachings, pondering its wisdom, and implementing its guidance in your life. Regular recitation and study of the Qur'an should be a cornerstone of your spiritual routine.
Let it be a manual that guides your actions, decisions, and interactions.
Dhikr and Dua: Keep Your Heart Alive
Engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and make Dua (supplication).
These practices keep the heart alive, infusing your daily life with mindfulness of Allah. Dhikr is a constant reminder of Allah's presence, while Dua is a profound expression of your dependence, hope, and trust in Him. None other than Allah deserves to be called upon for your needs or desires.
Constant remembrance of Allah protects you from falling victim to your whims and the manipulations of shaitan.
These acts of worship fortify your faith and bring tranquillity to your soul.
Seek Knowledge and Wisdom
In Islam, seeking knowledge is a form of worship.
Learning to benefit others carries a massive weight in the sight of Allah. Your ability to combine worldly knowledge with religious wisdom at a young age will make you a valuable person.
While acquiring worldly knowledge, dedicate time to learning about your faith, its history, jurisprudence, and ethics. Attend lectures, engage in discussions with knowledgeable individuals, and read extensively.
Your pursuit of knowledge must not merely stop at understanding your religion. You must develop the wisdom to combine it with practical knowledge and apply it in the modern world.
Build a Supportive Spiritual Community
Surround yourself with a community that supports and encourages your spiritual growth.
This could be through regular attendance at the mosque, participating in study circles, or being part of Islamic organisations. A supportive community provides strength, accountability, and a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that you are part of a larger Ummah, striving together towards righteousness.
The Prophet (s.a.w) taught us:
"The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof."
Be deliberate about your circle of friends and mentors.
Balance Worldly Life with Spiritual Goals
The truth is that in the vigour of youth, it's easy to be caught up in worldly pursuits.
So, you must balance your ambitions with your spiritual goals. Remember the prophetic saying about the excellence of a believer who is strong in faith and active in worldly affairs. Strive to be a person who excels in both Deen and Dunya. Use your worldly success as a means to further your spiritual objectives.
Your material life supports your spiritual life, and your spiritual life guides your material life.
Books: The Gateway to Wisdom
Books are not just companions.
They are gateways to wisdom, understanding, and personal growth. Books play a significant role in shaping your mind and soul. They are the containers that preserve the legacy of the past, the innovations of the present, and the possibilities of the future.
They take you way beyond where you could have the physical strength or time to explore in a lifetime. But there’s a catch…
To benefit from books, you must read them.
The Power of Reading
Reading is a transformative experience.
It allows you to explore diverse perspectives, travel through time and space, and gain insights into various aspects of life, religion, and the world. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) emphasised the importance of seeking knowledge, which begins with reading. Books offer a structured and profound way of learning in a world drowning in information.
With technology today, you have more access to books than your grandparents could in their lifetime. Develop your reading skills so that you may unlock the gems of the past to navigate the challenges of the present and benefit the future of humanity.
Diverse Genres for Holistic Growth
Expand your reading to include a wide range of genres.
From Islamic texts that deepen your understanding of your faith to literature that explores human experiences and emotions. From scientific works that open your mind to the wonders of creation to history books that provide lessons from the past. Each genre offers a unique lens through which you can view and understand the world.
Reflective and Critical Reading
Approach reading with both reflection and critical thinking.
Don't just read to absorb information. Learn to question, understand, and apply. Reflect on how the teachings of a book align with Islamic principles and how they can be implemented in your life.
This reflective practice turns reading into a meaningful activity that contributes to your personal and spiritual development.
Books as Sources of Inspiration and Guidance
Seek out books that inspire and guide you.
Biographies of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and stories of his companions, such as Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with both), can be incredibly motivating. They provide real-life examples of faith, perseverance, and moral excellence. Similarly, books on self-improvement, psychology, sociology, future studies, economics and personal development can equip you with the tools to navigate the challenges of youth and beyond.
But remember, your aqeedah is the sieve that helps you separate what to retain from what to throw away.
Sharing Knowledge
Reading should not be a solitary journey.
Discuss what you read with friends, family, and mentors. Share the knowledge you gain and listen to others' perspectives. This exchange of ideas deepens your understanding, strengthens your relationships, and builds a community of learners.
This is how you create a growth environment for yourself.
Incorporating Reading into Daily Life
Make reading a regular part of your daily routine.
Set aside dedicated time for reading, whether it’s early in the morning, during breaks, or before bed. Treat it as a spiritual and intellectual exercise, a time to connect with the broader world of ideas and wisdom.
List writers whose work you must read within the next two years. Make them your quiet time companions. Devour their work. Record what you agree with them on. And what you disagree with them. Why do you agree with them? Why do you disagree with them? This is how you form your own opinions on issues.
Most importantly, use the actionable tips and techniques you have read in books. That’s how to add meaningful values to your life and transform it.
That is how you take your personal development to a higher level.
In Summary
Your youth is a golden opportunity for your educational growth, not just academically but as a holistic development of your character and capabilities. Treat this time of yours as a sacred trust, a period to cultivate a well-rounded, knowledgeable, and spiritually grounded individual — You.
Strengthen your relationship with Allah to develop solid mental health and peace of mind. Your relationships in youth should be guided by love, respect, patience and mutual support. Nurture these bonds with the wisdom and guidance from Islamic teachings. Let your relationships be a source of strength, comfort, and spiritual growth.
The relationships you build are your pathways to experiencing and manifesting the beauty of your faith.
Your spirituality in youth is a vital aspect of your identity as a Muslim.
It's a journey of constant growth, learning, and self-reflection. Nurture your soul with regular worship, deepen your understanding of the Qur'an, engage in meaningful Dhikr and Dua, seek knowledge, build a supportive community, and balance your worldly life with your spiritual goals.
This holistic approach to spirituality will guide you through your youth and illuminate your entire life journey.
Books are a crucial element that can shape your youthful life.
They are more than just printed words or pixels on the screen. They are mentors, guides, and windows to the world. Embrace the habit of courting books as lifelong companions that will continuously nourish your mind, enrich your soul, and guide you toward wisdom and enlightenment. Through books, let your mind explore, your thoughts deepen, and your spirit soar.
Because, in the end, “books are education.”
In the next e-letter, I'll share some insights on “your health before your sickness.”
In the meantime:
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